HikeArizona.COM

hmm...
I need suggestions on good Hiking boots that will last me awhile, yet are comfortable and light weight. ????????

Hoka One Speed Goat 4 My wife and I love these shoes. They have a knobby Vibram sole, great traction. We get a couple years out of them.

I've got a pair of size 12 Salewah Mountain Trainers that are just too damn narrow for my feet. If you are interested please DM me.

Has anyone tried this newest variation of the Salomon X-Ultra series? They are intriguing, but was hoping to hear real feedback before I shell out $220

https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/cata ... A%20ALPINE

@LindaAnn
They look really pointy. Ouch. I like that Salomons run narrow, since I have narrow feet. Just wish they allowed toes to splay instead of squishing them together.

@azbackpackr

The pair I ordered arrived last night. They seem to have the same boot cut/shape as the regular X Ultra 4, which has a lot more toe space than the 3 had. The only real difference seems to be the tread pattern. I’m hoping they are better on wet rock, because the standard 4 does not have good wet grip.

@LindaAnn
Well let us know how it goes!

Recommendations for some waterproof hiking shoes/boots. Been out of touch for shoes for awhile. I really don't like waterproof, thus I no longer own a pair, but it looks like I may be encountering snow for the second time in a month and would at least like to be able to dink around or do small hikes in a little snow. Probably looking to get mids rather than lows, just to increase chances of keeping snow out of the top. Will probably have to visit an REI Store for them, I can't order shoes without trying them on because the sizes/fit vary so much and I'm crunched for time. I was looking to replace my Bushidos anyway, so I will have to go in. And I wear Men's shoes/boots. I generally like the La Sportiva Brand, but would be nice to hear what you all have to say.

@outdoor_lover
I love my Merrell waterproof Moab mids! They did excellent in the few miles of snow encountered in the Grand Canyon and Tetons as well as rainy and wet conditions in Patagonia. In general, I am a Merrell Moab vent lows fan for desert and fair weather hiking. My microspikes fit well over the Merrell mids. I'm very happy with their waterproof performance in the snow and rain. It was hard to deal with foot sweatiness encountered in a waterproof boot after so many years hiking in vents. But worth it for certain conditions, I think. Sock choice helps a lot with that, too.

I got my waterproof Merrells at the Merrell outlet by wild horse pass as REI didn't have that model or my size (aka BIGFOOT! ).

I also adore my keen high snow boots if you are going to be in massive snow! I use them for sledding or big/deep snow activities.

I have an older version of these: https://www.rei.com/product/176617/keen ... ots-womens

@Vashti
After living in MN for 14 years, I made it my life's goal to never go anywhere where I have to deal with massive snow ever again.

@outdoor_lover
I'm originally a Michigan native, so I get that!

I have Altra Timps waterproof hightops. I haven't tried them with snow, however. I don't fit in most shoe brands, so these do for me. I require a hightop due to extremely narrow feet that "fall out of" sneaker-type shoes. The Timps have a roomy toebox, a narrow heel, and are zero drop. All of which works well for me, since for most of my life I have worn sandals and flip flops--having the heel raised is unnecessary. The waterproof Lone Peaks, same brand, are similar.

https://www.rei.com/product/234678/altr ... R4QAvD_BwE

@outdoor_lover
FWIW, Cathy always liked her Salomon WP shoes... the mids and the low cut. Lightweight and comfortable.

Itaska cold rain/sleet slush. Sorrell Glacier for post holing.

I can’t seem to find any reason to separate from my Salomon XA Pro 3D trail runners. They are low and not waterproof, but I’ve hiked in 6-8” of snow and did not really notice much beyond damp socks, my feet never got cold. Gaiters help if I decide I care enough to keep the snow out. If you haven’t tried vented shoes with gaiters in snow, give it a shot and see if some cheap gaiters can save you from a bigger investment in additional footwear.

Salomon makes mid shoes in GoreTex versions. In general they are lightweight but well built and very durable for Arizona trails. I get 500+ miles out of a pair and I am not nice to them. Their quicklace system is unique and you either love it or hate it.

Jackluminous wrote:I can’t seem to find any reason to separate from my Salomon

As a fairly dedicated Solomon wearer, I would agree with this except perhaps the reason being ... price. Then again, sometimes it really is true that you get what you pay for, and the value that Salomons provide might just be worth it. ymmv

Thanks everybody. Ended up with the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX. I have never been disappointed with this brand and even though they were spendy, they will probably last me the rest of my outdoor life since they won't be worn that much. I would have.considered the Salomons, but I've never been a fan of the quick lace system and I wouldn't be able to modify how they tighten up, like I can with traditional laces to lessen heel slippage.

@outdoor_lover
Cathy had four pairs of Salomons, but all had a conventional lace system which we both prefer as well.