The piece of gear no one really talks about...Hiking Shoes!

on trails during spring, summer and fall i go barefoot. off trail, depending on what the terrain is like, i wear sandals or sneakers.

in the cold months i wear sneakers or some light boots.

i don't like wearing shoes...it feels cramped and hot and sweaty to me...a little bit like wearing gloves 24/7.

you posture doesn't get much better than when your comfort depends on it (you will quickly start walking more upright and start taking smaller steps. you also will tend to avoid heel striking, since it hurts)

it is also a benefit since my foot measures 13.5 ...which doesn't exist. so it's tricky finding shoes for me.

take a look at barefooting, you might like it.
 
siguy said:
on trails during spring, summer and fall i go barefoot. off trail, depending on what the terrain is like, i wear sandals or sneakers.
...
i don't like wearing shoes...it feels cramped and hot and sweaty to me...a little bit like wearing gloves 24/7.

take a look at barefooting, you might like it.
Click to expand...

I used to go barefoot sometimes, hiking around back home in Hawaii when I was younger, never really did it here on the mainland though. Nowadays I'm paranoid about getting cuts or scrapes on my feet if barefooting outdoors. Although I like the added traction, protection, and cushion/support shoes provide, maybe I'll give barefooting a try next spring/summer when the weather's warm on a nice and flat trail :)
 
The Vasque Sundowner and Newbrier are excellent boots. I wore a pair of Vasques everyday for years when working as a forester.

However, I suggest you try a Chaco Sandal. I now wear these everywhere, on and off trail, climbing, etc. Come in wide, vibram sole, great durability. I wear them in all weather using wool socks when the temps get down into the thirties. Yes, you give up some protection, but it has been worth it to me for the health of my feet.

Don't know why, but I started taking pics of my feet in my travels...

Yellowstone NP
DSC03174.jpg


Indian Peaks in Colorado
SANY0128.jpg


Bottom of Death Valley (was like walking on crunch snow, but it was salt)
424DeathValleyFloor.jpg
 
Those look comfy QuietBear, and they look good for hiking along or crossing water :thumbup: Will look into those as well.
 
I have a few types that I like for different things. Dayhikes on well used trails I use some low top Merrills, rough trail and desert use I have Danner hot weather boots, Danner Acadias that have been everywhere but are too warm for most trips and a good old pair of Altama jungle boots.
The Merrills and Danner hot weathers see the most use because of the area I'm in.
 
:thumbup: on the Chacos. I'm a big fan of the toe loops. My plain-jane black ones work great for everything from hiking to playing ultimate.

123026_M.jpg


My Chacos are 12 years old and they still look and work great. I wear my Chacos all summer and my Vasques all fall/winter. I tend to hold onto things that work well.:D
 
I have hard to fit feet (high arch, wide foot) and was never satisfied with any boot until I got a pair of Asolo Fugitive GTX boots. Great support for backpacking or just dayhiking, plus they breathe real well if you have hot feet.
 
We had those threads before and l like to read them alot more then about knifes or fire... Nothing out there makes a better trip then when your feet feel good. First thing i learned from reading is that most people buy shoes that are too small. I always wore size 10-10.5. The new shoes are 11 and boy are they happy. I got my self a Merrill Moab none goretex. I live here in So cali and i rather make sure my feet can breath then worry about getting wet. Im very flat footed. Those shoes have great soles. They absorb the impact of rough trails or when walking down hill. When i get home my feet dont hurt nearly as much as they used to before. Thats my friends is the best part as i got used to be in pain at the end of a day. They also have then in extra wide model as well. The only thing i dont like about then is that when i walk on wet rocks they tend to slip. Most people say that Vibram soles are gripy but i compare them to another set of shoes i have where i can walk at work on oil or spilled untifreeze and never even notice, Climb on some rocks at a waterfall and not even think once that they might slip.. I still wear the merrills as comfort is #1 for me.

Sasha
 
For light packing and day hikes I really like the Merrell Chameleon. It's low cut with a very stiff Vibram sole and feels very secure and comfortable even on a scree slope or talus field. I haven't ever seen anything similar. For carrying a heavier load, I wear the REI Monarch III GTX. Again, it also has a stiff Vibram sole, but is cut higher for more support. I think the Monarch is one of the "best for the $" available.

Jeff
 
Quiet Bear said:
The Vasque Sundowner and Newbrier are excellent boots. I wore a pair of Vasques everyday for years when working as a forester.

However, I suggest you try a Chaco Sandal. I now wear these everywhere, on and off trail, climbing, etc. Come in wide, vibram sole, great durability. I wear them in all weather using wool socks when the temps get down into the thirties. Yes, you give up some protection, but it has been worth it to me for the health of my feet.

Don't know why, but I started taking pics of my feet in my travels...

Yellowstone NP
DSC03174.jpg


Indian Peaks in Colorado
SANY0128.jpg


Bottom of Death Valley (was like walking on crunch snow, but it was salt)
424DeathValleyFloor.jpg
Click to expand...


I think that's called a fetish:eek:
 
It's great to hear everybody's opinions in this interesting thread.
I've been hiking 1000 mile years for 20 years or so in Northern California. I used New Balance trailrunners for many years but when I complained about the blisters I always got to the fellow helping me buy new shoes at REI, he suggested I try the Montrails and use Smart Wool socks. Well, the Montrail trail runners with the Smart Wool socks worked well for years, no more blisters (don't even think about using cotton socks.) But I switched to Montrail GTX boots (with Smart Wool liners and hiking socks,) and I really like the added cushion with the boots. I use Leki treking poles and I really feel the boots/ socks/ poles cuts my post hike recovery time to almost zero.
I have wide feet too so that's why I use the brands I mentioned. Only complaint about the GTX boots is I feel they are kind of hot for the hiking I do most of the time and I am not sure if they can be resoled. I'll probably go to all leather for the next pair.
I found Montrail sizing a little small, so go at least 1/2 size but probably a whole size bigger is better to leave room for heavy socks and your feet will swell on any kind of serious hike.
 
The best pair of shoes that I ever owned were Zamberlan Civetta GTX I bought in 1999. I did a lot of hiking and backpacking with them. They are still in good condition but I had to replace them last year. For some really strange reason they now fit me tight. I'm not sure if they shrunk or my feet grew. Really strange if my feet grew since I'm 34 years old:eek: They don't look like they shrunk and the leather is soft and well oiled. Anyway, I use a pair of Asolo Fugitive GTX boot now.
 
ridgewalker said:
It's great to hear everybody's opinions in this interesting thread.
I've been hiking 1000 mile years for 20 years or so in Northern California. I used New Balance trailrunners for many years but when I complained about the blisters I always got to the fellow helping me buy new shoes at REI, he suggested I try the Montrails and use Smart Wool socks. Well, the Montrail trail runners with the Smart Wool socks worked well for years, no more blisters (don't even think about using cotton socks.) But I switched to Montrail GTX boots (with Smart Wool liners and hiking socks,) and I really like the added cushion with the boots. I use Leki treking poles and I really feel the boots/ socks/ poles cuts my post hike recovery time to almost zero.
I have wide feet too so that's why I use the brands I mentioned. Only complaint about the GTX boots is I feel they are kind of hot for the hiking I do most of the time and I am not sure if they can be resoled. I'll probably go to all leather for the next pair.
I found Montrail sizing a little small, so go at least 1/2 size but probably a whole size bigger is better to leave room for heavy socks and your feet will swell on any kind of serious hike.
Click to expand...

great post, looks like i might be following in your footsteps :)


Anyway, really been eyeing the Asolo fugitive as it's been mentioned a few times here; I'm going to have to try it on the next time I go to REI. Thanks for all the options and suggestions guys. :thumbup:
 
I've just posted this on the spyderco forum for other reasons but it comes in handy here


larapintaend.jpg


Scarpa's are my boot of choice -the ones I'm wearing there are the 'Trek Pro's'. A bit lighter than the normal Scarpa's, made for hotter Aussie conditions.

I do lot's of walking in the bush around home in barefoot and/or sandals. But for big trips I haven't had the nerve to go without good, stiff soled boots; although I reckon it's possible.
 
I like the feel of Nike ACG hiking boots and trail shoes. Got to go with something else, the shoe warehouse stores near me don't carry ACG anymore. Use the gel inserts too.
 
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