Okay, so there is this group of people in the world of hiking who like to be barefoot but don’t like thorns, sharp rocks, dog poop, frost bite, etc. So there are shoes that are called “minimalist” or “barefoot” so that said people can still “feel” the ground under their feet without the risk of injury. I decided to try a pair of this type of hiking boot since I have never liked wearing clunky shoes, and I don’t like the way my feet feel inside of my current boots after a few miles on the trail.
The shoes I tried are the Xero Daylite Hikers. The reviews I found were mostly from men, but the company’s costumer care philosophy and laid back nature intrigued me. PLUS they offer this system called Quad Pay where you can pay for the product in installments, but have it shipped right away. Since I’m on a tight budget this was really attractive! I would love it if more gear retailers offered a system like this since many of their costumers are similarly outdoor lovers, but without a lot to spend on quality products.
I have been on four different day hikes with these boots so far, and worn them to work (I work twelve hour shifts, much of which is spent on my feet) on multiple occasions. 
I have found them to be exceptionally lightweight and flexible. There are two extra straps on each boot which can be tightened by pulling on the laces. Since the boots themselves feel a bit like skate shoes, and since the toe box is wide by design, I like that I can tighten the body of the boot to fit my narrow feet. As advertised I can feel pretty much everything I am walking on (sharp rocks in the heel included). I do like this feature, since it gives me better “grip” on ground surfaces, and even changes how I step. I step down with the ball of my foot, not the heel. I step lighter, and with more agility (since I am avoiding said sharp rocks).
There are a few cons. The shoes don’t keep you feet as warm as a more traditional hiking boot would. Not a problem in summer or fall, but in winter, with snow on the ground, I can certainly feel it. I haven’t tried taking out the extra insole for “extra ground feel” because of the warmth issue. I find that the amount of feeling I have in the boot right now is comparable to a think soled tennis shoe, but with much more support from the rest of the boot. Finally, the pull on the back of the boot, where you can tug to help get your foot in, came loose…but I’m honestly not too concerned about it.
The Daylite Hikers come in a few different colors. I am not sure that I am 100% sold on the “minimalist” shoe, but I do love the comfort and flexibility of these. On top of that I like wearing them for every day casual like- outings, work, walks around the neighborhood. In the photos you can see that I have some thick socks on with the boots, and so far that has kept me comfortable. I don’t think these boots would be good for an extended, say, backpacking trip through snowy terrain. I will definitely be taking these backpacking this summer though!
captainiameryka 