Barefoot, with boots on

It sounds like a contradiction, but barefoot boots – or minimal shoes – are definitely a thing. Designed to protect against weather and ground while preserving as much barefoot feel as possible, they come with puncture-resistant, ultra-thin soles that let you sense the terrain; a flat profile and minimal arch support that keep your foot in its natural position; and a wide toe-box that gives plenty of wriggle room.

Vivobarefoot is a leading brand, set up by Galahad Clark (of the famous shoe dynasty) after friend Tim Brennan approached him with a prototype, blaming his trainers for his constant tennis injuries. Their first barefoot shoe launched in 2004, and now the extensive range includes a dedicated hiking boot, the Tracker

FG – which I’ve been testing out. Straight from the box, the soft leather upper and flexible sole make them slipper-comfy, but as with naked-foot walking, you might have to ease in gently; my tight Achilles tendons needed a series of short outings to adjust to the flatter foot position. The tread is inevitably shallower than most boots, but I’ve yet to slip and there’s a nice sticky grippiness to the rubber. The space to splay and grip with my toes also boosted stability, as did being able to actually feel and react to the ground. And I do mean really feel the ground; I did hobble off a rogue rock or two.

Despite weighing only 658g a pair (half of some hiking boots) they include comforts like a waterproof, breathable membrane and a thermal insole. And their footprint is light in other ways too: the skinny soles use less material than regular boots, and the lining and membrane are recycled. I’ve not yet got the Trackers to the high mountains, but for the local woods and hills, I’m a convert to the freedom and feel of these – and Vivobarefoot is so sure you will be too, that they offer a 100-day trial. £190, vivobarefoot.com