Top 3 Summer barefoot-style hiking and walking boots -National Minimalist Running Shoes

Summer is right here and barefoot-style hiking and walking boots are now widely available. Butthere are only three that warrant your attention. The top three barefoot-style climbing boots sincedecided by Wear Tested for 2013 are: LEMs Boulder Boot, Merrell Proterra Sport, andVIVOBAREFOOT Synth Hiker. This brand new breed of hiking boots are lighter, softer, lower to theground (4mm to 0mm differential), and has less protection. It gives exemplary ground feedback forbetter balance, flexibility for normal motion, and all-round comfort. And they work similarly well onasphalt, concrete, and trails. Although they truly are designed for hiking and walking, you can run inthem but I only recommend short distances.

Before going on your vacation this Summer, remember to browse these new lightweight and naturalshoes for your next outdoor adventure.

Merrell Proterra Sport

Merrell Proterra is a fresh multi-hike collection that innovates with an agile approach to a traditionalhiking item. The style combines Merrell's heritage performance with Merrell Barefoot experiencesfor fast, breathable and durable hiking footwear and boots.

Proterra is built on a 4mm platform and is demonstrated to improve an individual's security throughan outsole that enhances experience of the bottom with a patent-pending upper that uses Stratafusetechnology. Stratafuse injects the foot cage into the mesh upper, fusing it together (without seamsor stitching) for a lightweight fit, normal movement and incredible durability.

The Merrell Proterra comes in numerous colorways for both Men and Women in low cut (Men'sProterra Sport and ladies's Proterra VIM Sport) and in mid cut (Men's Proterra Mid Sport andWomen's Proterra VIM Mid Sport).

Read a full review of this Merrell Proterra Sport here at Wear Tested.

LEMs Shoes Boulder Boot

Weighing under 10 ounces and stack height of 9mm, the zero drop Boulder Boot is arguably thelightest boot on the planet. The upper is made of waterproof nylon and full-grain leather to keepaway moisture. Your whole boot is completely collapsible, great for stuffing into a pack during a hikeand wearing around the campfire a while later. There is absolutely absolutely nothing to this boot,no heel counter, no toe counter, no shank, and nothing stiff that would irritate the foot.

There is a removable 3mm insole or sockliner made of moisture wick foam. The boot has also a 100%cotton lining. If a barely-there boot is what you're in need of, look no further.

The Boulder Boot is available in a single colorway (more colorways later this year) for Men andWomen.

Read a full review of the LEMs Shoes Boulder Boot right here at Wear Tested.

VIVOBAREFOOT Synth Hiker

The VIVOBAREFOOT Synth Hiker is an easy and responsive walking boot built on the thinnest, mostproprioceptive soles within the world (with teeth) and with a hydro-guard waterproof sockconstruction. The upper is made of hydrophobic mesh with rate lacing and has a padded meshtongue and collar for extra security round the ankles and feet. It also comes with a removable in-sock for the ultimate barefoot ride or extra thermal security.

The Synth Hiker boot features the VIVOBAREFOOT rubber off road sole for maximumproprioception with protection and an anatomic toe field to maximize toe spread, permitting the footto flex obviously. The Dri-Lex performance liner provides excellent moisture wicking and superiorconvenience.

VIVOBAREFOOT Synth Hiker is available in many colorways for Men and Females.

Read more about minimalist shoes at our wear tested blog: Minimalist operating Shoes