Hiking boots / trail running shoes recommendations needed

kshama2001

Zappos just sent me a 10% coupon and I am in the market for new hiking boots. I'm currently using Brooks Ariel 14 that someone gave me but was wondering if I should get more ankle support. I do have an old pair of LL Bean hiking boots, but because they are heavy, just wear them in the snow and mud, when waterproofing is needed.

This article says Rugged Trail Running Shoes are fine for dry trails. (FWIW, I don't actually run.)

What do you hikers have?

NorthCascades

A pound on your feet is like ten on your back.

I do great in trail running shoes. My favorites are Merrell Trail Gloves. They weigh so little it feels like cheating, especially uphill. Plus they're as comfortable as slippers. But, without cushioning, I only want to do up to about a dozen miles in them. Cushy socks help. Sometimes I bring a change of shoes in my pack.

Ankle and such support are highly personal, you might need them, you might not.

kshama2001

Thanks!

seltzermint555

This is probably not helpful but I hike a lot in Keen sandals, the "Big Kids" Newport H2 which is meant really for older boys but I prefer it to the ladies version because it has more coverage at the heel (and is way cheaper generally). A lot of times I wear these with heavy socks especially in cooler weather, but they're great w/o socks, too, and dry quickly when they get wet.

I don't run on trails and rarely cover more than 10 miles in a day. But these are by far the most comfortable footwear for me (compared to hiking boots or any running shoes I've tried including "trail" specific) and I find it so much easier to navigate damp or rocky terrain in them. I don't have the greatest balance and my feet are pretty narrow so I have a lot of issues with feeling "off" wearing any other shoe type for hiking.

kshama2001

seltzermint555 wrote: »

This is probably not helpful but I hike a lot in Keen sandals, the "Big Kids" Newport H2 which is meant really for older boys but I prefer it to the ladies version because it has more coverage at the heel (and is way cheaper generally). A lot of times I wear these with heavy socks especially in cooler weather, but they're great w/o socks, too, and dry quickly when they get wet.

I don't run on trails and rarely cover more than 10 miles in a day. But these are by far the most comfortable footwear for me (compared to hiking boots or any running shoes I've tried including "trail" specific) and I find it so much easier to navigate damp or rocky terrain in them. I don't have the greatest balance and my feet are pretty narrow so I have a lot of issues with feeling "off" wearing any other shoe type for hiking.

https://www.zappos.com/p/keen-kids-newport-h2-little-kid-big-kid-black-lime-green/product/8243004/color/33710 ?

Pretty cool looking! But since I'm a 9.5 in Men's, not an option

seltzermint555

kshama2001 wrote: »

seltzermint555 wrote: »

This is probably not helpful but I hike a lot in Keen sandals, the "Big Kids" Newport H2 which is meant really for older boys but I prefer it to the ladies version because it has more coverage at the heel (and is way cheaper generally). A lot of times I wear these with heavy socks especially in cooler weather, but they're great w/o socks, too, and dry quickly when they get wet.

I don't run on trails and rarely cover more than 10 miles in a day. But these are by far the most comfortable footwear for me (compared to hiking boots or any running shoes I've tried including "trail" specific) and I find it so much easier to navigate damp or rocky terrain in them. I don't have the greatest balance and my feet are pretty narrow so I have a lot of issues with feeling "off" wearing any other shoe type for hiking.

https://www.zappos.com/p/keen-kids-newport-h2-little-kid-big-kid-black-lime-green/product/8243004/color/33710 ?

Pretty cool looking! But since I'm a 9.5 in Men's, not an option

I have those exact ones in the Big Kid 5 (I'm a ladies 7) haha. I have a cabinet with 8 different colorways right now...I may have an issue...

Keen does make the Newport for men and women though btw.

Djproulx

MD advised me to do a bunch of hilly off road hikes as a next step as I return to running. So I bought a pair of Saucony Peregrines, and I love 'em. Great traction, very comfortable. Just like my Saucony road trainers. Used them several times including a weekend hiking in the White Mountains of NH.

They are made in both men's and women's models.