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Need Suggestions for Solid Hiking Shoes

Ultralight

Ultralight

Senior member
My daughter is going on a school trip this January to the Big Island of Hawaii and she needs a pair of comfomfortable and yet rugged shoes as they will be walking the lava fields. I don't want something that will break the bank and would love to stay within an $80 to $120 range. Thanks.
 
Merrell makes a decent pair of cheaper hiking boots.
Ecco makes some nice ones as well, but those are well outside your price range.
 
Great trip! Make sure she packs plenty of bottled water and give her a good flashlight as well if she plans on hiking to the lava flow at night.
 
Originally posted by: Ultralight
My daughter is going on a school trip this January to the Big Island of Hawaii and she needs a pair of comfomfortable and yet rugged shoes as they will be walking the lava fields. I don't want something that will break the bank and would love to stay within an $80 to $120 range. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Ok, not to sound... well, whatever... but I "hiked" Volcano National Park several times with nothing but flip-flops.
Was not the most comfortable experience, but did not ever fall or get hurt. I am not saying this is good to do, but I would think even good gym shoes or tennis shoes with lots of tread would be ok.
If you want good hiking shoes, perhaps take her to an REI or sporting goods store in your area to have her try on a few pair.

She will love it there. Too bad the Thurston Lava Tube is closed. Was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.
 
I recommend Lowa, they might go just a little over your budget, but they're more than worth it. Salomon is great, but not as durable as Lowa (Lowas are ridiculously durable). Asolo is also good.
I don't recommend Merrell.

 
Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
School trip?
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Yeah. She is majoring in Environmental Science/Biology and they are required to make one of the trips offered for her major. Next year New Zeland is offered but there is no way mom and dad can afford that! I think the year after is Belize. All trips are in January.

Thanks for the suggestions. Perhaps a good pair of tennis shoes as suggested will do the job after all.
 
New Balance makes a great hightop hiking boot called the Rainier. I have a pair and I love them... especially since they come in wide sizes. Strangely, it is very difficult to find a good hiking boot in wide sizes. I think I got mine for around $120 or $130

I also like Vasque. I had a pair that lasted years. They were the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I still wear them to work around the house.
 
Just get a really good pair of runners, I've walked along the lava fields on Maui a ton of times, sometimes you want the versatility, comfort and.. maneuverability that hiking boots don't really offer.

Just my opinion though. never needed hiking boots.
 
I have a pair of Merrells. I hike around Tucson, which is a metamorphic core complex, which means a very hard and sharp rock. They should be fine for the lava fields.
 
I'll add Montrail to the short list. I love my pair. A friend has had a pair for years and swears by them. Here is the women's version of what I own: rei link . I was got mine from rei for $120 during their labor day sale.

Definitely get her a pair of smartwool socks.
 
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