Hiking shoe thread

[calamaridog]

I thought it would be nice to have a separate thread for shoes.

I've had good luck finding what I want on sale. Last years models on closeout or deals on ebay for example.

It was time for some new trail/approach shoes for some local short and steep hikes. As a Merrell guy, I was thrilled to find these on ebay. Retail is $90 and I paid $44.50 including shipping.

http://www.merrellboot.com/Shop/Detail.aspx?NavID=FT-O-MLT&PID=11499#


I've also seen some good deals at sierratradingpost.com for Merrell, Vasque, and La Sportiva stuff as well as others.

Anyone have any other good sites?

[TeleScooby]

I'm a big fan of Garmont, currently using a pair of...can't remember the name...solid leather gore-tex boots for serious endeavors.

I tend to hike in my Chaco sandals for all but the toughest trails. I have really strong ankles, so no issues...and the Chaco footbeds are fantastic for my pronation issues...

[teotwaki]

REI Outlet web site

REI winter sale in their stores (last one was last month I think)

North Face Oultet Stores

Campmor's web site

Backcountry Gear web site

Bent Gate Mountaineering web site

Moosejaw web site

Eastern Mountain Sports web site

Mountain Gear web site

Rock Creek Outfitters web site

Steep and Cheap web site

Summit Haus web site

Travel Country web site

[calamaridog]

Damn Jim,

I'm going to be a busy boy surfing all those sites:hehe:

[Dirty Harry]

I just ordered some Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCRs, they are on sale at Mountain Gear. They are the biz! Super light and comfortable.

[Lost Canadian]

I just received these shoes from my chiropractor to which I had added a custom molded dynamic orthotic insole. First impressions were that a moon boot mated with trail runner. I took them out for a spin down the trail and was pretty impressed. Despite their crazy looks though I really liked the Boa lacing system with my orthotics. Without an orthotic some people may find it hard to adjust for having a high arch, but for me that's not an issue. The Boa system which is also found on several other shoe brands really hugs the foot nice, it's easy to get in and out of, and provides a really nice custom fitted feel.

The sole has a nice aggressive vibram sole and provides good grip. Ventilation was also good for a light hiker style shoe. Very light for a hiker as well, my feet didn't feel heavy after my run down the trail. I haven't got them wet yet so I can't comment on their ability to keep my feet dry but they look pretty water tight. Looks can be deceiving though.

So far so good, and at this point I would recommend them for the athletic, adventure racer types.
http://www.mountainzone.com/gear/blogs/gear_junkie/photos/TimberlandVaporate.jpg

[cruiser guy]

For folks in Canada the Mountain Equipment Coop is great! $5 lifetime membership. www.mec.ca
I've bought my trail runners there for the past 10-15 years!! I buy one pair that lasts me at least a year, and I wear them EVERY DAY!! I have Garmont ones now and there's a pair of last years Merrell's in the closet for when these wear out. I've also had HiTec as well.

[cruiserbent]

Vasque Velocity for me.Used to be Sundowners till I made the switch to something lighter

[GaryMc]

I'm a huge fan of the North Face Hedgehog XCR. Great for fast, technical hikes/scrambling and even for just around town. I even found a second pair at the REI garage sale for $10. :wings:

http://static.backcountry.com/images/items/large/TNF1369/HGSBG.jpg

[calamaridog]

I even found a second pair at the REI garage sale for $10.


Score!

[snipecatcher]

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/footwear/mens/service&start=0&selectedSKU=0548-04498-0008

Bates service boots. No, I've never been in the armed services, etc, and I don't do any hardcore hiking, but by golly, I love my boots! I hunt, therefore I am in rocky country all day some days, which these are perfect for. I'm also on my feet 8 hours at a time sometimes when I'm at work, which is hell on the feet, but these sure do help. I wear them every day as my main pair of shoes, and I feel comfortable jumping off a building in them without rolling an ankle (and I have, several times :) ) Anybody else on here a compulsive boot wearer?
-Dan

[stick]

I just got a pair of Montrail hikers about 3 weeks ago. They weren't as confy right out of the box as my old Merrell were, but after three weeks (I wear them to work every day) they are starting to "break in" and are much more comfy. Here's what I got:

http://www.montrail.com/Product.aspx?prod=104&cat=120&top=1

[HanzoSteel]

I've got Columbia shoes that I've been happy with which are getting pretty worn out from about 18 months of hiking every week. And some Land Rover boots which I bought onsale somewhere about 10 years ago, I think I only paid $60 for them and have held up pretty good and still use them in the winter for hiking.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2863146279_044433858a.jpg?v=0

[HanzoSteel]

Hmm I still can't figure out the [img] thing, I know I did it correctly...

[slooowr6]

Hmm I still can't figure out the [img] thing, I know I did it correctly...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2863146279_044433858a.jpg

Try this:
image location .

[mountainpete]

I'm a huge fan of the North Face Hedgehog XCR. Great for fast, technical hikes/scrambling and even for just around town. I even found a second pair at the REI garage sale for $10. :wings:

http://static.backcountry.com/images/items/large/TNF1369/HGSBG.jpg

I have a pair of those. I was in love for the two weeks before I took them to Europe for a month. The soles wore down and the fabric on the inside heel ripped on both shoes. Very disappointing experience for me.

I've since switched to Keen shoes and won't go back. Love them! But for most times just out an about in the wild, I still wear a pair of Vasque Sundowner classic leather boots - or Tevas!

Pete

[HanzoSteel]

Try this:
image location .

I do that, if you quote the original you will see its URL to pic

I actually click the "Insert Image" button to add the pic.

[slooowr6]

I do that, if you quote the original you will see its URL to pic

I actually click the "Insert Image" button to add the pic.

Got it, it's the "?v=0" at the end of your URL. Remove it and the image should work.

[HanzoSteel]

Got it, it's the "?v=0" at the end of your URL. Remove it and the image should work.


Thanks a bunch, not sure why it does that.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I recently picked these up at a Sears.........(an old KMART Store).

They were in the Land's End Section. Marked $50 .......and I think I paid about $12 bucks! Marked way down.....Summer Close out!.....Dude!.....Sweet!

If you have ever been with me on the trail.....you know I normally just have Local Kine Slippers on from Hawaii. I keep my shoes tucked away! Too Hot!

These are perfect! No Socks.........Plenty of Air.........and feet no get Hot....Bradda!


Summer Only!


http://www.landsend.com/pp/BeachTrekkerShoes~159135_253.html

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/LandsEndKhaki.jpg



I got the Khaki................



.

[RAV4fun]

Since my last post here as TeleScooby I've had a bit of an about-face as far as footwear. I now hike barefoot or wearing a pair of these:

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/images/products/148//large.jpg

They ROCK! There is nothing like being able to really feel the terrain you are exploring. I highly recommend trying some barefoot hiking, start slow, but once your feet and legs get used to it you'll never turn back!

[jeepmedic46]

Those look comfy.