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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: gazthedart on 00:20:49, 19/05/20

Title: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: gazthedart on 00:20:49, 19/05/20
care to share which shoes you like for walks, funny enough i keep saying walk but people will oftern say 'hike' i think the difference is if there's steps and hills and inclines and then you can safely say it was a hike.  
ive got walking boots but they feel quite stiff and heavy so ive started wearing my trail running shoes for coastal and forest walks, it feels better and if im just doing a walk around the block ill put my road running shoes on. with running shoes they seem to have this up to 500miles limit then need to buy new ones to avoid injuries from where they start to fall apart. i wonder if walking boots and shoes will last abit longer, it's just they dont feel as comfortable as running shoes do.  
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Slowcoach on 08:04:19, 19/05/20
Merrell Moab Ventilator for dry weather, Berghaus gtx for wet.
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: vghikers on 09:08:48, 19/05/20
Merrell Moabs for everything now, shoes for most of the year, mids for winter and very boggy routes. Quite wide forefoot that suits most British feet, excellent cushioning for long distances.

Most walkers just accept the stiff heavy boot mantra as a given, ignoring the obvious correlation with blisters and compeed after any significant distance. No good arguing or presenting evidence, it's like trying to change someone's religion. Yes they'll last considerably longer, but I always say it's prolonging the agony!  :)
Our Moabs and their similar predecessors need replacement more often, but that's the philosophy and price we accept for 20+ years of hiking without a single blister.

Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: ninthace on 09:31:07, 19/05/20
I’m the other way about. Lightweight shoes are fine for short walks but after a while my ankles ache and my soles start to suffer.  I also find the liners wear out quite quickly, usually before the soles.  For “proper” walking I prefer my boots, Altberg in my case.  My feet and ankles suffer less and I just find them more comfortable.
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Slowcoach on 09:58:07, 19/05/20
One of the key differences for me  is the weight of the shoes compared to boots. I definitely notice the difference at the end of a day out.
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:51:16, 19/05/20
I can easily understand why people would want to go for trainers etc, I've read online articles where some people claim all sorts of benefits but for me when hiking the main drawback is when a loaded rucksack is on my back they lose their appeal very quickly.

At present I use a pair of Salomon Ultra X's, they are lightweight, incredibly comfortable, fit my feet like a glove, and they feel solid at the same time. One day a few months ago I forgot my off-road running shoes, my Salomon's were in the car so I put them on a ran my circuit in them. No problem in terms of weight, they just felt a bit big for running, but it worked.
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Mel on 17:55:45, 19/05/20
Walking shoes for me.  I find them to be a good compromise between boots and trail runners for all the walks I've done so far. 
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 18:29:45, 19/05/20
I have Merrill Moabs for easier walks and some Altbergs for the rougher, wetter stuff. These have not seen action due to injury and then Covid-19. I find trainers comfortable, but wouldn’t use them on anything other than good surfaces due to an old ankle injury leaving me with a tendency to my right ankle over. The extra ankle protection offered by boots is a must for me.
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Pitboot on 20:57:58, 19/05/20
Salomon Ultra X3 prime here.
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: watershed on 14:55:51, 20/05/20
I have 2 pairs of shoes.
The Salomon X Ultra 3 Goretex and the Merrell Moabs which are non Gortex.
These are used as everyday foot wear, gardening, shopping etc.
There is quite a difference between the two.
The Salomon's are a bit dearer and a much superior shoe. Better fit, better outsole for grip, and with a considerable more comfortable midsole.
The only advantages the Merrell could have for some, is a wider forefoot and its more breathable due to no Gortex, but off course resulting in wet feet if you go outside most days in the UK.
Although the Salomon does a wide fit version, and also a non Gortex version for a similar price to the Merrell if you are walking somewhere hot and dry.
If I am doing any serious hiking I don't use the shoes I use the Salomon X ultra 3 Mid, which is a boot.

Prior to that I had a pair of Scarpa Mojito shoes.
They look excellent but I was disappointed in them, Quite a hard midsole, and you could feel the laces through the tongue  on the top of your foot.

Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: BuzyG on 16:00:59, 20/05/20
Cheap and very good in my opinion Karimor Mount Low 8 Weathertite.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Karrimor-Walking-Treking-Hiking-Weathertite/dp/B00ZZQR2OQ/ref=pd_lpo_309_t_1/258-8340514-1267231?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00ZZQR2OQ&pd_rd_r=9cd5b434-18e4-4954-bc6c-bd73bb64b55e&pd_rd_w=ZcpoQ&pd_rd_wg=iwIqr&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=B830XVTX5WMARJ1XQ2V3&psc=1&refRID=B830XVTX5WMARJ1XQ2V3 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Karrimor-Walking-Treking-Hiking-Weathertite/dp/B00ZZQR2OQ/ref=pd_lpo_309_t_1/258-8340514-1267231?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00ZZQR2OQ&pd_rd_r=9cd5b434-18e4-4954-bc6c-bd73bb64b55e&pd_rd_w=ZcpoQ&pd_rd_wg=iwIqr&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=B830XVTX5WMARJ1XQ2V3&psc=1&refRID=B830XVTX5WMARJ1XQ2V3)

Others seem to slate them, but I buy a new pair each summer and find them very comfortable reasonably light, certainly far lighter than boots and they even keep the damp out if you stick your foot in the odd wet patch.  I completed the Dartmoor Highgound marathon in a pair last summer and I am still wearing that pair and have done in excess of 700miles in them.  In this warm weather, if I plan a river crossing then I take an old pair with me and put those on for the crossing.  O0
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: watershed on 16:23:45, 20/05/20
Cheap and very good in my opinion Karimor Mount Low 8 Weathertite.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Karrimor-Walking-Treking-Hiking-Weathertite/dp/B00ZZQR2OQ/ref=pd_lpo_309_t_1/258-8340514-1267231?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00ZZQR2OQ&pd_rd_r=9cd5b434-18e4-4954-bc6c-bd73bb64b55e&pd_rd_w=ZcpoQ&pd_rd_wg=iwIqr&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=B830XVTX5WMARJ1XQ2V3&psc=1&refRID=B830XVTX5WMARJ1XQ2V3 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Karrimor-Walking-Treking-Hiking-Weathertite/dp/B00ZZQR2OQ/ref=pd_lpo_309_t_1/258-8340514-1267231?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00ZZQR2OQ&pd_rd_r=9cd5b434-18e4-4954-bc6c-bd73bb64b55e&pd_rd_w=ZcpoQ&pd_rd_wg=iwIqr&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=B830XVTX5WMARJ1XQ2V3&psc=1&refRID=B830XVTX5WMARJ1XQ2V3)

Others seem to slate them, but I buy a new pair each summer and find them very comfortable reasonably light, certainly far lighter than boots and they even keep the damp out if you stick your foot in the odd wet patch.  I completed the Dartmoor Highgound marathon in a pair last summer and I am still wearing that pair and have done in excess of 700miles in them.  In this warm weather, if I plan a river crossing then I take an old pair with me and put those on for the crossing.  O0

Certainly at that price if they are comfortable and you like them you are onto a winner.
Although they are heavier than my boots.
I have ordered a spare pair of boots yesterday for £87 special offer
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Mel on 16:31:52, 20/05/20
Walking shoes for me.  I find them to be a good compromise between boots and trail runners for all the walks I've done so far.


Just realised the heading says "which shoes do you prefer" .... so my preference is Meindls  :)
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: MarkT on 17:57:40, 20/05/20
I prefer my high heels........but only on Sundays  :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: ninthace on 18:21:31, 20/05/20
I prefer my high heels........but only on Sundays  :D :D :D :D :D
The "walkers" that lurked in the entrances to our married quarters in Portsmouth always wore high heels, but only when they were working.  Ask Gunwharfman, he lives there - he will have heard about "Ladies' Mile".
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Sevenup on 05:33:32, 21/05/20
I’m a huge fan of Hoka One One shoes and boots. Speedgoats (trail shoes, waterproof) for the summer months, Toas for just about any made trail and their walking boot for more ‘adventurous’ stuff. The cushioning, grip and heel to toe dip all work better for me now over traditional constructed shoes. dodgy knee, back and Achilles all combine to require something a bit more shock absorbing. Scottish weather is rarely dry for prolonged periods so waterproofing is essential
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: BuzyG on 12:06:41, 21/05/20
Certainly at that price if they are comfortable and you like them you are onto a winner.
Although they are heavier than my boots.
I have ordered a spare pair of boots yesterday for £87 special offer
I guess the weight is a relative thing.  I have several different pairs/types of training shoes, these are the heaviest of those, but also the most comfortable on a 25 mile walk and the only ones I wear walking on rough ground.  My summer boots weigh a little more and my winter boots a fair bit more.  The most important thing for me is the comfort.   O0  Though the cost is always taken into account.  :)
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Ronin83 on 16:29:06, 21/05/20
Boots for most, but only because of the mud, puddles and rain and I use lowa renegades which are quite light anyway. I've been up mountains with them no probs and did the salkantay trek to machu pichu with them. Boot nazis will tell you the renegades aren't suitable for mountains so apparently I've defied physics  ;D


Comfort wise, trainers all the way. Trainers only really get used in summer tbh.
I've just got some altra. Haven't used them yet, but they're all using them in the states for their long distance trails.
The only other thing is if you're going on a really rocky mountain your feet can take a beating so again tougher soles can help there.
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 21:06:39, 21/05/20
Inov8 fell shoes most of the time, 3.5 season boots are great for bog/wet conditions but I'm pretty fed up with all the cleaning involved.  For winter use I'm not someone who can get away with super light weight shoes and always try to use B2s.


Heard great things about Hoka One Ones though, am looking for a pair after putting in some serious miles during 'lockdown' so I'll give them a shot as I keep hearing recommendations - especially from the triathlon types who put a lot of training miles on their kit.
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Sevenup on 21:10:15, 21/05/20
Inov8 fell shoes most of the time, 3.5 season boots are great for bog/wet conditions but I'm pretty fed up with all the cleaning involved.  For winter use I'm not someone who can get away with super light weight shoes and always try to use B2s.


Heard great things about Hoka One Ones though, am looking for a pair after putting in some serious miles during 'lockdown' so I'll give them a shot as I keep hearing recommendations - especially from the triathlon types who put a lot of training miles on their kit.
Sportsshoes.com is where I buy. Always in the sales. Depending on your sizes there are still bargains to be had. Not the most neutral of colours 🤣🤣
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: BuzyG on 11:24:40, 22/05/20
Sportsshoes.com is where I buy. Always in the sales. Depending on your sizes there are still bargains to be had. Not the most neutral of colours 🤣🤣
They look like decent value.  What is the grip like on damp grass, I generally jog down grassy slopes and I need to feel confident that my foot ware will keep me upright.  I walk up all but the gentlest of gradients, so not so much of an issue going up.
Title: Re: which shoes do you prefer
Post by: Sevenup on 20:23:06, 27/05/20
Sorry missed this. The grip is good. I usually find Vibram slippy on stones around a river. These are stable. A pair of Toas lasts me about 4-6 months. I’m 15st and very heavy on shoes. Walk about 100k steps a week on firmed hard path with the dogs - 3 lochs way, lower reaches of west highland way, John Muir way. I wouldn’t buy these shoes at full price unless I was desperate. I also use the Speedgoats during the summer months. They are more of a trail running boot. Again grip is good but the shoes are slightly less hard wearing than the Toas. Both very comfortable. I change my shoes once my damaged knee begins to hurt every night 😂😂