Hiking shoe recommendations

[DzynKingRTR]

Any of my hiking friends got a recommendation for a good comfortable water proof hiking shoe. I know nothing about hiking shoes so any info would be helpful. LlBean, REI, etc. plus brands.

 

[92tide]

i've always used merrell and been happy with them. any of the brands sold at rei will be good and you should focus on fit. if you know the correct size, you can usually find previous year's merrell models on sale.

one thing to remember about waterproof shoes is that you do lose some breathability, so keep that in mind as your feet can get wet from sweat in warmer temps or if water comes in through the top of the shoe

 

[92tide]

also, invest in some good hiking socks (e.g. thorlo, smartwool)

 

[DzynKingRTR]

did not even know hiking socks were a thing

 

[92tide]

did not even know hiking socks were a thing

socks are one of the most important parts of hiking/running. folks often overlook it. proper socks will help manage foot moisture, blisters, etc. even when your feet get wet.

 

[B1GTide]

socks are one of the most important parts of hiking/running. folks often overlook it. proper socks will help manage foot moisture, blisters, etc. even when your feet get wet.

IMO, socks and foot powder are more important in hiking than the boot choice. Have to keep your feet dry and eliminate hot spots.

For running, shoe choice and fit are far more critical.

 

[92tide]

IMO, socks and foot powder are more important in hiking than the boot choice. Have to keep your feet dry and eliminate hot spots.

For running, shoe choice and fit are far more critical.

for my long trail races, i always coated my feet in bag balm (basically vaseline) mixed with zinc oxide because there was usually no way to keep your feet dry over the course of several hours. it felt weird to begin with, but was always worth it.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

just got back from REI. Sales guy told me my socks are perfect for hiking. They are thick and breathable, underarmour makes them. Bought a pair of Oboz. Did not like the way the heel felt on the Merrills. Just felt off. The Oboz felt more natural.

 

[BamaMoon]

I've got some Keens that I've had for a couple of years. Haven't done long, difficult hiking, but they've been great.

I've also been fitted for a pair of Oboz that I'll probably buy next because they fit my flat foot very well.

I'd recommend getting fitted by a knowledgeable shoe fitter to make the best decision, especially if you are planning to drop around $200, which you will if you get some good ones.

 

[BamaMoon]

I've got some Keens that I've had for a couple of years. Haven't done long, difficult hiking, but they've been great.

I've also been fitted for a pair of Oboz that I'll probably buy next because they fit my flat foot very well.

I'd recommend getting fitted by a knowledgeable shoe fitter to make the best decision, especially if you are planning to drop around $200, which you will if you get some good ones.

Must have missed the post before about your purchase. I think the Oboz pair will be good for you.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Must have missed the post before about your purchase. I think the Oboz pair will be good for you.

Unfortunately I don't have them yet as they did not have the style I wanted. They are on their way in a few days. I did discover my foot is wide. I always thought my foot was just normal.

 

[BamaMoon]

Unfortunately I don't have them yet as they did not have the style I wanted. They are on their way in a few days. I did discover my foot is wide. I always thought my foot was just normal.

A good fitting tells you a lot of good info. When I was fitted they told me I have normal width but when I stand up my feet really flatten out, which makes them wider. I also need some arch support and the type of Oboz they fitted me for is supposed to be good for that.

 

[Ole Man Dan]

IMO, socks and foot powder are more important in hiking than the boot choice. Have to keep your feet dry and eliminate hot spots.

For running, shoe choice and fit are far more critical.

For longer hikes or when hiking in mountains, I go with a shoe that's a little longer. Going downhill can hurt from the toes pushing into the toe of the shoe or boot. That's the advice from Thru Hikers. I followed that advice in the Yellowstone and Grand Teton hikes. I followed it later in hiking down the Grand Canyon. I also carried a pair of CROCS for water crossings. Wear a dry pair of socks when you turn in for the nights. Lastly invest in quality Trekking Poles.

 

[B1GTide]

For longer hikes or when hiking in mountains, I go with a shoe that's a little longer. Going downhill can hurt from the toes pushing into the toe of the shoe or boot. That's the advice from Thru Hikers. I followed that advice in the Yellowstone and Grand Teton hikes. I followed it later in hiking down the Grand Canyon. I also carried a pair of CROCS for water crossings. Wear a dry pair of socks when you turn in for the nights. Lastly invest in quality Trekking Poles.

Agreed - when walking or running hills you have to have extra room in the toe box. I have still lost toe nails from the friction, but that is far better than having broken toes.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Agreed - when walking or running hills you have to have extra room in the toe box. I have still lost toe nails from the friction, but that is far better than having broken toes.

sales guy recommended going up a size, so I did that

 

[BhamToTexas]

I use Merrells too. I love them and have hiked with them through 46 national parks across the country. Totally agree on good socks too, and shoes for water crossings.

On long hikes I always like to take my hiking shoes and socks off during lunch and let them breathe/dry out.