TACTICAL RESEARCH TRTACTICAL RESEARCH Mini-Mil TR102 8” Minimalist

I wear minimalist shoes and sandals or go barefoot 100%. These boots are great. I wish there were more companies selling similar.

Greatest boots I’ve ever worn! Prior military I’ve worn boots for over 20 years and these feel like they are barely there! Great arch support, great feel, great support all over and I feel like I’m barefoot! Will definitely buy again!

As others have said, these boots have an incredibly difficult break-in. I wore duct tape on my hotspots for maybe 3 weeks before the leather became soft enough that I could wear them without pain. I promise though, they -will- break in!I was wearing extremely minimal shoes before this (vivobarefoot), but I wanted to get something that was a bit sturdier and lasts a bit longer. These boots are definitely more minimal than the average boot, but they still have a slight heel and they definitely constrain my foot more than the vivo boots did. The ground feel is obviously less than with a truly minimal boot, but the sole is still pretty flexible. They are very light and I tend to not even notice them when I’m wearing themThese are definitely a different thing than a true minimalist shoe, but I do recommend them for someone looking to get something in a sweet-spot between minimal and ruggedness. Just be prepared for an unpleasant break-in.

I am an athlete who has been wearing Vibram five fingers since 2007, nothing else. For years I searched for an adequate pair of near zero drop boots with adequate protection that I could waterproof and use for hiking, outdoor combat games, and winter/wet work. And many times I failed;they all sucked. The soles were too thin, they didn't take to waterproofing, they fell apart. It was awful.Then I found the mini Mil and was ready for another disappointment. But it was meant to be apparently and after waterproofing and putting them on after years of only toe shoes I fell in love.They took merely hours to break in and form fit to my feet and the more worn they get the more I love them.This is an amazing boot. I'll be purchasing a second and maybe third pair to have on hand in case they ever go out of production.Note: if the Achilles support band is bothering you put the boot over a piec of wood and whack it with a rubber mallot or put a towel over the boot and whacked it with a hammer, meat tenderize, rock, or frying pan. Repeatedly. While screaming.Waterproofing helps too, the heat from the oven, hest gun, Sun, or blow dryer.

I followed advice from previous buyers and ordered a half size larger. I usually wear a 9 and bought a 9.5. Wish i didn't. They are a little big. I feel like these run true to size, at least my pair was. They are made wider than average though, both in the toe box and midfoot. Wish they left the mid foot alone and made the toe box wider instead. The biggest issue with these is the heel. Expect a painful break in process. I wore nylon dress sock with them, which acted as a rash guard, and that helped alot. They have about as much padding underfoot as my Alrtra lone peak's. Other than the size issue and heel break-in, they are awesome. I'll definitely buy them again.