Favorite Adventure Shoe?

[Cory Smith]

For years, I used the Nike Air Orizaba because it was a good combination of my three most important criteria: good traction, good cushioning, and good stability (low profile). I also liked that it drained water really well and was light-weight. But Nike has given up on the adventure shoe category, and I have struggled to find a good replacement. I would like to hear your thoughts.

I will use the shoe primarily for fast mountain hiking and running in Alaska (pack weight ranging from zero up to 25 lbs). This means tundra running, rock scrambling, mud bogging, and bushwhacking, as well as some on-trail use.

I tried a pair or Salomon XA Pros for a while, and really liked the stability, but the traction was poor on wet tundra and mud. When I got sick of slipping and falling on my ass, I bought the most aggressive-soled shoe I could find – the Inov-8 Mudclaw 330-O. These shoes were great, except that the cushioning was non-existent and the huge lugs began to break off after a few uses. I also tried on the Inov-8 Roclite 295, but it felt sloppy – a different last than the 330-O.

Is it possible to find a good adventure shoe that has very good traction, good cushioning and decent stability? What do you recommend?

[te – wa]

you might try a shoe with stealth rubber if you want wet traction. the 2 shoes that come to mind are 5/10 and Vasque.

Im looking for the same qualities in a shoe that you are, with the addition of low cost. I sometimes will try on a shoe at an outdoor store, and then find them later on sale or closeout. the latest pair i bought were fantastic and after several uses have proven their worth. got 'em for $36
(retail at REI, $100 usd)
well anyway, stealth rubber is great but the tradeoff is life. i never had a lug fall off like the (imo super-overrated inov8) but the stealth will wear down much faster if you hike on hard rocks and soil like i do. if you can accept that there is no perfect shoe, your options open up tremendously. still, id rather wear the Dunlop KTs if I could find them.

[Huzefa @ Blue Bolt Gear]

Interesting. Like you I have been looking for good traction, cushioning, and stability in a light shoe. I own a pair of Salomon XA 3D Pros which I really like except for it performance on wet rock. I guess I have made some record in slipping and it has become a standing joke. At first I began to feel something is wrong with me but after a some research I found that the problem is in the sole! :)

I have been looking at Roclite 285 & X-Talon 212 (212 gms!). Both have sticky rubber compound sole unlike endurance rubber compound sole in 295 & 330-O. I have read that soft sticky rubber wears out fast so I am waiting for a good deal to come by.

Another option I am looking at is FiveFingers Flow.
Whether ChiRunning in colder temperatures or crossing a stream with your kayak, the new FiveFingers Flow provides comfortable barefoot protection. A 1.2mm Neoprene lining and 2mm EVA footbed provide the thermal insulation and protection. And our new GM50 performance rubber (available only in black) is razor-siped for added slip resistance over a variety of surfaces.

Take a look at the materials:
UPPER – 1.2 mm Neoprene & Hypalon® straps
BLACK SOLE- Vibram GM-50 grip rubber
FOOTBED- Antimicrobial microfiber

None of the material used absorb much water which means no soggy shoes in rain! And lets talk about ounce saving and multiuse:
>shoes in cool weather
>no socks needed
>can be used inside winter boots or down booties as VB socks
>camp shoes
>many more which I haven't thought of yet!

Hope this helps.

[Roger Caffin]

> still, id rather wear the Dunlop KTs if I could find them.

RIGHT ON!

[David Chenault]

Then, I like Montrail. The CTC fits your criteria. I use it and the Hardrock depending on the trip.

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