Hiking boot/shoe shopping experience

BiggDaddy485 said:
The problem was that they did have plenty of shoes in the $100 range.. And if my price range was unrealistic, then he should have taken the time to tell me why.. I work in sales and manage to get people to spend significantly more than their original price range by explaining whats realistic and what isn't..

What are the Columbia shoes like? I see them around and they seem alright, but I haven't tried any on.. I'm liking those Merrells too, and those I can get locally..
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I'd have to give a huge thumbs up for the Merrel Stretch Chameleon hiking shoes. I had a pair and they were some of the best I've ever had. No laces to come undone and light. VERY waterproof.

http://www.rei.com/product/788742/merrell-chameleon-3-stretch-cross-training-shoes-mens
 
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We have a store in the US, at least where I live, called Big 5, they're awesome in the regard that they always have sales, and I've always found goo dcustomer service as well. I bought a pair of 8" boots from them years ago by hi-tech. nothing fancy. 50 bucks I think. My stepfather, and one of my brothers have same boots. they're simple, and while I don't "hike" I wear them when I hunt and they have never given me hot spots or blisters and there was no break in. I'm sure there are much better boots, but they fit the bill and didn't break the bank.

Red
 
It really depends on the terrain you are going to hike. Groomed and man-made trails running shoes work fine... trail running shoes even better (give more stability). If you start hiking 14ers, then you will want something with a bit higher ankle and stronger sole. Hiking on rocks and angles really need good support. Nothing worse than being at 13K feet and twisting an ankle and having to do a 3K decent over 4 hrs. So depending on what you are going to do, you may opt for a more expensive pair of boots. What's $150 on a good pair of boots if you buy $100 knives 3 at a time that sit in your safe 80% of the time along with 40 others just like it. In the scheme of things, sometimes price isn't really that bad. Keep an eye out for sales. REI has 20% off sales all the time. I just got a great pair of Montrell trial runners for $40. Super light and rugged. Will be going to CO with me for a month this year, along with my 10yr old Vasque Sundowners.
 
My worst problem in the realm of boots is that I have narrow feet. You can get wides just about anywhere, but narrows are a real bear outside of the $200+ price range. When I grew up, and the styles of boots closely matched both sexes because the manufacturers hadn't caught on yet, I could sometimes find a woman's boot two sizes larger in number, but you can't get away with that quite so much anymore.
 
psychophipps said:
My worst problem in the realm of boots is that I have narrow feet. You can get wides just about anywhere, but narrows are a real bear outside of the $200+ price range. When I grew up, and the styles of boots closely matched both sexes because the manufacturers hadn't caught on yet, I could sometimes find a woman's boot two sizes larger in number, but you can't get away with that quite so much anymore.
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Thats my problem, narrow feet. Nike runners fit me well but boots, Red wings are all I have found and they hurt my feet.
 
I know this does not fit within your current price range, but when you have the opportunity (and dinero) get a pair of boots made for you. I had Viberg build two pairs of boots for me - WOW! In addition, many of these companies offer rebuilds and lifetime suuport. In the long run, actually less money.
 
psychophipps said:
My worst problem in the realm of boots is that I have narrow feet. You can get wides just about anywhere, but narrows are a real bear outside of the $200+ price range. When I grew up, and the styles of boots closely matched both sexes because the manufacturers hadn't caught on yet, I could sometimes find a woman's boot two sizes larger in number, but you can't get away with that quite so much anymore.
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In my experience "Wides" aren't usually that much wider than normal feet. I have short, fat feet (9.5 4E) and it's almost impossible to find a "Wide" shoe that will fit me. Before I started buying running shoes I would have a pair of shoes for about 2 to 3 weeks before I'd completely blown out the sides. I'm still trying to find a decent hiking boot/shoe that is comfortable.
 
Duzzy said:
In my experience "Wides" aren't usually that much wider than normal feet. I have short, fat feet (9.5 4E) and it's almost impossible to find a "Wide" shoe that will fit me. Before I started buying running shoes I would have a pair of shoes for about 2 to 3 weeks before I'd completely blown out the sides. I'm still trying to find a decent hiking boot/shoe that is comfortable.
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I have found that a lot of times I can get a 10 2E and it fits my 9.5 4E feet. I think New Balance makes a hiking shoe. It's under the Rockport name I think.

Chad
 
coaldigger said:
Do yourself a favor & check out the Merrel Moab Ventilators (not the gortex model) you can find these for around $75~$80 & they are Awsome ! I have had mine for almost 3yrs now & they still look new & are very comfortable ! I got the mid height model(I don't care for low tops for hiking) My favorite outdoor shoe...heck my Favorite anytime shoe/boot ! That guy was just trying to make a high dollar sale !
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+1 on the Merrill Moabs. I wear them on packs up to 30 lbs.
 
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