View Full Version : Shoes
Hey ya'll I am sure this has been beaten to death in these forums but I am looking for some insight from you guys. I have been hiking/rucking for quite some time now probably 5 or so years pretty seriously. Anyways I have two different experiences in terms of footwear. I have the Army side where I have a 45 pound ruck minimum and boots and on the other more tame civilian side I have 50 pound pack and running shoes. I am looking for a new pair of shoes to hike in and having experience coming from both the boot side and the shoe side I think I am looking for a pair of just trail running shoes.
I have and currently always just used my running shoes usually Asic GT-2130's and they have worked out pretty well until there is some slippery rock type things. I also hike in pretty hot or hot and humid conditions either summer in Las Vegas or rest of the year Baton Rouge. I would prefer the shoes to not only be lightweight but also breathable. I am not concerned really with any sort of water protection/cold insulation in my shoes either. I have found that water resistant also means keeps water in really really really long time! I was wondering what you guys thought in terms of suggestions for possible models that would suit me in the <$120 range? Thanks
Sorry I also forgot to include the frequency in which I hike. I hike every other weekend probably 25-35 miles a day with trips lasting no longer than 5-6 days. Most of the time I am just doing day hikes approximately 30 miles or less.
What is wrong with your Asics?
The 2100 series is a good shoe.
Are you looking for more under the foot?
Yes trust me I know they are a very good shoe they last forever and are very well put together. I ran into some slipping issues a few weeks ago and it got me thinking that maybe a trail running shoe or something of that nature would help out alot. So in response yes I was looking for something with a little bit more tread to assist in grip if you catch my drift.
Asics makes some trailrunners if you have normal feet. I have found the 2100s to be as good as any thing else on the greasy stuff. In the past I have gotten shoes with softer rubber soles, but they wear out waaay too fast.
If you try shoes on in a store with a tile (industrial hospital type) ask if you can step and pivot in some water. I have. (f you catch my drift.)
Have you ever tried any of Merrell's trail shoes?
I'm currently using Merrell Moab Ventilators and like them a lot. Pretty good gripping action and while not the lightest cross-trainer going, they're light enough. During last fall's hike in them, I had two days of heavy rain, one going up Albert Mountain's rocks, where they gripped well. The 'ventilator' part speaks to the mesh that goes down to the floorbed of the shoe. This permits squishing the water out of your shoe as you walk. First time hiking in that kind of rain that I didn't feel like I had two sponges for feet!
astrogirl
08-18-2008, 10:15
Yep, I've used Merrells, Montrails and now New Balance. The mesh models all squish water out shortening drying time.
I find the New Balance lining holds up the best. That's what I tend to tear up on trail shoes.
skinny minnie
08-18-2008, 12:12
Asics has trail running shoes... look into those.
I've tried quite a few trail runners and my complaint is always with comfort and padding in most others. These seem to be the best so far and my feet are really happy in them. I go a full size up from my normal shoe size in them. The laces are super durable and I'm happy with the tread, have gone on some slick rock with them, only time I came close to slipping was when I was running, got a footful of mud, and kept running onto a slick rock at a steep downhill. And I still didn't fall. I have the goretex version and while my feet don't get horribly hot... they definitely get pretty hot with these in the summer. I'd go with the non goretex version if I were you. I'm female and the name of the shoe I have is the asics gel trabuco, but im sure there is a male version as well (have no idea if you're a guy or girl, sorry) just make sure you get the non-goretex version. If your local running shop doesn't carry it, I'm sure they will be happy to order it, that's what mine did. Cost under 100 bucks. Look em up on asics website for the name.
good luck!
Most just wander into some store and pick a pair of footwear that looks good and feels good & is priced 'good'. Little or no thought is given to the biomechanics of one's gait, weight & roll and never attempt to match it to the correct construction of the shoe.
The following text outlines the basic knowledge necessary to make an informed shoe purchase.
* Susceptibility to injury is associated with how your foot strikes the ground.
* How your foot strikes the ground determines your shoe type.
* All shoes are designed for specific foot-strikes.
* How do you match your foot-strike to the right shoe category?
* What is shoe cushioning?
* Do you need a performance shoe, racing shoe or trail shoe?
* How does body frame-size relate to shoe selection?
The above from:
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/LearningCenter/Shoes101.html
Once you know your desired shoe construction only purchase it. It saves a lot of headache. For instance, I supinate, roll to the outside, so I need a neutral shoe. I weigh more than 180 lbs so I need a neutral +. Now if I purchase a stability + instead, it has a harder area all along the medial (big toe) side of the shoe to provide more motion control, which would force my foot even more to the outside and, no matter how much I paid for it, i would use it in pain and it would not last as long for me.
Another good site to educate yourself towards the type of shoe construction you require is:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/mensshoes/?sc=CX180016&prfc=5&PartnerName=ApplyMarketing
On the left side there is a picture of a dalmatian and says let shoe dog fetch you the right shoe, so click on "getting started" and answer the questions.
It seems that only serious runners, less than 1% of the shoe buyers, are aware of this. But it also applies to trail runners as well. Once you know your mechanics, just call your running shoe manufacturer of choice and ask them what they have in that construction. Actually, I have found the help at Roadrunner the best at knowing their shoes. But, regrettably, as soon as you find one you like that fits like a dream, where you can use for high mileage with little or no pain, they stop manufacturing it and you must start all over again.
I hope this helps. Good luck in wading through it. Hint: to find your arch, wet your feet and take a few steps on brown craft paper(grocery bag turned inside out) and compare the outline to the pictures in Roadrunner.
Plodderman
08-18-2008, 17:33
New Balance trail runners are the best shoes I've every had.
New Balance trail runners are the best shoes I've every had.
Which?
New Balance makes 17 separate models
And thats just for men:
http://www.newbalance.com/outdoor/trail
I didnt count those for females
leeki pole
08-18-2008, 18:59
New Balance trail runners are the best shoes I've every had.
I like New Balance as well, I wear a pair to work every day as well as the trail. I wore the 476's for a long time, but have recently switched to the 642's. They're more of a trail shoe than the 476, beefier and less like a true running shoe. Good shoe at a good value.
robmurphy
08-18-2008, 22:56
For those of you who have hiked the GA section of the AT, is there any reason to wear more than low hiking shoes or trail shoes? It doesn't seem like there are any challenging surfaces, boulders, etc. from the guide books. thanks.
CrumbSnatcher
08-18-2008, 23:21
For those of you who have hiked the GA section of the AT, is there any reason to wear more than low hiking shoes or trail shoes? It doesn't seem like there are any challenging surfaces, boulders, etc. from the guide books. thanks.you'll be fine in your regular trail runners no big obstacles in this section. you should try hiking in chacos sandels sometime. works great
simplysql
08-19-2008, 12:01
my wife hiked the approach trail to Springer in flip flops!