Hiking shoes

[CanMan]

I picked these up a few months back, since my New Balance shoes wern't cutting it anymore.

They are Nevados. Lightweight, comfortable, have great traction, and priced just right.

I only have a few complaints about them though. They don't let the moisture out very well, the rubber is starting to come off on the side, and I got a rip in the side that is getting bigger.

I have 4 hikes on them. The most rough terrain has been the Ape Caves near Mt. St. Helens. Its basically an underground lava tube, streaches for 1.5 miles. Sharp, purous(sp?), rock. Probably compariable to the lava fields in Hawaii.

So to my question, what shoes/boots do you wear? Pro's and Con's on them? How well have they held up?

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n187/12GaugeXJ/100_4199.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n187/12GaugeXJ/100_4200.jpg

[WaXJ_Skier]

I had a pair of salomon's (Same as the ski/snowboard company) hiking boots/shoes a while back. They were awesome, the tread had an amazing grip. I was ale to walk accross a wet cable suspended between two trees with those boots on. They were leather on the outside which was very water resistant.

this looks like the closest to what I had
http://www.salomonoutdoor.com/us/products/Elios-Mid-XCR-1-51-8-0-433519.html

[RichP]

I keep a couple of pairs around that I wear when out.
http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=7615&TabID=1&CatID=84
and these
http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=5509&TabID=1&CatID=371
and these
http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=9004&TabID=1&CatID=373

Otherwise I wear New Balance sneakers most of the time.

[Boxil]

I keep a couple of pairs around that I wear when out.
http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=7615&TabID=1&CatID=84
and these
http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=5509&TabID=1&CatID=371
and these
http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=9004&TabID=1&CatID=373

Otherwise I wear New Balance sneakers most of the time.


go to your local REI and try something a little more in tune with hiking. combat style boots will kill your feet and ankles in anything the northwest has to offer.

[rokclimbertx]

Vasque Breeze GoreTex... great light weight hiker... could breathe a little better in the warmer months but in cold they are very warm...

rei.com or rei-outlet.com has some good deals...

[Brian Strickland]

i like anything by merrill. they make good hiking boots that really handle business in the nw.

[IXNAYXJ]

Asolo (http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=420)

http://www.asolo.com/photo/OM3101_555_p.jpg

I've been really happy with these boots. Not too heavy, but lots of support, water proof (really great in the snow) and very comfortable. For those who never saw the pics, Can Man's last attempt at water proofing for a snow run were plastic bags inside of his tennis shoes. :D

-----Matt-----

[kndrewa]

i just picked up a pair of these for light duty hiking and water fun:
http://www.keenfootwear.com/pdp_page.cfm?productID=9

PROS:
they go on/off quick.
they are super comfy.
they keep my feet cool.
they are quite supportive.
i look like im from the future when i wear them.
CONS:
i look like im from the future when i wear them.

conclusion:
i love the toecap protection, as i always smash my toes up in sandals.
thats a thing of the past now, eh?
no new girlfriends cause of these though...

of course, all of my testing has been done on my EL commute in chicago.

ill get back to you after next weekend, when i get up to devils lake state park.

[lesslimited]

I've been wearing Hi-Tec hiking boots for work (and hiking) for about 10 years now. The quality doesn't seem to be as good as it used to be, but they still last a long time, are comfortable from the beginning, and are light weight and reasonably priced.
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2481979&clickid=body_rv_img

[SCW]

Another vote for Merril. Anything they make is a good shoe.

I have a harder time finding shoes that are NOT lined with Gore-Tex, in the summer I would rather have lots of air transfer than water-proof shoes. I like the Gore-Tex in the winter, but I wear a nice pair of Danner boots in the fall and some older Rocky's that I've had for several years in the deeper winter. I understand Rocky's are not what they used to be anymore.

[dphillips]

I've been wearing Hi-Tec hiking boots for work (and hiking) for about 10 years now. The quality doesn't seem to be as good as it used to be, but they still last a long time, are comfortable from the beginning, and are light weight and reasonably priced.

Last pair of hi tec boots I purchased started to fall apart at the seems in less than a month. At two months they were no longer water proof. At three months they were in the garbage.

[lobsterdmb]

Go with Limmers. You will never look back!

[MT Mike]

White's Packers. Had the same pair for 8 years, only been rebuilt once. I spend EVERY day in these, covering all kinds of terrain (surveying) and have never been uncomfortable.
White's boots are individually built to your measurements, and are extremely durable. My boss has had the same pair for 15 years and is only on his third rebuild. I will never purchase any other brand of boot again.

http://www.whitesoutdoor.com (http://www.whitesoutdoor.com/store/sub-category.php?category=Boots&id=Boots%7CWhite%27s+Boots)

This is from their sight:
The Original Packer (http://www.whitesoutdoor.com/store/product.php?category=Boots&id=700)


Over a half century ago, the White's Packer was designed specifically for professional outfitters and packers who required a strong arch for all-day comfort and support. Soon, workers in various industries discovered the remarkable qualities of the White's high Packer arch, and made it a vital part of their tools of the trade. Today, people in various demanding occupations, from ranchers and outfitters to mechanics and construction workers, depend on White's Packers for comfort and durability. Many find the boots so comfortable that they even wear them off the job.

Standard in 8 inch height
Standard in Brown premium full-grain, oil-tanned, water resistant leather
Standard Double Composition sole for heavy-duty performance
Also available with Single Leather or Mini-Vibram® sole
Optional pointed toe available
Optional hard celastic toe or ASTM F2413-05 approved steel toe
Four rows of lock stitching for rock-solid durability
Lace-in tongue guard and laces included
Completely rebuildable for years of extended life and value
NOT AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE ORDERING
To order boots you must fill out and mail in the "How to Measure (http://www.whitesoutdoor.com/how-to-measure.php)" and "Order Forms (http://www.whitesoutdoor.com/store/print-order-form.php)".
For questions please call our customer service at 1-800-541-3786Edit: You get what you pay for.....

[DaJudge]

I've been wearing Hi-Tec hiking boots for work (and hiking) for about 10 years now. The quality doesn't seem to be as good as it used to be, but they still last a long time, are comfortable from the beginning, and are light weight and reasonably priced.
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2481979&clickid=body_rv_img

I have to agree with Less. They are the only ones that fit my feet correctly. The first pair I had lasted three years and I wore them to work all the time. The pair I have now are a little more than a year old and in perfect condition.

Glen

[davidb0986]

Vasque Breeze GoreTex... great light weight hiker... could breathe a little better in the warmer months but in cold they are very warm...

rei.com or rei-outlet.com has some good deals...

x2, i love mine

[Roxtar]

If Farragamo made trail shoes, they would be Merrell Chameleon Stretches.
Uber comfortable with more support than they feel like they have.

[HaleYes]

Red Wings.:thumbup:
They taken me everywhere I've asked them to.........comfortably.


Hale

[G.Q. Jeeper]

I just moved up to the great outdoors, although I should get a nice pair of hiking boots or shoes, I will stick to my Nikes, nothing beats the Nike Airs for style and performance!

Jeff

[kndrewa]

well, i have to agree with Hale.

redwings

i got back from a 2 week backpacking trip in the canadian rockies about a week ago. my redwings could do no wrong. warm, waterproof, strong, leather, vibram sole = no problems. my buds had a lot of the other 'technical' mountaineering boots, but i saw no superiorities (greater in price maybe -ha)

i will make a new thread about that trip in this forum.

[woody]

If I had one set of footwear to go anywhere with, it would be a pair of Danner Acadia. Wore out one set and about 50% into my second set.

I am currently wearing out a pair of Danner Ft Lewis boots. I need safety-toe at work, and want mid-calf coverage for street-biking. They are kinda clompy though.

I could spend more (or less?) but doubt I'd be happier than with Danners.

[jakeWI]

bringing this back to the top.

it is an old thread so i figured i would ask for new advice.

i am looking to get some hiking shoes or boots for my trip to the four corners area. i am looking for something lightweight and comfortable.

do you guys have any suggestions of any i should look into?

[CROSBIKE]

Ive been rocking my Merrell Chameleon3 Ventilator Mids for a few months and love them.

[jakeWI]

Ive been rocking my Merrell Chameleon3 Ventilator Mids for a few months and love them.

ill have to try some of those on. i didnt want to have to spend that much on shoes, but if i want a good pair i think im going to have to suck it up. damn things never go on sale.

[MASS XJ 98]

Red Wings.:thumbup:
They taken me everywhere I've asked them to.........comfortably.


Hale

x2

Warm, waterproof, comfortable, rugged...

they are fairly heavy though

[jakeWI]

I just bought some Merrell's this weekend. Found this pair for 50% off. couldnt pass it up. they are breathable and comfy

[OverlandXJ]

I bought a pair of leather hiking boots from REI back in the day, think they were One Sport brand. Most comfortable boot i ever owned.

My Vasque were nice boots too.

[jakeWI]

yeah. i still want to get some medium height water proofs. still looking

[Handlebars]

bringing this back to the top.

it is an old thread so i figured i would ask for new advice.

i am looking to get some hiking shoes or boots for my trip to the four corners area. i am looking for something lightweight and comfortable.

do you guys have any suggestions of any i should look into?
I highly recommend a good leather hiking shoe- not a boot. Something that looks like a sneaker but made of sturdy leather with a stiff sole. The lack of ankle support is an advantage for rock scrambling. Don't bother looking for anything waterproof either. A waterproof lowtop shoe is like a submarine with a screen door.
http://www.fototime.com/3B151727B77A2E2/orig.jpg

For hikes in the water, either use Tevas or similar all-terrain sandals or trail running shoes. The ones with mesh uppers and speed laces weigh next to nothing, are cool in hot weather, let dry sand through like you are wearing nothing, are incredibly expensive (look for them on the clearance rack), fall apart after a few good trips, soak your feet immediately when walking through water and dry out almost as fast. Wear socks made of anything other than cotton. Yes, that makes them sound like they suck but I could not imagine going on a jeep trip without 'em, especially in the summertime.

Boots are for backpackers- not jeepers.

[jakeWI]

for those who hike, especially the SW, what socks would you recommend?

[jakeWI]

thanks handlebars!

[CROSBIKE]

I chose mids because of the ankle support as i use to roll my ankle quite often with my sneakers but hiking with my mids i have yet to hurt my ankle. The added support is well worth it IMO. And if the side support is inhibiting you you can always tie your boot lower for more flexibility.

[thethinginthewoods]

Asolo (http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=420)

http://www.asolo.com/photo/OM3101_555_p.jpg

I've been really happy with these boots. Not too heavy, but lots of support, water proof (really great in the snow) and very comfortable. For those who never saw the pics, Can Man's last attempt at water proofing for a snow run were plastic bags inside of his tennis shoes. :D

-----Matt-----

I bought a pair of those from REI a year or two ago and was pretty pleased. I am extremely picky when it comes to footware, even more so when it comes to hiking boots. I can't remember what series they were, but I really liked the features they offered. I would def. recommend getting a pair of "super feet" or whatever to go with them. They are kind of like the Dr. Scholls "gellin" things, but better. I think i paid around $360 for everything, but they are worth it if you do a lot of hiking and rough terrain walking.

[MASS XJ 98]

Boots are for backpackers- not jeepers.

If you wheel in the Northeast you need boots. :)

1st time ever wheeling I blew a bead and had to change my tire in 1 foot of mud.


For hiking I like the ankle support as well. Keeps me from spraining my ankle.

[Cnickgo]

http://www.rei.com/product/757555

I have had those Merrells for 5 years now, and they are still in perfect condition. I do a substantial amount of hiking every year, plus almost constant wear for 3 of those years during the winter in Boone NC, and any rainy day.

I am in NC, so waterproofing and traction in wet conditions are a must, so I can't even consider anything less. If you have decided on a waterproof mid boot, I stand behind this pair of Merrells. Oh yeah, unbelievably comfortable as well.

[Hammered]

still breaking these in. wore them 3 times hope the hold up

Asolo FSN95
http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/ASO/25852.60497_d.jpg

[kndrewa]

what are your wives/girlfriends wearing? my girlfriend needs a new pair.