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/Deta...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

[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.

[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.

[calamaridog]

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

Score!