hiking shoe/boot/sandal recommendations thread

[azdesertfather]

Thought I'd start a thread that we can post to over time and give people recommendations on good hiking shoes/boots/sandals (whatever). I had a couple of pair that lasted me for a really long time, I guess I got spoiled. But I've had some bad luck with hiking boots my last three tries, maybe you've had similar experiences.

Finally in frustration I started digging around online for recommendations, and found a site called consumersearch that combines reviews from Backpacker Magazine, Cabelas, Buzzillions, GearReview, Zappos, REI, and others. Here's what the recommended:

• Lightweight hiking shoes: Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low
• Mid-cut hiking shoes for more ankle support: Keen Targhee II Mid
• Lightweight hiking boots: Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Gore-Tex XCR
• Heavy-duty leather backpacking boots: Kayland Vertigo High
• Women's hiking boots: Lowa Banff Lady

Have been looking online for some Keen Targhee IIs, and OUCH! LITTLE pricey...

Thinking at this point to go Teva, which still aren't on the cheaper side, but I understand will be a good investment?

[dysfunction]

Feet are getting wider? Then why is it such a horrible pain for me to find shoes or boots wide enough for my EE's outside Europe?!?!

If you can get away with trail running shoes (I've pretty much given up on boots), you can get em MUCH easier in A's... Amazing, running shoes actually are somewhat designed to fit.

[fricknaley]

Vasque Velocity trailrunners in my size (probably overstock) online.

i had a pair of these. they were very comfortable but i blew out a heel after 200 miles. now i'm wearing some soloman trailrunners and they are holding up like rockstars

[dysfunction]

I really, REALLY am in love with my Solomans, best trail runners I've used.. for running, hiking and backpacking... even ultra comfy with the lacing system loosened hanging around camp

[berkforbes]

what model salomon trail runners are you referencing? i chewed through a pair of timberland trail runners in less than a month.. thank god i got the warranty..

[dysfunction]

I have XA pro 3d ultra's

[BobP]

i chewed through a pair of timberland trail runners in less than a month..

Four letters MLDV ...good thing we didn't do Salt trail last month it literally ate my trail runners and spit them out.

[fricknaley]

I have XA pro 3d ultra's

great minds think alike. these shoes ROCK

[allanalxndr]

I have the Asolo Fugitive GTX and for the past year they have worked pretty good for me. I really like them and the support they give me.

[BobP]

dysfunction wrote:
I have XA pro 3d ultra's

great minds think alike. these shoes ROCK

I looked at those when they were on sale...I heard about problems with lacing system...I'll have to give them another looksee after such glowing phrase

[joebartels]

I like the XT Wings

The clear plastic reinforcer really does work. It must be made of some space age material because it will not crack. I've tried on Squaw, knowing REI will replace

I've never experienced better support and durability.

However I don't wear them much since my Under Armour's are SO COMFY! Unfortunately they get torn up easily and only last a couple months too

[dysfunction]

The Soloman sole seems to wear like iron too.. at least in comparison to my montrails, which were dead within months.

[BobP]

I'm def gettin the Solomans...I just read a review that said "these shoes will make you a Rockstar".

[Sredfield]

I stopped at the Hiking Shack a couple weeks ago to look at/buy some Danners. They were too busy to sell me any, or even talk about it. : ( The Lowa trekkers that fit so well don't last for squat, so I'm looking for fit and durability. Summit Hut?

[trekkin_gecko]

i've been wearing the salomon xa comp 3 for hiking and trail running for a few years
love them, but they don't wear the greatest and i probably go through a pair every 6-9 months
if you ever get up to flagstaff, there are three stores (babbit's, peace surplus and the other place downtown) that all have a different selection than REI does
kind of hard to return something if it doesn't work out, though

[hippiepunkpirate]

(babbit's, peace surplus and the other place downtown)

Aspen Sports or Four Season Outfitters?

[fricknaley]

love them, but they don't wear the greatest and i probably go through a pair every 6-9 months

yeah, the downside of trailrunners is that they just don't last that long. but the upside is still worth it (for me)

[dysfunction]

yea, but 6-9 mos is longer than any of my running shoes last anyway... so I consider that good mileage. That being said, my Asolo's would have probably only made it a year if I wore those every time I went hiking.

[fricknaley]

yea, but 6-9 mos is longer than any of my running shoes last anyway

agreed

[Jeffshadows]

Two long summer hikes and a brand new pair of trail runners are reduced to a smoldering pile of advanced plastics for me.

[dysfunction]

that's how my montrails lasted... the salomons have been much better.. I think because the XA 3d ultras are supposed to be road/trail