Top 15 Best Minimalist & Zero Drop Boots Reviews 2021

Looking for the best minimalist boots out there? Here is my rundown list of the most comfortable and minimalist boots for 2021. I included a guide showing the essential factors you need to consider.

Minimalist boots let you feel like walking or running on foot with a cushion foam or pad at level with the ground. Oftentimes, these boots are also called zero-drop boots or minimalist boots. It provides less cushion compared to rubber shoes but there is less stress compared when you are completely running on barefoot.

The minimalist boots are quite similar to barefoot shoes. The barefoot shoes are actually “transition shoes” that describe footwear with little cushioned or non-cushioned for the users to feel the ground as they are walking or running and creates the barefoot’s feeling.

For trekkers and lovers of outdoors, choosing the best minimalist boots is a challenging task, thus, I have researched for you. In the next section, you will be reading through my list of the best minimalist boots in 2021. Likewise, I have also made a brief buying guide outlining the important factors you need to consider before buying your zero drop boots.

Check it out and enjoy reading.

What are The Best Minimalist Boots?

The best minimalist boots are Sorel Men’s Madson Leather Boots and TACTICAL RESEARCH TR Men’s MiniMil. They are durable, stylish, comfortable, and waterproof boots and have been tested by many users for long distances. You will get used to zero drop movement for a short period.

To save some times, here are the top 15 best minimalist boots.

Best Overall: SOREL Men’s Madson Moc Toe Waterproof Leather Boots

Snow root, retro look, stylish, not bulky, soft, comfortable, worked-well, reasonable price.

Best for Work: Skechers Men’s Synergy Ekron Alloy Toe Shoe

Comfy memory foam, light, soft, durable, non-slip, safety toe, suitable for work and casual wear.

Best for Winter: Columbia Women’s Minx Shorty Iii Ankle Boot

A light flexible boot, waterproof, non-slip, very warm, footed, good traction, idealy for walking long distances.

Best for Nurses: Sorel – Women’s Emelie Conquest Waterproof Boot

Functional, stylish, comfortable, great traction, waterproof, work well for rain and walking.

Best for Ladies: UGG Women’s Reid Winter Boot

Comfy boots, supple suede, can wear without socks, cute, soft, flexible, stretches gentl, look great with skinny jeans.

Best for Standing All Day: Altama OTB Maritime Assault Operators Boots

Durable, lightweight, more padding on the tongue, work well in the water, abrasion-proof, easy wash.

Best for Running: New Balance Men’s Minimus 10 V1 Trail Shoe

Sturdy construction, flexibility, waterproof toe cove, soft without socks, ultralight to hiking or daily wear.

Best for Hiking: Vibram Men’s s V-Trek Khaki/Black Shoe

Comfortable, easy to put on, thick enough sole, excellent grip, easy to clean, small, lightweight, perfect for hiking road wet or dry.

Best for Lightweight: Under Armour Women’s Stellar Tactical Boot

Very lightweight and comfy, soft but firm sole, reasonably priced, water-resistant, great in all weather, and uses everyday work.

Best for Seniors: TACTICAL RESEARCH TR Men’s MiniMil TR102 Minimalist Boot

Lightweight, comfortable, support ankels, high-quality, solid construction, roomy toe box, fair price, great for an old guy.

Best for Combat: TACTICAL RESEARCH TR Men’s Mini-Mil TR105 Minimalist Boot

Soft leather and supple, good grip, enough padding, durable, lightweight, breathable, perfect for various types of environments.

Best for Waterproof: Astral Hiyak Outdoor Minimalist Boots

Good balanced and grip, water resistant laces, durable, abrasion resistant, roomy toe box.

Best for Everyday Use: Dr. Martens Men’s Tobias Boot

High-quality leather, clean look, solid construction, comfortable, classic Doc sole, easy to get on/off, perfect for the spring and fall.

Best for Walking: Vivobarefoot Men’s Tracker Leather Shoe

Super warm, great grip, solid construction, flexible, waterproof, good for winter and summer.

Best for Camping: PANY Summer Men’s Ultralight Outdoor Tactical Boots

Super light, good grip, comfortable, look nice with jeans, affordable price.

Best Minimalist & Zero Drop Boots – Comparison Chart

Since there are many options for us to choose, different minimalist boots will have different quality of materials and features. In this section, you will find it’s easier to look for the right choice of minimalist boot.

Top 15 Best Minimalist & Zero Drop Boots Reviews in 2021

Finally, you are in my top 15 best minimalist boots for running, walking, and trekking. I hope you find the right one that suits your need and budget.

Best Overall: SOREL Men’s Madson Moc Toe Waterproof Leather Boots

Key features

• Fine quality leather uppers
• Cushioned insole, removable
• Large lugs on the rubber outsole
• Padded cuff

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	13.7 x 11.2 x 4.8 inches
Weight	16.8 oz
Material	Nubuck leather

Among the hundreds of drop-down boots I have searched, this is zero drop boot from Sorel has an astounding feature and comfort. For those who love a rustic and historical look in their boots, this one fits the price. Its cuff has slight padding for a comfortable drop down the action.

Aside from that, its insole can be removed and has a good cushion to ease your foot on rough terrains. It has rugged lugs on its rubber outsole which can efficiently tract on any terrain. Moreover, its leather material is durable and can wick moisture and water splashes. Overall, this is one great minimalist boots for the price.

You can find out more information about the manufacturer mainbase and Sorel company overview.

Best for Work: Skechers Men’s Synergy Ekron Alloy Toe Shoe

Key features

• Synthetic Trubuck leather
• Memory foam insole
• Rubber outsole
• Toe box made of alloy

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	13.2 x 7.7 x 4.5 inches
Weight	14 oz
Material	Synthetic and Trubuck leather
Shaft	300 mm

When it comes to running and hiking, these boots or shoe from Skechers is truly awesome, that is, both comfortable and functional. The toe box of this shoe is wide enough for those with larger toes or feet. In terms of comfort, the memory foam insole provides sufficient cushion.

It is lightweight, great for lesser stress and strain on your foot and ankle. The padded collar and tongue provide a smooth and cozy feel when dropping your foot inside.

Meanwhile, you can also expect strong traction on both dry and wet surfaces because of its large lugs and deep grooves on the outsole. Overall, I find this as good working footwear for your daily works.

Best for Winter: Columbia Women’s Minx Shorty Iii Ankle Boot

Key features

• Breathable and warm textile
• PU footbed, removable
• Omni-grip outsole traction

Product specs

Gender	Women
Dimension	10 x 15 x 6 inches
Weight	11 oz
Material	Suede
Shaft	Ankle to arch distance

The textile used for this minimalist boot provides sufficient warmth and snug hug for your foot on colder climates. Because they have taken out the sheep-skin insole from the previous model, it now has a zero drop-down function. With the warmth it provides, there is no need to wear your thick socks for winter.

The tread designs in its rubber outsole provide excellent biting grip for icy and light snow surfaces. Extremely safe to wear for winter. If you are to use this for the warmer season, you can just wear a light sock. Nevertheless, its fabric allows air to freely flow into the boots. 

Assume you wish for more winter boots for walking or working on the ice during the cold and snowy wintertime. These insulated work boots would help you by keeping your feet staying warm and waterproof. The insulated work boots have a non-slip feature and thick insole and outsole, which can repel any cold water and cold environment.

Best for Nurses: Sorel – Women’s Emelie Conquest Waterproof Boot

Key features

• Waterproof leather and canvas material
• Large lugs on the rubber outsole
• 1-inch heel elevation
• Rustproof hardware on its lace mechanism

Product specs

Gender	Women
Dimension	5 x 5 x 0.7 inches
Weight	12 oz
Material	Leather and Canvas
Shaft	8 inches

For women, the best features to love from this minimalist boots from Sorel are its waterproofing abilities, good traction, and stylish design. The overall outdoor features of this boot can seamlessly protect your foot from the muddy and harsh outdoor

Considering its leather material and protective coating, it can fairly serve as your winter boots as well. It has a side zipper and lace system which you can unlock during the warmer season. The coating applied to its outer fabric increases its water resistance from splashes and muddy terrains.

The large lugs on its rubber outsole enable you to securely walk and hike on virtually all types of surfaces.

Best for Ladies: UGG Women’s Reid Winter Boot

Key features

• Genuine sheep hide fabric
• Smooth collar
• Supportive insole
• Flexible and solid rubber outsole

Product specs

Gender	Women
Dimension	14.9 x 12.4 x 5 inches
Weight	10 oz
Material	Suede
Shaft	4.5 inches

This minimalist boot for women from UGG has a classic and sexy appeal, despite its outdoor features. Its boot fabric is made from dried sheep hide which has a built-in water-wicking feature. Moreover, it provides reliable protection from weather changes, especially during the colder seasons.

Its outsole is made from tough and flexible rubber which can reliably bite on smooth and rough surfaces. The insole is highly supportive of your arch and heels, despite its lesser cushion. Its leather material wraps your foot without making you feel warm. Likewise, its lacing system seems rare but it is easy to use.

Best for Standing All Day: Altama OTB Maritime Assault Operators Boots

Key features

• Breathable mesh lining
• Fast lacing system
• Aggressive tread blocks on its rubberized outsole
• Textured polyurethane insole for better water wicking

Product specs

Gender	Men
Package dimension	11.5 x 7.91 x 4.61 inches
Material	Cordura fabric and Mesh
Shaft	Varies depending on foot size

The breathability feature of this Altama minimalist boots is surprisingly good for outdoor activities like trekking, cycling, fishing, and more. You can link its great airflow with its Cordura panels and mesh linings. No worries about corrosion since this boot has a protective coating on the metal part of its lace system.

If you will be often working and walking on wet, muddy, or icy surfaces, there are fewer worries about slipping since it has large tread blocks in its rubber outsole. The military design of its shoe fabric is a seamless fit for its aggressiveness on the outdoor condition.

Best for Running: New Balance Men’s Minimus 10 V1 Trail Shoe

Key features

• Breathable nylon and synthetic leather
• Antimicrobial Acteva midsole
• Rugged rubber outsole
• Fast lace system

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	10 x 15 x 6 inches
Weight	18.56 oz
Material	Synthetic and Mesh
Shaft	4 mm

If you have been using a highly cushioned rubber or running shoes, then moving to a minimalist boot can take some time until you get used to it. This minimalist boot from New Balance has a low-cut design so that you can easily drop your foot inside. There is a padding on the cuff, thus, comfortable wearing.

The insole and midsole of this trailing shoe are good for supporting your heels and arch. Its insole and rubberized outsole provide seamless performance for your best running experience.

When ordering this one, you have to choose a wider size if you have a wider foot. Moreover, the fabric material of this shoe comfortably hugs your foot without compromising breathability. 

Best for Hiking: Vibram Men’s s V-Trek Khaki/Black Shoe

Key features

• Mid-high arch shaft
• Vibram patented insole
• Traditional lace system

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	11 x 5 x 4 inches
Weight	6 oz
Material	Synthetic
Shaft	Arch-high length

This minimalist boots from Vibram provide a great feature for hiking and doing all kinds of chores. You can expect substantial arch support because its midsole has just thickness of polyurethane material.

There is enough height in the ankle which prevents rocks and other debris from falling inside your boot, the fabric material used is thinner which makes it more breathable and comfy.

Overall, it has great features that can suitable match your need for trekking, hiking, climbing, fishing, and more. 

Best for Lightweight: Under Armour Women’s Stellar Tactical Boot

Key features

Natural leather
Nylon mesh lining
EVA midsole
Rugged rubber outsole with tough sidewall

Product specs

Gender	Women
Package dimension	11.2 x 9.3 x 4.3 inches
Weight	13.9 oz
Material	Leather and Textile
Shaft	8 inches

The best-selling point of this minimalist boots from Under Armour is that it is lightweight and comfortable. That being said, it does not mean functionality has been undermined. The natural leather of this boot can effectively resist water from the outside. Meanwhile, its EVA midsole can sufficiently wick off sweat and moisture, thus, keeping a cozy and clean environment for your foot.

Perhaps, the setback of this boot would be its removable insole because it is thinner than the usual. However, it is also the sole purpose for minimalist boots, since it allows you to have a barefoot feel when walking or hiking. Nonetheless, this Under Armour boots is truly a huge help for your casual and outdoor activities.

For more lightweight tactical boots like this boot, you can check out this 5.11 ATAC Men’s Leather Tactical Boots and the top 15 best tactical boots. Since they are designed for military and army, they are comfortable and lightweight footwear which suite for long hours and under many pressure environment, which is used by the many hikers, campers, and soldiers.

Best for Seniors: TACTICAL RESEARCH TR Men’s MiniMil TR102 Minimalist Boot

Key features

• Cattle hide leather and Cordura Nylon material
• 2-mm midsole, and rubberized outsole
• Lace style locking mechanism

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	15 x 10 x 5 inches
Shaft	8 inches
Material	Leather and Cordura nylon

Here is my second best bet for your zero drop boot for 2021. This minimalist boots from Tactical Research have an impressive sleek black appeal which portrays a military-like design. The shiny coating over its shoe material highly contributes to its waterproofing abilities. It uses cattle hide leather and Cordura nylon for its main shoe body.

Its midsole can efficiently cut down shocks which provide excellent arch support to avoid injuries. Meanwhile, its rubber outsole exudes a reliable grip on wet and oily surfaces. The interior design of this boot snugly fits on your foot without compromising breathability and comfort. Its shoelace system looks scary but tying it would come easy.

For more tactical boots like this one, you may want to check out these top 15 best tactical boots for ems here. The boots are really comfortable and lightweight which are designed to support people who work in factory, law enforcement, construction site or EMS workers.

Best for Combat: TACTICAL RESEARCH TR Men’s Mini-Mil TR105 Minimalist Boot

Key features

• Nylon fabric material
• 2-mm drop heel to toe
• Cushioned heel area
• Vibram sole

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	12 x 11 x 6 inches
Material	Cattle hide leather and Cordura nylon
Shaft	8 inches

The tough looks of this high-cut minimalist boots or zero drop boots from Belleville have good features for hiking, trekking, climbing, or even running on low to medium speed. You can count on its waterproofing mechanism since its material is made from nylon fabric. For those with bigger foot and toes, fret no more as this one has a wide toe box area.

No worries about stitches falling off in just a few months, because this one has triple stitches on its seams. Short or high jumps can be inevitable when trekking, but with the padded heel drop, there will be less pain for it.

Overall, you can greatly rely on these minimalist boots. It has a sufficient balance on comfort and functionality.

For more combat boots like this one, you can check out these top 15 best combat & military boots on the market. Army forces, hikers, and campers use these combat boots.

Best for Waterproof: Astral Hiyak Outdoor Minimalist Boots

Key features

• Nylon fabric and mesh lining
• Flexible rubber outsole
• Velcro strap and lace system
• Comfortable footbed for greater balance and agility

Product specs

Gender	Women
Dimension	5 x 7.25 x 13 inches
Weight	9.632 oz
Material	Nylon, Canvas and Mesh
Shaft	12mm heel, 11mm ball

If you are looking for a good zero drop boot or shoe for kayaking or riding your boats, then this one from Astral Hiyak is an excellent choice. When riding on boats, the surface is expectedly slippery, yet the soft and flexible rubber outsole of this boot can effectively hold on.

There are multiple siping on its tread design which increases contact surface, thus, very little chance of slipping on the slippery surface of boats. The Velcro straps put on better assurance for the locking mechanism of its lace.

The material used for its fabric has good waterproofing abilities. There are also small holes on the toes and heel section to have a water drain path. Likewise, its synthetic nylon material still allows air to freely flow in and out from the boots.

Best for Walking: Vivobarefoot Men’s Tracker Leather Shoe

Key features

• 100% Genuine leather material
• Soft paddings on the cuff and tongue
• Cushion insole
• Rubberized outsole

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	13 x 10.5 x 5.1 inches
Weight	16 oz
Material	Leather
Shaft	3 – 4 mm

The rugged tread designs of the rubber outsole of Vivobarefoot boots (zero drop boots) provide its exemplary biting grip on smooth and tough road surfaces. It can effectively grip over muddy and wet surfaces without any fear of slipping. Overall features of this minimalist boot can sustainably support your daily walks, hikes, and trekking.

Its tongue and cuff have minimal cushion which makes it comfortable when placing your foot inside. Its toe box has enough wideness which can accommodate those with a wider toe area. The leather material of this boot provides a comfortable hug around your foot without being warm.

Best for Everyday Use: Dr. Martens Men’s Tobias Boot

Key features

• Genuine leather material
• Soft cushion waffle insole
• Solid sole construction
• Rustproof eyelet on laces

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	12 x 4 x 8 inches
Weight	12 oz
Material	Leather
Shaft	6.5 inches

For an affordable price, these minimalist boots can be your all-around boots for everyday use. It has a shiny black appearance which is pretty stylish and functional. Its genuine coated leather can sustainably resist water from the outside.

It has a wide toe box for those with a wide foot. You can easily work and tighten its lace to snugly fit on your foot. Meanwhile, there is slight cushion and support on its heel and arch.

Its rubber outsole is tough but with lesser large lugs. More or less, it has a balanced performance for paved and off-road walking, trekking, and hiking.

Best for Camping: PANY Summer Men’s Ultralight Outdoor Tactical Boots

Key features

• Leather and breathable mesh lining
• EVA midsole
• Rubber outsole
• Basic lace system

Product specs

Gender	Men
Dimension	9.45 x 3.94 x 8.66 inches
Material	Leather and Mesh
Waterproof	Yes

The features admirable from this minimalist boots from Pany Summer include a padded collar, basic lace, wide toe area, padded heel drop, and breathable mesh fabric. The shaft of this boot is sturdy and flexible enough to provide excellent support on your ankle and heel.

The EVA midsole and insole of this boot exude just comfort for a barefoot experience. You can find it supporting your arch, preventing any foot injury on rough terrains. In terms of grip, the rubber outsole has large lugs and grooves which can fully take on muddy and rocky surfaces.

Minimalist & Zero Drop Boots Buying Guide: How to Choose A Good Shoe?

If you are aiming to find the best minimalist boots or shoes in the market, you need to understand its important features. With that, you have a better idea of weighing things if it is a good choice or not. Below are the essential features you need to look into for minimalist boots.

Lightweight

Ideal minimalist boots and running shoes must be lightweight. Mostly, it is lighter than any standard boots or running shoes in the market. The ideal weight of minimalist boots is 4.4 oz or 125 grams.

Stack Height

You need to check on the sole’s thickness at the heel’s center point. The ideal thickness must be 8-mm or thinner. If goes thicker than that, then it is not a very good minimalist boot.

Heel Drop

The ideal heel drop measure for a good minimalist boot must be 1-mm or less. If it goes higher than 13-mm, then it does not justify the concept of minimalist boots.

Enhanced Control and Stability

With technology, there have been several innovations added to your modern minimalist boots. These added features which promote better control of your footwork and stability include responsive midsole, wider toe box, sturdy heels, and elevated arch support.

Wide Range of Flexibility

When it comes to the flexibility of your minimalist boots, we are referring to two aspects – torsional and longitudinal flexibility. If the boots can be seamlessly bent from heel to toe, then it has good longitudinal flexibility. Meanwhile, torsional flexibility if it can be effortlessly twisted and return to its original position.

The History of Minimalist Boots

In the late 1970s, a new type of footwear called “minimalist boots” emerged. This rugged, utilitarian footwear was inspired by military boots and was marketed towards backpackers and hikers due to its lightweight design and practicality.

Types of Minimalist Boots

Minimalist boots are a type of hiker boot that is lightweight and easy to carry due to their small size. They normally have a low heel and toe, wide ankle opening, and no arch support. These factors allow them to be more versatile than traditional hiking shoes, which makes them ideal for hiking through mountains and rocky terrain.

Minimalist boots also usually come without a waterproof outer coating. This allows them to dry out more quickly in the event that they get wet, while still maintaining their lightweight design.

Frequently Asked Questions

For further knowledge, I have compiled some common questions asked in the community about minimalist boots and shoes. Check this out:

Is it good to buy a minimalist boot or shoe?

For some runners who want to have a barefoot feeling with a slight cushion, then it is a great choice. It provides a better feel of the ground and its lighter weight proved essential for faster acceleration.

Is it possible to wear your minimalist boots every day?

You must have a transitioning period. For instance, using your minimalist shoe or boots for 30 minutes daily. You can prolong the duration as soon as you feel that your foot got stronger.

Are minimalist boots or shoes expensive?

Typically, the majority of minimalist boots have a higher price tag because of their popularity and benefits. The premier quality and material used for these barefoot shoes are quite fascinating and sturdy. Nevertheless, it is up to you, whether to try one for yourself.

Do you need to wear socks for minimalist boots?

You can either use socks or not when using your minimalist boots or shoes. The flexibility of your minimalist boots is gradually honed as you frequently use it.

What is the average lifespan of a minimalist running shoe?

Practically, it depends on your usage, yet the estimated lifespan of any minimalist running shoe is 300 to 500 miles.

Are minimalist boots good for hiking?

A: Minimalist boots are appropriate for all walks. Although they might seem to be an alternative to other types of footwear, they are great for hiking. They add good traction with various surfaces such as rocks, grass, sand, and even mud. They are also perfect for inclement weather as well as cold-weather activities.

Are minimalist boots good for running?

A: Minimalist boots are not only useful for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Do I need a special break-in period for minimalist boots?

A: Minimalist boots, just like any other type of footwear do not require any special break-in period. However, it does require some short time to get used to the boots.

How do I care for my minimalist boots?

A: Minimalist boots are made with high-quality materials. The substrate, the upper, and the lining are all made of different types of materials that are strong enough to withstand normal wear and tear. It is important to clean your minimalist boots after every use.

How do I minimize odors from my minimalist boots?

A: You should wash your minimalist boots after every use. It is also important to air dry them.

What is the best color to wear with minimalist boots?

A: The best color for men’s minimalist boots is black while the best color for women’s minimalist boots is pink.

How do I clean my minimalist boots?

A: You should clean your minimalist boots with a soft towel or cloth. If you want to use cleaner, then avoid using harsh detergents. It is also important to air dry them after every use.

Is minimalist boot waterproof?

A: As the name suggests, these types of footwear are very light in weight and offer minimal protection for the user. The water resistance on purpose that reason does not come with the sneakers as such. However, there are some of the smart ones on which waterproofing technology has been installed.

Are there any benefits to wearing minimalist boots?

A: There are many benefits to wearing minimalist boots. These include strong grip, easy walking, and good ventilation.

Do minimalist boots come in different widths?

A: Minimalist boots usually come in sizes 6-12.

Does every brand of minimalist boot fit the same?

A: The fit of every brand of the minimalist boot may differ due to the specific features of that particular brand or even the model itself. However, you can still use a regular size guide to determine if your boot will fit right or not.

Is there a style of minimalist boot that is more comfortable than another?

A: There is not any particular type of minimalist boot that would be more comfortable than another. However, it is always better to choose one with a wide toe box and a stiff sole.

Can you wear minimalist boots in the rain?

A: You can wear your minimalist boots during rainy seasons or even in wet weather. But you should take care not to get them wet so as to keep them last longer.

My Top Pick

Minimalist boots for this article would be the SOREL Minimalist Boots. There are four main reasons why I am choosing this boot, that is, classic design, effective traction, water resistance, and comfortable insole. Nonetheless, the final decision still rests on you.

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