Gear Shoes, choosing which types to buy

Dear YLFers,

As I've said before, grad school has put a crimp in my budget and my time. That said, I really need some new gear shoes.

I have a great pair of heavy boots for use in the field and hiking, but winter is coming and I need to update my gear shoes capsule. I also have an extremely heavy duty pair of snowboots.

My running shoes (I do run!) that I wear to the gym (and often other places, I will admit-- I'm trying to get away from that) are all but treadless, so that tells you where they leave me. My last pair was a pair of Pearl Izumi trail shoes, which worked out well.

I've also thought about getting a second pair of gym shoes for riding the recumbent bike, lifting, ect. that also would be good for my walks around the neighborhood with my partner. Something more minimalist, like Nike flexfit or even merrell.

I also really need a pair of gortex shoes for wearing when the boots are unecessary but there is a lot of dust, or mud or water. I wore my last pair from Salomon out. Depending on the fit, these could possibly also be used for light hiking.

I have a couple of options:

1) buy another pair of trail shoes- i do like trail shoes since i never know if i will have gym facilities with work, but hate getting dust in them
2) buy a pair of road shoes from the same company and keep them mostly for the gym
3) buy a pair of trail shoes and road shoes
4) buy a pair of minimalist gym shoes
5) buy very "gearish" gortex shoes from Salomon and hope they are comfy enough for hiking
6) buy a pair of Salomon shoes that look like street shoes, since I mostly wear them for that. The are a maroonish color and could pass for euro sneaks in a pinch.

I definitely need at least a new pair of running shoes of some type and a new pair of gortex shoes, and probably could swing a third pair, but am having a hard time deciding on which.

Any advice?

12 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I got these this summer for hiking and they're waterproof.

http://www.rei.com/product/830.....ots-womens

I had to size down half a size.

Elly

Thanks Anna-- I actually have some picked out, I just can't decide between the pairs I've picked.

I'm looking more at Salomon and other companies that do trail running shoes, running shoes, and hiking shoes with gortex. I already have some boots and I am set there. I just have a gravel and mud driveway and so do many buisnesses and places I work/work, so I need a shoe that is waterproof with good tread to wear for that year around, and wear for tourist-type or desert hiking.
I also have to replace my running shoes and possibly want to buy a second pair of gym shoes.

Suz

Elly, if your pennies will go that far, I think perhaps a pair of both (indoor and outdoor) would be useful, at least from the sounds of your activities. Maybe you can find a sale for the ones that you won't wear as often, or try a less expensive brand. I have two gear shoes (plus a pair of winter hiking boots) -- outdoor trail runners, and light indoor shoes. I actually wear the "indoor" ones for outdoor stuff as well, in better weather. It takes me quite a while to wear through the ones I'm not using as often, so although it's a bit of a cash outlay at the beginning, it's not too bad over the long run, and being able to switch them out probably helps both pairs last better.

Awesome Suz, I appreciate it. It does indeed sound like a good idea to find myself a little breathing room for a third pair.

I know I need to buy a pair of shoes to wear casually in sloppy weather. I don't have casual weatherproof boots (outside of gear) at the moment, so these will get a lot of wear, and can be worn year around. My last pair were very gear-ish (but rubbed my heels when hiking/running so I didn't wear them for that) and I wore them out in about 2 years.

Then I need a pair of shoes for other things, I just can't decide on what to buy.

Winter usually means being relegated to the gym, but this year I have several months where I am going to be in the field and probably/possibly running on dusty trails and maybe outside. That said, I may never go running at all there with our schedule (I'm home on weekends).

I'm not so much concerned about inside/outside as much as I hate running in regular gym shoes on dusty trails as I end up with dust permanently leeching into my socks. I also am not thrilled about the lack of aggressive tread on regular sneaks, but at the same time probably don't want a stiff agressive tread or as much lift or gortex in the gym.

I guess I will think on it.

rachylou

I do believe in dedicated shoes for specific activities - i.e. not wearing workout gear for other purposes. I find athletic shoes break down fairly quickly, even with limited use, and then my knees start to hurt seriously. Like find me a cane serious. I hurt my knee in a car accident which is why it's so sensitive, but I think it shows how much things are really off even if your body is more accommodating.

So I'd go for three pairs, quite honestly.

Thanks Rachy-- you do make a good point. I'm having horrible problems with occasional DOMS, and the neurological component of my medical condition seems to be playing up because I've been loosing sensation in my limbs, so the shoes I'm currently wearing could be causing issues without me even knowing it.

I bought these three, and we will see how they fit:

http://www.zappos.com/salomon-.....est=fcl%3A

http://www.zappos.com/salomon-.....st=fcl%3A0

http://www.zappos.com/pearl-iz.....st=fcl%3A0

If they all work then I will have to hash out the budget, but two of the three were on significant sale. As an underpronator with ligament issues and nuerological pain and problems, unfortunately expensive shoes are necessary.

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