Foot shaped boots (Non-Barefoot)

[SeanRuel]

I think I've mentioned in other threads, I broke a toe a few years ago, and all the hiking boots I used to love are torture to wear. I've gone to foot shaped sneakers like Altra brand stuff, not a huge fan of barefoot stuff cause I still want some cushion

Has anyone found good foot shaped boots that are OK for tree work? I'm in some cheap oversized wide Merrills which are OK but too low ankled for foot ascended and spur straps. Not had good luck w keens either! Are any of the italian boot companies making something that doesn't crush your feet?

 

[Matias]

I am gonna try some of these

Adult Switchback Boot

.amcform-toolbar { text-align: left; } #page-0 { background-color: white; padding: 10px; border-radius: 10px; } We're raising the bar for minimalist hiking boots. Our Switchback boots are lightweight, breathable, and zero drop. The rugged Vibram™ Megagrip soles will securely take you...

www.softstarshoes.com

There's a whole thread on 'barefoot shoes for climbing'

 

[Matias]

I do only plan to use them for pruning. I rock Haix for removals.

 

[data farm 26]

These lems I've been wearing for months are great. Spent about 6 hours in the spikes with em one day last week and felt fine.

 

[Matias]

These lems I've been wearing for months are great. Spent about 6 hours in the spikes with em one day last week and felt fine.

I wouldn't have thought that they would be good for such an odd foot position. Which foot muscles do you activate when moving about?

 

[GregManning]

Custom boots ?
See Post:

There was a thread here on TreeBuzz several years ago about Peter Limmer, in Intervale, NH.
His shop makes custom-made hiking boots, but also imports very good quality ready-made boots from Germany, Austria, etc.
(Custom boots require "fittings" and 6 to 9 months.)

In 2012, I was at the shop & bought a pair of really nice heavy duty hiking boots.
They spent nearly 3 hours with me, to make sure the fit was just right.
The boots were ready-made, but they also made some modifications to improve the fit. Extremely helpful, competent and skilled.

The shop had lots of boots that people shipped in, from around the country, to be repaired, or resoled.

Link: limmercustomboot.com

 

[data farm 26]

I wouldn't have thought that they would be good for such an odd foot position. Which foot muscles do you activate when moving about?

I'm not sure about the muscles but it felt fine. After climbing and working in sambas a bit the last few years and now trying these barefoot shoes I can't believe how my feet and ankles have changed, I feel like a kid again. Whole body is different and still improving.

 

[Webfoot]

Take a look at Lems.

 

[Matias]

Take a look at Lems.

He changed the title to include that he doesn't want a barefoot style. I think HAIX might be the ticket for OP. They are fairly 'foot shaped', comfy as hell, supportive, and protective

 

[data farm 26]

These boots in wide were the best I could find:

RENEGADE GTX MID - SEPIA/SEPIA

Recommended For: On-trail day hikes and light backpacking. The Renegade’s award-winning fit, comfort and versatility have set the standard for multifunction boots for 25 years. With its accommodating Derby-cut styling, DuraPU® MONOWRAP® frame construction for stability, full-length stabilizer...

www.lowaboots.com

Excellent boots imo, wore them for years.

 

[Boomslang]

Take a look at Lems.

Boot cost....$185
Shipping cost....$120
Being stymied yet again by an arbitrary line in the sand....priceless

 

[Webfoot]

He changed the title to include that he doesn't want a barefoot style.

Barefoot is a silly marketing term that is applied to a wide range sole thickness and stiffness. I'll use minimalist instead, and the 16mm stack height the Outlander sole is a lot less minimal than for example the 6.5mm stack of a Merrell Vapor Glove. Maybe it could work?

 

[data farm 26]

These lems I've been wearing for months are great. Spent about 6 hours in the spikes with em one day last week and felt fine.

Barefoot is a silly marketing term that is applied to a wide range sole thickness and stiffness. I'll use minimalist instead, and the 16mm stack height the Outlander sole is a lot less minimal than for example the 6.5mm stack of a Merrell Vapor Glove. Maybe it could work?

Yep, these ones I've been wearing since last winter:

מגף אאוטלנדר עמיד למים לגברים

ה-Outlanders עם החלק העליון עמיד למים והזיזים בעומק של 4 מ"מ יעניקו לך אחיזה מדהימה, בין אם אתה מטייל בנעלי שלג דרך אבקת הרים או גולש דרך רפש עצי בעיר. גר במקום רטוב מאוד (אנחנו מסתכלים עליך PNW)? הלשון המחוררת שומרת על הלשון מחוברת לחלוטין למגף, ומונעת מלחות ופסולת להיכנס לתוך הנעל. לקחנו גם את...

www.lemsshoes.com

But they're not like the vevo barefoots, much more like a regular ol boot that's nice and wide. And the sole bends nicely, great for climbing and ground work imo.

 

[Willber]

I don't if others have noticed, but too many of these natural toe profile shoes (most notably Altra), have too much room beyond the smaller toes, making the foot swim in the front. And, not enough of a right angle for the big toe.

LaSportiva did the best of a decent profile with their Leather TX2 (Avocado color), which they have discontinued.
They really need to remake that shoe and also make it in a more rugged shoe and boot.
This TX2 with Vionic insoles, is a great support and agility combination.

Men's Active Insole

If you love running, power walking, tennis or any other fast-moving sport, you’ll welcome the cushioned support of our Active Orthotics.

www.vionicshoes.com

 

[96coal449]

I rock Haix for removals

I had looked at these before with interest. I don't remember where. They must be a non logger boot that still holds a set of gaffs in place to spike my interest. Those logger heels kill my bad hip. Who's carrying these Haix boots?

 

[Matias]

I had looked at these before with interest. I don't remember where. They must be a non logger boot that still holds a set of gaffs in place to spike my interest. Those logger heels kill my bad hip. Who's carrying these Haix boots?

I need the wides, so I order direct through their north american site. Haixusa.com I think. The big arb dealers usually have some too

 

[96coal449]

I need the wides, so I order direct through their north american site. Haixusa.com I think. The big arb dealers usually have some too

Thanks for the link. Expensive but, I'm liking the Airpower XR200s. These very well be my next boot.

 

[Matias]

Thanks for the link. Expensive but, I'm liking the Airpower XR200s. These very well be my next boot.

I have a pair, and they took more than any other boot to break in, and by a lot. The Protector Primes that I rock were comfy as hell right outta the box, and are more comfy on spurs. The leather they use for those also seems to be made of unobtanium bacause I have not treated them in three years, and they keep on being mostly flawless. I even had them resoled.

 

[Webfoot]

I don't if others have noticed, but too many of these natural toe profile shoes (most notably Altra), have too much room beyond the smaller toes, making the foot swim in the front. And, not enough of a right angle for the big toe.

That surely is a personal thing. My foot is almost exactly the shape of the original Vibram FiveFingers except that my fourth toe is a little short. I was very happy with the discontinued Altra King MT for hiking.

 

[SeanRuel]

Boot cost....$185
Shipping cost....$120
Being stymied yet again by an arbitrary line in the sand....priceless

Derail from the thread but I'm in the market for a 261cm with heated handles, which I've heard can be had on your side of the imaginary line? I'd meet ya in Houlton or Calais/ St Stephen later this summer to swap