Hiking shoe recommendations

[OCNewbie]

I joined a meetup.com group focused on outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, biking, etc), and I need to buy some good hiking shoes that are water resistant, or would be suitable for hiking around in Florida's typically wet environments.

I've never looked into hiking shoes, so I have no clue what the good brands are. I'm mostly looking for best bang for the buck, as this is just something I want to do occasionally on the weekends for leisure.

Thanks in advance!

 

[HeXen]

Ariat's usually seem to use the better technology, like forked shanks, carbon soles...etc.
Wolverine has a pair that is extremely comfortable for long hikes, however they get really hot.
both are water resistant...etc.
Also keep in mind how tall you'll need, like if you plan on walking in water/mud beyond 4" then you may need to find something taller than 6" cause the tongues in most only resist actual underwater usage up to 4".
Be sure to keep them mink oiled..etc for long life.

But i've never gone back to wearing athletic shoes since i started wearing hiking ones. Some of them kinda make common shoe brands like Nike a joke. at least when it comes to durability..etc. i can even run in them or play sports just as well.

 

[crashtestdummy]

Goretex lining is really the big thing. You probably don't need to worry about really strong ankle support or a metal shank since Florida is flat and not so Rocky. You'll also want a shoe/boot on the lighter side since it's Florida.

Look at something along these lines if you want a boot:
http://www.rei.com/product/810237/vasque-scree-ud-mid-hiking-boots-mens

Or along these lines if you want a shoe:
http://www.rei.com/product/811478/the-north-face-hedgehog-iii-gtx-xcr-hiking-shoes-mens

 

[shortylickens]

I got some Hushpuppies that are waterproof. But they really arent for long, all day hikes up and down the mountains.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EYUZ4C

Would recommend some trail blazers for your needs.

 

[Analog]

I've hiked with many different brands, a good mid shoe that is waterproof and lightweight may be the Merrel Radius.

Get something with good support and durable.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/me...ring=search~merrel-mens%2F&colorFamily=01

For more mountainous terrain, I like my Garmont Vetta gtx

http://www.gearbuyer.com/products/garmont_vetta_hike_gtx_mens.html

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Sine your in Florida I would recommend a hybrid running shoe-boot. No cold weather or mountaineering.

North Face, Salomon, Merrel, Montrail

http://www.rei.com/product/821466/montrail-badrock-mid-outdry-cross-training-boots-mens

http://www.rei.com/product/811331/salomon-xa-pro-3d-mid-gtx-ultra-hiking-boots-mens

 

[BoomerD]

http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30298

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Merrell

 

[Imp]

I wear Timberland hiking shoes as an alt to white running shoes. Very comfortable, as with my other 2 Timberland pieces of footwear, and durable.

 

[GoSharks]

Get trail runners and don't get anything water-resistant or waterproof. Your feet will bake, especially in FL.

Hiking boots are overrated and overkill for most forms of hiking. All you probably need is a decent gripping sole.

 

[OCNewbie]

Get trail runners and don't get anything water-resistant or waterproof. Your feet will bake, especially in FL.

The meetup group that I'm looking into often mentions traversing swampy areas, so boots are likely to get wet, so I'd think at least water-resistance would be important. I don't wanna be hiking for miles with soggy, wet socks.

 

[shortylickens]

You can get comfortable waterpoof hiking shoes.

 

[Fox5]

The meetup group that I'm looking into often mentions traversing swampy areas, so boots are likely to get wet, so I'd think at least water-resistance would be important. I don't wanna be hiking for miles with soggy, wet socks.

Water resistant also means they hold in water. If you're dealing with a ton of water, I'd rather have a quick dry, light weight material.

 

[vshah]

i've got a pair of raichles that have been extremely comfortable and durable. christ, i just realized they're about 12 years old...i should probably get a new pair!

 

[The_Dude8]

Or get a pair of keen sandals, since you're hiking in wet and humid weather.

 

[GoSharks]

The meetup group that I'm looking into often mentions traversing swampy areas, so boots are likely to get wet, so I'd think at least water-resistance would be important. I don't wanna be hiking for miles with soggy, wet socks.

Waterproofing works both ways, keeps things in AND out. Waterproof breathable is a joke in shoes.

What makes you think that your socks won't be soggy and wet with a waterproof boot? You're just going to end up swimming in your sweat instead. Waterproof shoes pretty much are only good in cold conditions.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

If your hiking in swamps where you expect your foot to get submerged I'd carry a pair of Teva, Keen or other rugged sandals & swap em out.

http://www.rei.com/product/748162/keen-arroyo-ii-sandals-mens

You can hike for miles barefoot in these and your feet will be very comfortable! These are not the greatest on mossy slick rocks.

Adidas & New Balance also make good Hydro shoes.

http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/31788.htm

 

[OCNewbie]

I think I'm more confused now than I was before =P

 

[ViviTheMage]

I like to hike agile, so I don't like those tall ankle holder style boots...I usually hike with a day pack, or a fully packed pack that's 50~ lbs.

My current favorite is : NORTH FACE GRAY HEDGEHOG GTX XCR III

I have used them in Costa Rica hiking, and anything around Minnesota I do. I also carry a pair of five fingers with me as well for wet days.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

I think I'm more confused now than I was before =P

Simple: Buy two pair. For dry hikes with minimal swamp action wear your trail running shoes that so many have linked too. You decide if you want a low-top or mid version of any of the North Face, Salomon etc. shoe that has been listed here.

Then buy yourself a lightweight rugged sandal or pair of hydro shoes for when you are on the swampy hikes. wear them barefoot - no socks so once again go try them on and see what fits. These will be lightweight and somewhat space saving so you can carry them in your pack or clipped on the side.

My only other suggestion is to show up with a pair of comfy running shoes for 2-3 hikes and see what everyone else is wearing and does while transitioning from dry to swamp.

Doesn't Orlando have the mega-plex of outlet stores? Go there and try on and see what fits well.

 

[zinfamous]

I like to hike agile, so I don't like those tall ankle holder style boots...I usually hike with a day pack, or a fully packed pack that's 50~ lbs.

My current favorite is : NORTH FACE GRAY HEDGEHOG GTX XCR III

I have used them in Costa Rica hiking, and anything around Minnesota I do.

this. especially in FL. go with light, waterproof sneakers for the majority of your hiking.

your going to be sweaty, soaked up to the knees, and exhausted in FL. just go light and comfy.

 

[Riverhound777]

I like my Garmonts.

 

[Fausto]

I've had a few pairs of Vasque Sundowners. They are spendy but I get years out of each pair.

 

[tenthumbs]

You should worry first about comfort and then whether or not it's waterproof. Brand doesn't matter nor does price. Go to an REI or whatever store is near you that is geared toward hiking and has a good return policy. Try on everything they offer, put on a pack with weights and walk around the store. If you feel ANY rubbing in specific areas of your foot or even a hint of discomfort, that will multiply times 10 when out in the field. Buy smart.

 

[OCNewbie]

You should worry first about comfort and then whether or not it's waterproof. Brand doesn't matter nor does price. Go to an REI or whatever store is near you that is geared toward hiking and has a good return policy. Try on everything they offer, put on a pack with weights and walk around the store. If you feel ANY rubbing in specific areas of your foot or even a hint of discomfort, that will multiply times 10 when out in the field. Buy smart.

This seems like good advice, thanks