Good hiking shoes under $100...**Updated 5/9, back from the trip with PICS**

[NFS4]

Haven't been hiking for a while (ever since I got my Eagle, I've been a hiking slacker). Anyway, I'm taking my GF to the NC mountains as her graduation present and we're going to do some hiking and site seeing, so I wanted to get a decent set of hiking shoes that I could have for a least the new 3-4 years.

I was at Dick's Sporting Goods this morning and came across these two that I liked:

Timberland Trailscape (size 11): $84.99
North Face Adrenaline (size 11): $99.95

Any other suggestions?

**Updated 5/9**

Just got back from our trip. Hiking boots worked perfectly -- no sore feet and no blisters

Pics:

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0937.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0097.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0138.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0101.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0120.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0112.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0126.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0936.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0232.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/NFS4/DSC_0103.jpg

 

[arcas]

In my experience, Timberland boots tend to be comfortable (which is important) but they're not very rugged. I managed to get maybe a dozen trail hours out of my last pair of Timberlands before I had to use glue to keep threads from unravelling (CA-type hobby glue works pretty well for this). On the other hand, I really liked the tread. Pretty good traction on almost any surface except slimy rocks.

To be honest, the most comfortable and durable hiking boots I've ever worn were made by Nike. The arch was perfect. My only complaint was the metal eyelets tended to shred laces after a while. I probably logged 700 trail miles on those boots over 5-6 years. I still wear them for yard work but their backpacking days are behind them.

 

[thomsbrain]

i vastly prefer a decent set of cross-trainers to boots for hiking and backpacking. what you want is support, cushioning, and durability, and most boots offer less of that than the shoes do, plus they weigh a freaking ton and never fit anyone's feet right. the last trip i took, i was the only one not wearing boots, and the only one who didn't need moleskin. so a broken-in pair of cross-trainers FTW.

 

[OdiN]

Look at some Hi-Tec ones. I've been using them for a long time and they work great for me.

 

[da loser]

those aren't hiking shoes. those are tennis shoes. either get hiking boots or just walk in your old tennis shoes/cross trainers.

 

[Vic]

My hiking boots are a pair of Columbia Diamond Peaks. I love them. Great bang for the buck too, I paid only about $100. They're rugged backpacking boots though, so that might not be what you're looking for.

 

[IronWing]

I know you want to stay under $100 but you might want to try Aku boots. They're light, water proof (really), with lots of support. They aren't super durable but probably more so than other light hikers. They run ~$140.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: da loser
those aren't hiking shoes. those are tennis shoes. either get hiking boots or just walk in your old tennis shoes/cross trainers.

1) Those aren't tennis shoes
2) I've tried to hike in tennis shoes and while comfortable, they offer no kind of traction (IMHO). And we're gonna be hiking through the Dupont National Forest looking at waterfalls. Slippery rocks + tennis shoes = get your ass busted. Especially, old/warn tennis shoes.
3) I did this hike about 4 years ago with my hiking boots and my feet were killing me by the end of the day. They're just too heavy. The only time I use my hiking boots is when I have I have a 50-60 lb backpack on. For a regular hike, boots aren't really a bit too much IMHO.

 

[doze]

I picked up a pair of salomon brand shoes a few months ago and they are quite possibly the best made and most comfortable shoes I've owned in a long time. I got the trail runners for casual wear and biking but they had some nice hikers too.

http://www.salomonoutdoor.com/us/

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: doze
I picked up a pair of salomon brand shoes a few months ago and they are quite possibly the best made and most comfortable shoes I've owned in a long time. I got the trail runners for casual wear and biking but they had some nice hikers too.

http://www.salomonoutdoor.com/us/

Not bad at all

The Gore-Tex is a plus (also on the shoes I pointed out in the OP). Still trying to decide if I want mid-profile or low-profiles. I'm kinda liking the "low profile" Timberlands

 

[dannybek]

Danners with Vibram soles.

 

[TitanDiddly]

Know a Marine? You can get the Marine issue boots for $105. They kick.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: TitanDiddly
Know a Marine? You can get the Marine issue boots for $105. They kick.

I don't need boots. I have boots. I need some good hiking shoes with decent grip on rock and slippery surfaces

 

[oboeguy]

My favorites are on sale for a ridiculous price. Gortex, to boot (haha, pun intended).

I backpacked through Europe in those, including hikes in the Pyrenees and Alps. I've also hiked part of the AT (just a couple of days) in them and I couldn't be happier. Very comfy.

 

[tfinch2]

http://www.eastbay.com/catalog/productd...66743&supercat=shoes&id=0&mvp=&sport=0

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
My favorites are on sale for a ridiculous price. Gortex, to boot (haha, pun intended).

I backpacked through Europe in those, including hikes in the Pyrenees and Alps. I've also hiked part of the AT (just a couple of days) in them and I couldn't be happier. Very comfy.

Holy sh!tballs dude. That's an awesome price

Dude, I think I'm gonna have to get those.

Vibram Sole
Gore-Tex
All for under $50 plus it's on the east coast so using standard shipping it should be here before Friday when I need to leave. Perfect, perfect, perfect

Besides, those timberlands that I like are a light color that would end up looking all grimey after a few trips anyway.

 

[NFS4]

Just called EMS and spoke to a CSR. Said that they're working today and they would be put on a truck tomorrow and be shipped out via UPS. Heck yeah.

I mean, $50 is good enough for a pair of hiking shoes that I'll probably use 3-4 times a year.

 

[JinLien]

Depends on the hiking condition.
Light weight day hike with or with out grip for hiking or scrambling (little or no pack weight)?
Medium weight, little weight in the weekends.
Heavy weight, pack mule, long hikes.
Foot size (width), heel, ankle, and arch.

Other things to consider is terrain type (trail, mud, wood chipped, rocky, and wet, etc?)

Hiking Boots Reviews

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: JinLien
Depends on the hiking condition.
Light weight day hike with or with out grip for hiking or scrambling (little or no pack weight)?
Medium weight, little weight in the weekends.
Heavy weight, pack mule, long hikes.
Foot size (width), heel, ankle, and arch.

Other things to consider is terrain type (trail, mud, wood chipped, rocky, and wet, etc?)

Hiking Boots Reviews

Just need a basic set of water resistant day hiking shoes that aren't too heavy and provide good grip on slippery surfaces and rock. No packs will be used (or if anything, nothing more than a 5 pound backpack).

The ones that oboeguy recommended seem to be the best fit for me:

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_deta...id=282574488340039&bmUID=1146428265521

 

[JinLien]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: JinLien
Depends on the hiking condition.
Light weight day hike with or with out grip for hiking or scrambling (little or no pack weight)?
Medium weight, little weight in the weekends.
Heavy weight, pack mule, long hikes.
Foot size (width), heel, ankle, and arch.

Other things to consider is terrain type (trail, mud, wood chipped, rocky, and wet, etc?)

Hiking Boots Reviews

Just need a basic set of water resistant day hiking shoes that aren't too heavy and provide good grip on slippery surfaces and rock. No packs will be used (or if anything, nothing more than a 5 pound backpack).

The ones that oboeguy recommended seem to be the best fit for me:

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_deta...id=282574488340039&bmUID=1146428265521

The boots in the link is okay for the occasional usage. Low cuts doesn?t provide good ankle support, however it give more movement which is better for scrambling up steep/rocky surfaces. The toe area have very little rubber surface therefore it is not a serious rock face climber, but the little that it have should be enough for the odd occasion that call for the requirement. Personally I would try on a pair to see if the medium width & arch support fit well or not because specs varied from manufacture to manufacture (some people need wide or extra wide width).

At $47.90 is a very good price for a vibram goretex boots.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: JinLien

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: JinLien
Depends on the hiking condition.
Light weight day hike with or with out grip for hiking or scrambling (little or no pack weight)?
Medium weight, little weight in the weekends.
Heavy weight, pack mule, long hikes.
Foot size (width), heel, ankle, and arch.

Other things to consider is terrain type (trail, mud, wood chipped, rocky, and wet, etc?)

Hiking Boots Reviews

Just need a basic set of water resistant day hiking shoes that aren't too heavy and provide good grip on slippery surfaces and rock. No packs will be used (or if anything, nothing more than a 5 pound backpack).

The ones that oboeguy recommended seem to be the best fit for me:

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_deta...id=282574488340039&bmUID=1146428265521

The boots in the link is okay for the occasional usage. Low cuts doesn?t provide good ankle support, however it give more movement which is better for scrambling up steep/rocky surfaces. The toe area have very little rubber surface therefore it is not a serious rock face climber, but the little that it have should be enough for the odd occasion that call for the requirement. Personally I would try on a pair to see if the medium width & arch support fit well or not because specs varied from manufacture to manufacture (some people need wide or extra wide width).

At $47.90 is a very good price for a vibram goretex boots.

Hehe, I'm not a serious rock climber or anything. My GF has never hiked whatsoever so all we're going to be doing is following trails, walking over a few rocky streams, and walking over some slick rock near the Bridal Veil Falls at Dupont. If I need some ankle support, I have my hiking boots from my boy scout days that I can break out...just not for this trip.

Whenever she is with me hiking, I can only imagine us doing light stuff.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: TitanDiddly
Know a Marine? You can get the Marine issue boots for $105. They kick.

I thought military issue boots sucked.

 

[oboeguy]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: JinLien

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: JinLien
Depends on the hiking condition.
Light weight day hike with or with out grip for hiking or scrambling (little or no pack weight)?
Medium weight, little weight in the weekends.
Heavy weight, pack mule, long hikes.
Foot size (width), heel, ankle, and arch.

Other things to consider is terrain type (trail, mud, wood chipped, rocky, and wet, etc?)

Hiking Boots Reviews

Just need a basic set of water resistant day hiking shoes that aren't too heavy and provide good grip on slippery surfaces and rock. No packs will be used (or if anything, nothing more than a 5 pound backpack).

The ones that oboeguy recommended seem to be the best fit for me:

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_deta...id=282574488340039&bmUID=1146428265521

The boots in the link is okay for the occasional usage. Low cuts doesn?t provide good ankle support, however it give more movement which is better for scrambling up steep/rocky surfaces. The toe area have very little rubber surface therefore it is not a serious rock face climber, but the little that it have should be enough for the odd occasion that call for the requirement. Personally I would try on a pair to see if the medium width & arch support fit well or not because specs varied from manufacture to manufacture (some people need wide or extra wide width).

At $47.90 is a very good price for a vibram goretex boots.

Hehe, I'm not a serious rock climber or anything. My GF has never hiked whatsoever so all we're going to be doing is following trails, walking over a few rocky streams, and walking over some slick rock near the Bridal Veil Falls at Dupont. If I need some ankle support, I have my hiking boots from my boy scout days that I can break out...just not for this trip.

Whenever she is with me hiking, I can only imagine us doing light stuff.

Glad you've picked up a pair. Like I said, I've used them extensively and love 'em.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
Glad you've picked up a pair. Like I said, I've used them extensively and love 'em.

I ordered them yesterday and they shipped today. Will be here Thursday. Thanks!!!

 

[vi edit]

Too late since you've ordered, but I've got a pair of Merrell Chameleon's that have had the ever loving crap beat out of them and they still keep ticking.

These things have hiked up and down 7500 foot mountain peeks, ran through creeks, been through the woods on the mountain bike, and go out fishing quite a bit.

They are comfortable, breathable, and durable. They really only take on water when you fully submerge them in water and hold your foot in it. Not bad for not being Gortex.

Just a thought incase these don't work out for you. I'd never order shoes online without trying them on in person. FYI.