Hiking Boots?

[fallstoclimb]

DH and I are going to Zion National Park this summer and are planning some day hikes -- we're also trying to do more hiking in general.

I'm trying to decide if it is worth buying dedicated hiking boots.  I'm a big proponent of quality footwear in general so am leaning towards it.  Currently DH only has LL Bean boots (I always called these 'duck' boots growing up) and old tennis shoes.  I have LL Bean/duck boots, running shoes (support & minimalist) and Keen sandals.

I don't think the duck boots will work for long day hikes, they just seem too stiff.  DH for sure does not want to hike in his, and I don't think his tennis shoes would work either. I might be able to get away with hiking in my Keens although they do tend to give me blisters on long walks (I also have some deep fears about snacks and scorpions related to sandals).  I'm not sure about whether my running shoes would work or not.  I don't imagine they'd hold up to mud very well. 

We're debt free besides the mortgage, etc etc, can afford the shoes just fine.  Are they worth it, though?  I'm a total novice to hiking so I have no clue.  Any good resources?  Where to buy/what shoes are best?  (I'm sure that's personal.)  What kind of socks do you wear to reduce blistering? 

[lemondirgopie]

Running shoes would probably work just fine, though if you wanted to buy a pair for dedicated hiking my favorite right now is my Lems Boulder Boots. They're well made minimalist/"barefoot" boots. The only downside is I needed to apply waterproofing spray to them, but other than that they're great shoes. I originally bought them for our honeymoon camping in the Badlands/Custer Park but use them daily at my restaurant job. Super comfortable without being too thin soled and is well made.

[zoltani]

A pair of well fitting boots should not give you blisters. I suggest you go to an outdoor store, a quality one that has people working there that know about boot fitting. Go in the evening since your feet swell throughout the day. Try the boots on with any insoles you might use and socks you will wear (i suggest a nice pair of wool hiking socks). Try on as many boots as you possibly can and select the one that fits the best. For a first time boot buyer I would not suggest buying online.

I have a pair of full grain leather Asolo boots that have lasted me over 10 years. Quality boots will last a long time.

If you don't feel you need the ankle protection then a good pair of trail running shoes could work.

[mskyle]

I have never found a pair of traditional hiking boots that was really comfortable on me, and I have tried on literally every shoe in REI and the local outdoors outfitters, plus ordered and returned dozens (literally) of pairs of boots from L.L. Bean, Zappos, etc. I am the boot-fitter's despair.

But the good news is, you don't have to wear boots to hike! I hiked 100 miles in 9 days in lightweight Merrell low-tops. They are hiking shoes but only a little stiffer than a running shoe. On that hike I ran into plenty of people who were wearing sneakers, and plenty who were wearing heavy leather boots. It's a matter of preference. When I visited Zion I wore only barefoot-style trail-running shoes. If you are comfortable walking the kinds of distances you will be hiking in your current sneakers, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

If you do the Narrows hike (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!) you will want to wear water shoes of some kind, or sneakers with plenty of mesh will work too (you can rent special water boots for the Narrows).

Oh and, Zion in summer is hot (cooler than a lot of places in Southern Utah, but still hot). I wouldn't want to be wearing boots and wool socks.

[Wupper]

I own a pair of LL Bean Cresta Hikers. I've owned them for 5 years- might last for 20 years.

High quality, extremely comfortable. However they cost over $200, but probably worth it.

[mskyle]

Also: I don't want to say there's no mud in Zion, because there must be? But there's very little. There is water, and there is rock, and there is sand and gravel. So don't worry about mud. The Keens would probably be good for the Narrows.

If these hikes are much above your usual activity level, train for them! You will have a much nicer time. And you'll get to try out your shoe choices ahead of time.

Do not wear the Bean boots.

[Coonz]

Merrell and Salomon are two brands I have had luck with (the lower ankle style). I hike in a lot of wet/muddy conditions so the waterproof factor tends to be high on my list. Socks are also important! I have had socks keep my feet dry even if I used mesh-type shoes. I have a large collection of socks for running/hiking/biking that are holding up really well and are extremely comfortable- omni-dry, climalite, smartwool, thorlo, etc. in low and high cuts. If you are a light hiker and only purchasing one pair of boots, I would choose a lower top over a tall leather boot just for versatility.

I advocate buying dedicated hiking shoes. They will generally have better traction and stiffness than your other shoes and prevent injuries. I haven't been to Zion so I don't know what the trails look like, but remember that these aren't paved roads- they will be uneven and rocky. You don't want to muck up your nice running shoes and you don't want to be hesitant in your hiking step because you are worried about getting your shoes dirty. I high recommend against using any open toe/heel shoe.

Try to find an outdoor store where you can try them on and talk to the sales people- they are generally avid outdoorsy folk who have tried a ton of gear. Most will be in the $100-200 range. Also pick up some moleskin to help with the blisters!

[YK-Phil]

I bought a pair of Pepper Stone Scarpa Kailash GTX hiking boots two years ago, and I've been using them pretty much every single day in Yellowknife, even in winter at -40, for trail hiking, cycling, walking and everything in between. This is a $240+ medium weight boot with Suede upper and Gore Tex lining that I bought used for $40, practically unused. I was never a fan of hiking boots, but these extraordinary comfortable boots made me change my mind about hiking boots.

[fallstoclimb]

Thanks for all the quick responses!  Sounds like I wasn't too far off on this -- the duck boots won't work, and a good quality pair of hiking boots/shoes will last a long time.

So what is the point of boots vs. shoes?  I get that boots have "ankle support" -- but in daily life I don't often feel that my ankles need support?  How important is this, really?

We will probably go to REI and have them help us pick out shoes there. 

[miked]

If you're doing mainly day hiking or backpacking with a light pack (<40 lbs) on reasonably well laid trails, I would recommend a trail running shoe. If you're going to be doing lots of scrambling or hiking along very rocky paths, go for something with more ankle support.

I used three pairs of Vasque Velocity 2.0s when I thru-hiked in the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013. I was able to put ~900 miles per pair before they fell apart and had no issues with blisters after day 1.

It looks like the Velocity 2.0 has been replaced with the Mindbender now.

Happy trails!

[YK-Phil]

So what is the point of boots vs. shoes?  I get that boots have "ankle support" -- but in daily life I don't often feel that my ankles need support?  How important is this, really?

Ankle support from hiking boots is needed on rocky, steep, and uneven trails, in wet or snowy terrain, and anywhere where there the possibility of rolling your ankle is high. They are a little heavier than hiking shoes but the added ankle support is really what sets them apart, plus they are very versatile and don't look like overkill in any situation, even walking on the sidewalk. I have a weak ankle from rolling it a few times, and the extra protection from a higher boot is essential for me. On the other hand, hiking shoes will be sufficient in short day hikes on well maintained even trails, if you are trail running, or simply to hang around outdoors.

[guyson5]

The stiffer sole of a hiking boot offers better ankle support on uneven/rocky terrain, especially when carrying a heavy pack. They can also keep your feet dry in the mud and puddles. The downside is that they are heavier, hotter, and may cause blisters without a proper fit.

My experience with the National Parks is that many of the trails are well traveled with good footing, so you may not need extra ankle support. The Angel's Landing hike (highly recommended) is paved most of the way up, then has solid footing on rock steps with chain railings. Zion in the summer is quite dry so mud/water isn't likely. So in this case I wouldn't say you NEED boots.

However, if you plan to hike a lot in the future buying a well fitting pair of boots is worth it IMO. I am an avid hiker and I usually wear my Lowa Renegade GTX boots whenever I hike. They are pricey but fit me very well. I am happy to have the ankle support on longer hikes or backpacking trips.

For socks, I usually wear 2 socks: a very light liner sock and a light wool outer sock. A single pair of light wool socks would be fine. I like Darn Tough and Smart Wool socks, but they are pricey. Costco has some wool socks that are pretty good, but might be a little heavy for Zion in summer.

Definitely try on the boots first (with the wool socks) at a store like REI. Any minor discomforts will be amplified after miles of hiking. You can buy them online after trying them on if it's cheaper.

[Geostache]

However, if you plan to hike a lot in the future buying a well fitting pair of boots is worth it IMO. I am an avid hiker and I usually wear my Lowa Renegade GTX boots whenever I hike. They are pricey but fit me very well. I am happy to have the ankle support on longer hikes or backpacking trips.

For socks, I usually wear 2 socks: a very light liner sock and a light wool outer sock. A single pair of light wool socks would be fine. I like Darn Tough and Smart Wool socks, but they are pricey. Costco has some wool socks that are pretty good, but might be a little heavy for Zion in summer.

Definitely try on the boots first (with the wool socks) at a store like REI. Any minor discomforts will be amplified after miles of hiking. You can buy them online after trying them on if it's cheaper.

I second the Lowa Renegade GTX boots. REI has a lifetime guarantee on their products. After 5 weeks straight backcountry hiking (about 1,000 miles), a seam blew out of my first pair. I returned them to REI, and with no questions asked, they were replaced with a brand new pair. I had that second pair for 11 years before the soles wore out. I was saddened to discover the holes, and originally thought "Wow, my new boots have holes in the soles!" and then I did the math and realized they were 11 years old. They had seen many miles on them in between - about 12 miles of which were in Zion. I'm now awaiting the REI member coupon to buy a new pair, which I hope to keep for another 11 (or more) years.

I also second the motion on sock liners. They add an additional layer of protection for your feet, especially if they sweat.

[Kriegsspiel]

I have a pair of Lowa Ronan boots that are very light and solid for breaking brush with that I like too. Duck boots are not appropriate at all for hiking trails.

I suggest you just wear some athletic shoes until you really get into hiking and know you're going to be doing a lot of it.

[kpd905]

I go with Brooks Cascadia trail running shoes for all of my non-winter hikes.

[LSK]

Hiking boots are the reason I started on this whole Early Retirement/Financial Independence thing! :-)

Back in 2011 I was looking for recommendations on which hiking boots to buy, as me and the wife were going on holiday to Scotland, where we would probably do a bit of hiking.
What I found during my search was a link to an article on Early Retirement Extreme, where Jacob recommended a specific pair of hiking boots.
The article is still around, even though I don't know if it's a 2.0 version of it, since it's now listed as being posted in feb. 2015. Anyhoo, here is a link to the article:
http://earlyretirementextreme.com/the-last-pair-of-boots-ill-ever-buy.html

Suffice to say that I bought the same boots and they are pretty high quality for a very reasonable price. I got mine online from a Hanwag shop in London, which didn't mind shipping. The boots are nice and a good buy, but the change of lifestyle that followed reading the ERE blog (and later MMM) was a lot more valueable though :-)

[sol]

Unless you have a history of ankle problems, or are planning to carry a heavy pack (like multi-day backpacking), I don't think you need real hiking boots at Zion.  If you're super worried about it, consider a pair of trail runners.  Don't spend more than $50.

Good boots are one of those items that some people definitely need, and most people can live without.  If you've reached this stage in your life without needing them, then chances are you're in the second group and it will be pretty obvious to you if you ever switch to the first.

[bognish]

Many of the main trails at Zion are paved. Past the pavement the trails are good condition packed dirt. Hiking boots there in the summer would be very hot and uncomfortable. Running shoes, tennis shoes or low top light hikers would be more than fine. I did most of the popular hikes this spring in flip flops. We could not understand why most people were renting canyoneering shoes and a hiking stick to wade up the narrows hike. When it is 100 degrees and zero percent humidity whatever is on you feet will dry out before you get back to the bus stop. If you are doing one of the technical slot canyons or lots of off trail hiking then you might want to look into more hiking specific footwear, but most visitors should treat Utah like a day at the beach without the water.

[joat]

I think either trail shoes or hiking boots are fine - go with whatever you prefer for support and overall comfort. For day hikes I prefer trail shoes, while for backpacking I tend to prefer hiking boots since I'm carrying more weight. Based on my experiences I'm convinced that good socks are the most important factor in preventing blisters. There seem to be plenty of quality companies out there - I've had good luck with Wigwam and Thorlo and I'm sure others can make more recommendations like Darn Tough and Smartwool. Thorlo currently has a promotion to get a free pair of socks (though you have fill out a survey and pay for shipping) https://www.thorlo.com/free-sock-offer/page_home

[fallstoclimb]

Oh thanks -- I'll definitely check out those socks!

[misschedda]

Thorlo currently has a promotion to get a free pair of socks (though you have fill out a survey and pay for shipping) https://www.thorlo.com/free-sock-offer/page_home

Thanks for the tip! Just ordered a pair.

I wear Asolo brand boots that come above the ankle for backpacking, but tennis shoes for day hikes. I think it's totally your choice what to wear, and comfortable socks may make more of a difference than shoes will for a short hike.

[Le Poisson]

I'm a cheapskate and refuse to pay more than $30 for shoes/boots.

In the good old days I was all about Merell's and Keen sandals, but now, not so much. At the local (Canadian) SoftMoc factory outlet I can get winter boots for $50 in season, $30 if I wait for this time of year when its not prime time and they need space for summer stock.

At Factory Shoe in the local Holy Consumer Temple (AKA the mall) they have racks of shoes discounted by sticker price. Last time I was in there I picked up a pair of Rockport shoes for work discounted from $125 to $100, then with a 75% off sticker on them. I am wearing those shoes as I write this. They are super comfy!

My last pair of hiking boots were from the Adidas factory outlet in Niagara falls. Ok, they were trail running shoes. $25.00 and they came in a fancy-schmancy shoe bag that is great for hanging them to dry if they get wet.

Call me cheap, but I haven't bought a pair of shoes for more than $30 in about 5 years. I have also managed to amass a lot of shoes somehow - mostly worn out. The only exception to my $30 shoes are my work boots. I buy expensive ones that are light weight and breathe nicely. Then I expense them. I get a new pair every 3 years or so, and keep the old ones for work around the house and gardening.

[JimLahey]

Pro tip. Wear the shoes/boots well in advance before the trip to break them in. This will help to reduce any blisters.

[galliver]

My one concern with wearing any old running shoe in Zion would be traction: the rock steps are slippery! If your running shoes are fairly new, should be fine, if the sole has worn down, get some trail running shoes. Mine are Asics off Amazon. They were like $50.

I only use my hiking boots for backpacking (ie multi-day) or cold/wet/muddy hikes. Or I guess if I knew it would be really rough terrain.

Also, I have a pair of hiking socks (gift) that gives me blisters; I def recommend trying your whole shoe/sock combo for a full day, preferably of walking.   

[Longwaytogo]

I have a pair of Merrell "trail runners" that I do some occasional hiking in and most of my bad weather jogging. Got them at REI.

But the majority of my long hiking has been done in my RedWing work boots. Certainly no cheaper than hiking boots (probably more expensive actually) but if you do any home improvement or landscaping type stuff they can do double duty. though of course hiking boots could to I guess Most hiking boots have way too much padding and stuff for me as I am a big foot sweater. The Redwings are basically a piece of leather attached to an awesome sole.

When I do short hikes I also like my Vibram five fingers. But if it's over 5 miles, rough terrain, or carrying a pack I always go with the work boots.

[choppingwood]

Merrell and Salomon are two brands I have had luck with (the lower ankle style). I hike in a lot of wet/muddy conditions so the waterproof factor tends to be high on my list. Socks are also important! I have had socks keep my feet dry even if I used mesh-type shoes. I have a large collection of socks for running/hiking/biking that are holding up really well and are extremely comfortable- omni-dry, climalite, smartwool, thorlo, etc. in low and high cuts. If you are a light hiker and only purchasing one pair of boots, I would choose a lower top over a tall leather boot just for versatility.

I advocate buying dedicated hiking shoes. They will generally have better traction and stiffness than your other shoes and prevent injuries. I haven't been to Zion so I don't know what the trails look like, but remember that these aren't paved roads- they will be uneven and rocky. You don't want to muck up your nice running shoes and you don't want to be hesitant in your hiking step because you are worried about getting your shoes dirty. I high recommend against using any open toe/heel shoe.

Try to find an outdoor store where you can try them on and talk to the sales people- they are generally avid outdoorsy folk who have tried a ton of gear. Most will be in the $100-200 range. Also pick up some moleskin to help with the blisters!

+1

I've had a great experience with Salomon light weight boots. The first time I wore them was on a two-week walking trip in Tuscany. Everyone else had very sore feet and some had miserable blisters, and at the end of the day, my feet felt like I'd just got up in the morning. (The rest of me was beat!) I wear thick cotton athletic socks.

I used these boots for years.  This year I'm going to go out and replace them, because the tread has finally worn down. I probably will go with a hiking shoe, since I won't be doing as much walking where I need ankle support.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

My husband and I are both huge fans of the Merrell Moab Ventilators for good-weather hiking. They are breathable, sturdy enough for day hiking (and we were schlepping toddlers on our backs), and multi-purpose; I sometimes call them my "urban death march shoes" as Mr. FP likes to plan loooong days of city walking :-). (As in, "How far are we going? Can I wear sandals, or do I need my urban death march shoes?")

[Le Poisson]

I used these boots for years.  This year I'm going to go out and replace them, because the tread has finally worn down. I probably will go with a hiking shoe, since I won't be doing as much walking where I need ankle support.

Before you go out to replace them, feel the materials yours are made of. I am betting you will find decent leather and heavy rubber. Next check the 'made in' tag (if you can still read it) to see where they were made.

Buying shoes lately has been a great example of the results of the race to the bottom in manufacturing. Lightweight/cheap materials and products made in places like Thailand. Even Doc Martins - once ubiquitous with UK production are now made in the orient (although they sport UK badges, flags, and pricetags). In Canada we no longer produce Sorels or Bata - the brands live on, but the quality is long gone.

I warn you of this because I have come close to buying the brands I trust many times only to be let down. I used to go to the Sorel factory in Kitchener and buy their seconds in the factory store.

[mabinogi]

I'm a pretty serious hiker - have hiked 1,000 continuous miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and 800 of the Appalachian Trail, in addition to lots of day and weekend hikes elsewhere. Unless you're doing a lot of winter hiking or have ankle problems, running shoes (preferably trail running shoes) are absolutely the way to go. They're much more breathable so you're less likely to run into problems with hot spots and blisters. If your feet get wet in a stream crossing, they'll dry much faster. I have a pair of hiking boots but only use them in the dead of winter. My favorite brands for trail runners are Saucony, Brooks, and Mizuno.

[RunHappy]

Thanks for all the quick responses!  Sounds like I wasn't too far off on this -- the duck boots won't work, and a good quality pair of hiking boots/shoes will last a long time.

So what is the point of boots vs. shoes?  I get that boots have "ankle support" -- but in daily life I don't often feel that my ankles need support?  How important is this, really?

We will probably go to REI and have them help us pick out shoes there.

Ankle support is important for hiking, especially over hilly and rocky terrain.  I have Lowas hiking boots.  On them I did 40 miles in the Grand Canyon and they are my go-to books for hiking in NH.  I love them.  Definitely go to a store and try them on.  Make sure you find an incline and decline to walk up and down  to see if your toes touch the front of the boot (they should not).

Ideally to break in hiking boots, you want to put about 30 miles on them before taking a serious hike.  I only managed to put 8 on my Lowas before taking them to the Grand Canyon and my feet felt more than fine.

[Bob W]

perhaps more important is really nice socks and a cheap set of hiking poles.  Read up and practice with the poles.  They have saved me numerous times and reduce energy strain on your legs.

[Thalassa]

It seems like you have a lot of great advice here already, so I will just share that when I was at Zion I saw a number of hippie-types hiking the narrows, and other trails, barefoot.  One with nature, omm. 

[Elderwood17]

We hike the Appalacian trails all the time and I don't use "boots" per se but nice hikers like the Merrells others have mentioned.  I look at them more as a "ruggedized tennis shoe" than a boot but there are a lot of good ones out there.  I prefer mid or low risers, but there is a .ot of personal preference to consider.

Enjoy it?

[Snow White]

One more comment from someone who has owned and worn several brands of hiking boots.  I love the way Merrell boots feel initially but inevitably my toes feel cramped after a few hours.  I wear a woman's size 8.5 regular width and I switched this year to Keen brand hiking boots.  They fit like a dream and I no longer end up with aching toes.  I think a good fit depends as much on your particular feet as anything though. 

[Kriegsspiel]

My Lowa boots are beginning to fall apart already (~8 months). Parts of the tread are ripping off, and the leather is separating from the synthetic stuff on the side. Take from this what you will.

[eostache]

A few years ago I did a 5 day backpack trip into the Grand Canyon (south rim) with several other people. This was trip was not down the nicely maintained trails such as the Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail. This was down the gnarly unmaintained backcountry Boucher Trail. Nine miles of very hard going the first day and no water along the way. We all had very full packs, 30-40 lbs. Two of us wore trial running shoes, two others wore regular hiking boots, two were badass and wore sandals. One sandal wearer had the Chacos and the other had homemade jesus-type sandals. Can you guess which folks got the blisters? It wasn't the sandals or the trail runners.

I do most of my desert hiking in light trail running shoes. Usually like new ones I buy at yard sales and thrift stores. In the winter I wear regular hiking boots in the scant snowpack we have around here. I have 2 pairs of the Made In Italy Vasque Sundowner boots, the official boot of the field geologist. I got both of these second hand cheap. I also have two pairs of Lowa hiking boots (one was 25 cents for the pair at a yard sale) that have both held up well for me.

[Marus]

I've had a pair of Merrill hiking boots since 2011 that's suited me pretty well.  I could probably use a new pair but I tend to run shoes into the ground before I switch. I've never gotten a serious blister from them and I've done a few overnight hikes over the years.  I'd say the grip and ankle support have definitely come in handy.  I've done all my hiking in New England though, so if you're a warmer/drier area you might want something more lightweight.

[James!]

Plenty of good advice here.

I'll just say for context that I'd bet most of the people here saying "get boots! I have boots! boots are the best!" haven't tried hiking in trail runners. On the other hand I bet many of the people saying "You don't need boots! Trail runners are lighter, breathe better and are cheaper" have had boots in the past, and realize how much better they are without in almost all cases.

I'm in the latter category. I do all my hiking in trail runners (Salomon XA Pro 3d). My brother has through-hiked the triple crown (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail) which is over 7,900 miles of hiking with over 1,000,000 feet of elevation gain. All of it (even days spent in snowfields above treeline in the Sierras) was in trail runners.

Food for thought!

Also, a strong 2nd on the advice for hiking poles. They are used by dorks, old people, and pretty much every serious hiker/backpacker. They are great!

[Bracken_Joy]

Plenty of good advice here.

I'll just say for context that I'd bet most of the people here saying "get boots! I have boots! boots are the best!" haven't tried hiking in trail runners. On the other hand I bet many of the people saying "You don't need boots! Trail runners are lighter, breathe better and are cheaper" have had boots in the past, and realize how much better they are without in almost all cases.

+1. Unless you're prone to rolling your ankles on uneven ground or you're hiking some very rough ground (ie, not 90% of the main trails in Zion IMO), you don't really need the ankle support. Trail runners are lighter and more breathable. I've been using the same pair of Merrell barefoot trail runners for 3 years now and they're still holding up perfectly. No true insole, so no issues with insole breakdown, which is awesome. I have put easily 500 miles on them, probably more. Both hiking and trail running, and some road running too. And I got them at a TJ Maxx for $35. Best purchase ever.

A couple things: obviously, be sure to break in your new shoes! This should couple with training for the hikes. You will enjoy it far more. Do some  local hikes- hiking is a very different type of movement than jogging on a treadmill or walking around a city.

Second, socks. As for socks, I personally love the injinji sports. They have individual toe pockets, which reduces blisters by a ton. Even if you break you shoes in, sometimes you can end up with blisters between your toes if they rub while sweaty. Not so with injinjis. They're the same price or cheaper than a lot of other hiking socks, too. www.injinji.com/ or you can find them on amazon.