Arden
11-09-2015, 11:21
Hi;
I need a new pair of boots to replace my Asolo backpackers. The old boots are full leather and took forever to break in. I am looking for a boot that doesn't require extensive break-in, but at the same time can support my feet/ankles when I'm carrying a 40lb pack. I have done some reading on the subject, and it seems that the boots with fabric uppers, such as the Merrill Mohab mid Gore-Tex are designed for day hiking with a light pack, while a Merrell Chameleon Shift Mid GTX Gore-Tex is a heavier, stiffer boot intended for extended trekking with a moderate weight pack. This particular boot is Nubuck leather and mesh upper, so perhaps is less of a break-in than my Asolo all-leather boots. The Merrell I mentioned doesn't talk about a shank, so I don't know if it has one. I don't know if the Asolos I have have a shank either.
In addition to all of this, let me tell you that I have totally flat feet, and have a problem with my right great toe, which sometimes hurts when I try to flex it upwards as in running/walking. Dr. says that I have some arthritis in the toe, but the pain is mostly due to my flat foot, and the physics that prevent the toe from bending upwards. I always wear "Superfeet" insoles to boost my arches, and that does help quite a bit. I went on a 4-day trek in Harriman/Bear Mountain park last week, and did not have any issues with the Asolo boots so far as my feet are concerned, but the outsoles are worn, and I don't get enough grip on dry rock, let alone wet.
I may be looking for an animal that doesn't exist - a boot that is both supportive for a 35-40lb pack, and flexible enough to allow me to hike in them without much break-in.
So, before I trek to my outdoor store, I would like to get some advice from you experts who have hiked many miles and know a whole lot more than most sales people at the outdoor stores. I suspect that, even when they do know their stuff, they are pushed by corporate to sell certain products over others, so I might not get the boot I am looking for unless I go in with some knowledge of my own.
I am doing most of my hiking on the AT - presently in the NY to VT area, but hoping to someday do a thru-hike.
Thanks
Arden
I need a new pair of boots to replace my Asolo backpackers. The old boots are full leather and took forever to break in. I am looking for a boot that doesn't require extensive break-in, but at the same time can support my feet/ankles when I'm carrying a 40lb pack. I have done some reading on the subject, and it seems that the boots with fabric uppers, such as the Merrill Mohab mid Gore-Tex are designed for day hiking with a light pack, while a Merrell Chameleon Shift Mid GTX Gore-Tex is a heavier, stiffer boot intended for extended trekking with a moderate weight pack. This particular boot is Nubuck leather and mesh upper, so perhaps is less of a break-in than my Asolo all-leather boots. The Merrell I mentioned doesn't talk about a shank, so I don't know if it has one. I don't know if the Asolos I have have a shank either.
In addition to all of this, let me tell you that I have totally flat feet, and have a problem with my right great toe, which sometimes hurts when I try to flex it upwards as in running/walking. Dr. says that I have some arthritis in the toe, but the pain is mostly due to my flat foot, and the physics that prevent the toe from bending upwards. I always wear "Superfeet" insoles to boost my arches, and that does help quite a bit. I went on a 4-day trek in Harriman/Bear Mountain park last week, and did not have any issues with the Asolo boots so far as my feet are concerned, but the outsoles are worn, and I don't get enough grip on dry rock, let alone wet.
I may be looking for an animal that doesn't exist - a boot that is both supportive for a 35-40lb pack, and flexible enough to allow me to hike in them without much break-in.
So, before I trek to my outdoor store, I would like to get some advice from you experts who have hiked many miles and know a whole lot more than most sales people at the outdoor stores. I suspect that, even when they do know their stuff, they are pushed by corporate to sell certain products over others, so I might not get the boot I am looking for unless I go in with some knowledge of my own.
I am doing most of my hiking on the AT - presently in the NY to VT area, but hoping to someday do a thru-hike.
Thanks
Arden