Can Vivobarefoot's Zero-Drop Tracker Hiking Boot Make You a Better Hiker?

What Is Zero-Drop and What Does It Actually Do?

“At its core, zero-drop shoes place the heel and toe on the same plane, positioning the body for more efficient movement by mimicking being barefoot,” said Dr. Courtney Conley, CEO and Founder of Gait Happens and author of the upcoming book “Walk. Your Life Depends On It” in an email exchange with Field Mag. “When the foot is fully grounded, it allows for stronger muscle engagement not only in the foot but throughout the entire kinetic chain.” She has seen patients with knee and low back pain improve significantly after making the switch from traditional footwear to zero-drop, and notes that removing heel elevation reduces the body’s need to compensate for an artificial forward tilt.

“Modern footwear has been linked to altering people’s natural mechanics. Narrow toe boxes compress toes, and heels can shorten calves, limit ankle mobility, and weaken intrinsic foot muscles,” added Dr. Conley. Because of this, she doesn’t advise people to switch abruptly—something I wish I had understood two years ago. “If you feel your feet are deconditioned, or if you have a history of foot pain, start with just five to ten minutes a day, then increase in small increments if the body responds well, making the transition slowly.”

On trails, zero-drop shoes can enhance stability and performance but only if the foot and ankle are strong enough to meet the demand. Climbing hills in zero-drop footwear requires more muscular engagement compared to shoes with 8-10 millimeters of heel-to-toe drop. “Ultimately, the shoe itself isn’t a shortcut,” she said. “Building strength through calf raises and foot exercises, and progressing slowly, are what prevent injury and allow hikers to benefit from improved terrain feel and resilience.”

Going Zero-Drop on the Trail

I tested the Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT II while running errands around town for a couple of weeks and on dry trails around Chicago. Temperatures hovered in the single digits during most of my test, though there was no real snow on the ground.

While the multi-directional lugs provided adequate grip across varied surfaces, what stood out most was a heightened sensation of what lay underneath—roots, rocks, and scattered trail debris. It wasn’t painful, just more pronounced. I also found myself hiking differently with shorter strides and more deliberate foot placement. On descents, my toes spread out in the wide toe box instead of bracing against the front of a tapered shoe. There was something oddly grounding about it.

Without the usual snow and slush on the ground to test the Tracker's waterproofing, I walked through a stream. The boots performed flawlessly—my feet stayed surprisingly dry as the water flowed off the uppers' breathable waterproof membrane, and the sealed seams kept water from sneaking in through any gaps. The removable thermal insole with its aluminum temperature-regulating layer also added some protection from the freezing water.

But about five miles into my 10-mile loop, I did notice some fatigue creeping into my calves and arches that are usually more supported in traditional hiking shoes. Dr. Conley was right—I'll need to build strength to get used to walking around in these things all day.

Do Zero-Drop Hiking Shoes Make You “More Outdoorsy”?

Many hikers argue that zero-drop shoes are better because they promote natural body alignment and improve posture, balance, and stability. This can reduce fatigue on longer hikes and is one of the reasons why many thru-hikers prefer zero-drop or low-drop shoes. Many say it's simply more natural, too—the human foot didn't evolve to be pitched forward on inclined foam.

But wearing zero-drop shoes might not automatically make you a stronger or tougher hiker. They do make you pay attention to your gait, foot placement, and the trail environment. You can’t stomp mindlessly downhill relying on a thick midsole to buffer sloppy movement. You need to pay attention to the ground and build up mileage slowly, letting your feet adapt to a new contact experience with the ground.

If "outdoorsiness" is measured by a heightened awareness and physical connection with the earth below your feet then sure, maybe zero-drop hiking boots do enhance the outdoor experience. But some of my most meaningful experiences outside have been in regular footwear too.

In any case, for winter, boots that are specifically designed with aggressive outsoles and winter-ready uppers are always going to be better than minimalist summer trail shoes. Zero-drop options exist—this version of the Tracker did an okay job and Vivobarefoot makes a version that's even more winter-ready with deeper lugs and more insulation—but traction and insulation matter more than drop (if you want to keep your toes).

Final Thoughts on the Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT II

I enjoyed the roomy toe box and natural placement of my feet, but I wouldn’t take these boots on a high-alpine trek while carrying a heavy pack. These boots might've changed my stance on zero-drop footwear but when the stakes feel higher, I still want the cushioning and protection of a more traditional boot.

For shorter hikes, trail runs, strength-building days, and shoulder-season wanderings, the Tracker Textile AT II is a boot I'll happily reach for. They're lightweight (13.4 ounces per shoe for women’s US size 7) and make me more aware of how my feet move across the trail and, in turn, more intentional about my presence in outdoor environments. That feels like something worth exploring (pun intended).

Other Zero Drop Hiking Shoes to Consider

For Short Distance Day Hikes: Lems Trail Blazer

The Lems Women’s Trail Blazer is a minimalist trail shoe built on a zero-drop platform and a low 14-millimeter stack height with 3-millimeter lugs. A wide toe box and breathable mesh upper enhance stability, comfort, and airflow during long hikes.

Price: $145

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For Zero Drop With More Cushion: Altra Lone Peak 9+ GTX

The Altra Lone Peak 9+ GTX has a zero-drop platform, 25-millimeter stack, and 3.5-millimeter lugs, giving you cushioning without losing that natural, level stance on the trail. It has the brand’s roomy FootShape toe box, a Gore-Tex upper for waterproof protection, and Vibram Megagrip outsole for reliable traction. Altra did a lot to bring zero-drop to the mainstream, and it's worth mentioning that the Lone Peak is estimated to be the most popular zero-drop trail shoe out there.

Price: $145

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For All-Weather Day Hikes: Merrell Wrapt Mid Waterproof

The Merrell Wrapt Mid Waterproof also has a zero-drop platform with a 13-millimeter stack height, and approximately 3-millimeter lugs, keeping you close to the ground. The waterproof suede upper handles wet conditions, while the wide toe box and flexible construction allow more natural foot movement.

Price: $140

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