All Day in Boots Without Socks on Women
It's winter, which means it's time to switch out your barefoot shoes for warm, waterproof, zero-drop boots. Check out this round-up of the best barefoot winter boots.
It's easy to opt for barefoot shoes during the warmer months, but once you start dealing with cold weather, rain, or snow, it can be tough to find a shoe that's fits the criteria for being both a barefoot boot and warm and weatherproof enough for winter.
I've already shared the best barefoot and minimalist hiking shoes here. And just to give a quick definition of barefoot, I mean shoes that have thin, flexible soles, a wide toe box, and a zero-drop platform.
Now that we're almost to winter, I wanted to share the best barefoot boots that will keep your feet warm and dry. I looked for three w's when I was trying to find the best barefoot boots – waterproof, warmth, and weight. Because barefoot shoes by definition have a thin and flexible sole, there is a tradeoff with warmth. A thick bottom means more insulation from cold ground and snow. Some barefoot boots have a thicker sole than you'd find on a traditional barefoot shoe, and several companies (like Vivobarefoot) offer thermal insoles to add another layer of warmth to the bottom of your feet.
If you want reviews on new barefoot shoes as they come out, check out my Instagram account just for barefoot shoes: @thebarefootshoeguide.
Tips for getting the most out of your barefoot winter boots
Waterproofing: If the boots you love are not waterproof, or you just want to make extra certain that they are, use this waterproof spray for canvas and this wax for leather.
Add thermal or sheepskin insoles: Like I mentioned above, if you're going to be trekking over freezing cold ground or snow, you may want to trade off some ground feel for a more insulated sole. Vivobarefoot has thermal insoles you can add to their winter boots. Or, for a lot of warmth, try sheepskin insoles by Softstar, Manitobah, or UGG. There are also a lot of options for sheepskin insoles on Amazon, though it can be hard to know what you're getting from an off-brand.
Wear Merino Wool Socks: If your barefoot boots are lacking a warm and cozy lining, pair them with a quality pair of merino wool socks. My go-to wool sock brands are Wildly Good, Bombas, and Smartwool.
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Barefoot Winter Boots
This table lists a quick summary of the best barefoot winter boots included on this post. It starts with barefoot winter boots and shoes that can be worn every day, and moves down into more heavy duty boots with better traction. There are even barefoot winter boots made specifically for snow!For more information like sizing tips and discounts, read the detailed section regarding each shoe below the table.
PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Lems Boulder Boots |
| $120 – $165 | Shop Now |
 | Feelgrounds Patrol Boots |
| $169 | Shop Now |
 | Vivobarefoot Fulham |
| $160 | Shop Now |
 | Wildling Winter Shoes |
| $119 – $159 | Shop Now |
 | BeLenka Winter Barefoot Boots |
| $199 | Shop Now |
 | Xero Shoes Denver Boots |
| $110 | Shop Now |
 | Vivobarefoot Tracker FG |
| $240 | Shop Now |
 | Xero Shoes Xcursion Boot |
| $150 | Shop Now |
 | Xero Shoes Alpine Snow Boots |
| $160 | Shop Now |
Everyday Barefoot Winter Boots and Shoes
1 Lems Boulder Boot
The Lems Boulder Boot is an all-around awesome barefoot boot. They're so comfortable and lightweight, they're great for just about everything. Lems dubs them as the world's most packable boot, so they'll likely be the first pair of boots you reach for wherever you're traveling.
These are zero drop boots. The 9mm sole is created using air-injection rubber which makes it lightweight and flexible. Light soles means an overall light weight – just 9.9 oz per boot. While most boots tend to narrow in and squish your toes, the Boulder Boots have a wide toe box, so no worries about crammed feet here. The soles have some traction and are good for light hiking, but you may want to opt for something with more grip if you're going backpacking in tough conditions.
The Boulder Boots are one of Lems most popular shoes. They've expanded the line up in the last few years, so you've got a lot of options when it comes to materials and boot height.
- Leather Boulder Boots – these full-grain leather boots are the originals. The come in a reddish brown or black.
- Vegan Boulder Boots – these come in full nylon, or nylon with vegan leather accents. The nylon are the most lightweight and flexible, so they're really versatile and especially great if you're looking for a boot to carry you through most of the year.
- Waterproof Boulder Boots – One of the most requested updates to the Boulder Boots was a waterproof version, and Lems delivered. These minimalist boots have oiled, water-repellant leather uppers and a gusseted tongue to keep the water out. To extend the extend the water-repellant finish on the leather, Lems recommends using Otter Wax. If you plan on using your boots in a lot of rain and snow, then I definitely recommend getting the waterproof version. There is no extra lining for warmth, so you'll need to pair these with some warm wool socks.
- Boulder Boot Mid – If you are looking for a mid-cut boot, then you're in luck! In late 2020, Lems released the Boulder Boot Mid in both leather and nylon. Just note that neither are waterproof.
A note about Boulder Boot sizing – the sizing of the Boulder Boots varies based on the style, so make sure you review the sizing chart for the specific style you want before ordering. Aaron has the vegan nylon Boulder Boots; he ordered his typical size and they fit just right. I have the waterproof Boulder Boots. Lems recommends ordering a 1/2 size up, but based on the sizing chart I opted to order one full size up. I have plenty of room for a thicker pair of socks, so I think this was the right choice for me. I have both the Lems Mesa hiking shoes and the Primal 2s in Women's 7.5, and I got the waterproof boulder boots in an 8.5. For comparison, most of my other barefoot and minimalist shoes are size US 7.5 or EU 38.
The Lems Boulder Boots range from $120 to $165.
➳ Shop Now: Mens | Womens
2 Vivobarefoot Everyday Winter Boots
As one of the original barefoot shoe brands, Vivobarefoot continues to provide several great options for barefoot winter boots. All of Vivobarefoot's boots are zero drop, with flexible soles and a wide toe box. Most boots feature the signature hex-flex sole, which provides great traction over wet and muddy ground. Many also include a removable thermal insole for extra warmth. Vivobarefoot shoes do tend to run on the narrower end of barefoot shoe brands, so Vivo's fit medium width, low volume feet best. All of these everyday winter boot are naturally water resistant due to the leather uppers, but they do not have a separate waterproof lining. To improve the water resistance, treat with a waterproofing wax.
Many of Vivobarefoot's boots retail for over $200. You can use code NMB10 for 10% off your purchase. You can also check revivo.com, Vivo's own platform for gently used and renewed Vivobarefoot shoes. This is a good place to not only get a great deal on a pair of winter boots, but also check for past styles that are no longer offered.
The difference between men's and women's boots is mostly the width, so if you have wider feet, opt for the men's boots.
- Women's Fulham – This is Vivobarefoot's take on a woman's classic Chelsea boot.
- Women's Gobi Hi IV – These simple, classic lace up boots are an excellent everyday barefoot winter boot.
- Men's Scott Boot – Simple, utilitarian boots made with dark brown leather uppers.
➳ Shop Now: Vivobarefoot (use code NMB10 for 10% off!)
3 Wildling Winter Shoes
Wildling is a small company out of Germany that makes some of the most lightweight and flexible barefoot shoes on the market. You get incredible barefoot feel, all while still keeping your feet impressively warm.
The zero-drop soles are only 2.5mm and feature cut outs in the outer sole around the instep that increase flexibility. If you're looking for maximum freedom of movement, then Wildlings are the way to go. The winter lineup of Wildling shoes uses warm, natural materials like wool outers and lining, and tightly woven cotton canvas. Wool is a natural insulator and water repellent, but these shoes also feature an integrated membrane that helps protect against moisture.
For this winter, my son has the Nessie, a mid-cut bootie made with dark blue felted wool. The tops around the ankle are like a thick and cozy sweater, which make your ankles extra warm and these shoes easy to slip on. They tighten with a quick pull on the elastic laces. I've been wearing the Winter Heath shoes made out of a beautiful dusty blush colored cotton canvas and lined with wool. These are more on the delicate end of shoes on this list, so they work well as an everyday shoe, not for heavy duty trekking through mud and snow.
I noted some people said to size up on Wildling's winter shoes likely due to thicker lining or plans to wear them with thick socks, but I ordered the same size as my summer pair of Wildlings (size 38). I still have plenty of room for a warm pair of wool socks. I've noticed that Wildling has started to build in extra space in some of their winter shoes, so be sure to check the sizing notes about the specific model you're looking to purchase. Wildling's barefoot winter shoes are available in baby, kids, and adult sizes (all shoes are unisex).
➳ Shop Now: US Wildling Website | International Wildling Website
4 Be Lenka Winter Barefoot Boots
Be Lenka was founded in 2017 by Lenka Cenigova, a former long jump Paralympian that is passionate about barefoot shoes. Be Lenka has several styles of barefoot winter boots, and continues to add new options each season. They recently updated their sole shape in 2021. The new sole is slightly wider with a straighter toe shape. I much prefer this new sole shape compared to the previous one that looked more bean-shaped.
Like all Be Lenka barefoot shoes, these boots have a super flexible and zero-drop with no toe spring.
- Winter Boots – These boots have clean, simple styling and come in leather and nubuck leather uppers. They feel like wearing cozy slippers outdoors, but look a lot more put together. The winter boots are crafted with water-resistant leather and feature a protective membrane to keep your feet dry. These boots also have a merino wool lining for extra warmth. Because of the wool lining, you may want to consider going up a size. These boots use Be Lenka's new sole shape, and also feature an anti slip lug outsole. Retail is $199 and these boots are unisex.
- Entice Boots – Be Lenka's Chelsea boots are made with Nappa leather uppers and side elastic panels. Lined with fleece for extra warmth. These boots feature the same grippy outsoles as the Winter Boots. Retail is $179.
You can order these directly from the Be Lenka website and pay shipping from Europe. If you're based in the US, the online barefoot shoe retailer PedTerra carries several Be Lenka winter boot models. The retail price is slightly more compared to Be Lenka's website, but they offer free shipping and free returns in the US. Use code NOMANBEFORE for 10% off at PedTerra.
➳ Shop Now: Be Lenka | PedTerra
5 Feelgrounds Patrol Boots
Feelgrounds is a fairly new brand out of Europe that I discovered during summer 2020 when I ordered their Original casual lace up shoes. They became my favorite pair of casual barefoot shoes because they were so comfortable and fit so well. In October 2020, Feelgrounds released the preorders for their new Patrol Boots made from vegan leather and shipped out the first ones in February 2020. I've been testing mine out recently and so far, I'm a fan.
I found these boots true to size. I ordered size 38, the same size as my Feelgrounds original mesh shoes ( and most of my other barefoot shoes). My original mesh fit like a glove and I usually wear them without socks— the boots are a bit bigger, leaving enough room for a pair of thicker wool socks.
There's obviously going to be a bit of a trade off in flexibility here to get a thicker sole for warmth, but I still find them pretty flexible, comfortable and very lightweight. They have a lining for additional warmth and a gusseted tongue to make them fully waterproof. These boots come in sand, dark brown, grey, and all black. Retail is $169.
➳ Shop Now: Feelgrounds
6 Xero Shoes Denver
The Xero Shoes Denver is a barefoot boot that ticks all the boxes for a great everyday winter boot. Starting with the barefoot basics, they're zero drop and have a wide toe box. They're super flexible and from our experience, don't require any breaking in. These use Xero Shoe's High-traction FeelTrue® rubber sole and have pretty minimal padding and great ground feel. The flannel lining adds extra warmth, and the canvas exterior is water repellent. They come in black or brown canvas with vegan leather accents.
These are listed in the men's section on the Xero Shoes website, but work well as a women's boot too.Retail is $110.
➳ Shop Now: Xero Shoes
7 Mukishoes Barefoot Boots
Mukishoes has two styles of barefoot boots for winter. These are zero-drop boots, and feature a very light, flexible sole. Mukishoes have very flexible soles, even compared to other barefoot brands.
- High Top Lace up Boots- The Mukishoes Quercus might have a quirky name, but the look great and are so warm and comfortable! These are the kind of boots that you put on and never want to take off. The boot gets its name from the cork uppers, which are sustainably harvested in Portugal. Cork is incredibly light, durable and water resistant. (Most boots in this post are fully waterproof, but these do not feature an additional membrane, so they are not). Cork is also a excellent insulator, and in combination with the felted wool lining, these keep your feet really warm. This same style high top lace up style also comes in black leather, and is called the Igneous. The full length side zipper makes these boots super easy and quick to pull on and off.
- Chelsea boots – Mukishoes has several versions of the classic Chelsea boot. Each style is made with a different upper material, but all feature the same flexible, zero-drop rubber sole. They also have an elastic insert on both sides to make them easier to pull on and off. The Chelsea Caramel is light brown leather boot, lined with burel (a tightly woven wool fabric). The Chelsea Oat is made with off-white suede uppers and flannel lining. The Chelsea Cork has a black colored cork upper and cotton flannel lining.
I ordered these in my typical size EU38, and I have enough room for wool socks.
Retail is €150. You can use code NOMANBEFORE10 for 10% off at Mukishoes.
Rugged Barefoot Winter Boots
These barefoot winter boots are more rugged, offering outsoles with greater grip and durability.
8 Vivobarefoot Tracker Barefoot Boots
Vivobarefoot's tracker line includes 3 different styles: the Original Trackers FG, Tracker Forest Esc, and the Tracker Hi FG. Both the Tracker and the Tracker Hi make excellent winter boots as they are fully waterproof, hi-top leather boots.
- Tracker FGs are Vivobarefoot's fully waterproof hiking boot. They are zero drop boots made with full leather uppers, a waterproof lining, and thermal protection in the insole for extra warmth. The outer soles are super flexible; these can pretty easily fold over into a ball). The outsole has a 2.5mm base and 4mm lugs featuring Vivobarefoot's hex flex design. I've found this means good ground feel, but the grip isn't compromised. They've performed well in both wet and dry conditions and over various terrain, including rocks and mud. The Trackers retail at $240.
- The Tracker Hi FGs are very similar to the original Trackers, but feature an even higher top. These retail for $260.
To determine your size for these boots, I recommend starting with Vivobarefoot's digital fit kit. It scans your feet to give you a recommended size. I've seen a number of people size up in these boots. I tried both the size up and my regular size, and found that my regular size (EU38/US7.5) fit best. For detailed tips on sizing for the Tracker boots, see this post here.
All of Vivobarefoot's shoes come with a 100-day-trial and you can use code NMB10 for 10% off. That means if you don't love them after wearing them for 100 days and don't think they're worth the investment, send them back for a full refund.
➳ Shop Now: Vivobarefoot (use code NMB10 for 10% off!)
9 Xero Shoes Xcursion Boot
If your focus is on a barefoot hiking boot for winter, then the rugged Xero Shoes Xcursion Boots are a great option.
The Xcursion is a high-top, winterized version of Xero Shoe's best-selling hiking and running shoe, the TerraFlex. I wore these for a week in the snow — sledding, snowmobiling, and lots of tromping in the snow. The waterproof membrane works great. These are high-top, but if you're going to be walking through deep snow, just make sure you have gaiters or pants that cover the top to keep the snow out. While these are super lightweight at just 9.6oz per boot, my feet were warm enough for the most part with a part of good wool socks. If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the snow, check out Xero Shoes barefoot snow boot below, the Alpine.
➳ Shop Now: Mens | Womens
Barefoot Snow Boots
10 Xero Shoes Alpine – Waterproof Winter Barefoot Snow Boot
If you've been looking for a heavy duty snow boot that still has barefoot features, then Xero Shoes' new addition might just be the answer. The Alpine barefoot snow boot is a lightweight, warm, and fully waterproof. It also features the barefoot basics, including a zero drop, flexible sole and a wide-toe box.
Keep in mind that these are specifically designed for snow, so they aren't the most minimalist boot out there. That's great if you really do need the warmth. They have plenty of insulation around the foot and the sole is still flexible despite being thicker to provide that separation between your foot and the snow and ice.
➳ Shop Now: Mens | Womens
Tall Barefoot Boots
11 Vivobarefoot Ryder Womens Boot
Vivobarefoot's winter boots range from hikers to riding boots for women. The Ryder Womens boots look like a classic riding boot, but with the comfort you can expect from a barefoot shoe. These womens boots are made of leather, waterproofed uppers with a stretchy neoprene back panel and the thin, flexible sole is insulated with a removable thermal insert.
The Ryder Boots cost $250. You can use code NMB10 for 10% off!
➳ Shop Now: Womens
12 Xero Shoes Mika Womens Boots
Xero Shoes takes it to the next level with the Mika, a women's winter barefoot boot that laces up to the mid-calf.
These boots are ready to take to help you take on the worst winter weather, with water-repellant canvas uppers, flannel lining, and heat-reflecting warming insoles. Even with the extra warmth, these winter boots only weigh 12 oz.
These boots have similar styling and features to the rest of the Xero Shoes range, including a zero-drop platform, flexible soles, and a wide toe box. The Mika boots retail for $140.
➳ Shop Now: Womens
There are a few European companies that make warm barefoot and minimalist winter boots, but they can be harder to track down online and often have high shipping fees if you're in the US. For more barefoot winter boot options, check out the Kuuva 5 boots by Feelmax, and the Transition Vario 3 boots by Sole Runner.
READ MORE WINTER GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
The Best Winter Hiking Pants for Women
The Best Winter Clothes for Kids: How to Layer
Warm Winter Shoes for Kids: 15 Kids' Barefoot Boots for Everyday, Rain and Snow
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All Day in Boots Without Socks on Women
Source: https://nomanbefore.com/best-barefoot-winter-boots-waterproof/
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