New Balance 851 Hikers

[Jody7818]

Does anyone have any experience with the New Balance 851 Hikers? Is this a new shoe? I was wondering how long they would last on a thru hike.

Jody

[highway]

Does anyone have any experience with the New Balance 851 Hikers? Is this a new shoe? I was wondering how long they would last on a thru hike.

Jody

I just saw them advertised in Cabela's for $89.95 as a mid height but with Gore-tex, darnnit, which means they'll take longer to dry. But they sure look interesting with what appears to be a more aggressive sole. Could not find them on the NB site so I don't know if they are new or an earlier, no longer produced, model. They do have a vast number of sizes-including mine :-? .

[Shoe Leather Express]

I just saw them advertised in Cabela's for $89.95 . . . Could not find them on the NB site so I don't know if they are new or an earlier, no longer produced, model.
They are a Cabela's-only exclusive. You can't get them anywhere else.

[highway]

They are a Cabela's-only exclusive. You can't get them anywhere else.
In that case I hate to try them.

If I did, they would probably turn out to be fantastic and then the line would be dropped next year so couldnt get them again.

Do you have them? If so, comments?

[Shoe Leather Express]

I don't have them, nor have I ever used them. New Balance and Nike are my favorite two brands of shoes though. :) (That probably wasn't very helpful. :D )

[highway]

I don't have them, nor have I ever used them. New Balance and Nike are my favorite two brands of shoes though. :) (That probably wasn't very helpful. :D )

Seven minutes to answer...What took you so long? :D

Yes it was. If its correct, all information is helpful.
Thanks

[Shoe Leather Express]

Seven minutes to answer...What took you so long? :D

Yes it was. If its correct, all information is helpful.
Thanks

LOL. I have several browsers open. I'm bouncing between two message boards and some gear sites to see what's on sale. ;)

[MileMonster]

I've had this shoe for about a year and a half. I didn't get it from Cabela's, though. I got it from New Balance Web Express,

http://www.nbwebexpress.com/

They currnently have several womens 851's at a good price.

The shoe has done fairly well for me, but several complaints. They feel good and I can do big miles in them. I'm a light packer but they can handle a pack in the 40's. The first pair delam'ed at the toe after only 100 miles or so. I sent them back and they sent a new pair. The second pair is doing better. They use Sympatex as the wp/breathable, not Goretex. I find that sympatex does not breathe well enough for me. One problem with a shoe that does not breathe well enogh is that they are constantly damp. This makes for cold feet around a winter campsite if you don't have camp shoes. Also, the damp shoes get moldy and REALLY stink. I mean REALLY stink. Finally, after about a year on this pair (maybe 200-250 miles) they are not completely waterproof any more.

[Blue Jay]

I got a 1000 AT miles on a pair and like them very much. For me the Sympatex breathes better than Gortex. I know I am rare, a heavy weight backpacker who likes waterprrof trail running shoes.