Monday, April 13, 2009

I am looking for hiking shoes that can stand getting soaking wet...?

I like to go out in nature here in the tropics and its usually quite wet and there is always a need to cross a stream or river. What hiking shoes would be able to stand getting totally soaking wet and still be good to wear? It should also be a to drain and dry fairly fast. Any good shoes from Timberland?

I am looking for hiking shoes that can stand getting soaking wet...?
There are really three ways to go on this.





1) Try to keep water away from getting inside your boots at all times.


The best way to do this is to use waterproof boots. Most of the best ones use Gortex. You can add gaiters if necessary for stream crossings in case the water level is above the tops of your boots.


Disadvantages include that even the most breathable waterproof materials do not breath as well as materials that aren%26#039;t water proof, so you risk hiking in sweat soaked socks. Also, if the insides of your shoes get wet, they take much longer to dry if they are waterproof. Gaiters are extra weight and will make you feet sweat more.





2) Have something to change into for stream crossings. Best ideas are Crocs, water shoes or athletic sandals (e.g. Tevas). If you are backpacking you can also use the %26quot;water friendly%26quot; footwear in camp - it’s nice to have something highly breathable and less constricting to change into. Disadvantages are the extra weight and the time it takes to get in and out of your boots and to safely secure socks and boots for the crossing. Still, this is usually my choice.





3) The third is to choose footwear that won%26#039;t retain water. Trail sandals (Chacos and Tevas are the most popular) are the ultimate here. Boots with a lot of breathable mesh are a compromise between the total lack of ankle support you get with sandals and the water retention of water proof boots. Trail running shoes are another possible compromise. There are some very shoe-like sandals (such as Keen Newport H2) Sandals for this purpose and some which are more like trail running shoes made of waterproof material that have lots of drainage (such as the Five Ten Water Tennie Shoe) . This last kind of shoe seems to come closest to what you are looking for - shoes made of fabric that won%26#039;t retain water, won%26#039;t be damaged by water and drain won%26#039;t hold water.





The disadvantage of most of these options is the lack of ankle support, but I go with them sometimes - especially if the terrain isn%26#039;t too rugged and my pack isn%26#039;t too heavy.





I%26#039;d avoid Timberland for hiking shoes. Go with a local outdoor outfitter, or try a chain like REI, LL Bean or EMS (watch for sales especially with EMS). I%26#039;d suggest going to a bricks and mortar store because fit is essential, especially for boots (less so for Crocs and Sandals).
Reply:As Lucas A has stated Gore-Tex is the way to go!





I am about to get a new pair after many years of using my old ones and they are still waterproof.





I would expect that a good pair of Hiking Boots would be at least $150.00 and your feet will appreciate the fact that you got a good pair. :-)
Reply:My husband does alot of hunting and he get alot of his boots, shoes and clothing at Bass Pro Outdoors Shop. He even has under garments that soak up the sweat but keep you dry. Amazing!
Reply:Find a pair of boots that are Gore-tex lined. Gore-Tex is both water-proof and breathable. You can find these boots with Vibram soles on them as well. These are typically high-end items, so be prepared to pay around $200+ for them.
Reply:You have to pay for a good pair of walking boots make sure they have a Vibram sole as they are best. no boot is totally water proof. However I prefer leather uppers and treat them after every walk/hike. You are always better to go to the shop and try them on rather than over the net. Get a pair of good socks then break the boots in around the house for a few hours.



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Synthetic suede hiking shoes?

looking for hiking shoes, but every pair i see either has suede or leather or nubuck. i don%26#039;t want that, unless it%26#039;s synthetic. anyone know where i could find any?

Synthetic suede hiking shoes?
Wal Mart


Famous Footwear



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Best hiking shoes/boots/whatever for women?

I%26#039;m moving to a mountain area pretty soon and want to spend a lot of time hiking...I%26#039;ve never done more than a few hours though and always in sneakers. I want to invest in some good footwear for this but I%26#039;ve no idea what to get. I%26#039;ve heard trail running shoes are more comfortable than boots but that the latter have better ankle support. So any advice (especially from those with size 9 1/2 W feet) would be greatly appreciated!

Best hiking shoes/boots/whatever for women?
footwear is always tricky. i would suggest waiting until you move, then check out the outdoors-type stores in the area. ask local hikers, store employees, etc., what they use. it%26#039;s going to depend heavily on the type of trails (rocky, well-maintained, overgrown, sandy?), how wet the area is, and the quirks of your own feet. for just day-hiking you really don%26#039;t need boots (and i don%26#039;t even wear boots for multi-day backpacking trips). see if you can find a shop with employees who have been trained in how to actually fit a shoe properly, and make sure they will accept returns on used footwear, in case they sell you a pair that make you bust out in blisters. the problem with most sneakers is that the the treads on the shoe tend to be very shallow, which doesn%26#039;t give them much grip on mountain trails. good luck!
Reply:First check to see if there is an REI store near by. that is rei.com their sales people are very good and really know there stuff. Go to the store and try on lots and lots of boots, walk on the treadmill and try them on the fake rocks to make sure the bottoms are stiff enough to not bruise your feet on sharp rocks. Almost all of the boots that REI sells are Gortex, allowing your feet to breath while keeping them absolutely dry. They also have a very good return policy. The boots at REI usually range between $100 to $200 but they are worth it. I hiked for years in regular shoes and in boots that didn%26#039;t fit well, I was amazed at the difference a really great pair of boots makes.
Reply:I highly recommend gortex...or is it cortex...anyways anything with that will keeps your feel warm, comfortable and dry.
Reply:Don%26#039;t know if you%26#039;ve ever worn Crocs or the knock offs but with a pair of socks (heavy if hiking rough terrain) these can be a god send. They are lightweight and if they get wet, no problem and your feet can breathe too. They don%26#039;t offer the rugged support of a hiking boot but if your ankles are not weak you might want to try this.
Reply:I have been wearing Ecco hiking boots for the past couple of years for up to week-long hiking trips. I LOVE them and my dad has even switched and wears them for work too. As mentioned, goretex is really nice to have. Ecco has short and tall boots depending on what you need-I usually wear short, but my friend has bad ankles so he has the same model in talls. Ecco is really good, as a company, about making sure you%26#039;re happy with their product.



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Best hiking shoes?

What%26#039;s one of the best pairs of hiking shoes you%26#039;ve had? I do quite a bit of hiking.





I love quality products and believe that they should get the attention they deserve.

Best hiking shoes?
I agree with Marc H.





I also have a pair of Merrell Chameleon Wrap Stretch Gore-Tex XCR.





They fit so well that you don%26#039;t feel like you are putting on a shoe, but wrapping your foot in some flexible armor; similar to a sock with aggressive tread that is insanely flexible and comfortable. I bought a pair to wear constantly, not just for hiking although they are very, very suitable for the most avid hiker. The Gore-Tex keeps your feet just the right temperature and lets your foot breath without sweating as to avoid blisters or your feet sweating then freezing in the winter.





Also during the winter months as people were slowing down to go on sidewalks, or crossing parking lots because of ice, I could easily keep a steady pace without fear of losing my footing.





The only negative thing about the shoes that I%26#039;ve noticed is that they will let water in pretty easily, and are low top, as some people prefer a high top hiking boot.





These shoes are also worn by the famous Bear Grylls who hosts Man V.S. Wild show, and an Ex British SAS Special Forces.





http://www.merrellboot.com/Shop/Detail.a...
Reply:I do a lot of hiking too. Some years ago, I bought some LOWA shoes. Soft, comfortable, but not too durable. They had the best feel. Lately I have been using shoes by Salomon, very light, feel like you are wearing socks with soles.
Reply:Hey, the best hiking shoes I have currently are Merrell Chameleon Wrap Gore-Tex XCR....They are so damn comfrotable. I even climb a bit with these. I use them for everything. The tread on the bottom is great. They cost about $120. Was worth every penny. I have other Merrell shoes as well. Merrell is my favorite. Also Check out North Face...
Reply:I hike about 15-20 miles per week and I wear the Merrell Chameleon Stretch. I%26#039;ve been wearing this shoe for about 6 years - I just bought my 4th pair. They mold to your foot and I wouldn%26#039;t even consider anything else on my day hikes.
Reply:Merrell Pulse ll





Just a great shoe with good arch support and heel padding. Comfortable, too.



credot

Sneakers vs. hiking boots/shoes?

How important is it to have boots (or hiking shoes) instead of just plain sneakers when backpacking? total load, oh say 20 pounds or so...





Anyone out there ever tried backpacking in just plain sneakers? Was it awful?





I%26#039;ve never found a decent pair of hiking boots in my life that were at all comfortable when compared to sneakers. Not to mention the fact that they weigh so freakin%26#039; much and really slow you down.





Are hiking shoes a lot better than just plain sneakers for backpacking? And which brands do you recommend?

Sneakers vs. hiking boots/shoes?
I like Merrell hiking shoes. You%26#039;re right, though, they are a little heavier. I%26#039;m guessing this is just because they%26#039;re a bit more rugged to withstand the terrain you might encounter, and this is a good thing. Having the hiking shoes as opposed to the boots (which are even heavier) works for me and I LOVE the comfort of the Merrells.


It really depends on you personally. I mean, some people need boots for the ankle support.


I%26#039;ve been in sneakers and no, it wasn%26#039;t horrible, but I will say that my feet felt better after wearing the shoes designed for hiking.
Reply:They%26#039;ll protect you from an ankle injury, or protect your injured ankle as you hoble back to civilization. Columbia is good enough. Merrel too and Nike too. You%26#039;ll be surprised how light they can be.
Reply:I%26#039;m a fan of hiking boots, Yeah they%26#039;re a little heavy But does the weight really matter when you consider the cushioning and torsional resistance that a good boot will provide you ?


I also think that pack weight is kind of an over -rated if not a useless number in the equation.


Think about it:


When I%26#039;m in good hiking shape I%26#039;m about 220 lbs


With a 50 lb pack on I%26#039;m 270 lbs and with a 25 lb pack on I%26#039;m 245 lbs


A 50 lb pack represents 22.727% of my body weight


A 25lb pack represents 11.363 % of my body weight


For a difference of 11.364 %


The point being that most of what I%26#039;m asking my boots to react to is my unladen bodyweight not the insignificant difference in pack weight


If you%26#039;re a smaller person the numbers will still be in the same ballpark and your unladen bodyweight will still be most of the load on your feet.
Reply:Depends on the terrain. If its an easy smooth walk with no water crossings or anything, you%26#039;ll be just fine.





But if your on a difficult hike, harsh terrain, etc. a good pair of hiking boots are hard to beat. Make sure they fit good (not loose). A really good pair of socks are really important.
Reply:Depends on what kind of hiking. Hiking boots provide ankle support on rough trails. If it is on some sort of managed smooth trails that isnt rough ( I dont consider that hiking...that is just walking in the woods) then sneakers would be fine.


With shoes you get what you pay for. You are right there are a bunch of crappy hiking boots out there that arent comfortable. Go out there and find a pair or really good hiking boots for 150-200 bucks. They will be comfortable.


Anything less than about 100 bucks isnt really a hiking boot. We call them %26quot;Hiking boot shaped objects%26quot;


Personally, I like and use the Mephisto brand of hiking boots. Very strong, Very comfortable and very light. However they will set you back over 300
Reply:With the advent of ultralight backpacking, people%26#039;s backpacks now weigh under 30, 20, and sometimes 10 lbs, it is entirely feasible and in fact beneficial to toss out your heavy hiking boots in favor of lightweight trail shoes, cross training shoes, running shoes, or even hiking sandals like Teva or Keen.





There is simply no reason to spend $200+ on hiking boots, which weigh you down, take time to break in, must be treated with waterproofing and leather preservatives before use, take forever to dry, require two layers of thick socks, and will still give you blisters after hundreds of miles of use, especially if you don%26#039;t luckily buy the perfect size for your foot.





I%26#039;d much rather spend $50-$100 for New Balance trail runners, which are mostly mesh and thin material, dry quickly, require no break in time or effort, wear only thin nylon dress socks, which can be easily switched, washed and dried twice daily, and will rarely if ever give you a blister.





In action, I%26#039;ve hiked all over the Sierra in trail runners and Teva sandals including talus slopes, crossing all kinds of creeks, summiting multiple peaks, and hiking 20 mile days with a 10-20 lb pack weight, and I%26#039;ve never had any injuries nor foot problems nor more than a couple of small blisters.





This guy has had a similar experience: http://www.the-ultralight-site.com/hikin...
Reply:I have hiked long days in sneakers and hiking boots. Hiking boots protect my feet from impact far better than any sneaker. They also protect your ankle from being twisted on rocks in the trail. They have saved me many times from having a severely twisted ankle. I think they are built for load weight in mind, and in fact you can buy them based on the kind of hiking you%26#039;ll be doing. Columbia does a really good job of rating their boots by the type of hiking and amount of weight you%26#039;ll be carrying. I have a pair of Columbia hiking boots and they are surprisingly light, not much more than my cross trainers, and these boots were comfortable from the day I put them on. Also they are Goretex XCR so they are very waterproof and breathable which comes in really handy if you are climbing a mountain where snow is still present, or having to cross creeks (very common in my area). Bottom line, I wouldn%26#039;t hike without them.



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Hiking Boots Or Shoes?

I%26#039;m going to hike a 100 mile trail in Alberque New Mexico at Philmont in the mountains and i dont know whether to get hiking shoes or boots. Shoes lighter but boots more ank;e support?

Hiking Boots Or Shoes?
Boots, blisters, shoes, no blisters.


Boots heavy, shoes light.


Boots clumsy, shoes nimble.


Boots stay wet, get heavier, shoes dry quickly, don%26#039;t absorb much water to begin with.


Boots for carrying loads over 40 lbs, shoes for anything less.


You can read more about boots vs. shoes here: http://www.the-ultralight-site.com/hikin...
Reply:You should get boots for the ankle support. I am going to Philmont this summer too, and i just bought a new pair of boots made by Merrel. Whatever you do, you need to do it soon so you can break them in good before your trek. Have fun on your trek!!



koffice

Hiking shoes for women?

I am searching for a pair of hiking shoes for women that look in some way feminine. Im going backpacking later this year, and I know I need practical shoes but I cannot bring myself to buy the shoes available in traveling stores. Women styles appear to be no different to the mens other than size. Surely somebody is making them in colours other than beige and blue and with practical yet decent design?

Hiking shoes for women?
Hi





You dont say how much you want to spend or if this is a one off trip so I wil make some assumptions!!! I would strongly recommend Berghaus boots for your trip. They do a wide selection of styles and prices and can look quite feminine if your feet aren%26#039;t too big!!! My partner takes size five and she can get away wearing them under jeans etc. If you can afford it get a pair of Berghaus Explorer, these have goretex lining which will keep your feet dry and have a suede upper. These are the boots my partner has had for about five years and she swears by them. You can pick them up for between £50-£60 online from various stores.





Happy hiking!!!





Dean
Reply:Hiking shoes get dirty because you are walking --- in the dirt. That%26#039;s why they are colored to hide dirt. I think REI has a good selection of women%26#039;s hiking shoes. Yes, many look similar to men%26#039;s, but not all.
Reply:TRY TIMBERLAND.THEY DO THEM IN GIRLIE COLOURS AND WILL BE SUITABLE FOR HIKING.
Reply:I am sure you would look feminine in beige or blue!
Reply:When shopping for shoes or boots, I always go to zappos online - even if you want to actually buy the boots in a store, zappos gives you a good idea of what%26#039;s out there and you can see what looks nice for you.



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Hiking shoes for Mission Peak?

I hike up Mission Peak (Fremont,CA) pretty regularly and am looking to buy some hiking shoes. Can I go for low profile ones or is it better to go for mid height ones for Mission Peak. Hopefully someone who has hiked Mission Peak can help me

Hiking shoes for Mission Peak?
I have hiked it many times, I just bought some hiking shoes from this local show store place. I don%26#039;t even know what brand they are but they work great. :]



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Hiking shoes vs. sneakers??

I will be doing some hiking and was wondering if there was a huge difference between wearing hiking shoes and regular sneakers or a pair of running shoes. The hiking isn%26#039;t very rough.

Hiking shoes vs. sneakers??
If you are going to be hiking for several hours hiking boots are the way to go. They are built to give you support and cushioning for longer treks than your average sneaker. The boot also protects your ankle, it is very easy to turn your ankle on some rocky trails.
Reply:Yes sneakers will be fine. This lady who won doesn%26#039;t know what she%26#039;s talking about! Report It

Reply:i owuld wesr a pair of sturdy shoes, but dont mke them brand new. they should be broken into. i would wear running shoes, or sneakers. those would give you the most comfort and if the hiking isnt rought then those would do the best job.
Reply:Well, not really. Hiking boots are tougher, to provide ankle stability and instep support as well as to protect your toes from hitting rocks and whatnot. Plus, the high-top hiking boots will protect your ankles from being torn up from the undergrowth. Since you%26#039;re doing a relatively easy hike, you should be fine in sneakers -- just make sure that you have enough %26#039;grip%26#039; on the bottoms for traction (Chuck Taylors won%26#039;t be very good on a hike). The terrain may seem easy but the rocks or sand or anything else on the trail may make you slip as you hike. Have fun!!!
Reply:If you plan on doing a lot of hiking in rough terrain then hiking shoes would be necessary. They give your better traction, protect your ankle from a sprain, and keep you from stubbing your toe.





But a sneaker should be fine if the hike isn%26#039;t rough.
Reply:If you just doing a short distance wear what feels comfortable.
Reply:Don%26#039;t do it blisters...knees, ankles etc will all be thankful you laid down some cash for hiking boots...
Reply:The first two answers are great. The hiking boots will provide your feet and ankles more protection than sneakers. Though, if you really don%26#039;t expect the hiking to be rough, sneakers may be fine. Do be sure to break-in whatever footwear you plan to hike in, though.



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Hiking Shoes: Hi-Tec vc Gore Tex?

What%26#039;s the difference(s) between %26#039;Hi-Tec%26#039; and %26#039;Gore Tex%26#039; hiking shoes? Which is better? Why the big price difference? I need it for hiking when the humidity is very high (~90%). Can I use my waterproof hiking boots as %26#039;wet%26#039; shoes for water activities? By the way, what are %26#039;wet%26#039; shoes exactly? Can I wear sandals instead of my hiking boots for water activities when it was mentioned that %26#039;wet%26#039; shoes must be able to provide full protection to the feet?

Hiking Shoes: Hi-Tec vc Gore Tex?
As for the wet shoes portion of your question, no sandals aren%26#039;t considered wet shoes. You need something that has a full grip on the bottom and can be submerged in water without damaging the shoe.





Look up Salomon Sandals to get an idea.





Waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry from puddles and rain but not when submerged in water.
Reply:I have hi-tec shoes because i couldn%26#039;t afford good goretex and the boots work just fine. DONT WEAR SANDALS! I don%26#039;t care if you think they%26#039;re comfortable it%26#039;ll ruin your feet if you are walking in water. You don%26#039;t want your feet to keep getting wet it can lead to infections and possibly gangrene. I know it%26#039;s hard to wear boots when hiking in hot weather but it%26#039;ll be good for your feet. My boots were 40 bucks and are waterproof as well. Also, get some hiking socks, preferrably wear liners which are thin socks to help rubbing aganist your feet and helps blisters, then get thicker hiking socks on the outside - it%26#039;ll be hot but worth it and comfortable. Go to a store like REI where the people who work there are incredibly nice and helpful.
Reply:Hi-Tec is a brand name of footwear. Gore-Tex is a fabric designed to allow moisture out, but not in (breathable- waterproof).





Hiking BOOTS: (good boots)


Designed to give ankle support by having a higher top that laces. The soles are rigid and thick. This allows you to carry loads on your back while not compromising your feet comfort. Designed to allow the wearer to walk over uneven surfaces without %26quot;feeling%26quot; every rock and root. Soles usually have metal or synthetic shanks (flat pieces horizontal to your foot) or a molded sole distributing the sharp impact of a surface (i.e. rock) across your entire foot. Can be waterproof if it has a fabric like Gore-Tex built in.





Hiking SHOES: Anywhere from leather to synthetic materials. More rigid than %26quot;tennis shoes%26quot; but lower cut and not typically designed to carry weight (softer soles). Can be waterproof if it has a fabric like Gore-Tex built in.





Water Shoes: Designed to be used in and out of the water and can dry quickly. Non leather. Very breathable and usually not designed for moderate activity out of the water. These are more designed for canoeing, swimming, fishing, etc. You will get them wet and will walk on rocks and such, but will not be wearing them on long hikes.











Waterproof shoes will generally also keep moisture in. Some people can have Gore-Tex boots on and their feet will never get damp. Others, who sweat a lot, will stay damp causing them to be prone to blisters. Unless I know I am going to be in very wet conditions I wear boots that are very breathable. Even if they get wet they will dry fast on the trail with good merino wool (or similar) socks.





Water sports I wear a show that is designed to get wet and has a neoprene layer that keeps rocks out of my shoe. Saloman does make some great footwear. Also check out Teva.





Advise-


Have a professional help you get fitted for boots. VERY VERY important to have a good fit. Tight in the heel, wiggle room in the toe box, and small enough that you toes do not slide forward when going downhill. You invariable will lose a toenail because it will go black and fall off if you have lots of downhills. Seen it happen.





You get what you pay for.





Waterproof not always the best and for good boots are a lot more expensive.








Try on some boots at a good outdoor store with attendants that know what they are talking about. Then you might look online for the shoes you want; you can save a lot of buck$.





What you need depends on what your activity. Hi-Tec is a pretty good company that makes fair products. Not bad for what you pay for. Asolo, Vasque, and Merrell are made really well and I have never had problems with any of them.





Hope this helps!



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