View Full Version : Low top Merrells for GA sect for newbies?
My gf an I will be doing the GA section in Sepember and she likes the Merrell Moab Ventilators in a low cut. I was unsure about wearing low cut shoes for this terrain, so what does everyone else think?
We are newbie hikers. We have some dayhikes around our home town and a few overnighters but this is about it. We are about to start doing morning hikes with our packs loaded with weight to get a little more conditioned for the hike.
Just wondering about the shoes, should she go with at least some mids?
Low cuts are fine. Make sure they fit well and do not slide around when she walks.
She should buy 1/2 to a full size longer than for street wear to help prevent bruised big toenails.
Merrell Moab Ventilators have been my favorite shoe to date. I have been experimenting with some others to see if I'm missing anything, but so far the verdict is I'm not! :) As Egads said, 1/2 size larger than normal is a good place to start. Make sure there is ample toe room (width and length), and that the heel remains snug and doesn't slip. The later can usually be achieved by using some advanced lacing techniques if there is a little slippage in a shoe that otherwise fits and feels great.
I have had great success with "Method 1" here:
http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/locklacing.htm
But a shoe that works great for one person may be a nightmare for another . . . our feet are very different and peculiar.
Summit, thanks for the info! I havent come across that lacing system, but Ill even try it in my regular shoes, and I will definately be sure to let my gf know.
She is really wanting to wear low cut shoes because she says they feel so much better than something hoovering over her ankles. Im just worried about the terrain, the loose rocks and such. I dont want her to twist an ankle and it just seems like a higher cut shoe would help protect that more.
I was also wondering how many people out there hike in low cut shoes?
Kerosene
07-12-2009, 17:09
The Merrell's should be just fine. I know a number of thru-hikers who swapped out their lightweight trail runners for boots due to bruising, but at least as many who swear by trail runners. Low-cut boots are a nice compromise, especially if they have a stiff shank and toe rand.
Personally, and many others have agreed in previous threads on this topic, that it's a busted myth that high top boots provide more ankle support. They tend to make lazy ankles. I used high top heavy leather boots for the better part of my 36 years of backpacking and experienced more falls and ankle rolls with them than I have since going to low cut trail runners / cross trainers. There may be some rare anatomical / injury situations that necessitate "splinting" one's feet in high tops, but for the majority, low cut running shoes will be more comfortable, allow better foot placement (strike angle), thus reducing falls and ankle rolls.
Mids didn't work at all for me, and many others have complained that they rub the ankle to no end. If the Merrell Moab Ventilators fit her (and you) well, I don't think you would regret going with them.
Thanks, thats just what she wanted to hear!!
fredmugs
07-12-2009, 22:36
Personally, and many others have agreed in previous threads on this topic, that it's a busted myth that high top boots provide more ankle support. They tend to make lazy ankles. I used high top heavy leather boots for the better part of my 36 years of backpacking and experienced more falls and ankle rolls with them than I have since going to low cut trail runners / cross trainers. There may be some rare anatomical / injury situations that necessitate "splinting" one's feet in high tops, but for the majority, low cut running shoes will be more comfortable, allow better foot placement (strike angle), thus reducing falls and ankle rolls.
Mids didn't work at all for me, and many others have complained that they rub the ankle to no end. If the Merrell Moab Ventilators fit her (and you) well, I don't think you would regret going with them.
Concur with this. Another myth I've busted is that you need "hiking" footwear at all. Since I've been hiking with my Nike Air Monarch's I have said goodbye to blisters, massive pain in the balls of my feet, I'm faster, and can knock out 20+ mile days with no problem.
bigmac_in
07-12-2009, 22:43
The Merrells will be fine.
You guys are making me want a pair of low cut shoes instead of boots!! Haha.
pyroman53
07-13-2009, 00:33
Here's what I use: http://www.rei.com/product/763464
Sort of a compromise between trail runner and boot. (very similar to the Moabs) Good sole. Good support. I have bigtime leather boots, but I wear them only in winter conditions. My ankles aren't especially strong and I don't hike very often, but I can do fine with these, over tough terrain, carrying 35 pounds in my pack. 10-12 miles per day, easy, and I can leave my camp shoes at home! I feel MUCH better at the end of the day.
SouthMark
07-13-2009, 01:12
I just finished Stratton, ME to Gorham, NH in a pair of Moab Ventilators and you can't do a tougher section. They were great for these 62 year old feet and in fact I believe it would have been harder in boots considering all of the scrambling that was necessary.
Here's what I use: http://www.rei.com/product/763464
Sort of a compromise between trail runner and boot. (very similar to the Moabs) Good sole. Good support. I have bigtime leather boots, but I wear them only in winter conditions. My ankles aren't especially strong and I don't hike very often, but I can do fine with these, over tough terrain, carrying 35 pounds in my pack. 10-12 miles per day, easy, and I can leave my camp shoes at home! I feel MUCH better at the end of the day.Nice looking shoe and I've been wanting to try Salomons. Too bad they only offer 8.5 and 14s at this price! :(
Southmark, were those Moab Ventilators mids, or lows?
I know you asked Southmark, but I can't help chiming in. Forget mids. That little bit of extra height accomplishes nothing by not covering the ankle. The only thing they can do is butt up against the ankle bone and cause severe pain and rubs in that area!
One thing about the Merrells is that they sport the Vibram soles and I feel really sold on them as far as thier grip, in general but mainly on slick surfaces and rocks. Ill have to check some out. Thanks again Summit.
SouthMark
07-13-2009, 21:46
Southmark, were those Moab Ventilators mids, or lows?
They were/are lows.
Well I went and got my boots/shoes today! I went with the Merrell Maob Mid XCR. They really do feel good right out of the box. Only thing is they are a little tight around the middle of my foot, but the wides were too wide. So, Im looking forward to a little stretching out! Really though, I think that these will be a great pair of boots. I just cant wait to get out there and use them!!!
Thanks for all the input!!