Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

When I buy shoes I look for a totally flat shoe (zero drop), flexible (lets my foot be a foot), no toe spring (shortens top of the foot) and most important to me is a wide toe box so my toes don't get squished (leading to bunions and pronation). Rarely can I find all four qualities unless I buy minimalist shoes, but then I won't get the good traction or warmth in the winter. These Columbia Minx offer warmth and traction, but the insole has about an inch high! The ball of the foot is about 1/4 inch, so my heel is elevated about the ball of my foot by 3/4 of an inch. If you take out the insole, these appear to be zero drop. They’re flexible even with the shoe liner and from what my friend who owns a pair says they get more flexible over time, which is a plus for me. There is a little toe spring (seems tough to avoid in most shoes). I can fit my feet in the boot while wearing my Correct Toes™ without squishing my feet, but just barely. They have just the right amount of room without the liners. Check out how they measure up to the shoe liner test (see below); I’m spilling over the edge a bit. Ideally, your foot should not spill over the edge of the liner. For reference, the widest part of my foot is 4 inches and I ordered the size 8 boot. I might return them for an 8 1/2 and replace the shoe liner with a flat one. I wish these were sold in wide or did not have a tapered toe. Pros: Warm (-25 degrees F), flexible, waterproof and zero drop without the liners, light, good traction. Cons: elevated heel toe liner, a tad narrow, has a toe spring.