A quick review of my new boots. No pictures, you can find them on google easily enough.
First, my reason for purchase.
I've been after a pair of boots with little or no heel rise and a flexible sole for some time now, as I've spent most of my life in flat soled skate shoes. Not that I haven't had climbing/hiking boots, just never got on with them. La Chameau Mouflon plus being a slight exception, still have them but rarely wear them now.
I was hoping to get a pair of boots made to measure by a company in Devon however despite several emails and foot drawings sent, I never received anything but an automated reply.
So, back to the internet I went and purchased the Vivo Barefoot off road hi boots.
Initial impressions are good, they are lightweight, very flexible, and comfortable. I bought the size recommended by their size guide, which was bang on the money for thin socks, pointless wearing thick socks any way. I have wide feet, and while they are snug on the width, they are much more generous than many shoes I've tried, being leather i expect them to stretch a little.
While these are advertised as a minimalist shoe, the have quite a thick sole if you include the four mm lugs on the bottom, so quite a bit more chunky than Vibram Five fingers etc. They do have a removable in-sole which I will probably remove shortly.
Took the dog for a walk along the beach for their first trial. Very nice, walking is a pleasure in them, they feel very light, and walking feels so much easier in them. Interesting to note my foot prints in the sand are much more even than the footprints from conventional boots.
Things I don't like-
Made in China, not a problem on quality, just that I would prefer home made.
The colour, they only come in Brown, I prefer black.
I shall update as they get more use and abuse.
First, my reason for purchase.
I've been after a pair of boots with little or no heel rise and a flexible sole for some time now, as I've spent most of my life in flat soled skate shoes. Not that I haven't had climbing/hiking boots, just never got on with them. La Chameau Mouflon plus being a slight exception, still have them but rarely wear them now.
I was hoping to get a pair of boots made to measure by a company in Devon however despite several emails and foot drawings sent, I never received anything but an automated reply.
So, back to the internet I went and purchased the Vivo Barefoot off road hi boots.
Initial impressions are good, they are lightweight, very flexible, and comfortable. I bought the size recommended by their size guide, which was bang on the money for thin socks, pointless wearing thick socks any way. I have wide feet, and while they are snug on the width, they are much more generous than many shoes I've tried, being leather i expect them to stretch a little.
While these are advertised as a minimalist shoe, the have quite a thick sole if you include the four mm lugs on the bottom, so quite a bit more chunky than Vibram Five fingers etc. They do have a removable in-sole which I will probably remove shortly.
Took the dog for a walk along the beach for their first trial. Very nice, walking is a pleasure in them, they feel very light, and walking feels so much easier in them. Interesting to note my foot prints in the sand are much more even than the footprints from conventional boots.
Things I don't like-
Made in China, not a problem on quality, just that I would prefer home made.
The colour, they only come in Brown, I prefer black.
I shall update as they get more use and abuse.