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Hiking boots/shoes?

Discussion in 'Health & Fitness' started by MarkPDX, Sep 27, 2010.

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  1. MarkPDX

    MarkPDX F1 World Champ
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    #1 MarkPDX, Sep 27, 2010
    I'm going to be hiking Half Dome and some other stuff in Yosimite next month and am trying to figure out what boots/shoes to buy. I tried on a few pairs of Columbia hiking type boots over the weekend but wasn't really impressed with them. Any recommendations on who makes a good shoe/boot? Anybody who has done the hike up half dome with opinions on the subject?

    Alternately I'm thinking about just wearing my desert combat boots. They are fairly broken in to my feet after five deployments but aren't to worn out because you don't really wear them out flying. They have Vibram soles and I imagine are decent enough boots as they look identical to what the Army wears.
     
  2. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 wax, Sep 27, 2010
  3. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Veteran
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    #3 zygomatic, Sep 27, 2010
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2010
    Mark

    How much gear will you be carrying? And how long will you be hiking?

    If < 30/35 lbs pack, I can recommend Patagonia's Drifters. Very comfortable and stiff enough to carry some weight, but a) low topped and b) definitely not for people who're dragging a full ruck. If you're a day/shorter hiker, they're good shoes.

    I've also liked some of the Merrell Chameleons -- again, light hikers, low-top, less stiff than the Patagonias (but lighter). If you've light packs, they can be great hiking/scrambling shoes.


    If you're looking for full-on hiking boots (high top, etc), I can recommend Zamberlan (which can be pricey). I had a pair of Merrell hiking boots that worked, too.


    Most important, of course, is getting yourself out to the store to try on a pair. What works for my feet may not work for yours.

    2nd most important - even if you don't get new boots, get new socks.

    And 3rd most important. Break the new boots in. Walk in 'em. ... and bring Moleskin anyway.
     
  4. beast

    beast F1 World Champ

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    #4 beast, Sep 27, 2010
    Mark,

    I have never been a hiking boot fan until I tried on a pair of these..

    http://www.hi-tec.com/us/47833-product-karoo_mid-all.html

    I wear them all day long at work 10+ hours and yesterday wore them from about 6AM until 10 PM hiking around a motocross track in Denver and driving back to MT. My feet felt great after spending the day lugging my camera gear up and down hills and driving 575 miles in them.
     
  5. MarkPDX

    MarkPDX F1 World Champ
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    #5 MarkPDX, Sep 28, 2010
    Longest hike will be around 16 miles which includes the apparently steep hike up half dome. Won't be carrying anything but a Camelback full of water a few snacks and probably 10lbs of camera stuff.
     
  6. nerd

    nerd F1 Rookie

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    #6 nerd, Sep 28, 2010
    FWIW, I trail run in Mizuno Wave Ascend shoes, hike in Merrell Phasers and for really tough terrain (hunting, hiking where I need lots of ankle or shin protection, or working construction) I wear high top Red Wing Irish Setters.

    Honestly, I'd wear boots with which you are comfortable....you don't want to break-in a new pair on Half Dome!
     
  7. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #7 WILLIAM H, Sep 28, 2010
    I trekked all over Asia in a pair of Timberlands w some gel soles. Very comfy & durable. Take some extra laces just in case
     

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