Hiking Footwear.

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NathanExplosion

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Feb 9, 2009
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Hey everyone, me and a bunch of my friends have been going on a hike every summer for the last few years, but every year my feet and ankles hurt so bad after the hike that I can barely walk for a couple days. So, can any hikers out there suggest a really great pair of boots or sneakers that would be great for a hiking. The hike will take around 8 hours to complete so any information you have, I'm sure my feet will appreciate it.

Thanks.
 
Military style lace ups like Danner are comfortable lightweight and strong,good selection at ranger Joe.
 
what kinda terrain are you hiking on (muddy, snowy, rocky)? i see a lot of ultralight hikers using trail runners (basically looks like running shoes) that provide more cushion compared to normal hiking boots. they say the lack of ankle support lets the ankle move more naturally and strengthens it over time so you actually need less support eventually. i personally like merrell boots but might give trail runners a try this summer. also, how heavy is your pack?
 
It's rocky terrain, the highest point of the hike is 806m. I used running shoes the last few years but it's just not comfortable. I'll take a look the boots mentioned so far for sure though.
 
Converse military boots, light weight, and still give you lots of ankle support. I wear them for 10 hour shifts, while packing 35 pounds of gear.
 
Are you a very active person normally? If not maybe a light training regimen would help. A good start would be to walk an hour a night to prepare for your hike. Also maybe start supplementing Glucosamine Chondroitin into your diet. Good luck I hope you have a good time on your hike.
 
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"my feet hurt" is too vague. Take a look at John Vonhofe's book Fixing Your Feet. He'll tell you way more than you want to know, but the book has helped me immensely with boots and regular shoes. He targets specific parts of the foot and gives lots of good advice'
 
I've been using merrels and they have been alright on the outside. Inside, buy a pair of matching superfeet greens or look them up first and to understand the pain you are experiencing.
 
You'll probably appreciate the ankle support of some light hiking books, especially in the achilles area unless you've done a lot of conditioning and have strong feet.
You are looking for something that is not too flexible (i.e. so you don't feel rocks, or flex on uneven terrain) and whatever you do, buy EXPENSIVE socks, like Thorlos trekking or equivalent. Don't use cheap socks.

As for brands, it really depends on your foot shape - but the established brands from an outdoor store (not a mass merchant) will see you well. Good boots are generally expensive but then you fill finish the day(s) in relative comfort.

You don't need heavy clunker combat style boots... they work, but they're designed for a different user. I'm pretty old school with full leather boots mid-height boots but my wife's Salomons weigh nothing in comparison.

If you encounter a lot of water, loose rocks, uneven terrain - then I like leather. If you're mainly hiking in dry, formed trails then fabric style boots are more than adequate.
 
Personally I buy all of my shoes/boots on similar criteria. I like a softer, flexible sole. If you are more of a steel shank, steel cap sort of guy, then look for the heavier backpacking boots, as they will be more like what you are used to. If you like a basketball shoe feel more, then there are lots of light "trail runner" options. not sure how many good retailers you have near you, so selection might be limited, but end of the day, get ones that fit well, break them in, and drop a little extra on good wool socks, and that can make all the difference. besides, having good shoes to walk in will help you get out more often!
 
NathanExplosion said:
It's rocky terrain, the highest point of the hike is 806m. I used running shoes the last few years but it's just not comfortable. I'll take a look the boots mentioned so far for sure though.
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I had the same problem. I like the lightweight trail running shoes but in the really rocky terrain at camp the soles of my feet were non blistered but sore due to the soles not being thick enough.

I'd love to find a set of hiking shoes ultralight but with super stiff thick soles.
http://www.rei.com/product/774688/zamberlan-310-skill-gt-hiking-boots-mens

These will see you over rocky terrain and your feet will be non fatigued. But they require break in and run small.






So instead I went for a pair of Zamberlan 310 Skill GT boots. Expensive but very protective and a lot lighter than the old boots of this style. VERY nice worth the green.

These type with trail shoes are hard for me. The boots work great for them.

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I purchased a pair of Perfekt light hikers by Meindl at Cabelas last year. I got about 200 days of hiking/backpacking on them including some very rough terrain in the Rockies. I bought another pair this year as the soles were starting to get worn down.

I find these boots very tough and comfortable.
 
I'd go with one of the lighter weight asolo boots(fugitive gtx or similar), something with a combination splitgrain leather and ballistic upper. They're plenty supportive for day hikes and light backpacking. You can usually find them for around $100-$125 on STP.
 
For me Vibram toe shoes are the most comfortable things I've ever put on my feet. You have to be a bit careful with toe placement/kicking rocks with your pinky toe, but the mobility and light weight are by far easier on my feet than any boot or shoe has ever been! Your mileage may vary but when I can I wear vibrams, unless hiking in snow- but dry 0°C hiking was fine for me last month.
 
Don't worry about what works for anyone else. Get a gait analysis, or better yet, a foot scan to determine the type of support you need-aftermarket insoles, orthotics, etc.
Properly fit shoes. They need enough volume for your foot without allowing it to slip forward so you don't get your heels rubbed, and your toes mashed on downhills. Also enough room in the toebox so your toes are not squeezed together.
You didn't say how or where your feet were hurting.
Stuff I use to keep my feet happy:
-Custom orthotics(they were prescribed)
-Merino wool socks(weight depends on whether I'm wearing boots or trail runners with less volume)
-Athletic tape for any hotspots that show up(occasional heel, pinkie toe)
-Dr. Scholls Blister Defense(like chapstick for your toes!)
Don't really need the last two since I'm no longer experimenting with footwear, but they're in my first aid kit.
 
Obviously everyone's feet are different so all I can do is tell you what worked great for me so you have that option on your radar.

I love hiking in my Vibram FiveFingers. I wrote about it a bit here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-for-five-miles-this-weekend-(semi-reviewish)

I like the freedom it gives my feet to move. The lack of ankle support can be scary to some people. To me it was OK because I'm lightfooted enough to respond quickly in case I make a wrong step or anything. I think that is key to success with FiveFingers. I got the idea that most people here would not wear them because of the lack of ankle support, and honestly I would be cautious about that too in case you're going out for days alone to a remote place or anything. However, I prefer to flex with my feet joints against any contours in the terrain rather than be strongarmed (stronglegged? :p) into some stiff posture. The latter ends up hurting me more than actually supporting me because, well, how much can the little ankle cuff on a shoe really support a 200-pound guy :p

Anyway, they dry quickly, offer lots of mobility, are very light, and are very fast.

FYI: I have flat feet; every other shoe I have ever worn hurt my feet a lot starting at about 22 years old (I'm 26 now) except these Vibrams; my pinky toes are not straight and curl under the next toe a bit; I walk on the balls of my feet rather than using the whole sole (most people land on their heels and rock forward, propelling off the balls of their feet). I flex my feet a lot when I walk. I don't like keeping them stiff.

Thick hiking socks and any type of cushioning, including "flat feet correctors," also seem to hurt my feet a lot, so obviously I'm a very bare-foot guy for reasons I wish I could diagnose.
 
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