https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 02:33:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2179096 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 20:26:28 +0000 Anonymous 2179096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In warm weather I hike in my Birks, and extend the season with socks for transitional weather. I've put well over 100 miles on them since I bought them last year. I have had to add more holes cause they loosen over time.</p> <p>The zero drop Merrills were recommended by La Ped, cause my regular trainers gave me severe hip pain with short hikes. The toebox is lower than I'd like but they're nice and lightweight. I wear them for cold but not snowy weather.</p> <p>For context, I hike daily in the land behind my house- mostly flat, no rocks. The Birks are fine for rougher conditions, but the Merrills have thin soles so you feel Everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2179087 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 20:15:40 +0000 annagybe 2179087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for Oboz, even my Dad wears their hiking shoes<br />This may help<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/lacing-hiking-boots.html">https://www.rei.com/learn/expe.....boots.html</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.backpacker.com/gear-item/common-hiking-boot-lacing-techniques/">https://www.backpacker.com/gea.....echniques/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2179008 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 18:47:30 +0000 shiny 2179008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just got a vaccine appointment so it looks like I will be able to get to REI sooner than later! YaY!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178812 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 01:37:37 +0000 bj1111 2178812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rei has some different “terrain” areas. Walk off the carpet. I spent an hour working in the salomons. Lacing as you noted is key. need to loosen over the arch then tighter at the ankle but not all the way up </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178802 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 00:45:46 +0000 shiny 2178802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of recommendations for Oboz!</p> <p>Today's hike in the Merrill Siren's - 4 miles - around mile 3 I was developing some hot spots under each big toe. </p> <p>I disagree that 6.5&nbsp; shoes are too small and I should go up to a 7-- I think the problem is they are a bit too long but the 6 is definitely too short (toe hits the end of the shoe).&nbsp;</p> <p>I think I also need to experiment with lacing techniques. My left foot kept slipping out of the heel, but when I'd tie it tighter at the ankle, then my upper foot felt uncomfortably restrained. Also had some pins and needles feelings on both feet, though these are wide widths. It's weird to have pins and needles in a shoe that is still sliding around. I definitely don't need wider shoes or longer shoes. Something about the fit is just off.&nbsp;</p> <p>But at least I could go 4 miles without my shins, ankles, heels, and knees screaming, like with the Altra's!&nbsp;</p> <p>Does anyone have any tips with how to decide hiking shoes will work out on a trail, while only wearing them around your house? What to look for?&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178770 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 22:23:58 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2178770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>I will second the idea of going to REI to try on the shoes in person. What I find extremely useful at REI is the little sloping rock with a railing, where you can test how the shoe feels going up and, most importantly, down hill.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I recently went for a replacement pair of hikers, after my old pair decided, after a number of years and quite low use, to bruise both of my big toenails. I think the last on my old pair was too straight, so my foot wasn't held securely enough in place. My old ones were either Merrell or Keen, a low-end model, from REI. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My new ones are Oboz, more of a mid-range model. I bought a size larger than I wear usually for street shoes (just as I used to do when I bought running shoes). <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178767 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 22:15:28 +0000 Anonymous 2178767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your description of your feet is virtually identical to mine. Two small exceptions: I wear size 6 more often than 6.5 in “normal shoes”, and my high volume feet do have a high arch.<br /> I agree with the suggestion that some of your problem is likely that you are choosing too small a size for hiking shoes.<br /> I’ve worn the Merrell Siren in size 7 for the last few years, despite the fact that I wear a 6 in Merrell slip-ons and sandals. I’m on my third pair and the style has taken me on trails from the Canadian Rockies to Peru and many points in between. (In fact, they are on my feet right now, since lately I even slip them on for my arthritic dog’s short suburban walks.)<br /> I’d recommend trying one of the shoes you’ve liked best in both size 7 and 7.5. The larger size felt weird on my feet for about 15 minutes and then I knew they were “the ones.”<br /> Going for a fitting is a great idea as well, but results are dependent on the skill and experience of the fitter.<br /> The good news is once you find what you like, you’ll probably be able to keep buying them for years to come. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178749 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 21:15:41 +0000 Angie 2178749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another Salomon fan. Their trail shoes walk on rocky trails sooooo well! It's sublime.</p> <p>I have the <b>Salomon Speed Cross 4</b>. They were fitted on me in store with the right socks. Apparently they come in wide widths.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178747 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 21:05:19 +0000 sarah 2178747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these Oboz. They are waterproof, lightweight, super comfortable, and good on my relatively high-volume foot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178744 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 20:50:48 +0000 bj1111 2178744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.backcountry.com/salomon-x-ultra-mid-2-gtx-hiking-boot-womens?CMP_SKU=SAL016C&amp;MER=0406&amp;skid=SAL016C-CRBLBLLM-USS9UKS75&amp;mr:trackingCode=34DBBEE9-0F07-E811-8102-005056944E17&amp;mr:referralID=NA&amp;mr:device=c&amp;mr:adType=plaonline&amp;CMP_ID=PLA_GOc001&amp;utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=PLA&amp;k_clickid=_k_EAIaIQobChMIlpib3pGu7wIVpFPVCh3WAwRZEAYYBiABEgKrQfD_BwE_k_&amp;utm_id=go_cmp-10753578894_adg-110028160310_ad-454277601507_pla-378422099886_dev-c_ext-_prd-SAL016C-CRBLBLLM-USS9UKS75&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlpib3pGu7wIVpFPVCh3WAwRZEAYYBiABEgKrQfD_BwE">https://www.backcountry.com/sa.....38;MER=040</a></p> <p>these are what i have.&nbsp; your thought about getting an sa to help is a good one.&nbsp; i'm not a gear person so i did the same at rei.&nbsp; i also had to get socks with padding at places where shoes most likely chafe and surprisingly, ski socks are great for my high yet fallen arches and very sensitive heels.</p> <p>have you tried putting the moleskin on the shoe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178742 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 20:43:49 +0000 Anonymous 2178742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried on quite a few when I was shopping for some, and went with a pair of <b>Keens</b>. &nbsp;They were comfortable from the get-go, and my high-maintenance feet were happy as could be in them. &nbsp;I've never worn Birkenstocks, so can't speak to the footbed comparison. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178715 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 18:14:50 +0000 Janet 2178715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny how we had the complete opposite transition! My feet are definitely changing but I don’t think there’s any arthritis in my case. I’m so glad you found relief with the right boots! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178710 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 17:50:15 +0000 nuancedream 2178710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I was devoted to Merrell hiking boots for years and then I started having pain in my feet. Most likely, the boots were aggravating the arthritis in my big toes. The La Sportiva hiking boots are comfortable, durable and don't cause me to be hobbled after a long hike. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178707 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 17:39:30 +0000 Janet 2178707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had some Sauconys that felt great but wore out much too quickly on the side mesh parts, so after a second pair that did that, I went back to Brooks for trail runners. </p> <p>Nuancedream, I had a pair of La Sportivas that were great for a while but something changed and my feet started getting cramps in them. I thought it was a shame though because they seem very well made and sturdy. I got a pair of Merrell’s instead and no problems since! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178705 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 17:33:53 +0000 nuancedream 2178705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had good luck with La Sportiva hiking boots. They do run a little small for my higher volume feet so I ordered one half size larger than my normal size. I concur with JAileen's recommendation for a going to REI for a shoe fitting. I did that and it was definitely worth it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178703 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 17:31:35 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2178703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Saucony trail runners for light hiking. And I have a pair of Obooz (that Anna recommended) for times when it's good to have ankle support and coverage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178700 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 16:53:09 +0000 Toban 2178700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echoing Janet, size up 1 size for hiking/trail running shoes.</p> <p>I have a slightly wide forefoot and regular ankle, so wide shoes don’t often work for me (sloppy in heel). Two trail shoes that I love in regular width that fit my feet are Saucony Peregrines (great rock plate and grip, great trail shoe, limited cushioning) and Hoka One One Speedgoat 4’s (not the 3s as they aren’t wide enough in toe box; these are super cushy). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178685 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 15:23:23 +0000 shiny 2178685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Digesting all this great info - thank you all!</p> <p>LaPed, not sure if I want to transition to zero drop shoes but googling how and why to do that makes me more comfortable holding on to these Altras for now. I checked out Topo and I see they have a 5mm boot that looks interesting. A boot is definitely on my list but I was going to wait until I can get to an REI for that.</p> <p>Kerry and those of you recommending Keens, my brother recommended those to me as well. However my foot hates Birkenstocks so if they fit like that, it's a no-go for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Janet, I don't think I could go up a full size, although my Allbird's are 7's. And yes socks are important-- I've got that part covered. We are up to 97 miles since Jan 1 according to my records! Next year we're thinking about investing in some cross country skis so we can get out more often when the snow is fresh and deep! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178661 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 13:16:55 +0000 kerry 2178661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I take a size 6 with a slightly wide foot and my feet love the Keen footbed. I have winter boots, hiking shoes and sandals.</p> <p>My foot also loves Birkenstocks - especially the Arizona in size 36.</p> <p>I take a size 6.5 in Keens. They have lots of hikers ...</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.keenfootwear.com/en-ca/womens-hiking/">https://www.keenfootwear.com/en-ca/womens-hiking/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178658 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 13:00:59 +0000 Janet 2178658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have different fit challenges so I won’t recommend particular styles, but I’ll note a couple of things.</p> <p>I size up a full size in my running shoes and a half to a full size in my hiking shoes — I normally wear an 8 in street shoes and an 8.5 or 9 in athletics. I started doing this when I was running half marathons and training a lot, upon advice from a specialty running store that fitted me. My feet are slightly narrow and slightly low volume so this can make fit tricky, but it helps keep my feet from hurting and getting injured. However, here is a critical component: good cushiony socks are necessary! I wear Darn Tough for hiking and Balega for running and they are great. Expensive but last a very long time so worth it. So consider your socks, and make sure you wear good ones to try on your shoes, as well as of course on the trail. </p> <p>I hike a lot in trail runners but I tend to switch often between my runners and higher, more supportive hiking boots. I wear the runners for shorter hikes with smoother terrain.</p> <p>I’ve logged 124 miles in the woods so far this year! It’s been a godsend to have this activity during the pandemic. Good luck in finding your perfect shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178657 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 12:29:45 +0000 texasgal 2178657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We seem to have similar issues with shoes and I have these.<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DRZSXRJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&#038;psc=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....#038;psc=1</a><br /> This was my second pair (literally wore first pair out). Bought new for a 7 day hiking trip to Utah and had zero issues. Shoes are all day comfortable, and work as road shoe (ie for walking) as well as hiking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178656 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 12:07:45 +0000 LaPed 2178656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zero drop shoes like Altras can cause pain at first because most of our shoes, even the ones that look flat, are raised at the heel. Runners and hikers who switch to zero drop usually transition slowly and incorporate stretching to help the legs and feet grow accustomed to not being elevated at the heel. If you google "how to transition to zero drop shoes" there are lots of videos and articles with tips if you're interested. It's a bit of a rabbit hole. ;)&nbsp;</p> <p>Another brand to look at is <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.topoathletic.com/">Topo Athletic</a>. They offer a roomy toebox similar to Altra's, but not all of their models are zero drop. They have a range of different cushioning levels. I usually wear Altra's but I'm "test-driving" a pair of Topo Runventures this spring and so far I really like them.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178654 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 11:30:55 +0000 JamC 2178654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have and love my Salomon hiking boots. My feet might be twins with JAileen. As you said, they must fit your feet! I think I would wear the almost right Merrill Siren Edge and play with different lacing, socks, inserts, etc to find the best fit for now. When vaccinated head to REI and talk to the associate in shoes. They are very knowledgeable and patient. I stayed a long time, tried many brands and styles, walked around the shoe department and up and down a small rocky simulated “hill”. It was great to go back and forth between shoes to compare fit. I went early in the morning on a weekday when the store was not busy and didn’t have any time constraints. Good luck and welcome to the Pandemic Sanity Hiking Club! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178631 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 06:50:36 +0000 Anonymous 2178631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second JAileen’s of going to REI for a fitting. Last time they actually called other stores for me and found a pair at a new store in an area I had wanted to check out anyway. I got Merills. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178625 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 05:14:59 +0000 shiny 2178625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the recommendation -- especially as you also did not like the Altas! Ha!&nbsp;</p> <p>At this point I think I need SA help, but we're not vaccinated yet so I'm going to hold off on that until we are.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178624 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 05:09:56 +0000 JAileen 2178624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry, I’m another Salomon fan. &nbsp;The back heel does start out very stiff, but softens up. &nbsp;Mainly I like them because my big toes curl up, and the toe box is tall enough. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>A friend swears by Keen. &nbsp;I’d go to REI and see if someone can help you fit them. &nbsp;I think REI has a guarantee, too.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178622 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 04:55:08 +0000 unfrumped 2178622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had some luck with some of Columbia’s trail- type hiking sneakers and low boots( fabric and leather combo , so lightweight).<br /> Not high- dollar— mine were from Academy Sports. I was willing to go there ( masked) since it’s “ self- serve” so no SA in my immediate airspace. They have a fairly wide toebox which I need for bunions, but lace up nicely to adjust fit.<br /> I have tried on Altas , thinking my feet ought to like them, but no. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hiking-shoe-recommendations-please#post-2178619 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 04:21:53 +0000 shiny 2178619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all, I hope everyone is safe and sound and doing well! I know I haven't been on the forum in a few months. But I have a request for hiking shoe recommendations!</p> <p>Since COVID the hubby and I have gotten into hiking 3-4 times a week. It's been our #1 favorite way to de-stress and relax. It also has helped me start to reverse a weight gain trend. All goodness.&nbsp;</p> <p>Up until now I've made due with whatever footwear I had that is not hiking specialized at all. I.e., I have been hiking in Allbirds (no tread at all for rocks and such) and Sperry boots (has some tread for rocks and snow but no support and basically I've quickly trashed my Sperry's in no time at all this winter).&nbsp;</p> <p>So the hunt has been on for proper hiking/trail shoes, but since we aren't vaccinated yet, it's all been online, which is frustrating!</p> <p>Specifically, after a lot of research, and with Spring coming on, I am looking at trail runners rather than boots, but I am totally open to suggestions here!</p> <p>My feet are:&nbsp;</p> <p>- A 6.5, but only kind of. They aren't a 6, but are barely a 6.5.&nbsp;<br />- A medium width, but only kind of -- often veering on wide, but many wide widths are too wide and "sloppy" fitting<br />- I have a "bunion" that comes and goes on one foot -- I don't think it's a real bunion, but more of a factor of acquired leg length discrepancy.&nbsp;<br />- I don't over or under pronate<br />- I'd say I have high volume feet, but not because I have high arches<br />- My arches appear "normal" but may be falling. I do like some arch support<br />- I definitely like stiffer insoles vs too much squish and padding. I prefer using&nbsp; Superfeet insoles in sneakers if they will fit them (see: high volume foot).&nbsp;<br />- I don't think I have overly narrow heels but.......... read on.<br />- Allbirds really are my ideal sneaker overall-- those fit like a glove. But don't have the traction and cushioning and protection I need for the trails.&nbsp;<br />- I also had luck a long time ago with ASICS but they discontinued the model that worked for me</p> <p>So I've ordered and tried out so far:</p> <p>1. Merrill MQM Flex 2 GTX in size 6 (I actually ordered a 6.5 but was sent a 6 instead) <ul> <li>Way too short-- my toes were scrapping the end</li> <li>Arch was okay though</li> <li>Overall felt too tight in the forefoot and toe box, as in, cutting off circulation tight, even with ties unlaced</li> <li>But the heel fit quite well</li> </ul> <br />2. Altra Lone Star size 6.5 M <ul> <li>These felt amazing the minute I put them on and I had such high hopes but...</li> <li>Wore them for a hike and 1 mile in I was in horrible pain</li> <li>Shooting pain up and down my shins and calves, aching knee pain too</li> <li>I powered through the mile back -- wanting to take them off and walk barefoot the entire way-- every step was agony</li> <li>Ended up swapping them out and going on another 2 miles stroll on the beach in my Teva's which helped work out the pains and such, but it's hours later and I still have some shooting needles and aches, ugh.&nbsp;</li> <li>I think the problem with these is there is no drop at all, they are basically flat? I don't know. Also while there was ample room in the toe box, and I like some toe splay room, it seemed to be too much splay.&nbsp;</li> <li>Anyone interested in a pair of Lone Stars that only have 2 miles on them? :-)</li> </ul> <br />3. Merrill Moab 2 Vent 6.5 M <ul> <li>I haven't worn these out on the trail and after the Altra experience I'm scared to.</li> <li>Like the Altra's they do feel super comfy around the house, but something feels like my feet are "sitting low" and also maybe they are too wide though they are Mediums.&nbsp;</li> </ul> 4. Solomon light hikers size 6M (don't know the brand, I bought these awhile ago) <ul> <li>These seem like they fit really well walking around the house, but I've taken these on two hiking related trips and they suck.</li> <li>In particular, the back part rubs into my ankle so bad no socks or moleskin will cure it.&nbsp;</li> <li>Also they are so stiff, that I often feel like I'm going to break my ankle if it rolls a bit.&nbsp;</li> <li>And they are 6's, so no room for foot swell. A 6.5 might work a bit better but I think I am not a fan of light hikers and would prefer a trail runner?</li> <li>So many people love Salomon's and this is what my husband swears by, but those blistered bloody heels still make me hesitate trying this brand again.&nbsp;</li> </ul> 4. Merrill Siren Edge, 6.5 Wide <ul> <li>These are the almost perfect's-- but I also feel like I could still do better, as I still feel a bit too conscious of my feet when hiking in them, as they slip and slosh a bit. But I can live with these for now, until we're vaccinated and can get to a shoe store for a proper fit.</li> <li>Not too short&nbsp;</li> <li>Arch is okay</li> <li>Comfortable, roomy, but not too roomy, though I do slip and slosh a bit.</li> <li>Heel however keeps wanting to slip out and flap flap</li> <li>Strategic lacing seems to minimize this, and I haven't tried all the lacing methods yet</li> <li>Fits the Superfeet insole well</li> </ul> <br />Sorry for the essay and if you have read this far, I thank you. I am open to any and all recommendations and experiences, especially if you have similar shoe fit issues!!</p> <p>I'm also very interested in any tips you have for figuring out a hiking shoe will work while wearing it around the house. That's such a different experience than taking it on the trail. How do you know it's going to work in those conditions, like up and down steep slopes and over rocks and such? I have no clue at this point!!! </p>