Suggestions/comments about hiking shoes

[someoneyouknow]

I've been looking, buying and have returning hiking shoes. So far only one pair, but I might be returning a second. Both have been Columbia shoes. The first pair were North Plains. I thought they were okay when I tried them on, not great but acceptable, but when I would come home from work and try them on since my feet would have swelled, they were pressing against my fifth metatarsal on my right foot (someone else used that verbiage). Most likely this is the result of me playing soccer in my early years. I returned them.

At the same time I had tried them on I had tried a pair of Merrell Moab waterproof and while the fit was better, they were very warm on my feet. I like warm feet, but this was more than I would want, especially since I wasn't even doing anything except trying them on.

Today I picked up a pair of Columbia Redmond shoes and a similar issue occurred as the first though the pressure wasn't as much. The guy at the store suggested a pair on insoles and that did relieve much of the pressure. However, throughout today, since I got them, I've been wearing them around the place (on carpet) and though they're not bad, I can still feel some pressure at the same area and when I take them off I can clearly see a redness on my right side in that area but not on my left which fits perfectly.

Unless something changes I will probably be taking these back and foregoing any Columbia shoes. So the issue becomes, what other brands/models to try? The one thing I don't want is shoes made in China. I'll suffer with other countries, but not China unless it's the very last option and I'm desperate. Doing research only goes so far and the stores around me don't carry a large selection which means I will probably have to order online and hope for the best. Merrell seems to be the leading choice but other suggestions are welcome. I don't need anything fancy since all I would be using them for is general hiking on the street (for photography), dirt and maybe a few rocks. Nothing major. I have already decided Keen is not in the running.

 

[Hard_Rom]

If you have feet issues, go shoe buying at days end when you have been on your feet all day. I wear custom orthotics and do that. Work all day in work boots and then go find shoes that seem to be the comfiest. I get fitted for orthotics also at days end.

 

[someoneyouknow]

If you have feet issues, go shoe buying at days end when you have been on your feet all day. I wear custom orthotics and do that. Work all day in work boots and then go find shoes that seem to be the comfiest. I get fitted for orthotics also at days end.

That is what I usually do, though in both these cases I did the buying at noon (today) and around 2 the first time so my feet should have been about as big as they were going to get.

In both cases the left foot was perfect. No issues whatsoever. It's only my right foot which has the issue. I am right-footed so it's probably a fraction wider than the left, but both these shoes had the same issue at the same location so I'm thinking it's the company and how they make the shoes.

 

[Christobal]

I would offer some advice but you have apparently thought about this. Shoes are the only thing clothing wise I will spend money on. Not for style but comfort and practicality of use. I want nothing to do with cheap shoes.

 

[Saint Peter]

Asolo TPS 520 GV. Thor recommended these to me a decade ago. Now they are all broken in and scuffed up. Fit my perfectly sized feets like a dream. Plenty of support on the trail. The babes love 'em.

 

[someoneyouknow]

Asolo TPS 520 GV. Thor recommended these to me a decade ago. Now they are all broken in and scuffed up. Fit my perfectly sized feets like a dream. Plenty of support on the trail. The babes love 'em.

Thanks for the suggestion but I'm looking for shoes, not boots. I know one would normally want ankle support but I prefer movement so I can adjust on uneven surfaces.

Also, when I'm kneeling to take pictures, boots don't work as well as shoes.

 

[oddity83]

I enjoy my Danner boots. They also still have some that are made in the United States.

 

[La damnee elle la licorne]

 

[Ms_Ann]

I was watching this show the other night where this couple goes hiking and the guy gets eaten by a bear. His shoes did not save him.

 

[MisterDrysdale]

I've been looking, buying and have returning hiking shoes. So far only one pair, but I might be returning a second. Both have been Columbia shoes. The first pair were North Plains. I thought they were okay when I tried them on, not great but acceptable, but when I would come home from work and try them on since my feet would have swelled, they were pressing against my fifth metatarsal on my right foot (someone else used that verbiage). Most likely this is the result of me playing soccer in my early years. I returned them.

At the same time I had tried them on I had tried a pair of Merrell Moab waterproof and while the fit was better, they were very warm on my feet. I like warm feet, but this was more than I would want, especially since I wasn't even doing anything except trying them on.

Today I picked up a pair of Columbia Redmond shoes and a similar issue occurred as the first though the pressure wasn't as much. The guy at the store suggested a pair on insoles and that did relieve much of the pressure. However, throughout today, since I got them, I've been wearing them around the place (on carpet) and though they're not bad, I can still feel some pressure at the same area and when I take them off I can clearly see a redness on my right side in that area but not on my left which fits perfectly.

Unless something changes I will probably be taking these back and foregoing any Columbia shoes. So the issue becomes, what other brands/models to try? The one thing I don't want is shoes made in China. I'll suffer with other countries, but not China unless it's the very last option and I'm desperate. Doing research only goes so far and the stores around me don't carry a large selection which means I will probably have to order online and hope for the best. Merrell seems to be the leading choice but other suggestions are welcome. I don't need anything fancy since all I would be using them for is general hiking on the street (for photography), dirt and maybe a few rocks. Nothing major. I have already decided Keen is not in the running.

Evidently you have medical problems and not shoe problems.

What you have explained in not common in normal healthy adults.

Have you been to a doctor lately?

It appears that you may have diabetes or liver disease.

Forget the shoes and make an appointment with your doctor.

 

[Hard_Rom]

With my fallen arches and need for good quality custom orthotics I thought a good stiff supportive shoe with a nice thick rubber sole would be best. Wrong! The comfiest shoes I own are a pair of Converse type runners. Thin flat soles and thin canvas uppers. Maybe the very flatness of the shoe helps my orthotics work best although in supportive shoes I choose flattest insides and/or remove liners.

My Sorel winter boots are amazingly comfy too. Very flat with ultra thick insulated liner.

Do you have or need custom orthotics? No shoe will ever replace fact that you need a custom foot support.

Went to a pharmacy that had a Dr Scholls testing machine. Stand on pad follow instructions and it says what sort of Dr, Scholls product you need. Effing thing said my feet are just fine. Cast of my feet do not sit on heel and two balls behind toes, my knees fall inwards noticeably without support. My toes are crooked and do not line up like nice little piggies.

See a foot doc.

 

[Not Normal]

My suggestion is to not do things that require hiking boots.

 

[MisterDrysdale]

With my fallen arches and need for good quality custom orthotics I thought a good stiff supportive shoe with a nice thick rubber sole would be best. Wrong! The comfiest shoes I own are a pair of Converse type runners. Thin flat soles and thin canvas uppers. Maybe the very flatness of the shoe helps my orthotics work best although in supportive shoes I choose flattest insides and/or remove liners.

My Sorel winter boots are amazingly comfy too. Very flat with ultra thick insulated liner.

Do you have or need custom orthotics? No shoe will ever replace fact that you need a custom foot support.

Went to a pharmacy that had a Dr Scholls testing machine. Stand on pad follow instructions and it says what sort of Dr, Scholls product you need. Effing thing said my feet are just fine. Cast of my feet do not sit on heel and two balls behind toes, my knees fall inwards noticeably without support. My toes are crooked and do not line up like nice little piggies.

See a foot doc.

https://up1.xhcdn.com/000/132/781/189_1000.gif

 

[yukonnights]

I'm hooked on Birkenstock shoes. Lot's of different styles to choose from. After a day wearing work boots I can barely walk, but a few hours in Birkenstock sandals and all is well again. I have a pair of Birkenstock high top boots on order and hope they fit a good. (If you've never worn these, the foot-bed design is the claim to fame )

 

[thør]

Yada-yada

At the same time I had tried them on I had tried a pair of Merrell Moab waterproof and while the fit was better, they were very warm on my feet. I like warm feet, but this was more than I would want, especially since I wasn't even doing anything except trying them on.

More yada-yada

The Moab Ventilators might be a better choice. You can get them in a wide width if your feet get too tight in the shoes. Mine are made in Vietnam. The waterproof shoes just make for sweaty feet. Sweaty isn't comfy after a bit.

 

[BotanyBoy]

Redwing boots.

I'm still wearing a pair I got in 2001 when I joined the Army, I got a desert pair later.

Both full boots, made to fit, gortex, zipper laces for near instant on/off......

Point is you'll spend 400 bucks, but if you just occasionally care for them they will last you for fuckin' ever and just keep getting better with age. I'd be surprised if mine don't last longer than me or my need for them.

If you want quality, go spend the cash and have a pair of boots made.... you'll never get anything as good off the shelf.

/thread.

 

[Aquagal]

I have a pair of Merrills that I really like except that they are pink. Hate pink! But they fit my skinny feet well. I do remember trying on some that had wider toe box, I just can't remember the brand. They were the pretty aqua colored ones. :-/

Buy at night and wear the type of socks you will be hiking in.

 

[thør]

I have a pair of Merrills that I really like except that they are pink. Hate pink! But they fit my skinny feet well. I do remember trying on some that had wider toe box, I just can't remember the brand. They were the pretty aqua colored ones. :-/

Buy at night and wear the type of socks you will be hiking in.

Good advice!

 

[Noor]

I like my Oboz. I also like Vasque.

 

[SkAoUt]

Salomon trail runners. I've got the Speedcross GTX which have a gore-tex upper. I have had issues with shoes not breathing enough in the past but these are awesome. I've had about 5 different pairs of Salomon runners and they're so awesome I'd recommend them as a light hiker to anyone.

 

[someoneyouknow]

Thanks all. Went out and picked up a pair of Merrell Phoenix Bluff. A tad loose but then I didn't try them out at the end of the day. Will be trying them on again when I get home from work and the feet have swelled. Should be much better.

No, I don't have bad feet. They're average. I used the Brannock and verified my size.

Unfortunately I don't have a large selection to choose from in my area. Yes, there is online, but that involves waiting, trying and if not right, sending them back at my expense (usually).

To the person who suggested the Merrell Accentor, looking at some of the reviews it appears there may be an issue with the tread falling apart. There was a pair at one place and I can see why that might be so I passed on them.

 

[ishtat]

Brits can go to a Clarks's shoe shop and buy a pair of their gortexed leather boots. You can get them either black or brown, but the design which is very plain has not changed at all in at least 25 years. There is only one style so selection is colour and size only.

I wear them with an orthotic (flat feet since birth) plus a thin leather insole. They are the definition of comfort. Price is about $200 and they are never discounted in sales.

When I was a teenager I inherited a pair of riding boots from my great grandfather. These were made in about 1880 or so by a London firm. They went back to the same original makers who took them completely apart and rebuilt them to my measurements. Cost my grandmother a small fortune (a present), but they were issued with a guarantee for my life (because you don't walk much in them I suppose) They are still in excellent condition and I hope a grand child of mine can have them one day.

 

[JohnnySavage]

Save your Yuppie money. Crocs work just fine.

 

[albertaboy]

I bought my second pair of these last year.

The first pair I wore for over 10 years, they are awesome when paired with Smartwool medium hiker socks.

http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aajx_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-EccoCA-Site/-/default/dw5ee0d8b6/images/main-image-placeholder.png

 

[Parminderjeet]

Get a pair that fit.