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Post by downriver on Apr 16, 2022 16:18:11 GMT -8
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swiftdream
Trail Wise!
the Great Southwest Unbound
Posts: 528
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Post by swiftdream on Apr 17, 2022 6:31:30 GMT -8
I’d be interested in a longer term report after you have used them for hiking a while. I’ve also gone in the direction of cush instead of stiff soled shoes, took a while to build up strength in the feet but now everything is sublime for long rocky hiking. One thing I always put in any trail shoe are 10 Seconds 3030 Pressure Relief with Metatarsal Pad Insoles. They give my entire foot more cush but also serious metatarsal support.
As far as shoe life, anything with EVA midsoles is going to start deforming and need replacement after 400 miles or so. Always been that way for stability.
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Apr 17, 2022 8:08:50 GMT -8
Isn't such an elevated platform a bit unstable on rocky terrain and sidehill slopes?
I generally feel more sure-footed with fewer millimeters between my feet and the ground, but that's always a tradeoff with necessary protection and cushion.
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swiftdream
Trail Wise!
the Great Southwest Unbound
Posts: 528
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Post by swiftdream on Apr 17, 2022 9:36:57 GMT -8
That’s certainly a valid concern. He’ll let us know in time if he is experiencing anything. I had a foot injury too so I know what it is to find anything that works well to get a hiking fix. My Keens are doing very well, even when almost stepping right down on a rattlesnake last week. They did get me out of trouble as quickly as I got into it. They jumped me a good 47’ backwards. Loved it, got a couple excellent photos of the mythical creature and it’s fine set of rattles and triangular head. Anyway always looking for possible future footwear but it will need to be stable as you understand.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,876
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Post by driftwoody on Apr 17, 2022 10:09:12 GMT -8
I took my Keen Ridgeflex Mids on their first outing on Thursday, and I'm pleased with their comfort & performance. They're a little more boot than I was looking for, but the Salomon X Ultra 3 mid height wide was too narrow for my feet so I had to return them. The Keen in regular width fit fine.
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swiftdream
Trail Wise!
the Great Southwest Unbound
Posts: 528
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Post by swiftdream on Apr 17, 2022 10:21:37 GMT -8
Oh yeah, that’s why I like Keens, nice wide forfoot area that doesn’t pinch the ball of the feet or the toes. I’m using Arryo II with those pressure relief insoles over Dr Scholl pillow air soles, can only wear thin socks but no hotspots occurring. Super cushy but have done fine for our steep, rocky terrain. They are very ventilated. I’m on my third pair.
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Apr 18, 2022 6:44:32 GMT -8
Today, I picked up a pair of On Cloudmonster road running shoes. I’ve had a couple of nagging injuries that are hampering my hiking. Since I work 10-hour shifts on hard concrete floors, I thought these would help alleviate some of the pain and stress to above-mentioned injuries. I tried on ON trail runners, walkers and these running shoes. By far these were the most comfortable .. But my motivations for the shoes are not hiking; it’s to recover from injuries. The extra padding on the shoe bottom is now known as “stack” height. This is independent of “drop” … Altra zero drop trail shoes come in maximum cushion Olympus and Timp lines (the former uses Vibram and the latter Altra’s own proprietary sole .. for a price difference). Another brand, Hoka One One, also uses stack height in about every shoe they make and they have a high stack “recovery” sandal for around the house. There is an inherent instability with higher stacks but flatter ground should minimize unbalanced falls. Isn't such an elevated platform a bit unstable on rocky terrain and sidehill slopes? I generally feel more sure-footed with fewer millimeters between my feet and the ground, but that's always a tradeoff with necessary protection and cushion. Altra and Hoka One’s must have some research on said stack height as related to trail conditions. Should be noted that traditional boots have thicker soles too,
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Post by Coolkat on Apr 18, 2022 9:24:21 GMT -8
The last 5 or 6 years I've done all my hiking in Hoka's speed goats. I even used these for my 10 days in CO in 2020. I love them. Once these wear out I might look at the cloud monster but its hard to move away from something you know that works.
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Post by downriver on Apr 19, 2022 6:20:38 GMT -8
Shoes were very comfortable on their first 10-hour shift. No instability whatsoever. I enjoy the stack height quite a bit due to its excellent cushioning. A touch of rubbing on the inside of the shoes tongues, though. Other than that, good first work day.
Regards,
DR
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Post by downriver on Apr 24, 2022 14:59:48 GMT -8
I’ve enjoyed these shoes so much I went to REI yesterday for a return and traded out for another pair of Cloudmonster’s...! I’ve hiked three easy and flat trails (gravel surface) at a local wetland and a local FWS Refuge with them. They’ve been great at work, too. My only complaint is I get a little rubbing discomfort from the inside of the tongues (and I keep my laces loose). Overall, I plan on using these shoes at work and on short and easy hikes. I’ll use my La Sportivas for longer and more technical trails. I really enjoy how comfortable these shoes are out of the box. I’ve also found them true to size for me (11). I’ll check back in later in May for an update.
Regards,
DR
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Post by downriver on Sept 23, 2022 14:22:53 GMT -8
I’ve been using these shoes at work for five months now and they are great! Super comfortable, breathe well and look good. I wear one pair one week, the other pair the next and I’ve used them for easy hiking on two different gravel trails with no problems other than an occasional stone stuck in their unique soles over the five-month time period.. The shoes are made for road running, but I have a 20-minute walk from where I park to where I work and the shoes are quite comfortable for urban walking. I’ve have no problems whatsoever with the stack height and there are no balance issues. Both pairs have been washed in the washing machine at least 4x (my urban commute is quite nasty regarding what’s on the sidewalks and roads) during this time period with no damage to the shoes. Overall, I’m super happy with these shoes as the fit is perfect, the shoes are super comfortable during a 10-hour shift and I’ve encountered no real wear ‘n tear type of issues or defects.
Regards,
DR
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Post by downriver on Sept 26, 2022 12:09:07 GMT -8
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