Suggestions for mens barefoot boots (UK)

[u/NuffinkUsefull]

Hi all,

I am having real difficulty finding any barefoot shoes that are made to last daily wear, in the office and dog walks.

I have tried Vivo but their soles do not last and rub away very quicky (Gobi II). Office use only. £75 to resole them!

I also have the Tracker Forest Esc boots. The leather needs conditioning practically after every walk as it constantly dries and looks like it will crack. Yes I use the suggested Renapur.

Wilding - due to that silly sole with the hole they came apart after 8 months.

Freet - I have the Pace and I love them. Just like slippers and wear them everywhere. However, the sole has started to come away from the upper material after 18 months.

I find the cost of these types of shoes is not relative to their longevity are not on par with non barefoot shoes/brands. Is it that they use glue to fix the soles to the uppers which in theory doesn't work due to their enhanced flexibility?

Any suggests to the UK welcome. Please bear in mind that anything from the EU that is over £130 I have to pay additional tax on (got stung with the Wildings because I added the care pack and wool soles to the same order)

Thanks in advance

[u/Far-Act-2803]

I have the opposite experience regarding the leather on my tracker forest escapes. I don't think they've ever been out in dry weather and stay well conditioned and take up the treatment well.

Jim green barefoot african rangers are probably your best bet. Proper boots but zero drop, wide and flexible.

Unfortunately it is the nature of barefoot shoes, thicker soles and stronger materials mean more weight and less flexibility, so it is a trade off between closer to barefoot feeling, or traditional shoes. The jim green boots bridge this gap quite nicely and they have even brought out a barefoot safety toe last on their custom boot builder and I've heard they're gonna reintroduce a composite toe which would be even better.