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Hiking shoes


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  • #3577855
    Lance
    Spectator

    @geaulite-2

    Hey everyone,

    As many of us gear up for the 2019 season, I figured I’d get your opinions on hiking shoes. I’m in the market for a shoe that is a low top and has some form of waterproofing. I know that trail runners such as ultra’s or Brooks are becoming the thing, however I’m in need of something that is a bit more rigid.

    I’ve had Salomon Ultra 2 low & mid in the past, which were great.  I went with the Salwea Wildfire’s last year and they ended up giving me knee problems.

    Thinking between Salomon or North Face..

    Please share any thoughts you have.

    #3577861
    David Thomas
    BPL Member

    @davidinkenai

    Locale: North Woods. Far North.

    The first thought I have is, Why waterproofing?  Your feet sweat.  You walk through wet grass in the morning and streams all day long.

    If I walk the dog for an hour, on a 18F day, on the snowy, wet beach in front of my house – yeah, waterproofed low-cut shoes may be the thing to wear.

    But when it’s above freezing?  When I’ll be hiking all day long?  I go with the best ventilated shoes and the most quick-drying socks.

    I do agree with low-cut shoes whenever I can use them, which, even here in Alaska, is most of the time.

    I also agree with the right amount of the stiffness.  For me, anything works for 10 miles in a day.  Form 10-20 miles, it needs to have some stiffness of a lot of cushioning.  Over 20 miles in a day, it needs to have a reasonably stiff sole or my foot feels beaten-up at the end of the day.  The Salomons and a pair of Merrill’s (not sure of the model) have been working well for me.

    #3577891
    Link .
    BPL Member

    @annapurna

    I am also wondering why you would want waterproof shoes, here are some articles by Andrew Skurka

    Minimizing the effects and aftermath of wet feet .

    Why “waterproof” shoes will not keep your feet dry .

    Complete failure: I gave “waterproof” Gore-Tex hiking shoes a second chance .

    Do you have some sort of foot issue that requires you to wear stiff shoe? What do you wear on a normal day?

     

    #3577897
    Lance
    Spectator

    @geaulite-2

    Thanks for the insights. I’ve never had an issue with my foot getting too hot or sweaty before. I mostly have GTX to keep out little puddles and such. It also seems to help keep dust and sand out of the shoes but I could be wrong.

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