What's new in the barefoot shoe world?

[Man of Tanith]

i made the transition to barefoot footwear a while back (3 or 4 years actually)
i've lived in Vivobarefoot Gobi or Scotts for the past 3-4 years.
had Vibobarefoot trackers both Soft Ground and Firm ground soles didn't get on with em
dabbled with Freet but found the "vegan leather" aka plastic made my feet sweat a lot.
Today i noticed the sole of my scotts are starting to wear through. im not too upset they've had a good innings of pretty much constant wear in all conditions both in the woods and at work.
However i now can't fit into "normal" shoes they're heavy cumbersome and make me ache.
so whats new in the barefoot footwear world?
should i just bite the bullet and pay the surprisingly more expensive prices (how come the same designs are there but now cost more?)
or investigate a different brand (of which there are now many to choose from based on a google search)

what are folk wearing?

 

[Stew]

I've had some freet muddees for a while now. Like them but have had a few issues of sweat so guess it's still a thing!

 

[Man of Tanith]

I've had some freet muddees for a while now. Like them but have had a few issues of sweat so guess it's still a thing!

my feet sweat a lot
used the freet smart looking ones for last job.
reeking by end of a 12hr shift sadly

 

[snappingturtle]

Don't think I can help, when I go any distance I make use of a pair of meindl alpine monsters, which I guess would be terrifyingly heavy

 

[Man of Tanith]

horrifyingly so!

 

[Stew]

my feet sweat a lot
used the freet smart looking ones for last job.
reeking by end of a 12hr shift sadly

First time it happened I got annoyed, thinking that they were leaking already. Then I realised it had been a dry day with no puddles!

 

[Man of Tanith]

First time it happened I got annoyed, thinking that they were leaking already. Then I realised it had been a dry day with no puddles!

yup
add in hectic 12 hr shifts supporting people with showers where the freet did get wet
recipe for disaster,stinky feet and trenchfoot!

 

[Robbi]

and you want to buy more ?

 

[Man of Tanith]

and you want to buy more ?

more what?
barefoot shoes?
yup
i had an ongoing issue with my knees prior to swapping. thats gone. as has ache in hip and lower back
i dont get achey feet like i used to either

 

[woodsorrel]

I now wear minimalist hiking boots. They're not appropriate for some terrains and weather conditions. But on the whole, I like them a lot... and so do my feet!

Here's a link to a discussion of minimalist hiking boots and a review of a popular brand:

Review: Xero Shoes DayLite Hiker – Do you Need Minimalist Hiking Boots?

- Woodsorrel

 

[Corso]

I take it Lems Boulder Boots arn't new to you?

 

[Man of Tanith]

i havent tried them yet. have you?

I take it Lems Boulder Boots arn't new to you?

 

[Buckshot]

i use the vivobarefoot trekker for my outdoor stuff 9/10 of the year. used to wear the five fingers too but not so much now.
for office wear they can scare people so i use more formal shoes with a wide toe box. i also take my shoes off a lot at work. typing this they are sat behind me!
what about some of the vivo range designed for swimming etc? would that be of use? lots of breathability i would imagine...

 

[Corso]

i havent tried them yet. have you?

not yet - was waiting for better weather - really want to try them on but can only find one UK stockist

 

[woodsorrel]

I take it Lems Boulder Boots arn't new to you?

Correct. They are one of several brands of minimalist hiking boots on the market.

- Woodsorrel

 

[Man of Tanith]

not yet - was waiting for better weather - really want to try them on but can only find one UK stockist

who is the stockist mate?

 

[Laurentius]

I have made my own minimalist sandals, and I am still learning throught the process , you cannot buy anything off the peg that actually fits your feet, you have to either make it yourself or go to someone who can. Then again you can always go the full Cody Lundin.

 

[woodsorrel]

I have made my own minimalist sandals... you cannot buy anything off the peg that actually fits your feet, you have to either make it yourself or go to someone who can. Then again you can always go the full Cody Lundin.

I make moccasins that I use for camp shoes on backpacking trips. I also use them from time to time when I'm animal tracking.

Workmanship = Terrible.
Fit = Great!

- Woodsorrel

 

[Man of Tanith]

made moccassins and minimal sandals
I'm looking for something i can wear at work without getting more raised eyebrows.
otherwise i would probably just grab a pair of fivefingers by Vibram

 

[lou1661]

made moccassins and minimal sandals
I'm looking for something i can wear at work without getting more raised eyebrows.
otherwise i would probably just grab a pair of fivefingers by Vibram

Have you nothing that you can modify? maybe a pair of boots that can be resoled as flats?