Shoes – I am planning a thru hike in a few years and have decided that I will not skimp (price wise)on my footware. I am leaning towards a full grain leather high rise. I want a sturdy shoe that will hold up to very cold weather – (start date probably 2/15). I know these will be a heavier shoe (and I’ll probably switch to a lighter trail runner type in warmer months and switch back to these in New England). I am looking at the Asolo TPS 520 GTX and the Zamberlan 310 Skill GT --- Does anyone have any thoughts on shoe ware? Also, being only 5’ tall – I’m thinking it may be difficult to get a good fit? I’ve had shoes that rise too high in the back which make it difficult bending my foot on the down hills and seemed to cause shin splints. If anyone can talk about these issues – I would so appreciate it. I am willing to pay for a good shoe – the above mentioned will run in the mid to upper $200’s. I will be in my mid 50’s when I hike. Currently I am 51. I know that REI carries both of these and I will go to an outlet and try them on and I know I can always return them, but still ----. Thanks for any and all advice and thoughts!

Be prepared...

You'll probably be pilloried for choosing a boot, but here are three I like (all full grain leather:

The Alico Tahoe
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,63670_Alico-Tahoe-Hiking-Boots-For-Women.html

The Hi Tec Peak II
http://www.hi-tec.com/us/39798-product-peak_ii-all.html

Merrill Perimeter
http://www.merrell.com/US/Default.aspx#store/M/M-F/15110M-29075/

In the end I choose the Tahoe because I like the Norwegian welt construction. The other two are bonded soles, but are a little lighter.

Sorry I just noticed this was a female only forum...

I have a pair of the Asolo TPS 520 GTX. They are heavy. and they did not fit my feet well, in fact, they ripped them to shreds. I have blister-prone, funny shaped feet and after 30 miles with the boots, I could barely walk when I got home. Maybe they'll work for you, my feet were too narrow. I have a pair of 8 1/2 if you're really interested in buying some still.

After researching and trying a bunch of shoes from REI, I ended up with Merrell trail shoes (Chameleon Arc Stretch- they are not gore-tex). They're like lighter hiking shoes, lighter than boots, and a little beefier than trail runners.

I've found that a lot of people are tending to go more toward trail runners, or light weight trail shoes and NON goretex, and some of them even start as early as Feb. They dry a whole faster once they are wet. You might want some kind of water barrier, like sealskin socks, or even just bread bags over your feet, but then you can just take em off and let your feet air out, rather than having soaking wet, freezing boots for days until they dry.

Whats that saying? a pound on your feet is like 5 lbs. on your back.

I thought heavy leather goretex boots would be great, they didnt work for me. But also, I have a pack that weighs like 5 lbs. Lesson learned from not doing quite enough research. Good luck.

whatever gear you choose it needs to fit you correctly. that is most important.

make sure you are consistent in your sock gear as well.

good luck

peace
mf

I hiked the AT several years ago - back when leather boots were the norm. On my first thruhike I wore heavy leather boots which lasted the whole way. I had blisters for most of the hike. Every time it rained, my feet would soften and I'd rub against the leather. Eventually I rubbed a hole in the leather which created new blisters. I wouldn't recommend these boots.

On my second hike I used Vasque Sundowners. They were the boots that everybody used then. They were good boots that lasted about 1200 miles. Few blisters but when they dried they tended to get very stiff, which hurt my ankle.

On the PCT and CDT I wore trail runners for the desert sections and Raichles for the snow. The leather felt very heavy after getting used to wearing trail runners, but I wanted something heavy so I could kick steps in icy snowbanks. It worked but I was really happy to switch out in northern California. On my second CDT hike I wore light Lowa boots. Those are the ones I liked the best. No blisters. No break-in. Unfortunately, they aren't as durable as the old leather boots. They had to be replaced after only 700 or so miles - about the equivalent of running shoes. Now I mostly wear trail runners (either Vasque Velocity or Merrill Mesas that aren't made any more). If your pack isn't too heavy, they work well.

Sheri,

I train here in Canada in rain and snow with temps down to 0 degrees F. wearing New Balance 811 Trail Runners with wool blend socks, LL Bean medium weight and thinner sock liners by Bridgedale.
No problems.
3 pairs of each type of sock is plenty.
Happt Trails, Sandalwood

I can tell you that starting mid Feb can be really tough weather and cold. Might want to adjust your start time. And switching footwear back and forth is tough on your legs and feet that have adapted to what you are wearing. If you find a shoe or boot that works well, stick with it if you can. I started with goretex boots which are not waterpoof - don't let anyone kid you, my feet got wet. Messed up my calf by VA. I got fitted for trail runners at a running shop by an expert because I pronate and used them all the rest of the way. I did suffer a few falls (you will fall on the trail, make no mistake) and one fall resulted in an ankle sprain for two weeks, but that can happen in any footwear you use. But all in all, I did very well with the trail runners and highly recommend them. Esp if you keep your pack weight low. And use hiking poles for balance.

Thanks to all for your input regarding footware. You have been very helpful as always and I shall truly take your comments to heart.
TO BLISSFUL[/*]: My thought about an earlier that traditional start is this: I figure even if I start on 3/1 or even 3/15 or 4/1 -- from all my research and reading trailjournals over the last 3 three years -- I still will need cold weather stuff. I know if one begans any sooner than - as "late" as 4/15 - you should be prepared to run into cold weather and even be caught in blizzard like conditions. I refer you to the date of 4/15/07!!! You can go back and check many TJ entries from that date and see what I mean. I was following Persistent and Certain at the time -- pretty scary stuff! I started following Uncle Tom ('07) in September 07 and had the idea to check out his 4/15/07 entry and then several others!! Like alot of people planning a thru-hike -- or even just following along -- I am obsessed!!! So, I figure I won't need any additional cold weather stuff by just starting 15-30 days earlier than most -- it's just that I will actually have the opportunity to use my gear (clothing & bag, etc.) more often. If I'm carrying until at least 4/15 - I may as well use it. I've learned how to properly layer - etc. So, I am not afraid of the cold and possibly white out conditions, etc. Knowledge is power!! Anyway -- that's my thinking. I would truly appreciate your thoughts on my thouhgts! Thanks.

I haven't thruhiked but have had the same two pair of Hi-Tec boots for several years. Never had a blister. Just bought a new all-leather pair....sticking with Hi-Tec

Well if you think you can do it in Feb and got the stuff for it to stay warm and happy, go for it. I just know tonight it's single digits here in the valley and I sure wouldn't want to be out there, but that's me.
Thinking of those starting now...
:)

I haven't thruhiked but have had the same two pair of Hi-Tec boots for several years. Never had a blister. Just bought a new all-leather pair....sticking with Hi-Tec


I used Hi Tec for my first ever hiking boot many years ago. I loved them for day hikes, wore those babies out.

i thought you were wearing keds?!? :confused:

i thought you were wearing keds?!? :confused:

Keds? -- Well those are for my SOBO with Mr. Warragh. For NOBO I need a more serious shoe! (for those of you who don't know - these 2 comments we're just "joshing" -- it's a joke from the humor thread. I don't want to mislead anyone!!):)

Well if you think you can do it in Feb and got the stuff for it to stay warm and happy, go for it. I just know tonight it's single digits here in the valley and I sure wouldn't want to be out there, but that's me.
Thinking of those starting now...
:)

Thx for the input Blissful (and Dancer RE Hi Tec) I'm still thinking about the start time. Oh, BTW -- I DID follow you too! Looks like on 4/15/07 you were in the lower elevations. I understand this really makes a big difference as far as precipitation!! Thx for you thoughts. I respect your opinions!

Good thread. I love my Vasque Sundowners and have never had blister in them. I did put some gel insterts in them before our AT section. They are great in the winter. But mine are 8 years old and I am definititely switching to a lighter option for the other seasons. In any event, I know the stability has been great even though they are heavy. I am 47 so stability means alot. I never rolled an ankle in them.

Another vote for Hi-Tecs here....However, I am not sure if I will thru-hike in them next year...might want something lighter, but for the money, they have served me well, keep my feet fairly dry, do take a long time to dry though, but I have never had a blister, and I've hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim and the Inca Trail in them. Recommended them to my boyfriend at the time, but unfortunately one of the metal eyelets broke the first time he put them on..felt bad, because I rave about these boots, and he got a crappy pair...but I still like mine...this is my 2nd pair

sheri: just a quick note on being 5 feet tall (or small!) --I've had the same problem with over the ankle boots coming up higher on me than on other people, and being inordinately heavy, especially since I have relatively large feet for my size (8 1/2). My last pair of hiking boots were REI monarchs--pretty inexpensive and waterproof but I felt like it was a lot of boot to lug around--personally now I lean more towards a waterproof low hiker. Maybe if you're concerned about stability you could think about leg and foot strengthening exercises or hiking poles?

Peace out

Thanks all for input on hiking shoes. To Ishmael86 -- good to know I'm not the only vertically challenged person but I'm surprised there isn't more said about this. The distance from the heal of your foot to your knee is definatley shorter for short people. I'd think they'd have petite shoes like to finally do have for clothes. Anyway -- such is life!

I also recommend a later start. It is very cold and the days are very short in February. That means a lot of pressure to hike harder at the beginning of your hike. It also means that you will be half way through your hike before you start seeing signs of spring. One of the beauties of the AT is watching spring progress as you do.

I started April 1 on both AT thruhikes. I ran into some snow on both hikes, but in neither case did it last more than a few days. You don't really need to be gearing for longterm winter conditions unless you start too early.

Do any of you know of retailers who sell the Hi tec boots? Or are they only available online.. I cant seem to find them to try any on!

Cind,
I used zip code 03810 and searched on hi tec site, If I put the correct info in, there are a few places near you that carry Hi Tec:

http://www.hi-tec.com/us/stockists_results

I realize some people like boots for a variety of reasons -- if you're one of them, ignore the rest of my post. But if you like trail runners and are only choosing boots because of temperature, know that trail runners can work in cold weather too. We do all of our winter hiking near where we live (Chicago) in trail runners -- maybe with some added gaiters and microspikes as the conditions dictate -- and our feet stay plenty warm with just a good pair of wool socks. Of course, we sometimes need to size up to accommodate the heavier socks, but the trail runners work just fine.

Is there any perfect marriage between lightweight/flexible + sturdy/waterproof? My husband and I are starting March '11 and we're of course overwhelmed with the myriad of gear options.

I'd hate to have to buy a few pairs of shoes/boots, mostly because we're doing this on an extremely tight budget, but with my weak ankles and propensity to freezing toes in winter/burning hot feet in summer, I am wondering if there is something that will have the best of both worlds.

Or is it just best to buy a pair of lightweight sneakers and get a sturdy pair of boots?

Is there any perfect marriage between lightweight/flexible + sturdy/waterproof? My husband and I are starting March '11 and we're of course overwhelmed with the myriad of gear options.

I'd hate to have to buy a few pairs of shoes/boots, mostly because we're doing this on an extremely tight budget, but with my weak ankles and propensity to freezing toes in winter/burning hot feet in summer, I am wondering if there is something that will have the best of both worlds.

Or is it just best to buy a pair of lightweight sneakers and get a sturdy pair of boots?


I hear 'ya. I've hiked in a very sturdy pair of Asolo's for over 10 years - they're a tad on the heavy side, but they're warm, waterproof (treated), and I feel like they give me extra support.

Their soles are getting worn, and I'm concerned that they may not last the entire length of the trail, so just last week I bought a pair of trail runners. The runners are suprisingly comfortable, and offer great traction. I had anticipated some break-in which is why I picked them up now, but these are darn comfortable right out of the box.

With that said, I have to say, I've worn them around the yard - we have about a foot of snow on the ground and I've been playing around with a new hammock, so I've been walking directly thru the deep snow. Now, I had a pair of hiking socks on with them (not wool) and they did not stay 'as' warm as my boots would have.

I plan to start at Springer with my boots and switch out to the trail runners a month, maybe six weeks after, then switch back to my boots before I hit the Whites. Those are my initial thoughts, of course nothing keeping me from changing my mind! ;)

I understand about the tight budget, but your feet are one area you might not want to skimp in. They'll be your only mode of transportation.:sun

Asolo's for women, alternately worn with wider Merrill Continuum with elastic laces.
I found that having an extra pair of shoes, as well as good sock liners and over-socks, gave my feet a chance to relax/breathe, and promoted circulation to prevent tingly toes.