Any 'barefoot' or minimalist runners-riding boot question

[LMH]

I have recently made the leap to zero drop shoes (Altras, Vibrams, etc) and it has helped my tired aching knees.

I could actually LIVE in my Altras 24/7

The problem is I wear my riding boots most of the day.

I wear Redbacks or Blundstones.

Does anyone know of a horse safe zero drop shoe that could be used around the barn and for riding?

Would you brave these?

Barefoot Shoes - Zero Drop & Minimalist Shoes | Vivobarefoot US

Or would Blunnies/Redbacks/Rossi come the closest?

I have seen some hiking boots but worry the soft minimalist nature would just be an accident waiting to happen around horses…but man I love the comfort.

Suggestions?

[Moocow]

I bet you would love the freejump boot/chap combination.
This was just the first website that came up when I googled it. I’m sure they have an official site, just too lazy to find it!
http://www.cavaleurope.com/en/horse-riding-brands/free-jump-riders-equipment

Those who ride in them never turn back!

[LMH]

Those look so SOFT.

[pal-o-mino]

I just wear my vibrams. If I’m going to hop in the saddle, I switch to something with a heel. If I don’t switch back quick when I’m done, my back reminds me.

I haven’t had any problems. My kids are all barefoot and I haven’t been stepped on in years. They are the calm QH type. If I’m turning out my friend’s high strung horse that does have shoes, I’m just extra careful.

I did get a pair of the hiking vibrams, I think they’re KSOs or something, but usually I don’t even bother to switch. Though i should, would save me washing my regular shoes every other day. Lol

[wendy]

the heel is only intended to help you from getting your foot caught in the stirrup, and many endurance riders ride in non-traditional footwear (aka no heels) plus wide-platform stirrups with a toe-cage (look up EZ rider stirrups for an idea).
why couldn’t you ride in your barefoot shoes in something like that?
as to not getting your foot squashed when stepped on, well, I have no ideas.

[LMH]

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/ladies/off-road-mid-ladies-6.html

Love the look of these.

[Scribbler]

@pal-o-mino

I just wear my vibrams. If I’m going to hop in the saddle, I switch to something with a heel. If I don’t switch back quick when I’m done, my back reminds me.

I haven’t had any problems. My kids are all barefoot and I haven’t been stepped on in years. They are the calm QH type. If I’m turning out my friend’s high strung horse that does have shoes, I’m just extra careful.

I did get a pair of the hiking vibrams, I think they’re KSOs or something, but usually I don’t even bother to switch. Though i should, would save me washing my regular shoes every other day. Lol

Last winter I spent 5 weeks in a soft cast when a barefoot horse bolted in hand and stepped on my foot. Granted he was an OTTB. But my Paint bolted first and pushed me under his feet. About a month ago same barefoot Paint almost took my toe off reaching to eat a tree. So never say never.

[Scribbler]

Bumped by spam which I flagged but interesting thread!

[JumpnJane]

I’m on the hunt for a minimalist/barefoot type boot to work in the barn and ride in and found this thread. So bumping this thread and just wondering if anyone might have any new ideas or suggestions?

[js]

Something like this? There used to be a British made boot that was a walk and ride boot but I can’t remember the name of it, looked very comfortable. I did find the one below which is similar but the British made one didn’t have the chunky sole on it. I’m a zero drop shoe fan also!

Sergio Grasso Walk and Ride Energy Tall Boots | High quality at affordable price (horseinthebox.com.au)

[HereComesZach]

A few years ago I found Danskos that had a flatter/rubber tread. I don’t know if they still make them, but that’s what I wear in the barn for foot safety before switching to my boots for riding. I have to live in zero drop shoes for my knees and back and I LOVE these danskos.

[pony_baloney]

Aren’t Earth Shoes zero drop? Maybe they have something you could use.

[S1969]

I was going to chime in to say I’m recovering from two broken toes, so be careful…but I see that was said the last time this thread came up. I was wearing leather boots (Keens) but not super heavy duty, and still broke bones.

Depending on the set up, it might be possible to just wear some zero drop shoes/boots when you’re not handling horses - if you’re on your feet a lot it might be worth changing your footwear from time to time rather than make something else work.

[JumpnJane]

I had some of those years ago and they were my favorite they had a nice wide toe box. But I switched to redbacks when they stopped making them. I love the redbacks they are super durable, waterproof, and have steel toes, but since making the switch to barefoot shoes my feet are killing me after a full day at the barn. The redbacks are fairly flat which is good. but they are thick and have “too much support” for my feet, I want to be able to feel the ground and need my feet to be able to move in all directions. I’ll have a look for danskos again.

[JumpnJane]

Thanks, I definitely appreciate the safety factor. I have my go to boots for those, redbacks with steel toes, but I need an alternative for my time at the barn where I don’t need the steel toes.

[JumpnJane]

Hmm I’ll have to investigate. Thanks for the tip!