Hiking Shoe Recommendation

[Gershon]

I need to buy a low cut hiking shoe tomorrow at REI.

Does anyone have any experience with the North Face Hedgehog III shoe or Kean shoes?

I'm most interested in a shoe where the top won't come apart before the bottom wears out. I'd also prefer something that dries out quickly if they get soaked.

It seems to me they should be able to make a shoe that lasts 400 miles. (Maybe I'm mistaken but I always got 400 miles from my running shoes.)

[Sergemaster]

Sorry Gersh, when it comes to footwear that is one item I won't skimp on. There's nothing worse than hiking a few hours only to remove your socks and see raw hamburger meat that were once your feet.

One thing you may want to look at although they may not be pretty, USGI boots. Just as long as you powder up and wear decent socks, they really can't be beat due to the ankle support they supply as well as protecting your shins against prickers and various creepy crawlies.

Cheers,
Serge

[TulsaDavid]

I have a pair of Danner boots that are amazing. They are over ten years old and are just as comfortable and reliable as when they were new. Of course, I have babied them. :)

I wouldn't mind finding a decent hiking "shoe", though. something as comfortable on the feet, durable for multi-mile hiking. My wife and I are spending Thanksgiving week in Canyonlands and have some decent hikes planned, weather allowing (which it usually does, though a bit on the cool side).

Anyone with any testimonies of excellent shoes, your advise is welcome. Thanks.

[whiteOak]

yeah Ive heard danner makes a good boot. Ill still stick to the vasque sundowners just from nostalgic reasons

[Gershon]

I ended up buying Keen shoes mostly because they were the only ones that fit.

I also got these (http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Desert-TFX-Hot-Tan/dp/B00131GGLC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315920085&sr=8-1) Danner boots. They are very comfortable and waterproof.

[GDeadPhans]

Keen is a pretty good brand. I have a few friends who wear Keens, not sure which model, but they are fairly quick drying and seemingly lightweight. I am a Teva man myself, but it seems to be the end of Teva season, so I will be going to my cheap Columbia's soon - which the tread is just now wearing out after 4 - 5 years of abuse...not bad for the $60 budget bin :)

[Gershon]

Keen is a pretty good brand. I have a few friends who wear Keens, not sure which model, but they are fairly quick drying and seemingly lightweight. I am a Teva man myself, but it seems to be the end of Teva season, so I will be going to my cheap Columbia's soon - which the tread is just now wearing out after 4 - 5 years of abuse...not bad for the $60 budget bin :)

I'm really liking the Danner boots better than hiking shoes. It takes a lot less effort going uphill, and are more secure going quickly downhill. Especially where the surface isn't so good. I can definitely state a pound on your feet does NOT equal 5 pounds in your pack. If the boot is well designed like the Danner, it can be like taking weight out of your pack.