Hiking Boots?

[Janice]

I've been dealing with plantar fasciitis - already doing PT and have custom orthotics - and have found that the cushioning of Hoka Bondi is helping a little for daily use. But I'm having trouble finding a boot that will work well enough for upcoming backpacking trips. Can anyone suggest something based on these needs/wants?

• cushioned
• wide
• above the ankle
• waterproof

I've already tried Hoka Kaha, but even the men's are too narrow across my bunion and it doesn't come in wide. Hoka Speedgoat's no good also. Keen Targhee felt bad. Merrell Speed Solo MXD is better than others I've tried, but I'd love more cushion if such a shoe exists.

Any ideas???

 

[regehr]

lots of us (including me!) enjoy backpacking in the Altra Lone Peak high tops. I've never had a pair of the waterproof ones but they exist!

 

[Diane Greer]

IMO, the best way to get the cushioning you want is to replace the insoles of you boots. Currex and other brands offer a range of insoles that address plantar fasciitis and arch issues. I wear Zamberlans since I am prone to turning my ankles and traverse very rocky routes. They are extremely well made leather boots that come in wide widths. One of the few pairs of boots where I have not suffered from blisters while breaking them in. Use Nikwax for water resistance. Works well if you reapply it after it starts wearing off. (I know that many people do not like leather boots since they are heavy.)

 

[anti.tech.enthusiast]

Can't speak to plantar fasciitis but I can vouch for my boots as being above the ankle, very light, very comfortable and very waterproof. And I believe they are wider. La Sportiva GTX mids. Here is a link to the women's model: https://www.rei.com/product/235503/la-sportiva-tx-hike-mid-gtx-hiking-boots-womens

The idea behind them is that they "combine the support of boots with the agility of trail-running shoes." Myself, my partner and her family are rather loyal to the brand when it comes to hiking shoes and boots. Very comfortable for us out of the box. I left these boots outside of my tent in a downpoour overnight on accident and they were dry in the morning.

As for cushioning, I am unsure. I have been lucky in that I've not had issues with cushion in the past and it isn't something I consider when buying. I generally stick to higher quality boots (and La Sportiva) and have been ok. So reviews may help here, but I'm guessing purchasing better insoles for yourself is the way to go with most boots anyways if it is of importance.

They've worked well with every type of terrain I have traversed, but they might fall short of extremely rocky mountaineering.

 

[Titans]

lots of us (including me!) enjoy backpacking in the Altra Lone Peak high tops. I've never had a pair of the waterproof ones but they exist!

Absolutely love the Lone Peaks in wide - roomy and very wide! They are NOT cushioned. You feel the trail.
But the LP's have gotten significantly more rigid in the heel and more supportive, especially when you compare LP 6 to LP9. This change will make some happy- others might not like that.

There's maybe enough room in the LP's to use an orthotic in addition to a cushioned insole- but you are sort of floating too high in the shoe in the regular height LP's. I haven't been able to make the LP's more cushioned.

The insole choice is complex. Both Rick and I switched to Currex (softer, lovely feeling, dynamic insole with arch support) - and we both developed foot injuries within a year. We both went back to a more supportive, more rigid insole like Superfeet with arch support- so not cushiony, but supportive. Rick gets the cushioned feeling from the Hoka Speedgoat (not working for you and me).

You could try New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9, Vibram sole for trails, wide and extra wide sizes, v8 has a Gore-tex option too, 4 mm heel drop in v9 - but it's NOT above the ankle. If the heel drop is too low for you, then try a 3mm heel lift in the shoes.

 

[OldBill]

Plantar fasciitis is a nightmare to heal. I have narrow feet and need mostly European models for fit. Besides inserts, I found taping really helped. When it flared up I added a layer of foam underneath the heel of the insert. My inserts were just Powerstep or Tread Labs, but I used the thickest available top padding. Also, heavier socks, at least reinforced heels. Fits work best for my feet. DarnTough and Smartwool always wound up bunching up (despite DarnTough's claim of "no bunch").