Zero Drop Boots


delkancott

delkancott

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Afternoon all,

I recently started wearing Altra Lone Peaks and have enjoyed the wide toe box and lightweight feel, but am getting out of sneaker season and into boot weather on the farm so I’m looking for recommendations for a “work” boot. Currently looking at Lems Boulder Summit Workboot, but am looking for opinions. I come from Redwings but now find them too tight on my toes and heel. Although, I think I have some heel pain from brushing walking over gravel too often in the low cushion Altras.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks
 
I own a pair of Texarado boots as well as Lems Boulder boot. The lems are very light and flexible, thin sole, so you feel every little pebble. The Texarado are more of a work boot, with a stiffer sole. No comparison in quality. Although expensive, the Texarado are my go to and I will be purchasing another pair eventually. There’s a thread on here with some pics etc.
 
Lem Boulder Summit Waterproof are my current wet weather/rugged condition boot. They've served me well hiking all over ID, OR, and UT.

I tried Russel customs, but had so many issues I wouldn't try them again. Also didn't like VivoBarefoot boots.

Altra Lone Peak shoes for my trail shoes. The mid height ones a few years ago weren't too bad for boots. New ones feel cheaper.

I wear Xero Alpines for snowshoeing.

I've thought my next ones I'd try would be the African Ranger. https://jimgreenfootwear.com/store/african-ranger-barefoot-boot-fudge/
 
I have LEMS boots and Tadevo shoes and I like both but neither are what I would consider work boots.

I have to have steel toes for work and I've been wearing Redback Easy Escape steel toes for about 8-9 years now. They are not zero drop but low, they are not minimalist boots, but they have a wide toe box, relatively light, and they are work boots. They are available without steel toes as well.
They are without a doubt the most comfortable work boots I've ever worn. Comfortable enough that I wear them when I'm not working.

Again, they are not minimalist or zero drop, but real work boots that are comfortable, with some sole flex and no big heel.

Depending on what you need they might be worth a look.
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I’d try those Texarado if they were available but have signed up for their contact list.
 
I have been wearing the Jim Green African Ranger barefoot boots every day for the last several months. They are zero drop with a wide toe box. They are not steel toe and are lightweight. They are very comfortable. Not sure if they are heavy weight enough for you but they are very durable and can be resoled. I used the Lems Boulder boots before these and the Jim Greens are much more durable and more comfortable for me.
 
I like my Lems but they're not a work boot the way most people would think about it. I don't think they're really supposed to be.

Echoing above, I wear mine for everything including hiking and the Grip / Summit soles do great. I did Total Archery Challenge at Sunlight Mountain and Terry Peak in the pair of Grips I just wore out and have no complaints.

Summits are slightly wider and I wish that was the sizing for all versions. A standard Boulder Boot upper on the Summit sole is what I'd have if I could wave a magic wand.

Expect to replace the laces with something better. I didn't mind doing that, YMMV.
 
Xero makes some good stuff that is affordable. I have a bunch of their sandals and several pairs of their Daylite? hikers. One pair is still going strong after several years albeit with a lot of tread worn off. They’re also very comfortable imo. They may have something you’re looking for and sometimes their sales are very good.
 
I second the Jim Green barefoot African rangers. There are videos on YouTube by roseanvil that really break down what these boots are. I love mine, I surface waxed them and they are close to water proof on top of all the other features. I will say however that these boots might not be good if you’re using them on a job site kicking around rebar and stomping on concrete all day.

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Last edited:
delkancott said:
Afternoon all,

I recently started wearing Altra Lone Peaks and have enjoyed the wide toe box and lightweight feel, but am getting out of sneaker season and into boot weather on the farm so I’m looking for recommendations for a “work” boot. Currently looking at Lems Boulder Summit Workboot, but am looking for opinions. I come from Redwings but now find them too tight on my toes and heel. Although, I think I have some heel pain from brushing walking over gravel too often in the low cushion Altras.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...



It looks like these might be a game changer:

www.lemsshoes.com

Men's Summit Pro Boot

The Summit Pro elevates our signature comfort and natural design philosophy with premium full-grain leather construction and a Vibram® outsole.
www.lemsshoes.com www.lemsshoes.com
 
Harper said:
It looks like these might be a game changer:

www.lemsshoes.com

Men's Summit Pro Boot

The Summit Pro elevates our signature comfort and natural design philosophy with premium full-grain leather construction and a Vibram® outsole.
www.lemsshoes.com www.lemsshoes.com
Click to expand...
I just looked at those. My Bolder Boots are about done for, I’ve been wearing them to work too. 230$ seems like a lot for a pair of boots, to me.
 
I've got a couple pairs of the Palladiums in my rotation.... mine are sized large enough to wear decent wool socks under them.... my summer boots are 11 s and my winter ones are 12s.... It's just a canvas sneaker with a very moderate lug sole.... wide toe box, not so wide heel.... Mine are pretty rugged. Great Canoe shoes, and always get tossed into the duffle when we ride our ATVs out for a couple days in the woods , huntin or fishin... Wescos or Redwings for the ride out and for the heavy stuff. Palladiums for Camp shoes... Patty Steger also makes a damn good mukluk that is treated to be more waterproof than most of her other Mukluks....

palladiumboots.com

PAMPA HI

The greatest summer adventures never have a plan. From the streets to the summits, you need a boot that do it all. This classic rendition of the men’s Pampa is lightweight and comfortable thanks to its washed canvas upper, which will only get better over time. Plus, our trademark lug sole, fused...
palladiumboots.com palladiumboots.com

palladiumboots.com

BAGGY

Discover the Palladium BAGGY shoe, a perfect blend of style and functionality. Its iconic design with a foldable cuff allows you to effortlessly switch from a casual to a bold look. Crafted with premium materials, this shoe provides optimal comfort with its cushioned insole and breathable...
palladiumboots.com palladiumboots.com

palladiumboots.com

PALLABROUSSE

Keep step with the times in the new and improved version of the legendary Pallabrousse boot. Switched up with a new organic cotton upper and durable rubber outsole while keeping the original spirit of the Legion design, this hi top boot is high on style and comfort while being low on...
palladiumboots.com palladiumboots.com



mukluks.com

Camuks Xtreme

Camuks were designed by Sportsmen. These are the first boots you‘ll brag about and the last kind you’ll ever need! We make the best hunting & ice-fishing boots in the world! Lightweight, Rubberized Foot, Superbly Warm, Shhh! Quiet!, MossyOak *Height from floor: Men's -17", Ladies-16" Materials...
mukluks.com mukluks.com

mukluks.com

Yukon

Yukon Style Mukluks are designed for major expeditions. These and the Arctic Style are the two favorites of many world-class cold-weather explorers. Yukons have our signature aggressively treaded sole. Height From Floor: 13" Canvas Color: Black Leather Color: Black Weather Rating: Extreme wear...
mukluks.com mukluks.com
 
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