Been looking for a while trying to find a minimalist-style hiking boot and not having much luck.
Back story - after years of hobbling around fighting plantar faciitis I finally got hooked up with a good podiatrist that moved me over to the barefoot/minimalist/zero-drop type of footwear. After a few months of transition time, foot problems went away and have been gone for over two years now. Even was able to start back running after more than 5 years away from it.
I've got daily wear and running covered with Altras but what I'm missing is a good option for hiking boots. When I get back in my Technicas my feet start complaining fairly quickly. Merrell made a Proterra (I think) mid hiker that would have been a contender but it has been discontinued to the best of my knowledge. There are a few ugly, flimsy options that look only to be fit to go get a cup of coffee in, but nothing that looks like you would actually wear for real world hiking or work. I've got my eye on a Belleville military boot, the MiniMil, that has a 2mm heel to toe drop which is great. But its an 8" tactical style boot. I'm OK with the tactical look, but before committing wanted to see if anyone knew of a more traditional hiking boot style with the minimalist footbed that I have not found yet?
Back story - after years of hobbling around fighting plantar faciitis I finally got hooked up with a good podiatrist that moved me over to the barefoot/minimalist/zero-drop type of footwear. After a few months of transition time, foot problems went away and have been gone for over two years now. Even was able to start back running after more than 5 years away from it.
I've got daily wear and running covered with Altras but what I'm missing is a good option for hiking boots. When I get back in my Technicas my feet start complaining fairly quickly. Merrell made a Proterra (I think) mid hiker that would have been a contender but it has been discontinued to the best of my knowledge. There are a few ugly, flimsy options that look only to be fit to go get a cup of coffee in, but nothing that looks like you would actually wear for real world hiking or work. I've got my eye on a Belleville military boot, the MiniMil, that has a 2mm heel to toe drop which is great. But its an 8" tactical style boot. I'm OK with the tactical look, but before committing wanted to see if anyone knew of a more traditional hiking boot style with the minimalist footbed that I have not found yet?
Last edited: