TTMA : Hiking gear.

[Deleted]

Hi Ladies,

As part of MH's continuing effort to force me outdoors I have agreed to start hiking with him. It's really a win/win situation he will get back into better shape and he'll stop bugging me.

Unfortunately for me, MH has alot of experience with hiking. He worked for EMS for years, and was at one point an avid hiker and backpacker. I, on the otherhand, prefer to watch TV.

The main piece of equipment I am looking to get is footwear for 3 season use (his words, not mine). MH would like me to get a lightweight leather boot. I just want something comfortable and not super expensive. I also have small, narrow feet which often limits my options.

Are there any hikers or backpackers out that can make some boot recommendations? I would like a female perspective on what brands to look at.

ETA: C'mon guys, he's going to make me go to the store to keep trying on shit that I know probably won't fit if I don't get recommendations. A little help, please.

[rablissful]

I am legit no help.

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

I recommend some boots that are the correct size, serve the purpose you desire, and last a long time.

You're welcome!

[Andrea]

Link fail...see below

[easilyunamused]

Go to your nearest REI and just try on boots. I like semi high top boots for better ankle control. Also, depending on your ability, hiking poles come in handy too.

Get a camel back, or at least the bladder to put into a bag pack. It's way better than carrying a water bottle.

[easilyunamused]

andrea, that link just redirects me to this post.

[nuggetrn]

Feb 1, 2016 22:55:54 GMT -5 Andrea said:

THESE

This is very helpful.

[nuggetrn]

Feb 1, 2016 22:47:56 GMT -5 ♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪ said:

I recommend some boots that are the correct size, serve the purpose you desire, and last a long time.

You're welcome!

This is also very helpful.

[Andrea]

nuggetrn , I DO WHAT I CAN, OK!!!


easilyunamused , lol big huge fail. Lets try this again, shall we?


“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.”

edit to add correct link

[nuggetrn]

Feb 1, 2016 23:21:21 GMT -5 Andrea said:

nuggetrn , I DO WHAT I CAN, OK!!!


easilyunamused , lol big huge fail. Lets try this again, shall we?


“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.”

I liked it better when the link just sent you back to this thread.

I kind of thought we were coming in here to chat on Wallie's thread without actually being helpful? Did I misread that memo?

[Andrea]

LOL, I can do that too.

Wallie, wear crocs. WITH SOCKS>

[Deleted]

Thank you easilyunamused and ****** The rest of you smartasses can kiss my butt.

[Deleted]

hippo I see your lovetits. I thought we were friends, man.

[Deleted]

Feb 1, 2016 23:24:58 GMT -5 nuggetrn said:

Feb 1, 2016 23:21:21 GMT -5 Andrea said:

nuggetrn , I DO WHAT I CAN, OK!!!


easilyunamused , lol big huge fail. Lets try this again, shall we?


“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.”

I liked it better when the link just sent you back to this thread.

I kind of thought we were coming in here to chat on Wallie's thread without actually being helpful? Did I misread that memo?

I will get you back.

[nuggetrn]

Feb 1, 2016 23:41:11 GMT -5 @wallflwr926 said:

Feb 1, 2016 23:24:58 GMT -5 nuggetrn said:

I liked it better when the link just sent you back to this thread.

I kind of thought we were coming in here to chat on Wallie's thread without actually being helpful? Did I misread that memo?

I will get you back.

Worth it

[mikaela20]

I hike all season...but not in freezing cold or rainy days. I found leather didn't breathe enough for me and made my feet and ankles ichy. I always get ones that have gortex which is a waterproof and breathable material and I wear smart wool socks for winter hikes with them. I usually get Merrell's or Keen's depending on what's on sale/within my budget when I'm needing new boots.

When you try them on, try to go downhill somehow in the store so you can see how your toes fit in the boot. In some brands, my toes slide and squish too much at the top of the boot when I'm going downhill. This might be hard to test at the store though.

[Deleted]

Feb 1, 2016 23:53:22 GMT -5 mikaela20 said:

I hike all season...but not in freezing cold or rainy days. I found leather didn't breathe enough for me and made my feet and ankles ichy. I always get ones that have gortex which is a waterproof and breathable material and I wear smart wool socks for winter hikes with them. I usually get Merrell's or Keen's depending on what's on sale/within my budget when I'm needing new boots.

When you try them on, try to go downhill somehow in the store so you can see how your toes fit in the boot. In some brands, my toes slide and squish too much at the top of the boot when I'm going downhill. This might be hard to test at the store though.

I have raynaud's so even in the warm weather my feet get cold easily. MH is a pro leather boot but i'm willing to look at other options.
My second biggest problem is width. I just bought Merrell winter hiking boots and it took three tries to find a way to lace the boots tight enough that my feet didn't slide side to side. They are still a little wide but they are winter only and I wear thick socks.
MH's steel toes are Keen so I know they run pretty wide.

Have you ever worn Scarpa? That is the brand he is pushing. I have sticker shock issues so i'm trying to find other options to present to him.

[mikaela20]

@wallflwr926 I wish I could do leather because I'm sure they last longer. The Scarpa ones I tried on seemed too heavy duty for me, I lean towards light hiking boots that are breathable. My feet get hot easily.

[Deleted]

Feb 2, 2016 0:13:08 GMT -5 mikaela20 said:

@wallflwr926 I wish I could do leather because I'm sure they last longer. The Scarpa ones I tried on seemed too heavy duty for me, I lean towards light hiking boots that are breathable. My feet get hot easily.

That's what I would prefer but he seems to think otherwise. I actually hate wearing shoes that go above the ankle because of how narrow my feet are.

[mikaela20]

Feb 2, 2016 0:17:36 GMT -5 @wallflwr926 said:

Feb 2, 2016 0:13:08 GMT -5 mikaela20 said:

@wallflwr926 I wish I could do leather because I'm sure they last longer. The Scarpa ones I tried on seemed too heavy duty for me, I lean towards light hiking boots that are breathable. My feet get hot easily.

That's what I would prefer but he seems to think otherwise. I actually hate wearing shoes that go above the ankle because of how narrow my feet are.

Yes that's like me, I hate any that go passed my ankle. I had a pair that went just above the ankle and the boot would rub around my ankle bone and irritate the area. But your feet might fit brands differently. You might like the fit of Keen's.

[Deleted]

Feb 1, 2016 23:21:21 GMT -5 Andrea said:

nuggetrn , I DO WHAT I CAN, OK!!!


easilyunamused , lol big huge fail. Lets try this again, shall we?


“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.”

edit to add correct link

Did you link the first boot you found on google?

[ourcrazynavylife]

I agree with everything mikaela20 & easilyunamused said

If you've got an REI or an LL Bean go there. If you get them and hate them after hiking in them you can return them.

I have a bitch of a time shoe shopping and ended up returning the first pair I bought after hiking.

This is the pair I ended up getting the second go round.

They're light, waterproof, and comfortable.
I've got a normal width to almost narrow foot and these fit well.

[Deleted]

Feb 2, 2016 1:00:40 GMT -5 ourcrazynavylife said:

I agree with everything mikaela20 & easilyunamused said

If you've got an REI or an LL Bean go there. If you get them and hate them after hiking in them you can return them.

I have a bitch of a time shoe shopping and ended up returning the first pair I bought after hiking.

This is the pair I ended up getting the second go round.

They're light, waterproof, and comfortable.
I've got a normal width to almost narrow foot and these fit well.

How is the heel cup? That's my biggest problem area. My heels slip in almost every pair of shoes I own.

[Deleted]

LINK

I can only google things for you. My feet are like blocks.

[gabride2010]

I have a pair of Keen boots (not hiking though), and I love them. H has had a couple pairs of their hiking boots, and he says they are the most comfortable boots he has ever worn. I have heard Merrell boots are good too.

I haven't heard of Scarpa before.

[wannabmama]

I love my Merrell hiking shoes (not really boots though). I have narrow feet and some foot and knee issues, but I can wear them forever without pain. The ones I have aren't totally waterproof, but even hiking in the rainforest my feet never got wet. They're light and they have lasted forever.
Edit: words

[ironbaby]

I will go against the grain and say that what I really love for hiking are trail running shoes. They give you a lot of flexibility, and I hate shoes that go above the ankle, which you don't need anyway if you aren't backpacking with a huge weight.

The best part about running shoes is that you can find a greater variety of widths. I personally prefer the Brooks Pure Grit but the Brooks Cascadia is a bit heavier duty.

[mill23]

I have Merrels which are ugly but comfortable. I try to wear them as little as possible because I hate hiking. I had to buy some for my previous job. I have Raynaud's as well and they did keep my feet warm and comfortable.

[Andrea]

Feb 2, 2016 0:58:58 GMT -5 @wallflwr926 said:

Feb 1, 2016 23:21:21 GMT -5 Andrea said:

nuggetrn , I DO WHAT I CAN, OK!!!


easilyunamused , lol big huge fail. Lets try this again, shall we?


“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.”

edit to add correct link

Did you link the first boot you found on google?

No fool, I got mine based on that review and after trying on 67,000 pairs at REI.

[PirateCat]

I have Merrell leather Goretex boots that I like a lot but I think you just need to try a bunch on and find ones that fit you well. This is my first pair of leather boots and I do like them on longer and harder hikes. Go into a good hiking store and they should be able to help you figure out the right fit and lacing too. I think a lot of them have inclined surfaces to try out too.

I hope you find a great pair of shoes and have fun out there!