HikeArizona.COM

I live in Queen Creek and try to get out to enjoy a good trail run or hike at least twice a week. I regularly summit Pass and Camelback Mountains. Up to this point, sice I like to run as much of these trails as possible, I've been wearing my Asics running shoes.

Despite adding gel soles, I noticed that my feet were getting beat up on the descents. I think I need a pair of hiking boots. But I'd still like the comfort to be able to kick up the speed, or bound from stone to stone. I can afford a moderately priced shoe (if $150 is moderately priced). Any suggestions?

I use a trail runner for hiking AND backpacking. I go with the Montrail, as they are the only type of shoe that seems to work best for my feet. Try out a trail runner. REI has several different types, it's a bit pricey, but if they don't work for you, you can return them. Mary

I second Montrails. I've had both their boots (Torre GTX) and trail runners (Diez Vista) and they have both worked very well, I use the trail runners for all of my hiking now.

You should also look at Keen's new Targhee.

I have a feeling that shoe preference is going to be about as varied as any of these opinion threads gets.

With that being said, I have a discontinued pair of Nike ACG's that I'm really fond of. They're comfortable, light, and about as agressive as anything I've ever seen. Since they were discontinued I got 'em for about 30 bones.

Why I'm recommending shoes that aren't available anymore, I don't really know. Anybody check out that new commadore 64 game?

like others, ive been using trail shoes for a while. Andrew seems to dig his Diez kicks and plus theyre dead sexy. I would say try a brand at a big-box store and then buy them here: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/d/6884 ... iking.html