View Full Version : Good minimalist hiking shoe for cold/wet/snowy weather?
nuevoluna
10-07-2011, 17:43
Hey guys!
I'm going to be hiking on the American Discovery Trail this January and I'm expecting some cold, wet conditions for my start. I'm trying to find a good minimalist hiking shoe that will deal with wet and cold fairly well. The shoes I've been using are Vibram Five Finger KSO's and they do horrible with wet/cold. I don't mind them at all when it's dry but when they're cold and wet, it goes downhill. :-/. I'll be hiking a good deal on roads so I want something that can deal with the slushy conditions I expect.
Is there anything out there that will have a sole like vibrams? (flat, somewhat thin-soled and waterproof would work best). My main beef with the vibrams is that the snow or moisture gets between the toes and warms up and gets wet through the fabric, otherwise I love them).
If you like your KSO's but want something for winter weather check out the new Trek LS model. They have the KSO trek sole which gives great traction and EVA mid-sole but the toes and upper are all leather so you don't get the water coming in like you will with your regular KSO's and they provide some extra warmth while still breathing well.
Here is a review by a popular VFF site. http://birthdayshoes.com/trek-ls-vibram-fivefingers-review
You might also check out the new Bormio VFF's... very similar to the Trek LS but in a boot style with zips instead of laces. http://birthdayshoes.com/bormio-vibram-fivefingers-review
wwbriggs
10-11-2011, 01:51
Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove and New Balance Minimus. I would run on the trail in any condition with these. Merrell also makes a Tough Glove and Sonic version which rated high for winter water repellency. I personally like to move to a Goretex lightweight hiking shoe in the winter to give more warmth and keep the pigs drier longer, still Merrell are my first choice as well. If I am running I like the two above hands down no other shoes for me.
http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/2011/01/04/merrell-trail-glove-review/
http://www.runblogger.com/2011/06/merrell-barefoot-sonic-glove-first.html
wwbriggs
10-11-2011, 02:26
Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove and New Balance Minimus. I would run on the trail in any condition with these. Merrell also makes a Tough Glove and Sonic version which rated high for winter water repellency. I personally like to move to a Goretex lightweight hiking shoe in the winter to give more warmth and keep the pigs drier longer, still Merrell are my first choice as well. If I am running I like the two above hands down no other shoes for me.
http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/2011/01/04/merrell-trail-glove-review/
http://www.runblogger.com/2011/06/merrell-barefoot-sonic-glove-first.html
Apparently, Merrell came out with a GorTex version that I have not tried, but are on the top of my next shoe list... God knows I have my share, but the Merrell and New Balance are hands down tops on the trail.http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/24666M/55979/Mens/Barefoot-Embark-Glove-GORE-TEX
Doc Mike
10-11-2011, 07:55
sounds like a good chance of frostbite to me.
sounds like a good chance of frostbite to me.
Guess it depends on how cold it is, how active you are, and how good your circulation is (to feet). My own choice would be to wear liner socks and merino wool hiking socks inside Goretex socks inside UL mesh trail runners sized for the socks I'm wearing in winter, which would mean 1/2 to 1 full size bigger than usual.