Boots

[kizzybean]

I am a section hiker and struggle with finding a good hiking boot or shoe I like. I've tried a variety of different brands, many with good reviews, but haven't found one that has the comfort level I'm looking for. The most expensive have not been the most comfortable so far. They all feel good in the store but on the trail after a full day of hiking I feel like I'm walking barefoot and inevitably end up with blisters and toe bang. "Yes" I wear them before hand on day hikes to break in and "yes" I buy a slightly larger size for the toe bang. Years ago I had a pair of what were termed "hiking sneakers" that I loved, never got a blister or had sore feet with them hiking the same New England mountain terrain I do now. I'm struggling with deciding on my boots for hiking GA - TN this spring. Do I stay with what I have and working with different sock combinations or get a new boot this winter to breakin for my April hike.

:-? Suggestions ladies??? What shoe are you in love with ???

Kizzybean (aka Pokey Princess)

[George]

your not alone, after many boots that fit well and broke in gave me heel blisters I use light runners year round and use various socks for the conditions

[tiptoe]

If your feet are on the narrow side, try Vasques. And to prevent blistering, try socks that don't move around a lot. I'm partial to Darn Tough socks.

[Chillfactor]

Oboz Sawtooth Mid Boot is waterproof with plenty of toe room which was really important for me. I have narrow heals, high arches, and a regular forefoot. I found them very comfortable with a good sole and it never felt like I was walking on rocks. There is also the Oboz Sawtooth low boot that comes to the ankle. It's my opinion that they'll last the entire trail. You can get them at Zappos.com with free return shipping.
I did switch to a trail runner but only after they got soaked and caked with mud. I loved them.

[SassyWindsor]

I have a narrow heel and had much trouble finding proper fitting footwear when I first starting hiking. I tried all the top of the line boots, the ones that really fit well were the Italian made Fabiano, no longer made, but the Italian made Scarpa boot is a revolution of the line and is of top quality. Raichle Mountain Trekker boots are another brand I use, the quality is not up to the Fabiano/Scarpa but fit and feel great. For day hiking I have a pair of Asolo Fugitive GTX, the only Gortex boots I currently have, I don't use these on extended trips, they just don't have the support, but feel great on the feet. I also always use a different foot-bed than the cardboard ones that come with the boots, just try different ones to give you the proper fit and comfort. I currently use up to 7mm ones (depending on the boots) sold by Merrell, around $10us.

[restless]

Kizzy-
While I'm not female, I have a bit of experience with boot fitting. From what I read in the OP, it sounds like you might be struggling with boots that are too small. Here is a little trick I learned from my time at Neels Gap in GA:
1). Put on the pair of boots that you are thinking about. Leaving them unlaced, push your feet as far forward in the boot as they will go.
2.) Stand up and bend your knees so they are at about a 45 degree angle with your torso. If you are a skier, this would be a position you might be in while going downhill.
3.) Reach down and see how many fingers you can get inside your boot behind your heel and the heel cup of the boot. If you cannot get 1-1 1/2 fingers in comfortably, the boot is too small and you should go up 1/2 to 1 size larger.
4.) afterwards, push your heel back in the boot as far as it will go and lace up. Walk around a little bit and feel for excess movement, in particular side to side.
If too much, look at other boots and repeat as necessary.

Keep in mind that on an average thru hike, your feet will grow about 1 size or more. Buying a boot larger than you would ,say a dress or tennis shoe, helps accommodate that growth and reduces the risk of blisters. Good luck on finding a good fitting boot or shoe.

[C Seeker]

When I started hiking I had HiTecs which I loved to death but was told they would be to heavy for serious Backpacking. So after my HiTecs died I went to I outfitter with Tons of hiking boots and felt the weight and discarded the heavy ones. I also discarded the ones that wear not quick drying, and the ones with limited air flow. I then tried on all the rest until I found the perfect pair for my feet. I then walked on a large fake rock so I can get used to walking up and down rocky hills, and felt the traction I would have in the boots. Then I was given the tip to get a backpack and fill it with the same weight you will carry on the trail and walk on the fake rock and around the store as you feet will flatten. I ended walking out of the store with http://www.rei.com/product/754666 (http://www.rei.com/product/754666) I have already put 35-45 miles into them, and only problem I have had was a blister on both of my heels once. But I expected a few blisters as they are being broken in. I will be putting the true boot to the test with upcoming June on my attempt to thru-hike.

I also enjoy using Smartwool socks, and generic brands of Smartwool socks. It takes away all the friction which has eliminated my blisters.

[C Seeker]

Sorry put the wrong boot up... http://www.rei.com/product/747206
Incept now that I read about it on hear I may have to go waterproof my boots :/

[Sassafras Lass]

What shoe are you in love with ???

Keen Targhee II Mid!! :banana

I hit the jackpot - the ONLY boot I ever put on my foot ended up being the exact perfect boot for me (except I ordered a 1/2 size too small, only a concern when I'm wearing my hiking socks). Nevertheless, this boot/shoe is just perfect.

Excellent grip, more than enough room for my toes, secures your heel, hugs your ankle yet allows it to move (important because I have very weak ankles), and doesn't rub me anywhere.

I put the decent Keen footbed in my work shoes (what a relief that was!) and use the green Superfeet. I have a bone spur on my foot just below my big toe and at first the Superfeet were rigid and irritated it slightly. Now they've broken in just right and my bone spur is no longer in my thoughts whilst hiking.

I will purchase nothing but Keen footwear in the forseeable future.

(No, I'm not a rep nor do I have stock in Keen) :p

[kizzybean]

Thank you everyone for all you good information!!! Saves me from spending hours reading and researching myself.

Presently I have 2 pair of Vasque above ankle boots, regular fit and one full size larger. Even with the size larger I'm still getting what I think is boot bang which leads me to believe they just don't fit my foot correctly, any larger and I'm afraid I'll have issues with them being too big. When I purchased them I did the simulated rock and loaded backpack and thought they felt great, but, on the trail after 8 hours, another toe nail lost, achy feet although no blisters. I can't decide if the loss of the toe nail on my AT section hike this past summer was actually from boot bang or where the boot creased across my toe nail --- don't notice anything till the end of a full day of hiking. It's a little sore then a few days later I see the bruise under the toe nail and a few weeks later the toenail is coming off. I also use a pair of Merrell hiking shoe for short day hikes but they don't have the support I need if it's full day of hiking or with a backpack. I've been using Smartwool socks which seem to work well, and some times a thin silk type undersock. Blisters are not as much as a problem as the loss of toenails from bruising (?) and the general cushion of the boot lasting. Maybe I'm too much of a "princess", lol, looking for slipper feel but a workboot support. My trail name is Pokey Princess after all.

Restless - great info on helping to fit a boot. I'll definitely use that infor when I try them on to help decide.

Again thanks everyone on your suggestions and I'll be checking them all out. The information is greatly appreciated.

Planning an extended section hike nobo starting at Springer in April.

Kizzy (aka "Pokey Princess")

[Blissful]

No more boots for me.
Brooks trail runners all the way. Its all you need.

[Snoopy]

I'm glad you posted this question.. I have also been trying to find a boot that will fit properly. Unfortunately I'm with Gheparda (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/member.php?u=25954) in having toe issues and have a hard time finding shoes / sneaks that fit me properly. I usually buy a men's size because of the extra toe room. I have a fused big toe and it sticks up like its waving! lol. I just ordered the green Superfeet insert and trying to decide which hiking boot to get. I have a feeling that I will need to try out various types. The Keen Targhee II Mid looks like a good prospect to begin with.

But any other suggestions for a good, roomy, sturdy hiking boot would be great. I do have 'Peggy Hill' feet and wear a size 10 womens and about an 8.5 in mens because of the 'toe box'.

[wornoutboots]

Keen Targhee II Mid!! :banana

I hit the jackpot - the ONLY boot I ever put on my foot ended up being the exact perfect boot for me (except I ordered a 1/2 size too small, only a concern when I'm wearing my hiking socks). Nevertheless, this boot/shoe is just perfect.

Excellent grip, more than enough room for my toes, secures your heel, hugs your ankle yet allows it to move (important because I have very weak ankles), and doesn't rub me anywhere.


I put the decent Keen footbed in my work shoes (what a relief that was!) and use the green Superfeet. I have a bone spur on my foot just below my big toe and at first the Superfeet were rigid and irritated it slightly. Now they've broken in just right and my bone spur is no longer in my thoughts whilst hiking.

I will purchase nothing but Keen footwear in the forseeable future.

(No, I'm not a rep nor do I have stock in Keen) :p

My wife would definately agree! She LOVES these Boots! I hike in them as well, the shoe version(with the orange Superfeet). They are also the most comfortable shoe I've ever hiked in. However, I am going to try a trail runner this year for a more breathable shoe, my feet tend to sweat & swell a lot.