Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2015 2:56:24 GMT -8
Hi everyone.
Here’s a question you probably had a lot in here: I have no idea which hiking shoes to choose. I have decided to start hiking and I live in Hong Kong. I have looked at some nice trails in all kinds of ground. In my hikes I won’t have much pack with me (day hikes mostly). I will be hiking in mountains. I expect to hike in 10+ degree celcius. It's important that I is waterproof and I should be able to go near waterfalls with my shoes. I expect to have short and long hikes. I am flexible with the price – it is not that important. What to choose? Which brands is good? Which qualities should I look for? etc. I am so confused :(
If you would suggest some models it would be nice. I prefer Columbia and Salomon because I like those brands, but it is not that important.
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toejam
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Hiking to raise awareness
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Post by toejam on Sept 14, 2015 4:19:15 GMT -8
Don't be confused - buy the shoes that fit well. The brand & features don't matter if they don't fit.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Sept 14, 2015 6:23:51 GMT -8
If you want waterproof shoes, you'll want gaiters to go along with your shoes. Don't expect miracles from any pair of shoes in regards to water repellency. I do pretty darn good when it comes to keeping my feet dry, but I'm considered a rarity based upon the amount of people's normal responses on this subject. You might consider going the opposite route and going with a quick dry shoe instead. That said, I use Gore-Tex lined boots. Asolo, Vasque, and Danner have treated me well in the past.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Sept 14, 2015 6:28:07 GMT -8
Fit, Fit, and then fit, in that order. Goretex or Event fabric will help with the waterproofness, but it makes the boot hotter. Many people have gone away from Goretex for that reason alone. Find store that sells outdoor boots and try on as many as it takes to find a pr that fits. You could start with the brands you like, and branch out if you don't find a good fit in those. I like Montrail, but also wear Columbia now that I have switched over to trail shoes. No more boots for me unless I anticipate snow.
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Sept 14, 2015 11:36:22 GMT -8
Don't be confused - buy the shoes that fit well. The brand & features don't matter if they don't fit. This. Fit, Fit, and then fit, in that order. This too.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Sept 14, 2015 13:46:34 GMT -8
You guys forgot that they must be orange. O.R.A.N.G.E.
Sheesh!
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toejam
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Post by toejam on Sept 15, 2015 17:51:48 GMT -8
The deal with hiking shoes is they are mostly made cheaply - they don't last very long and probably will be discontinued when you buy the next pair. So I can't get excited about any of the shoes I've had recently. I wear them out and get something else that fits well.
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Sept 16, 2015 10:04:06 GMT -8
The deal with hiking shoes is they are mostly made cheaply - they don't last very long and probably will be discontinued when you buy the next pair. So I can't get excited about any of the shoes I've had recently. I wear them out and get something else that fits well. Yeah, this. Pick something that fits well. Under moderate use it probably won't last the year out anyway. Most of mine don't unless I keep wearing them well past the point of being ruined. As Tigger mentioned, waterproofing is overrated in most lighter shoes, but gaiters will help a lot, or just fahgeddaboudit and get shoes that drain well.
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Post by Coolkat on Sept 27, 2015 14:59:52 GMT -8
When I got into hiking close to 10 years ago. Everyone steered me to hiking boots. However, it didn't seem to matter which boot I got I always developed blisters after 2 or 3 days. I learned to re-tape my feet before hiking and managed ok that way. However, about 1.5 years ago I switched over to trail running shoes to hike in. I'm in love!! I can hike for miles and miles and no blisters even without tape. The only exception is when I end up hiking all day in rain and then I will develop blisters on my small toes but it's not enough to stop me.
I'm wondering has anyone else switched from boots to shoes?
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Post by hikerjer on Sept 27, 2015 20:32:44 GMT -8
I'm wondering has anyone else switched from boots to shoes? I would guess a lot of us, if not most, have. About the only time I use regular hiking boots now is in the snow and on exremely rocky cross country treks. Otherwise, it trail shoes.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Sept 27, 2015 21:19:36 GMT -8
Trail shoes, or very light weight boots for me. Our boys have never hiked in anything other than running shoes or, in the last couple of years, light hikers/trail runners. They seem to do fine, and I'd probably go down to something that light if not for some foot issues that are better served by a thicker and heavier sole.
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Post by dayhiker on Sept 28, 2015 9:16:44 GMT -8
I have had very few stiff boots that I could break in. So I have generally preferred lighter ones. New Balance made some that felt just like moccasins , but the sole had no traction in mud and it wore out fast. I still have Garmin Broncos that I used for scrambling class, which I reserve for the few times I go off trail. (Other Garmins did not fit that welll) I tried LLBeans, but had to return it (forget why now maybe not waterproof), but now use their full leather boot which does have Gortex.
I have used river shoes for hiking in a stream in Utah, and neoprene socks which would fill with sand. So I could see going without waterproofing if isn't too cool. I did have one pair of boots the clerk warned me was not waterproof, and did not realize how wet they would get just from wet plants, my socks were squishy with water rather miserable. Of course if you are going to cross allot of streams that might be the way to go. I do have one weak ankle so support is important, but being careful is more so and a good sole helps more than anything?
Trail running shoes I use for some day hikes, and hiking in portland when it isn't too wet.
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Sept 28, 2015 10:14:25 GMT -8
I've been known to backpack and scramble in FiveFingers (Spyridons, for their knobby sole). Wear what's comfy.
I fall squarely into the "wet feet, A-OK" camp in the easy seasons. If you don't like squishy boots/shoes, invest in the proper gear for a more water-tight foot-system. Gaiters, as mentioned above, are great for keeping everything off of and out of your boots.
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Post by Coolkat on Sept 28, 2015 10:27:10 GMT -8
The only reason why I don't care for my feet getting wet is because that is when I develop blisters. I have never used gaiters and I saw them recommended here a couple of times. Do these actually help keep water out? Are there preferred "options" when looking for a pair of gaiters.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2016 5:59:30 GMT -8
I don't understand the whole water proof thing. If your wearing waterproof your feet can't breathe creating a gross smell foot mess. If you wear breathable shoes yeah your feet get wet but at least they will eventually dry.
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