View Full Version : Boots
Hi everone just got a new pair of hiking boots at Super Kmart Thom McAn
Ther fit great right out of the box just wonder if any you had heard about these boots or if you ever use them on the trail. They seen and look well made got them at a good price. Thank for the help
:sun
best pair of boots i ever owned was a pair of HiTecs i had in the army (about 6" high, black nylon and leather-fit like a sneaker... loved them. they offer a similar model now, under their military/law enforcement section, not 'mainstream' hiking boots.)
2nd best was a $12 pair of WalMart boots. i think they were from the 'something Outback' line. i know they were NOT Ozark Trail. i still use them. as long as your's fit well, use them. doesn't matter where they're from.
(i have a new pair of hi-tecs that don't fit real well, and aren't breaking in well either...)
Jack Tarlin
11-27-2006, 18:15
Partini---
Whatever works for you is great; most folks get professionally fitted at an Outfitters but if you've found something on your own that works, that's great.
Just make sure you wear the boots a lot before you leave for your hike, and make sure you break them in while wearing what you'll be hiking in (i.e. liners, thicker socks, etc.) And also, try if you can to wear your full pack sometimes when you're bopping around town. In short, anything you can do to get those shoes broken in, and to get your feet and knees (and the rest of you) used to carrying a fullpack is a good thing.
hopefulhiker
11-27-2006, 18:24
I found that my feet gained about a half a size on the thru hike.. If they are affordable then you might consider breaking in two pair for a thru hike..
I'll stick to my New Balance 800 series. They love my feet and my feet love them back. Working on my fourth pair. Not a blister yet. Did have cold feet in some snow, though.
I am currently breaking in two pairs of Hi-tec boots, one all leather and one leather/canvas. I like the all leather ones the best but I blew out a speed lace grommet the other day. Don't know if I should repair or replace since I'm looking at a thru. Don't want that to happen on the AT in the middle of the 100 mile wilderness. (I'm SOBOing)
Gray Blazer
11-29-2006, 11:30
I found that my feet gained about a half a size on the thru hike.. If they are affordable then you might consider breaking in two pair for a thru hike..You know, I've wondered about that. Is that common?
Brushy Sage
11-29-2006, 12:29
What I've learned is that the expansion/enlargement of feet is more pronounced with older hikers than with younger ones. My shoe size when I started my 600 mi hike in 2002 was 10 1/2. By the time I got to Hot Springs, I had to go into size 13 Columbias with two inserts. Does anybody know of a manufacturer who makes hiking shoes for the older set?
Brushy Sage
11-30-2006, 11:59
I'd like to be a bit more specific and see if anybody has any suggestions. As hikers age and their feet get used more and more, the feet begin to expand, and the natural padding (particularly on the sole, behind the toes) gets thinner. Shoes and boots that are designed for younger feet tend to be too narrow at the toes and lack padding underneath; this can lead to the development of corns, bunions, and other problems. I hate to keep buying boots/shoes that are too large, and filling in the spaces with inserts. I hate to think of purchasing orthotic shoes also because of their cost, though that might be the ultimate solution. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.