Zero Drop Boots

[Faramir2]

Anyone else here wear zero drop/minimalist shoes? Looking for recommendations on, specifically, boots that can take some beating but are zero drop with a wide toe box. I am a seasoned barefoot shoe wearer, as I have practically lived in Merrell Vapor Gloves and Xero Prios for the last few years and have hiked several miles at a time over rocks in Vapor Gloves. I'm looking, though, for something with a somewhat more substantial but somewhat flexible sole and, most critically, some space in the toe box and zero overall drop (or close to it).

I know that requires some compromises, so I'm willing to compromise some ground feel and flexibility for greater sole protection. But the hiking boots I've had for ten or twelve years squeeze my toes terribly anymore, and my tall "combat" boots are much too heavy and thick-soled. The wife has some Lems Boulder Boots, but the traction isn't good, and the durability for tough use is questionable. I've looked at the Tactical Research Mini-Mil TR105 boots but don't know where I can try some on.

Suggestions, if any?

[falightfighter]

I like my Altra Lone Peaks, and my brother has liked Belleville TRI Mini-Mils.

[thewordissharper]

Salomon Speed Assault has a 6mm drop. I love mine. Don’t know if that’s too much drop for you though.


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[Togar]

I am not familiar with the term "drop". Please enlighten me as to what it means and how this is a benefit.

[thewordissharper]

Drop is the height difference from heel to toe. Some runners prefer zero drop, so it’s like you are running on your bare feet.


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[buckcz]

I like my Altra Lone Peaks, and my brother has liked Belleville TRI Mini-Mils.

I have owned both of these well. I’m a huge fan of Altra for design and comfort, however, they don’t always last too long under hard use. I still buy them though. I buy several pair when they go on sale which is normally during the winter. The Altras also have the wide toe box which saved my feet and knees.

[P.D.]

Back in the day (1968), I had a buddy, a Medic, who believed that no rise footwear prevented and solved most leg (injury) issues since the foot and leg were in a more natural position. He wore Corcoran Jump boots that had no heals -- even Vietnam.

Another option is Birkenstock boots for men. Men's boots | buy online at BIRKENSTOCK (https://www.birkenstock.com/us/men/shoes/boots/)

[Faramir2]

I am not familiar with the term "drop". Please enlighten me as to what it means and how this is a benefit.

What "thewordissharper" said. Basically, I'm looking for something with a neutral-height sole and insole from heel to toe. Flat platform.

P.D., I agree with your buddy from back in the day. My joints and feet feel better in my barefoot shoes. Not everyone can wear shoes that are that minimalist, but zero drop is the way to go.

Thanks, everyone, for boot suggestions. I'm leaning heavily toward the Tactical Research/Bellville boots, as they seem like a decent jack-of-all-trades boot. Anyone else, still open to suggestions, as I won't be firing off a purchase with any immediacy.

[BillyOblivion]

Reebok Men's Nano 6 inch boot.

Note that the laces absolutely suck, but they're wide in forefoot, and comfortable.

[Faramir2]

Reebok Men's Nano 6 inch boot.

Note that the laces absolutely suck, but they're wide in forefoot, and comfortable.

Man those things are ugly. But, you're right, they do look suspiciously like what I'm looking for. How's the sole's durability?

[Brent Yamamoto]

Every zero drop I've looked at is...weird. But nonetheless it's something I was interested in trying out.

I bought a pair of Altra Superior 5. These certainly aren't boots, but they are trail runners that aren't as extreme as some of the other zero drops and I thought were a middle ground to start dipping my toe in these waters. I am not a trail runner but I have been using these to just walk around, light workouts outside, etc.

They have a thin insert that is supposed to offer some additional protection for sharp ground. I've been using them and the shoes feel pretty good. I have not put them through hard terrain though. These are probably too light for what you're looking for but...

[Faramir2]

Every zero drop I've looked at is...weird. But nonetheless it's something I was interested in trying out.

I bought a pair of Altra Superior 5. These certainly aren't boots, but they are trail runners that aren't as extreme as some of the other zero drops and I thought were a middle ground to start dipping my toe in these waters. I am not a trail runner but I have been using these to just walk around, light workouts outside, etc.

They have a thin insert that is supposed to offer some additional protection for sharp ground. I've been using them and the shoes feel pretty good. I have not put them through hard terrain though. These are probably too light for what you're looking for but...

Yeah, looking for something a little sturdier. I've been poking about for a while, and it's tough to find anything somewhat normal-looking and sturdy, while also remaining zero-drop with a wide toe box.

[HeavySmoke]

I'll also recommend the Altra Lone Peak. I finally wore my first pair out. They are amazing.

[Bill the Vet]

I’m a huge fan of zero shoes! They make a hiking boot called the daylite fusion hiker that might be what you are looking for.

[BillyOblivion]

Man those things are ugly. But, you're right, they do look suspiciously like what I'm looking for. How's the sole's durability?

I haven't had them long enough to say.

[Faramir2]

I’m a huge fan of zero shoes! They make a hiking boot called the daylite fusion hiker that might be what you are looking for.

I've got a pair of Prios. Had to exchange them under warranty because the soles were pulling away from the upper after a couple months of light use, but I think that was just a manufacturing defect. That hiker does look like a good hiking boot.