Good pair of hiking boots?

W

WVHILLS

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I have some support and arthritis issues with my right foot, certain types of shoes cause my foot to swell and ache almost immediately almost to the point that I can't walk...I have a pair of Danners and two pair of Merrells all three of which cause the pain and swelling. What doesn't cause pain are Nike basketball shoes and asic running shoes. I should also mention that I now wear orthodics too. So basically I need a pair of boots that wear more like a pair of shoes.
 
I have been hiking about three to four times a week for the last year or so, averaging five miles or about 2 hours of hiking for me. I mostly wore my Merrell Chameleon Stretch's (I'm into my third pair), and I love thm for their traction, nimbleness and flexibility. However I've recently suffered a stress fracture in one of my left metatarsals. Of all my shoes and boots, the Merrells were the worst in terms of aggravating the injury. (actually the worst culprit was/is me for not staying off my feet). The only shoe that I could painlessly wear and continue to hike is the Patagonia Drifter GTX. It has a high volume toe/ijnstep box, a stiff shank, and gives good support. The one drawback is that for some reason they make me more prone to turn my right ankle out. I have six pairs of hikers and they were the most painless.

I recently got a pair of Keen Voyageur Mid hikers that so far vae been awesome! great traction, wide toe box, NO toes jamming on descents, great anke support and only minimal pain post hike at my injury site. I hope this helps, I know I answered your very specific issue with my very specific issue but I've been drinking :).

Oh and I would also suggest one of two things;
1. get a pair of Superfeet insoles and try them on your current favorite hikers to see if that helps.

2. Get some shock cord to replace your laces, still tie them fairly tight or use cord locks to adjust on the fly. that should provide enough stability and support but get you a little room to swell.
 
Forgot to add most of my pain is generated in the area just to the right of my achilies tendon...I have been to my Dr several times and he is positive that I do not have achilies tendonitis. There is a smaller tendon that runs in that area, I can't recall the name of it though.
 
I have bad feet too. But I've never worn a more comfortable pair of boots than the Filson Uplander hunting boots.

pFILSON1-2232953p275w.jpg
 
Chiruca Torcaz

Have walked for 45 kilometers past two days through dirt,mud,water and snow and they've been super comfortable !
That Gore-Tex thing really works ;)
 
Here's what I use for my hiking/hunting...Ive used them for almost 5 years now, one year of which they handled the Big Island's a'a lava fields every weekend. They fit like a leather sneaker with a boot sole.

76671-p.jpg
 
evbouret said:
Here's what I use for my hiking/hunting...Ive used them for almost 5 years now, one year of which they handled the Big Island's a'a lava fields every weekend. They fit like a leather sneaker with a boot sole.

76671-p.jpg
Click to expand...

What are they?
 
I have terrible feet. A crushed heel and spurs. I put New Balance inserts in all my shoes. They are thirty bucks a pair but worth it. I have some orthopedic inserts that cost two hundred dollars. They kill my feet. Try New Balance.
 
I wear Danner 453s and Radical 452 with the Green Superfeet insoles. I have severe psoriatic arthritis in my feet, ankles, knees and low back and these are the best combinations I've found for myself over the years. I work on my feet mostly and hike as well. One other issue I have is easily overheated and sweaty feet. So I only use Smartwool socks. Expensive, but the shortest lived pair I have had was 2 years old. I have a pair that I have been wearing (in between washings ;)) for almost 4 years. As far as the boots go, I rotate between 2 pairs and alternate buying a replacement pair about every 3 years.
 
evbouret said:
Here's what I use for my hiking/hunting...Ive used them for almost 5 years now, one year of which they handled the Big Island's a'a lava fields every weekend. They fit like a leather sneaker with a boot sole.

76671-p.jpg
Click to expand...

I have the same pair and love them. I never needed to break them in, they fit from the get go. They have held up well, hiking through swamps and streams and over rocky trails. In about 2 years, I have probably put close to 400 miles on them and they still look brand new.
 
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