Time to Try Hiking Shoes but Which Ones?

Perry

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I’ve been through two pairs of Salomon X Ultra 2 GTX Mids in the last couple of years. I’ve had really good luck with them and will likely buy another pair in the spring. In the mean time my Nike tennis shoes are about to bite the dust from everyday use and all my walking around town. I was thinking that maybe this time I might go with a low hiking shoe for everyday use plus as an option for light hiking.

I tried on a few shoes recently and found I like two. My first choice would be the Salomon X ultra GTX low shoe which is essentially the same as my mids but with a different lacing system. My second choice is a Merrell Moab Edge. The Edge comes in at nearly half the price of the Salomon so it is very tempting from that perspective. I checked online reviews on both shoes and mostly seem quite popular with the exception of a few complaints of the Edge wearing out fairly quickly.

Anyone have any experience with the Edge? How about the odd lacing system on the Salomon? Any other recommendations / suggestions?



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If you haven't tried Keens, I think you might want to give them a chance. I used to be a diehard Merrell fanatic, but I've worn nothing but Keens for many years now. Because I spend so much time based out of my FJ, I can't carry a lot of stuff, and I usually will only have two pairs of shoes with me. I'm kind of a minimalist (or maybe just lazy) and will end up wearing the same pair of boots every day until they fall apart. I wore one pair of Keens for two years straight, then finally threw them up into my cartop carrier and started with a new pair, even though the old pair was perfectly fine, other than having to replace the laces (and the tread was getting a little thin, but still OK). That was a couple of years ago, and they're still up there, and I'm still wearing that second pair, and they look almost new. We're talking every single day, which may not be good for my feet, I don't know, but they're the most comfortable and durable boots I've ever owned. Not sure how close your nearest REI is, probably Sandy, but it would definitely be worth the trip if you haven't tried them out, as they will take them back if you end up not liking them. I've turned several people onto them and they all feel the same way I do about them after trying them out for a while.
 
If you haven't tried Keens, I think you might want to give them a chance. I used to be a diehard Merrell fanatic, but I've worn nothing but Keens for many years now. Because I spend so much time based out of my FJ, I can't carry a lot of stuff, and I usually will only have two pairs of shoes with me. I'm kind of a minimalist (or maybe just lazy) and will end up wearing the same pair of boots every day until they fall apart. I wore one pair of Keens for two years straight, then finally threw them up into my cartop carrier and started with a new pair, even though the old pair was perfectly fine, other than having to replace the laces (and the tread was getting a little thin, but still OK). That was a couple of years ago, and they're still up there, and I'm still wearing that second pair, and they look almost new. We're talking every single day, which may not be good for my feet, I don't know, but they're the most comfortable and durable boots I've ever owned. Not sure how close your nearest REI is, probably Sandy, but it would definitely be worth the trip if you haven't tried them out, as they will take them back if you end up not liking them. I've turned several people onto them and they all feel the same way I do about them after trying them out for a while.

I have to admit I didn't try on any of the Keen offerings. Last winter when I was looking for winter hikers I tried a couple of different Keen models and they didn't feel like my heel would lock in very well. Maybe the low shoes might be different and I'll have to try them, too.
 
Merrel Yokota are my daily shoes. One pair brown, one pair gray to accesorize with my flashy array of blue jeans, tshirts and flannels.

Seriously though, very comfy and good for everything from grocery shopping to day hiking.
 
I have a strategy that I'm pretty fond of which is to find a pair of trail runners that I like on Sierra Trading Post and then wait for an extra discount sale or coupon and then buy like 5 pairs. Last time I did this was with Montrail Mountain Masochists but my last pair is mostly worn out so I'm about back to square one. I've also had great luck with La Sportiva and Saucony products.
 
I own a pair of the Salomon's with the weird lacing system you mention. It doesn't bother me too much, although I have fairly narrow feet so the loop on the end of the laces is pretty long when cinched down, so I have to tuck them into the lower laces. I got them on sale a few months ago, so they were about half the price that I normally have found them. I can't remember where I found the sale, though, lol. They are pretty comfortable shoes, though, and I wear them a lot for shorter day hikes. They are also stylish enough that I can wear them around town too.

For my longer backpacking trips, I picked up a pair of Asolo's a few years ago and have been very happy with them. When I first saw them they looked big and bulky, but once I put them on they are a lot lighter and more comfortable than they look.
 
I've had durability issues with the last few pairs of Merrell Moabs that I've owned. My current pair started coming apart just on a dayhike to Druid Arch--previous use being "around town" stuff and short placid walks here in Nebraska. I've given up on them for anything but casual use, to be honest. Been using the Salomon X Ultra GTX mids and have been much happier with them.
 
I've had durability issues with the last few pairs of Merrell Moabs that I've owned. My current pair started coming apart just on a dayhike to Druid Arch--previous use being "around town" stuff and short placid walks here in Nebraska. I've given up on them for anything but casual use, to be honest. Been using the Salomon X Ultra GTX mids and have been much happier with them.

Moabs were my go to shoe for a few years, but they took forever to dry and were kind of heavy for what they were. I've been buying trail running specific shoes, and liking them a LOT more. La Sportiva's have a thin profile that fits my foot, and specifically heal that I'm very fond of.
 
Moabs were my go to shoe for a few years, but they took forever to dry and were kind of heavy for what they were. I've been buying trail running specific shoes, and liking them a LOT more. La Sportiva's have a thin profile that fits my foot, and specifically heal that I'm very fond of.

What La Sportiva's do you have? I was looking at the Mutant but I'm thinking the sole is too soft for everyday, walk on the roads use and would wear out too quickly.
 
I love Keens for comfort....they fit my feet very well, but I have serious issues with their durability. I'm lucky if I can get 6 months out of a pair...and my current pair started to come apart after my first weekend with them.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to find anything else that fits me well (and comes in a size 15) that lasts longer, so I'm stuck buying a new pair of Keens 2-3 times a year....

If you haven't tried Keens, I think you might want to give them a chance. I used to be a diehard Merrell fanatic, but I've worn nothing but Keens for many years now. Because I spend so much time based out of my FJ, I can't carry a lot of stuff, and I usually will only have two pairs of shoes with me. I'm kind of a minimalist (or maybe just lazy) and will end up wearing the same pair of boots every day until they fall apart. I wore one pair of Keens for two years straight, then finally threw them up into my cartop carrier and started with a new pair, even though the old pair was perfectly fine, other than having to replace the laces (and the tread was getting a little thin, but still OK). That was a couple of years ago, and they're still up there, and I'm still wearing that second pair, and they look almost new. We're talking every single day, which may not be good for my feet, I don't know, but they're the most comfortable and durable boots I've ever owned. Not sure how close your nearest REI is, probably Sandy, but it would definitely be worth the trip if you haven't tried them out, as they will take them back if you end up not liking them. I've turned several people onto them and they all feel the same way I do about them after trying them out for a while.
 
I love Keens for comfort....they fit my feet very well, but I have serious issues with their durability. I'm lucky if I can get 6 months out of a pair...and my current pair started to come apart after my first weekend with them.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to find anything else that fits me well (and comes in a size 15) that lasts longer, so I'm stuck buying a new pair of Keens 2-3 times a year....

I've sure had good luck with their durability. On the other hand, I bet you put on a lot more miles than the average user, though.
 
What La Sportiva's do you have? I was looking at the Mutant but I'm thinking the sole is too soft for everyday, walk on the roads use and would wear out too quickly.

They are so ugly, but they work really well for me. The Wildcat is what I'm using lately.
 
I had some La Sportiva Wildcats, and I loved them while they lasted. They fit like a glove, were comfortable, and they had sturdy soles. The mesh and fabric layers of the upper unfortunately developed holes at my pinky toes after about 10 months. I took them through lots of sand and water, and I used them for all my backpacking trips right up until the holes became a problem. Other than those holes, they were still in fantastic shape, all things considered. I think I'll try the Raptor next since the upper isn't made of the same material.
 
Here's an example of those holes. There are two layers of material on the upper, the mesh that you can see clearly, and a more fabric-like material underneath. The mesh got holes within a few months of purchasing them. They got bigger as I used them, and finally, the layer underneath the mesh tore as well. Right where the sole meets the upper.
Those shoes were so great while they lasted though.
shoes.png
 
Another fan of Keen's. Most comfortable foot bed I have ever experienced. I just bought a new pair after 3+ years with my last pair which I wore almost daily around town and on several hikes.

I just bought a pair of Oboz also as I like their foot bed but I have not had them long enough to comment on durability.

I gave up on Merrells in the 90's due to construction/durability issues. I bought a pair of Moabs a few years ago at a ridiculously low price but they didn't last very long either. Now I'm really done with Merrells.
 
Here's an example of those holes. There are two layers of material on the upper, the mesh that you can see clearly, and a more fabric-like material underneath. The mesh got holes within a few months of purchasing them. They got bigger as I used them, and finally, the layer underneath the mesh tore as well. Right where the sole meets the upper.
Those shoes were so great while they lasted though.
View attachment 58547

Mine came apart in that same way, but a bigger cut from doing small foot-jam's while scrambling. Even with that, they lasted longer, far more comfortable, and dried out very easily than other shoes I've had.
 
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