Synth Hikers for Cramped Toes

I complained in this earlier post that my toes were getting cramped in my conventional walking boots. There hadn't seemed to be anything out there with the grip and waterproofing that I require, but then I discovered VivoBarefoot's new Synth Hikers. They're not waterproof to quite the same height as you'd expect on hiking boots, which is a little disappointing. They also offer some of the ankle "support" that I want to avoid. Having said that, I daresay that extra padding around the ankle will take the odd knock which is probably inevitable in more rugged terrain. To be fair, these are boots, not shoes, so some of the ankle flexibility is bound to be lost. They're actually less rigid around the ankles than normal walking boots. Anyway, I tried them on at VivoBarefoot's Covent Garden shop and decided to buy them there and then, as they were so light and comfortable. In spite of being boots, they are extremely light. They look a little silly in my boot bag, as they don't have the bulk of the thick soles (complete with heels) and built-up ankle supports which it is designed to accommodate. In spite of the deep lugs on the outsole, the Synths still offer a lot of flexibility at the ball of the foot. Most importantly, they have just enough toe space, so I'm looking forward to really putting them through their paces. To date, I have taken them 7 miles along a muddy towpath, and 4 miles through local lanes, with their large puddles, and the local waterlogged fields. So far, they have kept my feet dry with and without the aid of gaiters. Let's face it, I love these boots, and look forward to many happy miles in them.

Update (28/12/12)

I took the Synths out on the Burren near my brother's house yesterday, and immediately found their limitations. Much of the Burren consists of bare rock, which gets slippery when wet. In spite of their numerous V-shaped lugs, the out-soles' performance was unimpressive on this surface, and I had to take more than the usual care with each step. VivoBarefoot are to be commended on their ecologically responsible ethos, incorporating recycled materials where possible. I wonder whether the lack of traction is due to the different compound which results from the recycling process. I'm pleased to report that my feet were kept perfectly dry – until I stepped in a deceptively deep puddle. The boots were comfortable throughout the 5-mile, largely cross-country walk, with no rubbing or compression anywhere on my feet.

Update (19/11/13)

Inadequate waterproofing is a real issue with these boots.  Also, the lugs break off from the outsole after a while.  Shoe manufacturers, if you're reading: we need more options.