I
Ian Hartgrove
December 03, 2024
Excellent Boots At A Great Value, Highly Recommend
I recently started my barefoot shoe journey and I quickly found myself being uncomfortable putting any other type of shoes or boots. For that reason, I found myself in need of a pair of quality waterproof barefoot hiking boots to use as work boots and workout boots when I need more ankle support on my morning rucks. While searching I found these and decided to give them a try. I am very pleased with my decision because these fit perfect they are some of the most comfortable boots I've ever worn. It took me a little bit longer to break in these compared to my barefoot shoes but once I did I found them to have the perfect balance of a flexible barefoot shoe sole and ankle stability of a traditional mid height hiking boot. Out on my morning rucks, I have found them to be comfortable on both paved and gravel roads and haven't had any issues with slipping on wet pavement and haven't had any issues with slipping at the mechanic shop I work at. They have also been great in the light snow we're currently experiencing where I live, with the caveat that they aren't the best in temps lower than the mid 30's F. I'm not displeased by that though because that's been my experience with traditional waterproof hiking boots as well. They do have great breathability for a waterproof boot though. Most waterproof boots that I've worn in the past have left my feet soaking wet at the end of the day but I have not experienced that with these. Overall, these are excellent boots that I highly recommend to those living the barefoot lifestyle and looking for a good value.
✔ Verified Purchase
Finally found the perfect hiking boot!
Love. These. Boots! I haven’t done a full hike in them yet but have walked daily in them for about a week, totaling maybe 3 miles) to break them in. They don't really seem to need breaking in though/haven’t gotten any blisters or uncomfortable spots.I love the fit (ordered half a size larger than my normal as reviews and their website suggest). I ordered a men’s style because none of the women’s’ styles were available in my size. Usually a nine in women’s, ordered 7.5 in men’s.Was worried because I saw a lot of reviews saying they are narrow and I have a wide foot but no problems for me there.Traction is great and I’m over the moon that they are so lightweight and not at all clunky. I feel much closer to nature and love that if I climb up on something or jump up on a rock they allow my foot to feel and flex but still protect.Haven't put them to the test with water but walking in wet grass has been fine/no wetness on the inside when my son’s sneakers were wet through.I will 100% be buying another pair as long as these hold up well. So happy with this purchase!
✔ Verified Purchase
Poor Quality, sole pulled apart only after 8 miles.
A couple of months ago, I started hiking and was looking for a barefoot hiking boot. I wear a different brand of barefoot shoes when weightlifting and I really like how they feel on my feet. I heard about Xero Shoes and discovered they had a hiking boot, so I decided to give them a try. They are indeed waterproof and comfortable to wear. However, I have one issue that led me to give them a score of 3 stars: the quality of the shoe. I tried them out for the first time on the trails, and after walking only 8 miles, they began to pull apart at the sole around the ankle.
✔ Verified Purchase
C
Captain Kirk
December 21, 2021
They run quite narrow
First, a description of my feet: I have E width with a high instep and high arch, and a fairly narrow heel. My second toe is longest and over a lifetime of wearing “normal” shoes I developed ”Morton’s neuroma” that became so painful it required I wear custom orthotics in all my shoes. A few years ago I decided to try zero drop shoes (Altra) and after going that route I quickly had no more foot pain and was able to completely ditch my orthotics. Altra Lone Peaks have become my go-to shoe for daily walking and hiking, but Altra doesn’t offer anything waterproof which is why I decided to try the Xero Xcursion boots. After reading many reviews—on Amazon and elsewhere—one recurring theme was that these boots tend to run small and that there is a need to size up by a half size for proper fit. To that end I ordered a 9 (I'm normally an 8.5). When the size 9’s arrived they were way too long: there was just too much space between my toes and the front of the boot, and my heel slid around. If I laced them tight there was too much pressure on my instep. The width of the toe box was OK (because the boots were oversized) but I returned the 9’s and ordered 8.5. The 8.5’s fit much better as far as length and the rear area holds my heel securely. However the toe box is just too narrow. I wore them for an entire day, just doing normal activities (no hikes or long walks) and despite that I really wanted these to work, my outer toes make contact with the boot because of the narrow taper in the toe box (which is obvious in the photo).I had such high hopes for these boots because I need a pair of zero drop, waterproof boots for wet season hiking. For the price of these boots I cannot take a chance that they will break in and loosen up, so, like the size 9’s, they were also returned.I will say that they are lightweight and if not for the narrow toe box they would have been comfortable. And I give them style props for not looking ridiculous like so many zero drop offerings from other manufacturers. I really wish Xero made a wide option.
✔ Verified Purchase
