Ditto. I've had my current pair resoled twice so far. I pretty much wear them all the time for both around town and hiking unless I have no choice and have to wear something else (like tennis shoes for gyms).
Back when I was holidaying in Tasmania, at the start of a minor trail, I remember seeing these that look like gloves for feet; when I asked said owner, he gave me the web address (and a rather spiffy website I must say). I can't recall what's the name though when I struck a conversation with the guy, he said it was the best thing he's ever worn (I looked skeptical then) once one gets acclimatised to it. Anyone help me jog my memory?
I found out I have a neutral feet with normal arch. The reason why I asked for some brand names is for a place to start researching. I must admit I'm rather fashion conscious and there's no reason why I shouldn't look good while being comfortable at the same time.
After I narrow down the potential brands, then I'll hit up the camping/outdoor stores around Sydney. Thanks again guys!!
I had to replace my old Vasque Sundowners last year after ~10 years of use. I tried on everything I could get my hands on that didn't have a steel or Ti shank (my Salomon Super Mountain 9s still serve that roll). The Sundowners are now made in China instead of Italy and they just didn't have the right feel. I ended up with a pair of Millet Bhutans. Now they're on their second season and I have to say that they are simply brilliant hiking boots. I have not had a single blister and the boots just fit right out of the box. I should have these boots every bit as long as the Vasques that preceded them.
I have had two different pairs of Vasque boots. They are fantastic. I had my first pair for about 5 or 6 years. Eventually, I wore out the tread to the point that I was not comfortable using them on A trip to the southwest where I knew I would need to be climbing over lots of rock. The original pair of boots are still just fine for around town use, but I now have a new pair with good grip. I'm not sure that footwear is an area that I would try to cut corners. Just like with tripods, good footwear is super important.
Vasque boots were great when they were made in Italy. Based on recent reviews, however, Vasque quality has taken a hit since the company moved manufacturing to China. I have an old pair of Italian Vasque Sundowners that I love, but I dread the day they give up the ghost and I have to search for a replacement. Based on the reviews, I don't think I will be spending my money on Chinese Vasques.
Edit: I should have read mrladewig's post before I posted. What he said.
At least I now know to add Millet to the list of potential Vasque replacements.
Ben Horne wrote:
I'm not sure that footwear is an area that I would try to cut corners. Just like with tripods, good footwear is super important.
Well I'm SURE I don't want to cut corners. The thing is, just like any other consumer goods, I'm also sure that after a certain price point you're paying more for the brand name than any substantial increase in quality.
I've been really enjoying my keens! Found them for a good price at REI (on sale I think?) And they are quite comfortable, and very easy to get in and out of.
If you are getting ready for a big hike with some new shoes, it would probably be good to do a few smaller hikes first, to break in the new shoes. If you take off on a 5 day hike with brand new shoes, you may get blisters if the shoes aren't broken into the shape of your feet yet.
The only issue I've had with my Five Fingers is when I was walking down a steep muddy wet hillside with no stones. They have very little traction on such terrain due to the total lack of tread. Everywhere else they're lighter and more comfortable than regular shoes and offer superior traction and feel.
That Five Fingers must've been what Zichar was talking about when he said gloves for feet. I might try that actually, since like I said earlier, I like to go bare feet around the house better than wearing sandals. Thanks astro.
Ok, I see you are from Australia, but not sure where (and where you will be walking), but I have 2 words for you - Dunlop Volley
Now you may think a cheap tennis shoe (around $20 from k-mart) isnt a serious walking shoe, but one of my mates (former president of NSW uni bushwalking club) swears by them.
He spent many years doing serious bushwalks in the blue mountains, then took off around the world. Overland from Katmandu to London (no, he didnt walk all the way ), Africa and even Iceland, and he swears the old volleys were the best shoe he ever used.
Hey, they are even starting to be trendy again (or so my teenage son says)
Aha the Five Fingers! That's the one ...
Dropped into an ecco boutique just a couple of days ago to take a look (because of this thread!), prices made me blink quite a few times. Wifey swears by their shoes, ('so comfy!' is how she puts it) which she wears to work everyday but I've never really looked at their men's stuff ... until today.
I now know how much she spends on shoes...
And right next door was the Camper boutique store...
I only wear an old pair of asics for walking on trails; they're one of the best fit I have had for my poor flat feet.
I typically hike in Chacos. They're rugged sandals and I use them everywhere from dirt to pavement to water. I love 'em.
The keens look fantastic as well and everyone I know who owns a pair absolutely loves 'em.
I also hike in trailrunners when I want the added protection and comfort and I know I won't be going in water. I use Salomon XT Wings, without the Goretex for added breathability, though the GTX ones might be kinda nice if you're ever gonna be around water.
If you go for socks, definitely check out the smartwool socks. They're amazing. I've flat out stopped wearing cotton socks. (Actually cotton ANYTHING, but that's another story... hiking clothing ROCKS!!)
n0b0, I have the LLBean Mountain Treads in the lowcut. They're very comfortable and also one of the cheapest true hiking boots. When I bought them a few years back, one of the hiking magazines rated them and gave them an Editor's Choice as well as a Best Buy. They're Goretex and waterproof, but for low cut ones, beware. When they won't let water in means they won't let water out either. So, since mine are lowcuts, when I hike and go ankle deep, water will get in and stay in.
As for Smartwools... absolutely! I also put a Smartwool liner under the hiking socks.
As for LLBean, their customer service and warranty is also top notch.
Found them for a good price at REI (on sale I think?) And they are quite comfortable, and very easy to get in and out of.