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Dust proof hiking/approach shoe?

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Cory Lowery · · Sacramento, CA · Joined Sep 2017 · Points: 311

I'm looking for footwear that keeps your feet clean and supported for approaches on dirty, dusty trails, but also good at tackling 4th and 5 class scrambles. 

I tried on the merrell ontario dark earth size 8.5, and it was just slightly too narrow on one foot. It seems like the perfect type of boot otherwise.

Any recommendations?

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

I've never heard of someone looking for shoes "that keep your feet clean." Pretty unusual request! 

Dust-proof shoes? Huh?

Cory Lowery · · Sacramento, CA · Joined Sep 2017 · Points: 311

I've tried wearing double layered socks. It's not the socks that's the problem.

Kevin Mokracek · · Burbank · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 363

There is no getting around dirty feet.  It just comes with the territory 

Ashort · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 56

La Sportiva TX4, best approach shoe I've tried that balances hiking and climbing. Full leather means you will find whatever it is you seek...

Rexford Nesakwatch · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2018 · Points: 0

High top (e.g. TX4 Mid) and/or scree gaiter?

Matt N · · CA · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 425

Waterproof shoes. 

You'll have clean feet swimming in their own sweat instead. 

Nathan Flaim · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2013 · Points: 0

Check out these dust gaiters from Dirty Girl Gaiters.  Popular with trail runners and through hikers. 

Aerili · · Los Alamos, NM · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 1,875

Have you tried using trail gaiters instead?

Climberdude · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 0

You are certainly into the wrong sport if you don’t want dirty dust feet.  Laughable 

Rasputin NLN · · fuckin Hawaii · Joined Aug 2018 · Points: 0

shoes made with leather uppers instead of mesh should help a lot

Cory Lowery · · Sacramento, CA · Joined Sep 2017 · Points: 311

Thanks everyone for their advice. I got a pair of La Sportiva TX4, and the problem resolved itself with the caveat of having more damp feet. I just let my feet air dry between switching shoes.

On a side note. I'm impeccable with keeping my feet clean, therefore I don't have smelly shoes, or the need to clean my shoes. So far, that philosophy has been successful with the new approach shoes.

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