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Author Topic: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions  (Read 7379 times)

Offline 7mmfan

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LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« on: June 18, 2019, 03:44:58 PM »
I have always just worn my hunting boots as my hiking boots, but scouting this last weekend in Idaho in 85+ degrees has made me decide that a pair of nice lightweight/breathable hikers or trail shoes are in my future. There are infinite choices out there so I'm opening the can of worms here for peoples experiences and opinions.

Main important features:
- Lightweight
- Highly breathable
- low/mid ankle
- sturdy enough for use on rocky terrain

and..... go.
I hunt, therefore I am.... I fish, therefore I lie.

Offline vandeman17

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #1 on: June 18, 2019, 03:46:09 PM »
tag. Been watching for similar
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Offline trophyhunt

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2019, 03:51:33 PM »
Tag!
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Offline 7mmfan

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #3 on: June 18, 2019, 03:56:21 PM »
Dangit guys I'm looking for info not moral support!  :chuckle:
I hunt, therefore I am.... I fish, therefore I lie.

Offline Stein

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2019, 03:57:21 PM »
Check out Altra Lone Peak, they have both a gore and non gore boot the non gore ones breathe well and are relatively light.


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Offline smithkl42

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2019, 03:59:52 PM »
I've had pretty good luck with Merrell's for that sort of use. They're worthless in the wet, but very comfortable in the dry. They've never given me blisters, and I can't count the pairs I've worn out.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mid-gore-tex-wide-width/27836M.html?dwvar_27836M_color=J06057W#cgid=men-footwear-hiking&start=1

Since I started hunting, which involves a lot more rain than my summer trail hiking, I've been running Lowa's, and those have worked pretty well. (My feet did get wet last time out, but my current theory is that it was soaking down from my pants, which were sopping.)
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Offline Eric M

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #6 on: June 18, 2019, 04:06:04 PM »
If youre looking for trail shoes, check out some youtube and see the reviews by hikers. A lot of people thru hiking the AT, PCT, or CDT wear trail runners for large sections of these hikes. Altra, as mentioned in a previous post, is one of the popular brands. REI can help too.

Offline Fl0und3rz

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #7 on: June 18, 2019, 04:06:24 PM »
Vasque Juxt receives good reviews, and my experience so far confirms comfort in all-day use in hot weather.  I was surprised.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Z62A5G


I have had good durability with Garmont low hikers, but my experience is with a fall/wet season Goretex low hiker.

Offline Whitpirate

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #8 on: June 18, 2019, 04:11:53 PM »
I'm a big guy and haven't blown a pair of Merrell Moab 2's out yet.

Offline trophyhunt

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #9 on: June 18, 2019, 04:26:13 PM »
I've had pretty good luck with Merrell's for that sort of use. They're worthless in the wet, but very comfortable in the dry. They've never given me blisters, and I can't count the pairs I've worn out.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mid-gore-tex-wide-width/27836M.html?dwvar_27836M_color=J06057W#cgid=men-footwear-hiking&start=1

Since I started hunting, which involves a lot more rain than my summer trail hiking, I've been running Lowa's, and those have worked pretty well. (My feet did get wet last time out, but my current theory is that it was soaking down from my pants, which were sopping.)
Hows the fit? if you normally wear an 8 1/2, stick with that size with this boot?  And is wide, really wide or not?  My foot is really wide.    @smithkl42    or   #smithkl42    :chuckle:
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Offline KFhunter

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #10 on: June 18, 2019, 04:50:26 PM »
Im using UA speed freaks, meh...keep shopping

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Offline WapitiTalk1

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Offline Alchase

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #12 on: June 18, 2019, 06:29:01 PM »
I am also a Merrills fan.
Only 2 defining forces sacrificed themselves for you:
The American Soldier and Jesus Christ. One died for your freedom, the other for your soul.

My rock,
He trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.
Psalm 144.1

Offline cbond3318

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #13 on: June 18, 2019, 06:37:02 PM »
I had a pair of Salomon’s a few years ago that we’re good for me. Been meaning to get another pair.
Just tend your own and live.

Offline Wanttohuntmore

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Re: LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions
« Reply #14 on: June 18, 2019, 06:40:59 PM »
Not a Merrills fan though I've owned quite a few of their models.   I love my Vasque Breeze non- waterproof for hot weather hikes and early archery elk.   More support in the footbed with them.  Not sure they make them anymore.  Mid-October I switch to Meindl or my Kennetreks.

 


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