Newbie Question (footwear)
What socks and boots would you recommend for long distance hiking?
Montrail shoes Darn Tough socks
Bridgedale makes good socks. Very dense weave. If you're reasonably fit and carrying a reasonable load, you can do well with trail runners. Big, heavy boots are out of fashion, at least for typical AT conditions.
I wore trail runners and regular cotton socks. My feet held up great. My advice would be to try some combos and figure out whats comfortable. Everyone's feet are different...
I like my Scarpas. REI or Smartwool for socks.
You can now get a pair of dress socks that are 75% merino wool, 23% nylon, 2% spandex, and weigh 1oz a pair. $5 a pair at Sears.
Get the lightest shoes or boots that fit you well and are still supportive enough to handle the weight of you and your pack.
Go to a professional bootfitter. Get fitted. Try boots from there, and make sure you try them on broken sloped surfaces. Be sure of the return policy before you buy.
If people spent less time being offended and more time actually living, we'd all be a whole lot happier!
New Balance 810 or 811 trail runners
..light,great grip,well ventillated,good price
Thorlo socks with Bridgedale sock liners
Montrails were my favorites for a while. I had some problems at the end of 07 and then heard that Montrial got bought out by Columbia. A temporary reduction in quality during the transition? A permanent reduction in quality because of new ownership? I don't know.
I use trail runners and smartwools, but everyone's feet are different. Try on everything at REI and see what fits the best.
I will only hike in "Darn Tough" brand sox. I am not trying to be a smart a.. when I say get the boot that FITS!!! That is the most inportant thing you have got to do right. You can deal with other problems on the trail but if you foot wear is not right then your in trouble.
dblari - If you get 20 responses you will prob get 20 diff answers. I think most of us are looking for the perfect combo.
Right now my favorite combo is Keen Targhee IIs and Smartwool socks. I can hike all day with reasonable comfort (IMO the dogs are gonna bark after a hard day no matter what). The Keen Targhees are a couple ounces heavier than trail runners but give you more support and are waterproof (Event). I also have some Montrail Hardrocks that I have used for maybe 50-70 miles. In contrast when hiking with the Hardrocks my feet feel like they are taking a beating after maybe 4-6 miles. I personally would be afraid to use the Hardrocks on a multi-day trip, but that is just ME.
Like I said, most everyone will give you a different answer. I know that is frustrating for someone new, but that's the way it is.
The best advice is to go to an outfitter. I got my Keens at Mountain Crossings last March. I didn't go in there looking for Keens. I just went in there looking for advice.
montrails and smartwools. The trick is to break them in, dont go buy them 2 days before you leave to go the trail. I bought my boots 2 months before I left to go and the were, fine no blisters.
FWIW, I think you can skip the "break in" period with trail runners.
Thanks for the advice. I go to the outfitter and put it to use.
If your feet aren't happy, YOU won't be happy.Originally Posted by dblari
Good luck on your search.
For me:
Brooks running shoes or trail runners (Montrails, Vasque) with green Superfeet.
short ankle socks, wool or synthetic (smartwool, wigwam, thor-lo)
Anything's within walking distance if you've got the time.
GA-ME 03, LT 04/06, PCT 07'
You'll get lots of opinions.
Ultimax socks by Wigwam - held up great.
Trail Runners (I used Brooks Adrenaline ASR because of my pronation problems - got fitted at a running shop and bought several pairs there, then bought on the Internet)
Spenco hiker insoles (found at most outfitters)
Montrails and Smartwools continue to work for me.
bridgedale socks and salomon XA pro 3D XCR Trail shoes cant go wrong
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