Ok fellow hikers - I need some help. Need a new pair of boots, sorry for long post, but like most of us, very picky on boots.
I spent the last few years hiking in Birkenstock Rockports. Yes, they made a hiking boot, and it fixed a lot of my knee, hip and blister problems because they were neutral angle - 0 or darn close to it (angle that the foot is above the horizontal as measured from toe to heels). Most heels on most shoes are built up.
My dilemma is that Birkenstock is not longer shipping/carrying these. Had I known of course, I would have bought like 3 pairs, so it goes.
I need to find a replacement. Other issues/thoughts:
--need a wide toe box (yes, have Keen day hikers, but still jacked up further than I'd like on heel)
--I am a five finger runner - so considering perhaps a lighter shoe, but concerned about carrying a pack/weight over rough terrain in a very lightweight shoe, plus I prefer higher angle support for carrying a pack.
Any thoughts would be appreciated....I have to start boot shopping and it's not going to be pretty. Hoping to roll out the Sierra's on the PCT next summer and need to get something sorted out over the winter.
Thanks in advance!
-Jen aka Sprout