Top 8 Minimalist and Zero Drop Boots for 2020

Minimalist boots, which are sometimes called zero drop boots, simulate the feeling of walking or running in bare feet. The best minimalist boots are lightweight and have outsoles that are more level with the ground. They also have less cushioning so that your feet can feel the ground underneath you, similar to the feeling of walking or running with no shoes on.

Minimalist boots provide protection to the feet, without blocking the benefits of barefoot walking. The desirable aspects of walking in bare feet, or nearly bare feet as with minimalist boots, include less impact on the feet and the major joints of the legs and less instance of injury. These benefits are due in part to the shorter stride we take while traversing in bare feet, as well as landing flatter on the foot.

There are a lot of minimalist shoes available today that resemble ballet slippers, or even a simple membrane that covers the foot, with visible separated toes. Minimalist boots provide people with many of the benefits of walking barefoot, without sacrificing excellent protection of the feet from environmental conditions. People who spend a lot of time on rough terrain, as with hiking, cold climates, and combat, will want to select the best minimalist boots that they can find, as opposed to minimalist shoes.

#1 Dr. Martens Men’s Tobias Boot – View On Amazon

The Tobias Boots by Dr. Martens are the best minimalist boots if you are transitioning into the zero drop boot trend. These boots have the basic features of a minimalist boot, with a lot of the beloved characteristics of Dr. Martens, which are often called “Doc Martens” by fans of the iconic brand.

Doc Martens were invented in Munich, Germany in 1945 when a man by the name of Dr. Klaus Maertens designed a shoe to wear after injuring his foot while skiing. The shoes had soles with air inside of them to help cushion the feet. They were the first soles of their kind, and the technology was named AirWair.

Dr. Martens’ Tobias Boot has an AirWair sole, making it the ideal choice for someone who isn’t totally ready to give up the cushioning support of the insoles that they are used to. While extra cushioning does inhibit the your feet from sensing the ground beneath them, the AirWair sole lends a little support to zero drop newbies as they acclimate to the change.

This zero drop boot has a flat, rubber outsole, giving you the level platform you need for natural foot muscle activation. There is a minimal waffle grid pattern on the bottom of the boot to provide some traction on slippery terrain, without heavily retracting from the benefits of the sole’s flat shape. The signature contrast welt stitching of the classic Doc Martens is an attractive detail that makes this boot feel more familiar, too.

These boots are lightweight, and the uppers are constructed from handsome black greasy lamper leather, for a look that is casual enough for every day wear. The genuine leather provides feet with acceptable protection from the elements, yet this softer leather allows more movement in the joints of the feet than stiff leather that is commonly used in leather boots.

If you haven’t experienced walking longer distances in minimalist boots before, the AirWair sole of the Tobias Boot by Dr. Martens, in conjunction with the lacing system, which helps to secures the boots around the ankle, will help you ease into the transition. The price is very affordable, too, so you don’t need to invest a big chunk of change to try out one of the best minimalist boots.

#2 Danner Men’s Tachyon 8 Inch Duty Boots – View On Amazon

Danner is known for making quality footwear, but many of their leather styles often require a lengthy break in period before the comfort, which Danner is also known for, starts to kick in. The Tachyon 8 Inch Duty Boots by Danner, however, have fabric uppers with an abrasion resistant toe, so they are comfortable straight out of the box, and extremely lightweight. These boots lace up above the ankle, providing you with extra support.

The open cell polyurethane footbeds of these boots promote the circulation of air around your feet. This airflow helps to add comfort. It also makes you less aware that you are wearing something on your feet, which is the exact feeling that you want to get from the best minimalist boots.

The rubber outsoles are nearly flat, with only a quarter of an inch drop from the heel of the boot to the toe. The tread of the outsoles features pentagonal lugs, which grip the ground gently, for a safe, yet natural feel. This sole is great for hunting, because it provides some traction, while keeping your footsteps quiet.

Available in black, tan, sage green, mojave, and sage, Danner’s Tachyon 8 Inch Duty Boots are quality boots, with a mid-range price point. They are the best minimalist boots for traveling long distances on foot on all sorts of terrain, from the desert to the forest. Soldiers, hunters, and barefoot walking enthusiasts will appreciate the extremely lightweight feel, quality construction, and the comfort of these boots.

#3 Under Armour Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boot – View On Amazon

Under Armour’s affordable Men’s Stellar Military and Tactical Boots are the best minimalist boots for keeping your feet from getting tired on long treks. The boots have some of the comforting features of traditional boots and shoes, but the relatively flat outsoles and their light weight provide you with the experience of a minimalist boot.

A molded EVA midsole in the boot, which is reinforced with a TPU shank, helps to prevent foot fatigue as you work your foot muscles against the boot’s flat rubber outsole. The molded Ortholite sock liner is treated with anti-odor technology to prevent the growth of foul smelling bacteria.

The shaft of the Stellar Military and Tactical boot by Under Armour comes up to the ankle, for a boot that wears like a high top sneaker. The upper of the boot is black leather and textile, with a polishable toe for a professional look, which is required as part of a uniform in many jobs. The boots are water resistant and quick drying.

These are the best minimalist boots if you are taking a lot of steps on hard surfaces, like concrete, every day. They offer comfort, odor protection, and professional style at a great price.

#4 Rocky Men’s C4t Tactical Boot – View On Amazon

The Rocky Men’s C4T Tactical Boot was designed for intense garrison training for members of the military. These are the best minimalist boots for protecting the soles of your feet from underfoot hazards, including oil, heat, abrasion, chemicals, and metal shards. This is a good choice for your if you are exposed to any of these hazards on a regular basis, but still want to wear a minimalist boot.

The outsoles are made of EVA and rubber, providing excellent traction for slip resistance, even on oily surfaces. The soles are thick, yet lightweight, with a drop of about a half of an inch, for a flatter platform than other tactical boots. The boots uppers are made of durable, water resistant leather and fabric, and they are breathable and quick drying.

The lacing system of this boot, which rises up above the ankle, is designed to hold up, and allows you to adjust the fit of the boot for a snug and supportive fit. Speed eyelets, NATO hooks, and 550 corded laces help to ensure that your laces won’t quit on you when your are gearing up.

Rocky’s C4T Tactical Boot comes in desert tan. It is a supportive and protective minimalist boot option, available at a mid-range price.

#5 Vivobarefoot Men’s Tracker FG Leather Walking Shoe – View On Amazon

Vivobarefoot’s Men’s Tracker FG Leather Walking Shoes are the best minimalist boots for cold climates. They also have many desirable features that you want in a zero drop boot.

The shaft of the genuine leather uppers of this Vivobarefoot boot, available in dark brown or cement, lace up to the ankle. The lacing system has high quality eyelets, hooks, and laces, for durability with daily use.

The rubber outsoles are very flat, and are thin enough to feel the ground underneath you. The boots are roomy enough for the feet to spread out, allowing natural joint and muscle function, for a nearly barefoot walking experience.

The design of this boot is ideal for walking on rocky terrain, with firm ground, off road lugs on the bottom of the outsole. Hydroguard lining, a thermal insole, and Outlast heat regulating technology work to keep your feet warm and dry.

These boots are the most expensive minimalist boots on this list, mainly because of the materials used to make them. However, the construction may not be worth the price. Some people have no problems with Vivobarefoot’s Tracker FG Leather Walking Shoes, but others complain that the sole separates from the boot’s upper after only a few months of wear.

#6 Tactical Research Belleville Men’s Khyber Hot Weather Lightweight Mountain Hybrid Boot – View On Amazon

These are the cheapest boots on this list, but they are definitely one of the best minimalist boots. You’re really getting so much more than what you are paying for with these minimalist boots, designed by Belleville.

Belleville Shoe supplies much of the US military’s footwear to the Department of Defense. Belleville works with members of the special forces to ensure that their Tactical Research Khyber Hot Weather Lightweight Mountain Hybrid Boots provide superior ground sensitivity, sturdy construction, and mobility on rough terrain.

The outsole of this boot is deeply serrated at the heel and the toe, which provides superior traction, without losing the sensation of the ground beneath your feet. These Vibram soles make these boots the best minimalist boots for hikers and climbers, with tread extending over the front of the toes. They can help stop you in your tracks if you start to slide while jumping, crawling, and climbing, even on wet surfaces.

The upper of the boot is made from lightweight, brown leather and fabric. The shaft extends above the ankle. A lace-to-toe lacing system allows you to customize the fit of these boots from the boot’s collar all the way down to the toe, for superior support.

Inside of the boot, breathable combat lunar lining offers comfort and durability. The TR-1 Load Bearing Orthotic insole provides feet with a little cushioning against the rough ground. This is one of the best minimalist boots at an unbelievable price.

#7 Belleville 390 TROP Men’s Hot Weather Combat Boot – View On Amazon

Belleville’s 390 TROP Men’s Hot Weather Combat Boots are the best minimalist boots for running in. Just like the Belleville boot mentioned above, this style is also developed with research involving members of the special forces. It is made in the United States.

The boot’s upper is constructed from full grain, polishable leather and CORDURA nylon fabric. The shaft laces up around the ankle for excellent support. The lacing system boasts speed eyelets, making it quick and easy to tighten the boots to a comfortably snug fit.

This minimalist boot style is made for wearing in hot weather, and therefore the design allows for breathability around the foot. Some purchasers say that it is a bit heavy.

The outsole of the Hot Weather Combat Boot from Belleville is an all rubber Vibram sole, which provides superior traction, while still allowing you to feel the ground underneath your feet. The outsole’s construction is Vanguard running shoe style, for added comfort and safety while running in harsh conditions.

Belleville’s 390 TROP Hot Weather Combat Boot comes in black, for a sleek and professional look at a mid-range price. The Vibram soles help make up for the minimalist boot characteristics lost due to the heavier weight and uneven platform of this boot, because they help you sense the ground underfoot better than traditional rubber boot soles.

#8 Caterpillar Men’s Brode Hi Steel Toe Skate Shoe – View On Amazon

For a shoe that wears like a boot, or vice versa, the Caterpillar Men’s Brode Hi Steel Toe Skate Shoe is a great option for causal and work wear. These shoes make the list as one of the best minimalist boots for their cool, unique style and superior foot protection.

These boots are designed to look just like a skate shoe, But they still provide all of the protection of a work boot. The flat soles let you utilize your foot muscles and joints, just like any good minimalist footwear does. The design of the boot’s opening also allows greater mobility of the ankle joint than other minimalist boots do, featuring a cutout at the back of the boot’s collar, which accommodates the Achilles tendon.

The one hundred percent genuine leather uppers offer durability, as well as defense from the elements. Steel toes make these shoes safe for wearing on many work sites. The rubber soles provide electrical hazard and slip resistance. The boot laces up tightly, with the help of hooks, just below the ankle, for added support.

The Caterpillar Brode Hi Steel Toe Skate Shoe comes in black leather, with a gray outsole, and contrasting red stitching and laces. It is priced in the mid-range, and is an ideal choice if you want to wear the best minimalist boots, but need rugged protection on the job.

Frequently Asked Questions for Selecting the Best Minimalist Boots

Are minimalist boots better than ordinary boots?

The camp that supports barefoot and minimalist footwear for walking and running believes that the best minimalist boots allow the feet to take their natural position, providing you with better stability. The stability of a natural stance may allow you to move about more quickly and in a safer manner than in traditional boots.

They argue that our feet were never meant to be stuffed into shoes, especially the thick-soled, extremely padded shoes that many of us wear for comfort today. They reference tribes, and the people that lived in bare feet or minimalist sandals throughout history, who could run long distances very quickly, for survival and delivering messages.

Minimalist boots may be better for you, personally, if you have struggled with foot pain and you can’t seem to find a solution to walk or run without pain. Many people believe that minimalist boots are, indeed, better than ordinary boots. You might have to try a pair of the best minimalist boots out before you decide if they are the right footwear choice for you.

Can minimalist boots strengthen the arches of your feet?

The theory behind minimalist footwear is that our modern footwear causes more problems than it solves. There are so many shoes and boots on the market today with features designed to make walking and running more comfortable. Some of these features include specially molded insoles and midsoles, highly cushioned inserts, including materials like memory foam, cushioning air pockets, nylon and steel shanks within the midsoles, and custom orthotics for supporting the arch of the foot and alleviating plantar fasciitis and other foot, leg and back pain.

Research is being conducting to find out if all of the special features in traditional modern footwear help us or hurt us, literally. The support that our shoes claim to provide may cause us to rely on the muscles of our feet, and even higher up in the leg, less than we normally would in bare feet. This could lead to weaker foot muscles over time, possibly causing and perpetuating many of our common foot woes.

Since minimalist boots have flatter soles, they force you to rely on your foot muscles more than you would in shoes with highly supportive soles. Over time, this will lead to stronger feet that support themselves, including your arches. The effects of strengthened muscles last beyond the time you are wearing minimalist footwear, which could potentially rid you of your foot pain for good.

What is the science behind minimalist boots and shoes?

The parts of our body that are farthest away from our brains are our feet, but they surprisingly play a large role in the neural connections we form, from the time we take our first steps. The joints of our feet actually map the ground beneath us, allowing our brains to create a mental picture of the terrain that we are walking on, in a process known as biofeedback.

Biofeedback has a very powerful impact on our brain’s activity and chemistry. Psychologists have conducted studies which have shown that the act of smiling, whether you are actually happy or not, causes the production of happy hormones in the brain. The biofeedback that we receive from our feet is blocked by our ultra-supportive, thick soled shoes, especially when they have any sort of positive heel that lifts the heel of the foot above the toes.

There are thirty-three joints in the foot, which stimulate foot nerves to send signals to the brain as the ground causes the foot joints to bend. The process can be compared to the sonar some animals use to map their surroundings. Boots with narrow toes and heavy cushioning and support in the soles prevent the foot from bending at its’ full range of motion, leaving us essentially brain blind to our surrounding underfoot.

Some neurologists concur that wearing shoes with flat soles help aid in natural development. This is why it is sometimes recommended by neurologists that children who are experiencing neurological delays wear minimalist footwear. Biofeedback from the feet is increased, which helps to improve their walking.

Biofeedback can also keep your brain in shape. The sensory information taken in by the feet would normally be constantly changing, keeping your brain alert in order to compensate for these changes. Since regular boots block pretty much all of the feedback from the soles of our feet, the neurons in the brain that are associated with mapping the temperature and terrain of our surroundings switch into autopilot. The best minimalists boots allow your feet to send novel information to your brain on a regular basis, which helps to keep your neurons healthy.

Are there any dangers associated with wearing minimalist boots?

Many of the common complaints associated with barefoot walking can be resolved with the best minimalist boots. These concerns often involve the dangers that the feet are exposed to when wearing nothing on the feet at all.

The risk of cuts, slivers, and infection absolutely increases when the foot has nothing between it and the ground. Minimalist boots offer more protection in this area than most minimalist shoes, because they tend to have thicker, more rugged soles.

Parasites and bacteria are also blocked by the soles of the best minimalist boots. If you were barefoot, this risk does increase, however, chances are, if you are reading this article, you live in an area where many problematic parasites and infections are rare, or highly treatable.

Another common concern about wearing shoes that offer less support is injury. As I mentioned above, the muscles of the foot should strengthen over time with the regular wear of minimalist boots. It does take time, though, as with any exercise. To avoid foot pain and injury, start slowly and work your way up to wearing your minimalist boots all the time to allow the muscles of your feet to adapt back to their natural state.

How can I choose the best minimalist boots?

The best minimalist boots will have all the features of a zero drop shoes, with the protective characteristics of a tactical or work boot. You will be able to sense the ground beneath your feet, while resisting injury from harsh environmental factors in your surroundings.

Look for minimalist boots with as flat an outsole as possible, preferably made with materials or designs that increase the sensation of the ground beneath your feet. Roomier toe boxes and flexible materials will allow the foot joints and muscles to move naturally.

The boots need to have minimal friction from rubbing against the skin, excellent breathability, and a light weight, so you don’t feel like you have something on your feet. They should also provide protection from abrasion and puncture, with a great lacing system that allows you to customize the boot to your foot for a supportive fit.

Remember to keep your own special requirements in mind, such as the need for a protective toecap, the type of weather you will be wearing your boots in, and any other factors that will provide you with the best minimali