Death Chat!!

I think people generally trend towards the lighter weight stuff for a lo-top hiking shoe, because you often aren't carrying much weight. But I tend to like even my lo-tops a little more on the robust and long-lasting side.

It's often hard to find everything you want in a shoe, but I like: polyurethane midsole (vs PVA), good aggressive vibram tread with deep enough lugs, shanks or plates (probably aren't necessary in a lo-top but I like em anyway), breathability, gusseted tongue, removable insoles so I can stick superfeet in. I also tend to like hooks on the last lace anchors as well, lets me tighten the shoes better at the top while leaving the bottom part of the shoe looser. This is the shoe I ended up with recently:

http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/ShowBoot.cfm?StockNum=5109449798&Category=3&Type=M

I'm the buy once cry once type, so I like my stuff to last as long as possible. This pair doesn't have everything for me though, it's lacking a breathable upper and a gusseted tongue.
 
I don't have real hiking shoes, I normally just wear a pair of outdoor running shoes when I go out. Of course, I also haven't done any extreme hikes.
 
Jeremy

Russ recommended a great short hiker. The other one I would highly recommend are a pair of Lowa Renegade Lo.

http://www.lowaboots.com/images/productgfx/3109524285_l.jpg
3109524285_l.jpg
 
Ooooh, I wanted that one! Was just out of my price range :grumpy:

I'm going to get the mid version of that boot though, when I wear my Merrells out.

While we're on the subject, they're making boots with eVent now...crazy.
 
Ya sweet huh. eVent is the shit. Much more breathable than goretex. I wish my Lowa Tibet Pros had eVent and not GTX.
 
Yeah, I was slightly disappointed I couldn't get the GTX Renegade Lo. But maybe it's a good thing; I'm hoping eVent will be out in more shoes and more affordable when it's time to upgrade/replace my mid-hikers or pick up some backpacking boots.
 
I saw the Lowas on REIs website and really like the look of the Renegade but at $185 they arent cheap. Maybe REI will have one of their 20% off coupons available soon. :)
The inside heel on my Keens wore out just after two years and thats why I was getting the blisters. Probably need better socks too.
 
You guys make me feel like buying a pair of hiking boots. Then I realized that I must have at least 8-10 brand new pairs of various outdoor shoes sitting in the storage locker ;) Need to find a reason to pull one of them out.
 
gimmejr said:
I saw the Lowas on REIs website and really like the look of the Renegade but at $185 they arent cheap. Maybe REI will have one of their 20% off coupons available soon. :)
The inside heel on my Keens wore out just after two years and thats why I was getting the blisters. Probably need better socks too.
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If the inside heel is wearing out, I've heard/read that's a result of poor fit. Did you get fitted for your Keens?

As for the socks, I'll anticipate Nate: Get "Darn Tough"! :D

Seriously though, I have to agree on the quality of the Darn Tough socks. I only have one pair so far, but have used it on a few hikes and it's the best I've used so far. I've used REI, SmartWool, and some wool socks from Costco. The Darn Toughs are simply constructed better. They fit and feel better on my feet. And they haven't stretched out any. I'm planning on getting a few more pairs now.

Do you use liners with your socks? Liners help quite a bit with cutting down on the friction. Breathable shoes and taping/moleskin also help if you're especially prone.


Ban said:
You guys make me feel like buying a pair of hiking boots. Then I realized that I must have at least 8-10 brand new pairs of various outdoor shoes sitting in the storage locker ;) Need to find a reason to pull one of them out.
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8-10! Wow! Why so many? Work?

If we get a hike together, there's your reason :D
 
MRpink said:
I don't have real hiking shoes, I normally just wear a pair of outdoor running shoes when I go out. Of course, I also haven't done any extreme hikes.
Click to expand...


There's another excuse for you and Dan to hit up the shoe store :D
 
HikingMano said:
8-10! Wow! Why so many? Work?

If we get a hike together, there's your reason :D
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Because I am a pack rat. That is what happens when you browse Sierra Trading Posts too often and find good deals ;) I got heavy duty hiking boots, mid duty hikers, light weight hikers, trail runners, and even snow boots for crying out loud. Hell I am hardly ever near snow.
 
HikingMano said:
There's another excuse for you and Dan to hit up the shoe store :D
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There you go! Daniel-san has another reason to go talk to the girls. But I think he has his eyes set on the coffee shop girl that he got ice cream for ;)
 
Yeah, Darn Tough was the name of the sock I heard mentioned. The problem with my feet is they are two different sizes so one is going to be a little loose or ones going to be a little tight.

I think a night hike is in order :>
 
Ban said:
Because I am a pack rat. That is what happens when you browse Sierra Trading Posts too often and find good deals ;) I got heavy duty hiking boots, mid duty hikers, light weight hikers, trail runners, and even snow boots for crying out loud. Hell I am hardly ever near snow.
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Well, at least you have options :D Sierra Post is dangerous though. Like County Comm.

Ban said:
There you go! Daniel-san has another reason to go talk to the girls. But I think he has his eyes set on the coffee shop girl that he got ice cream for ;)
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Oh? We're on to ice cream now, eh? This is getting serious!

gimmejr said:
Yeah, Darn Tough was the name of the sock I heard mentioned. The problem with my feet is they are two different sizes so one is going to be a little loose or ones going to be a little tight.

I think a night hike is in order :>
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I have the same problem, my right foot measures out to 11.5 and my left at 11, last time I got fitted. Half-size difference hasn't been too much of a problem for me though. I'm down for a night hike :thumbup: Never did one up here before.
 
Went for a night hike in Big Basin a couple years ago, it was cool that it was so dark but not much of a view of anything. Ive done Mission Peak at night and if its clear the view is pretty nice.
 
we packed up some lunch and did a nice long hike today, in Fall Creek state park.. same spot where we all went last time..
we then went and had a little BBQ and bonfire at our friends house.. it was a good day..:D
 
That's what these Death Chats are for man. Talk about whatever the F random topics. Right now it just happens to be shoes. :)
 
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