hiking shoes?

healthytanya1

I started hiking last summer and just wore regular shoes. This year I plan to hike a mountain every weekend as soon as the weather turns around. I am looking for any tips on picking out a good pair of hiking shoes/boots. All I know now is that they will need to be water proof because last year the trails were very wet early in the year.

So what brands and styles do you like and dislike?

Orion782

Merrell.

The discussion begins and ends there. You will absolutely LOVE any Merrell's that you buy.

healthytanya1

Do you prefer a boot or lower rise shoe? And what are the advantages for both?

asdowe13

Keen Footwear, hands down the best. even Merrells can't compare to them.

I prefer a mid hiker so a 4".

Low rise offers pretty much no ankle support, mid's offer some ankle support, and the boot style 6-8" offer lots of ankle support.
The weaker your ankles the higher boot you should get.

Enjoy the hiking, I love being in the woods.

KeithAngilly

Merrell.

The discussion begins and ends there. You will absolutely LOVE any Merrell's that you buy.

True that!

PhearlessPhreaks

I had a pair of Keens that I absolutely LOVED. They were so comfortable and durable. I hear Merrill is also very good, but I've never worn those.

asdowe13

Merrell.

The discussion begins and ends there. You will absolutely LOVE any Merrell's that you buy.

Wrong - Keen is where the discussion begins and ends my friend!

petkostas

Aku, Salomon, Asolo some other brands I have my Aku's around 3 years have hiked most of Greek mountains with them including a Scottish highlands tour, they never failed me
Just make sure you feel comfy with them and make sure you try them with the appropriate socks (if you intent to use them on winter hikes you should be trying them with thick socks).

petkostas

Do you prefer a boot or lower rise shoe? And what are the advantages for both?

Boot will protect your ankle especially if you are a beginner, other than that it will also provide a bit more protection from my plantation, possible insect bites and water crossing.
Lower rise shoes are lighter, better for hot weather conditions, more comfy but usually are not a recommendation for inexperienced or clumsy hikers

SonicDeathMonkey80

Merrell, Keen, Salomon - the holy trinity of everything trail.

TheBrolympus

Merrell, Keen, Salomon - the holy trinity of everything trail.

^ This ^ You can't go wrong with any of these brands.

Make sure you get a good pair of hiking socks. Avoid cotton.

asdowe13

I also recommend socks - Keen, Smartwool, or Wigwam are all amazeballs for hiking, and well everything, hence why i am always found in them socks (when wearing socks that is)

GillianMcK

I have a pair of berghaus hiking boots that I use when walking the dog up some of the steeper trails, I also have a pair of Salomon Trail Running shoes for when we're running the trails (having tried runningin the boots I wouldn't recommend it).

It's really personal choice, go to a proper store (Cotswold, Tiso are good UK ones, but there will be lots of specialist shops if you have mountains close to you), try on Boots and Trail shoes, most stores have a 'hill' that you can climb to get an idea of how they feel (they're only about 3 steps long).

If you're looking for waterproof they will be more expensive as the chances are they will be goretex (both of my pairs are goretex and I love them).

If you are hiking in the long grass or through forests where there is wild-life you do have to think about ticks (boots and long trousers are the best protection)

SingingSingleTracker

I started hiking last summer and just wore regular shoes. This year I plan to hike a mountain every weekend as soon as the weather turns around. I am looking for any tips on picking out a good pair of hiking shoes/boots. All I know now is that they will need to be water proof because last year the trails were very wet early in the year.

So what brands and styles do you like and dislike?

More important than the brand is the fit. Make sure you get a pair that fits really, really well and is 100% comfortable in the store walking around (no rub issues, no hot spots, good spring in your step, etc...). And if you use orthotics, bring them along to try out in the store. Don't be afraid to try wide, narrow sizes (if available) to compare with the "regular" cut.

I'm on my 2nd pair of Merrell boots (1st pair lasted 10 1/2 years!!!!) that I just bought this winter. I tried on several Keen products, Salomon products, and a few others before narrowing it down to what felt the best on my foot right out of the box that met my needs. I went with the men's Phaser Peak model as I, too, needed a pair to handle snow, ice, mud, wet well and still be a great light weight hiking boot. That's not an exclusive endorsement for Merrell because the #1 priority is getting a pair that fits well.

Check various manufacturers websites and reviews for particular models.

davemunger

More important than the brand is the fit. Make sure you get a pair that fits really, really well and is 100% comfortable in the store walking around (no rub issues, no hot spots, good spring in your step, etc...). And if you use orthotics, bring them along to try out in the store. Don't be afraid to try wide, narrow sizes (if available) to compare with the "regular" cut.

I'm on my 2nd pair of Merrell boots (1st pair lasted 10 1/2 years!!!!) that I just bought this winter. I tried on several Keen products, Salomon products, and a few others before narrowing it down to what felt the best on my foot right out of the box that met my needs. I went with the men's Phaser Peak model as I, too, needed a pair to handle snow, ice, mud, wet well and still be a great light weight hiking boot. That's not an exclusive endorsement for Merrell because the #1 priority is getting a pair that fits well.

Check various manufacturers websites and reviews for particular models.

^^^ This! Personally I have been using a set of North Face hybrids that I like a lot -- it is all about the fit.

Separately, the question of waterproof or not depends on where you will be hiking. If hiking through the water is inevitable -- i.e. you will be fording streams -- you do not want waterproof. The water will get into your shoes through the top and then the waterproof shoes will be like walking in buckets full of water. But if all you are talking about is muddy trails / shallow puddles then waterproof shoes can be really nice.

hei_ma_ma

I agree that fit is most important. The different shoe brands use different standard lasts so what works for one person may not work for you. Salomon, Keen, and Merrell boots and shoes don't fit me very well. Keens in particular are very wide, which is good for a lot of people but not for me. I like Scarpa.

GiddyNZ

All of the brands mentioned are great, but shoes are very personal so try on different types and get what is comfortable for you. Definitely wool socks at least as high as your shoe to stop rubbing. They will need quite a bit if use to wear them in, so buy early and get wearing..

Note: I have strong ankles and really struggled with a pair of high boots I purchased.. now only use them on mostly flat terrain.

asdowe13

They will need quite a bit if use to wear them in, so buy early and get wearing..

Actually I found when I bought my keens, they needed no break in time, although I found my merrells, and asolo boots did need the break in.

This is why I will push any and everyone towards Keen, your feet will love you for it!

redwoodkestrel

I own a low pair (so trail shoes instead of boots) of Keens that are wonderful, and for a hiking boot I have a pair of Lowas - which are so amazingly light!

salevy

I like my Timberline shoes.

Shari

Cre8veLifeR

Merrell.

The discussion begins and ends there. You will absolutely LOVE any Merrell's that you buy.

totally agree. I hike A LOT, and for long hikes I wear my Merrells. For short fitness hikes and trail running I LOVE my New Balance Minimus Vibram shoe. It gives me great traction on slippery surfaces, and it is super comfy.