Hiking shoe under $150 with a stiff sole

Check out the Patagonia Drifter AC. It is a light low top with an aggressive tread and stiff sole. There are WPB and leather versions too

This was my go-to hiking shoe all summer and really worked for me. I bought them at REI and they have that 20% off fill price sale now, so they should be about $104.

http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/product/810814/patagonia-drifter-ac-hiking-shoes-mens

Sco Jo,

Have you tried any shoes/boots made by Keen? I'm the same as you. When I hike in soft trail running shoes for beyond four days the lower back of my heels get these nasty deep blisters and the lower back of my heel also becomes very tender when I walk, especially when I first start off in the morning. It takes about a mile before I can comfortably walk. I will say I don't hike all the time, but when I do I jump straight in with minimum 25 mile days.

I found Keens to prevent this problem. Not all the way, but greatly improved over soft shoes. They have a tight heels, firm sole, and wide toe box. Give them a try.

I really like their closed toe sandals.

I am fortunate to have a flag ship REI store close to my residence. They have an excellent staff and one individual in particular has been to several manufacturer facilities. He not only understands the marketing hype, but is also versed on the technical aspects.

Footwear is very personal, if you have a good retailer nearby, I would recommend spending sometime trying out different brands.

I find feet adjust pretty well to whatever they are in. Feet are extremely moldable, it just might take a little time.

When I started with some minimal shoes, my feet were sore at the end of the day after a long day on rocks. But always OK the next morning.

After a couple of trips, not even close together, that didnt happen anymore.

Unless you have really given a fair try to other kinds of shoes, I wouldnt assume they will never work for you.

Green superfeet arch supports hurt peoples feet at first, then the foot conforms to it and no more discomfort, and then people wont hike without them.

What works for me:

1. LL Bean Mountain Tread, gore tex, low top 2# 15 oz for the pair.

2. Montrail Rogue Racer trail running shoes, mesh, not waterproof, 19 ounces for the pair.

If I know my trail will be gnarly, I use the first. If the trail is well worn, I go with the 2nd shoes.

Either way, I have to be very mindful of every footfall, no sloppy placements, please.

I've dropped 8-10 lb off my former pack weight, so a lighter shoe will suffice for most trails. Wet trails? ew. I hate cold, rainy trips, so I'll either stay home or use the LL beans. Vasque also has a low top called the Scree w/gore tex, seems popular. I found them comfy in the store.

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La Sportiva Eco 2.0 GTX though they are Goretex lined.

You can always take the sole out, that way you can pick the fit, price etc, that you like. Most cheap shoes have stiff soles, you could replace a hiking shoe with one of those. I've done that before and it works pretty well.

These come in both a "shoe" and a mid-boot and are surprisingly light; REI carries them, so they might be worth trying on…

Looking at the Lowa Tempest at REI. They have a nice stiff vibram sole and feel pretty good. On sale too for $100.

I wore a pair of Lowa Renegade mid tops around the wonderland trail Aug 2012. Break in: quick, if at all. Before I reduced my kit weight and revised my walking style, I felt rocks and roots through the soles of these very excellent light boots. They have Gore Tex liners. BUT these exceed your price limit by $50.

Another ll Bean shoe: Men's Bean's Waterproof Trail Model Hikers, Low-Cut 89 clams. comfy shoes, more like sneakers. Soles not very stiff. 4 oz lighter per shoe than the LL Bean low cut Mountain treads. I haven't taken these Trail Model Hikers camping.

I had a similar problem with lightweight low cut trail shoes, especially on rocky trails or going cross-country over rocks/boulders. My feet would feel really beat up by the end of the day, and after a week I was miserable.

So now I use mountain biking shoes with an aggressive tread. Bike shoes have a very stiff insole, some are even steel. No more problems with walking over sharp rocks. My current pair are Mavics.

Get 'em cheap at Bike Nashbar or Performance Bicycle. Lots of choices $50 – $100.

I picked up a pair of this brand from SAC for something like 60 bucks. They show up there often enough, and must be available at backcountry.com.

A bit heavy compared to my trail runners, but have a very stiff Vibram sole. I really like them, especially when off trail or on steep, rocky trails.