Shoes suitable for Trekking?

[Trixie]

Been searching hi and lo for trekking shoes. Came across these but not sure if they are good for trekking EBC in Nov/Dec. They sure look warm enough though. What is Gore-tex by the way?

http://www.merrell.com/Product/NZGP/Womens-Active-Footwear/Hiking/Womens/Winterlude-6-Waterproof.aspx

http://www.merrell.com/Product/NZGP/Womens-Active-Footwear/Hiking/Womens/Thermo-Arc-6-Waterproof.aspx

http://www.merrell.com/Product/NZGP/Womens-Active-Footwear/Hiking/Womens/Chameleon-Arc-Mid-GORE-TEX.aspx

http://www.merrell.com/Product/NZSZZZZ/Womens-Active-Footwear/Hiking/22954/Womens/Taupe-Stone-Blue/J86938/Chameleon-Arc-Mid-Waterproof.aspx

[Lars]

Been searching hi and lo for trekking shoes.
What is Gore-tex by the way?

You don't really need very warm shoes for trekking. It is mostly not that cold
during daytime when you are out walking. Most important is that they are
comfortable for walking in several hours. And of course that they give you
the support that you need. This is quite individual depending on how strong
your ankles are.

Some of the shoes you linked too, seem to have a furry lining. I would worry
that they will be too warm. It is better to bring some warm socks that you
can wear on those rather few days when it is a bit cold.

Goretex is a synthetic material that supposedly will let humidity move in one
direction but not the other. Your sweat can evaporate but rainwater not leak
in. I actually have very good experience from Goretex in shoes. I don't like
it that much in clothes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gore-tex

[Petrus]

It is cold up there, but most (all?) of us rely on the same shoes summer and winter for that trek: mid-weight hiking boots.

Hiking boots are not insulated, socks keep the feet warm. First slippery liners, then thick woolmix socks. Boots must be big enough, usually hiking boots are 1-2 sizes (european) larger than trainers or dress shoes for the same person. If the boots are too tight, they will be cold.

That said, you could survive with any of those shoes you list, but only with enough socks in them. And spare socks. Proper boots are stiffer and give better support for ankles, preferred. Your shoes look a bit soft.

Proper, modern hiking boots look something like this:
http://www.lasportiva.com/catalogue/catalogo.php?cat=24&cod3=984&Language=EN

Scarpa and Meindl are also great brands, but I can not point straight to certain shoes in their websites.

http://www.meindl.de/english/ models Burma, Wales, Himalaya, Island etc.
http://www.scarpa.com/scarpa.php Nepal, SL M3, Barun and others

Gore-Tex is a trade name for a pourous polytetrafluoroethylene laminate, which lets water vapour (a.k.a. sweat) escape from underneath a jacket, pants or from inside shoes, but is watertight and does not let water enter. Sounds great, but works only partly as advertized. My experience is that it works better in shoes than in jackets, and I refuse to wear GTX pants... (well, in pouring rain when boating, maybe).

[thesilvertops]

Margaret has had great service from Meindl boots. She bought her first pair in an emergency in a shoe shop in Bagneres-de-Luchon. (we'd completed 1 week of a 5 week hike in the Pyrenees when her old boots gave up) The Meindls needed no walking in and served her well for 4 years. She takes English size 4 and most stockists don't keep that size so she has to track them down. I always use Scarpa SL3 in the mountains and cheaper fabric boots on drier, less-demanding hikes. Remember that carrying a heavy pack puts more load on your boots and you need a better quality (heavier duty) boot. If you're carrying only a day pack then lighter boots will suffice. If you're Nepali then flip-flops will suffice!!!

One problem with Goretex boots is that if you walk in deep water, the boots will get wet inside and the Goretex lining will keep that water IN and you will find it takes time to get them dry again. Take your boots off when fording streams and wear something, i.e. sandals, that you can dry quickly.

[Sharon]

I have put many happy comfortable miles in my La Sportiva Trangos

[Escher]

Pretty much anything will do but fit is more important than brand. Go and try some on in a shop. Different manufacturers use different lasts (mould of a foot) to construct their shoes. Some are for slender feet some for a wider foot. The Scarpa last fits my foot well but other brands do not. So go for something that fits you and not a recommendation of what fits someone else. Go to a decent shop and wear thick socks when you try them on, partly lace them and make sure you can get two fingers down the back of your achilles, that way when you lace them properly your toes won't bang against the front when walking downhill.

[kiwigirl]

the track is a bit rocky so ankle support is important. The ones I wore last May were a pair I got in the second hand shop 10 years ago! they are sandshoe material and just come up past the ankles a bit for a good support. they were great. I seem to get blisters when I wear leather ones so I got these ones to try out instead.

these ones you mentioned will be fine but you can get cheaper ones than those. the fleece lined ones will be too hot.

http://www.merrell.com/Product/NZSZZ...aterproof.aspx

the track is used by villiagers and livestock so it is a good well worn track so any confortable pair with angle supprt is fine. most of the villiagers wear jandles/thongs on the track.:)

[keanu]

i am a big fan of Asolo Flame Goretex, although its bit expensive it make your feet comfortable and also provide extensive ankle support, which is a must while trekking in nepal.

[Trixie]

Thanks for all helpful tips! Singapore has limited selection of trekking shoes, must really dig hard...

[deserteyes]

I've discovered that Asolo's and Raichle do a narrower fit, which is good for me. My feet were swimming in the Scarpa's when I tried them on. I preferred the Asolo Powermatic 200 to the Raichle (forget the model) because of the ankle flex. The ankle section is constructed with a softer piece of leather to allow the ankle this flexibility. I haven't tried the Asolo Atlantis GTX (male version Asolo Flame GTX), but I've read good things about it. It seems to be a few hundred grammes lighter than the Powermatic. THe key difference is in the sole construction, though the Powermatic is made from full-grain leather uppers, and the Asolo nubuck and fabric. I think they are both made from the same last though. I believe the Powermatic may have a stiffer sole and could be used with a strap on crampon. However the lightness of the Atlantis seems very tempting, and its a little cheaper too, so I will try before making a decision.

Also, I tried them on in the afternoon with a thick pair of mountain socks and liner socks underneath. I found that the correct size for me was one size bigger than my shoe size.

I haven't bought a pair of boots yet, I am still waiting to try La Sportiva. But in general, I've read that the Italian brands have narrower lasts.

I still haven't figured out whether fabric or leather is better. People have very different opinions about all of this. Some say leather moulds better to the foot, and is tougher, others say fabric dries out more quickly and is lighter therefore better overall. But nubuck leather seems to be a good compromise between the two.

I have also read that Haglofs have brought out a new boot Haglofs Solid Lite, they have a good write-up on oudoorsmagic.com. This is a great site for picking up tips on gear. THe problem with Haglofs is that they have limited stockists, at least here in the UK, and even fewer who stock for females. But my impression of Haglofs (at least from a fleece I have) is that they pay superb attention to detail, and are usually excellent quality, if pricey. Their boots are no pricier than the other brands however. It always pays to search the internet for the best deals.

DE

[Lars]

.. my impression of Haglofs (at least from a fleece I have) is that they pay superb attention to detail, and are usually excellent quality, if pricey.
I beg to differ. Haglofs is a Swedish brand that was once very good when
their gear was made over here. But since a very long time now Haglofs
stuff is made in Asia, and is of no better quality than just any brand.

It is more expensive, I will agree with you on that though.

I flew in to India once with a brand new Haglofs back pack. It burst its
seams when I took it off the belt at Bombay airport, and I had to empty
everything out on the floor and sew it together right there. A couple of
weeks later one of the shoulder straps came off as I was riding as passenger
on a motor bike. I almost fell off.

They have disgraced the notion of Swedish quality in outdoors gear that we
like to entertain, and I would not buy anything branded Haglofs unless it is
at least 30 years old.

[yakshaver]

Thanks for all helpful tips! Singapore has limited selection of trekking shoes, must really dig hard...

Here are some tips for outdoors shops in Singapore, which I was able to dig up on various sites:
Apparently the best for boots is Camperscorner

www.camperscorner.com.sg

Near by in Peninsular Plaza on the upper floors there are also some outdoor shops. I also like a shop on the third floor of Funan Centre/Square which sells osprey and macpac packs and also sells merrel shoes and sandals plus other brands.

The second floor of the Beach Road Food Centre (opposite Golden Mile Complex in Beach Road - also known as Little Bangkok) has a lot of small shops selling camping gear and other outdoor stuff.

There is another store in a shopping mall right side on Beach Raod(The Concourse?) coming from the city, same corner. A smaller one is at Bugis Market, 1st floor above the 3storey openair local foodcourt building. 'Army-Shop' or so.

Velocity / Novena Square has some good outdoor shops too.

It is important to go for the boot you feel comfortable in. Not necessarily on brand or another. I have had merrels, kastingers, vasque, zamberlan, and possibly a few others. I know wear La Sportiva Trango Trek (for most trekking) and La Sportiva Makalu for heavier stuff. They seem to be fitting my foot well, since it is more narrow than the usual beach raised Australian men with hobbit feet (I grew up in Europe, where you only take your shoes off outdoors if you go for a swim, which is once or twice a year). But medium version of any brand will probably be good enough for any trekking, unless you go off trail, or carry a 25 kg pack.

[deserteyes]

Wow, you obviously feel very strongly about Haglofs. Sorry to hear about your experiences -- but also good to hear. I shall be vigilant. On the other hand, you may just have had a dud backpack. Did you return the product? Are you basing your assessment of Haglofs on your one experience or others' experiences too?

I am not someone who thinks that manufacturing in the East must be inferior. However I don't wish to get into a debate on the subject and hijack the whole thread.

DE

[yakshaver]

I am not someone who thinks that manufacturing in the East must be inferior. However I don't wish to get into a debate on the subject and hijack the whole thread.

DE

Let me to it then... If we talk Toyotas and Subarus, even Hyunday these days to some extent - they are all over the BMW and Mercedes (and Volvo, Saab or any American English, French or Italian car, for that matter, and in that order) - in terms of quality and reliability.

If we talk mountain/trekking boots, then I am sorry but Asian stuff is crap. For the moment. Not anywhere near, for example, of what the Italians are achieving. Not by a country kilometre...

[Escher]

If we talk mountain/trekking boots, then I am sorry but Asian stuff is crap. For the moment. Not anywhere near, for example, of what the Italians are achieving. Not by a country kilometre...

You should all be wearing trainers in any case. What would you rather have? A Landcruiser or a Ferrari? :p

[deserteyes]

Escher, but did you always wear trainers, or did you simply develop a tolerance for that kind of walking over time? Don't the soles of your feet become sore?

Yakshaver: these manufacturing debates... I told you they're tricky. But you're quite right about car manufacturing... I know nothing about the boot industry. In any case, I bought a pair of Asolo's today

[Escher]

I was just joshing. You see we have had many a conversation about whether you should wear trainers. Many do but many also think it is foolhardy. Always stimulates some good banter.

I wouldn't recommend it to people who aren't used to trekking in trainers, but if you are capable of doing it it is much better in my opinion. I find boots hot, slightly uncomfortable, heavy and cumbersome and my feet are more tired at the end of the day. Trainers are light and nimble and much more comfortable and my feet are not at all tired after a long trekking day. I have a comfy pair for the evening and do not need to carry a second pair for this. I choose to wear the same trainers casually at home as I find them so comfy and they cope with trekking too so they are perfect.

The risk is hurting an ankle or stubbing a toe, but with practice you can carry decent sized loads (25kgs +) on rough mountain ground in trainers quite safely. You are just more careful! Trainers are more precise and nimble which means you can look after your ankles and toes. When I wear boots I am always stubbing my toes and tripping over things. They are just too clumpy.

I started doing it when carrying plastic boots for climbing as I didn't want to carry any unnecessary weight and I found trainers coped absolutely fine and gave me all the benefits I mentioned above. Very occasionally you get wet feet or twist your ankle but the benefits outweigh the downsides by far for me. I do fell run and hike in trainers in Britain too so the popular trails of Nepal are quite tame in comparison. My feet do not get sore, no worse than boots anyway. It certainly isn't a compromise for me, I much prefer it.

[Petrus]

I have hiked AC 3 times, full Jiri-G-EBC-Jiri including Lho La* 6000m, climbed Kimanjaro in trainers/trail runners. If trail runners are made for trail running (?!), then it is certainly possible to walk in them, too. Never twisted an ankle in them. Lighter shoes, happer feet, faster hiker.


*) pass leading to Tibet right above EBC, part of the West ridge route.

[Trixie]

Here are some tips for outdoors shops in Singapore, which I was able to dig up on various sites:
Apparently the best for boots is Camperscorner

www.camperscorner.com.sg

Near by in Peninsular Plaza on the upper floors there are also some outdoor shops. I also like a shop on the third floor of Funan Centre/Square which sells osprey and macpac packs and also sells merrel shoes and sandals plus other brands.

The second floor of the Beach Road Food Centre (opposite Golden Mile Complex in Beach Road - also known as Little Bangkok) has a lot of small shops selling camping gear and other outdoor stuff.

There is another store in a shopping mall right side on Beach Raod(The Concourse?) coming from the city, same corner. A smaller one is at Bugis Market, 1st floor above the 3storey openair local foodcourt building. 'Army-Shop' or so.

Velocity / Novena Square has some good outdoor shops too.

It is important to go for the boot you feel comfortable in. Not necessarily on brand or another. I have had merrels, kastingers, vasque, zamberlan, and possibly a few others. I know wear La Sportiva Trango Trek (for most trekking) and La Sportiva Makalu for heavier stuff. They seem to be fitting my foot well, since it is more narrow than the usual beach raised Australian men with hobbit feet (I grew up in Europe, where you only take your shoes off outdoors if you go for a swim, which is once or twice a year). But medium version of any brand will probably be good enough for any trekking, unless you go off trail, or carry a 25 kg pack.

Wow... yakshaver thanks for the info! You managed to dig out shops in Singapore despite you are on the other side of the globe! Thanks :)

[Suginami]

Shoes? are you serious?

[yakshaver]

Wow... yakshaver thanks for the info! You managed to dig out shops in Singapore despite you are on the other side of the globe! Thanks :)

Singapore is one of my favourite cities. On this planet at least. I love it. Plus, I get through Singapore for various reasons at least once every couple of years. I used to work there for weeks at a time a few years back. Though I must admit I never bought mountain equipment there, only electronics from People's Park. Heaps of stuff over the years.

[yakshaver]

Shoes? are you serious?

Let's be honest Sugi, haven't fantasized at least once about trekking in stilettos?

And repressing this urge has caused you many anxious sleepless nights... Counselling is offerend here at 145 AUD (not USD or Euro...). But just for you.

[hop]

Hey,
Been reading a lot of your info on shoes for trekking. I'm planning on doing the AC towards the end of November and have been having trouble finding a pair of hiking boots that fit comfortably (heel moving or pinching at toes). I haven't worn hiking boots in a long time as I have been hiking and running in a pair of Inov8 Roclite 318 GTX trailrunners. I haven't trekked in them (haven't trekked at all) and was wondering what the opinions on them were (I apologise if this has been covered many times before). I'm not (too?) worried about ankle support but was wondering along the lines of snow at the pass, rivers etc. I appreciate any comments. Thanks
Hop

[Escher]

They'll be fine. I've done the AC in non-gtx Inov-8's and also Saloman trainers. Never had a problem.

In fact the only problem I had with Inov-8's was them getting nicked from my luggage on the flight home.

[Petrus]

Done Thorong La 2 times in eighties style cheap jogging shoes, last time I graduated to trail runners (TNF something with GTX). Twice without snow, once snow was to armpits in places.

Secret: 4 liter plastic bags and wool socks. Keeps snow out and warmth in. You need it only for one day, and when keeping moving there is no danger of frostbite. Exept maybe if you shoes are too small to begin with, typical beginner's mistake.

[hop]

Thanks for advice. Gonna go with the Inov8s, much happier in them than boots and will bring some big plastic bags just in case! Thanks a lot. Happy trails.
Hop

[kiwigirl]

not interested in trekking in stilettos ? :D

Thanks for advice. Gonna go with the Inov8s, much happier in them than boots and will bring some big plastic bags just in case! Thanks a lot. Happy trails.
Hop

[lazy climber]

It looks like foot wear is all over the place on what everyone thinks will work for trekking.

We are doing Island Peakin April (if all goes well) and would like to know what everyone thinks you need for that climb. What are the temperatures likely to be during that time? Will summer/ non-isulated boots work or will we need our "winter" boots?

[Suginami]

Petrus comment about bin liners is right. I always stick a few in my bag and have used them on treks as extra insulation against cold. One problem with plastic is that you can get condensation on the inside but if its just for a short while its fine. I use them to wrap those divine lodge pillow in.

But cold feet can be nasty. I hate that. My boots don`t breathe so my feet get really hot so every few hours I have to unhook the laces and get my feet out.

[Escher]

We are doing Island Peakin April (if all goes well) and would like to know what everyone thinks you need for that climb. What are the temperatures likely to be during that time? Will summer/ non-isulated boots work or will we need our "winter" boots?

I wore trainers up to the snowline and plastics to the summit. They were overkill for the temperatures we encoutered in early March and ordinary leather boots, stiff enough for crampons would have been fine. However if you get stuck for any reason, and the weather ***** out decent boots might save your toes. But even camping at 6250m in March it was no more than -15c a night but of course it can be a lot colder. It all depends on the weather and I can 't predict that for you just tell you my experience. Fine conditions and it won't be a problem. We all wore trainers to camp 2 on Ama Dablam as well (6250m) but it is mostly rock to there. On Island Peak if you are quick you are only going to be on snow for a couple of hours at most and generally the temps are like summer alpine temperatures like you would experience in the US or Europe. April in the Himalaya (in good conditions and not too high) is very similar to those conditions so wear what you are happy with at home.

[Trek 2009]

does anyone any views on boreal trekking shoes?

[Escher]

99% of all major makes of shoes and boots will be fine for trekking, after all most of the Nepalis where flip-flops on the trails. Go to a decent outdoor shop where they know how to fit shoes and get ones that fit you properly, that is the most important thing.

[sonal]

Hi, I recently got New Balance Miniimus shoes for running But I am going to kota kinabalu next week. Please advice if I can use these shoes for trekking the mountain as well.
Plz help.

[yakshaver]

does anyone any views on boreal trekking shoes?

Had a look at their site, and it looks quite professional. They seem to make boots for all purposes, from light walking to technical. I guess it all depends on how the particular pair feel on your feet.

When I purchase boots (every 3-4 years), I go to a shop specializing in this stuff. To me that is more valuable than chasing a particular brand. Good retailers specializing in this stuff will usually have enough brands & models to chose from. To me the important things are:
a) do they have good professional stuff able to give me technical information, and good support and advice in choosing. No hard sell. They need to be good listeners and be able to answer questions professionally
b) these shops usually let you take the boots home and wear them around the house for a few days. Provided you do not take them outside to mark them in some way, you can bring them back if they don't fit you properly, if you are not comfortable with them for some reason. You can exchange them with other models.