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hiking shoes

Original Post
dannl · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 0

I have a pair of merrell ventilators for hiking/backpacking. I love these shoes but sadly, they just don't fit the soles of my feet right. They feel comfortable initially, but eventually put pressure on the front of my heel and hurt after a long day. I tried changing the insoles but it didn't help.

Asics running shoes fit my feet perfectly.

If your feet also fit asics, what hiking shoes do you have that you like?

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492

Salomon. Raichle.

Evan Johnson · · Boulder, CO · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 675

I have only used Asics for running, but they fit my foot. I tried the Moab Ventilators and they felt funny on me too.

For hiking shoes I need a little extra support, because my ankles randomly roll on nearly flat ground every once in a while. I went with Columbia Granite Pass Mid Outdry shoes. They are really light, but offer a lot of support.

One of the reasons I use these, is because they need to double as bicycle and motorcycle boots, and the waterproofing is a bonus for that.

They were really cheap on STP, kind of felt like I stole them. As for durability, they are wearing good. I've used them for everything from shoveling the drive way (just got snow two days ago) to approach shoes.

They felt true to size and probably weigh under half the weight of the Merrells.

dannl · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 0

Thanks for the recommendations guys!

dannl · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 0

I ended up getting the Columbia Granite Pass Outdry shoes and hiked with them for a pretty rainy week up in the Adirondacks. They were great! I went to a running store before I left and they gave me a pair of Asics insoles (the blue spongy type) which made them much more comfortable (the columbia insole was not shaped in any way, just flat).

I know jackets with waterproof/breathable membrane need to be washed with non-detergent soap after a while to clean dirt, smoke, and oil off the membrane so it can work optimally. Do you do this with waterproof shoes with Outdry or Gore Tex?

Thanks again for the recommendation!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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