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I’m a fan of Vivo Barefoot minimalist shoes. The quality has significantly improved over the years. They’re available from their website and Zappos will usually

I’m a fan of Vivo Barefoot minimalist shoes. The quality has significantly improved over the years. They’re available from their website and Zappos will usually have some as well.

matt_the_bass 9y ago
Any suggestions for cold weather?
- jacobolus 9y ago
  How cold are we talking about? I find that thin uninsulated flexible shoes often keep my feet much warmer than more insulated inflexible shoes as long as I keep moving, because they require a lot more muscle use by the feet and lower legs, and blood ends up circulating more. When just sitting around they can get cold though. You could try a knee-high leather moccasin or the like.
  - matt_the_bass 9y ago
    New England winter. I have snow boots for heavy snow. But I find that I’m cold in the Xero shoes when walking on frozen ground (sidewalk, driveway, etc) even without snow.
- covercash 9y ago
  Vivo Barefoot make an insulated hiking boot that I wear in the snow and my feet stay toasty! I have 7 pairs + sandals from them for various occasions. I have no affiliation, I just really like their shoes.
  - matt_the_bass 9y ago
    Thanks! I’ll check them out.
- meneame2 9y ago
  I've reviewed dozens of minimalist shoes and gotten some custom made. Vivo is hit and miss in terms of quality. Some models are quite good. In my opinion, their classic desert boot Gobi is the best item in their lineup. Some variations are offered with insulation and/or water resistance. IMHO, the very best minimal shoe money can buy is a Russell Moccasin [1]. And I say this as a European that in principle prefers high end English (Edward Green), Spanish (Carmina) and Austrian (Saint Crispin) shoes. Some words of warning, though. It's a traditional company. Orders are very slow and there's little feedback. Plus their QC is sloppy. Some pairs are very well finished, others are not. [1] http://www.russellmoccasin.com/minimalist-footwear-custom-made/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/minimalist-footwear-custom-ma...
  - grzm 9y ago
    For those following the link, the shoes on the initial page are not what I personally would consider "minimalist" shoes as they have significant soles. There are others which are more moccasin like, such as - http://www.russellmoccasin.com/huron-thula-thula/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/huron-thula-thula/ - http://www.russellmoccasin.com/thula-thula-ph/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/thula-thula-ph/ - http://www.russellmoccasin.com/thula-thula-short-ph-5/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/thula-thula-short-ph-5/ - http://www.russellmoccasin.com/russell-tracker/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/russell-tracker/
- ams6110 9y ago
  Insulated socks.
  - matt_the_bass 9y ago
    Yes heavy socks help but maybe there are other options?

I’m a fan of Vivo Barefoot minimalist shoes. The quality has significantly improved over the years. They’re available from their website and Zappos will usually have some as well.

matt_the_bass 9y ago

Any suggestions for cold weather?

jacobolus 9y ago
How cold are we talking about? I find that thin uninsulated flexible shoes often keep my feet much warmer than more insulated inflexible shoes as long as I keep moving, because they require a lot more muscle use by the feet and lower legs, and blood ends up circulating more. When just sitting around they can get cold though. You could try a knee-high leather moccasin or the like.
- matt_the_bass 9y ago
  New England winter. I have snow boots for heavy snow. But I find that I’m cold in the Xero shoes when walking on frozen ground (sidewalk, driveway, etc) even without snow.
covercash 9y ago
Vivo Barefoot make an insulated hiking boot that I wear in the snow and my feet stay toasty! I have 7 pairs + sandals from them for various occasions. I have no affiliation, I just really like their shoes.
- matt_the_bass 9y ago
  Thanks! I’ll check them out.
meneame2 9y ago
I've reviewed dozens of minimalist shoes and gotten some custom made. Vivo is hit and miss in terms of quality. Some models are quite good. In my opinion, their classic desert boot Gobi is the best item in their lineup. Some variations are offered with insulation and/or water resistance. IMHO, the very best minimal shoe money can buy is a Russell Moccasin [1]. And I say this as a European that in principle prefers high end English (Edward Green), Spanish (Carmina) and Austrian (Saint Crispin) shoes. Some words of warning, though. It's a traditional company. Orders are very slow and there's little feedback. Plus their QC is sloppy. Some pairs are very well finished, others are not. [1] http://www.russellmoccasin.com/minimalist-footwear-custom-made/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/minimalist-footwear-custom-ma...
- grzm 9y ago
  For those following the link, the shoes on the initial page are not what I personally would consider "minimalist" shoes as they have significant soles. There are others which are more moccasin like, such as - http://www.russellmoccasin.com/huron-thula-thula/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/huron-thula-thula/ - http://www.russellmoccasin.com/thula-thula-ph/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/thula-thula-ph/ - http://www.russellmoccasin.com/thula-thula-short-ph-5/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/thula-thula-short-ph-5/ - http://www.russellmoccasin.com/russell-tracker/ http://www.russellmoccasin.com/russell-tracker/
ams6110 9y ago
Insulated socks.
- matt_the_bass 9y ago
  Yes heavy socks help but maybe there are other options?