OT - Hiking shoes

[mdeth1313]

Since 2017, I've had a pair of Hoka Tor Mid WP hiking shoes (yes, before they became all the rage). They're starting to show their age and, of course, they no longer make those. They are the most comfortable hiking shoes I've ever worn. I hiked all over yellowstone and the grand tetons with them, as well as all over the appalachian trail.

Hoka makes a high version, but they only have them in eggplant. I am NOT wearing shoes made for McDonald's Grimace or Barney the Dinosaur. There's also a Tor Tech Mid.

Anyone have any experience w/ the tech mid or any suggestions/comparables?

Thx

I tried their Kaha GTX shoes and well, they suck ass.

[p nut]

Few Keens I’ve tried a few years ago were surprisingly good.

But all I wear now are trail runners. Had Hoka Speedgoats for a long time then switched to Nike Zegama’s with the built in gaiters. I don’t see myself going back to hikers.

[Likes2ridefar]

I currently have altra Olympus 5 and am really liking their firm but dampened feel with excellent vibram sole.

[Dadoflam]

Originally Posted by Likes2ridefar

I currently have altra Olympus 5 and am really liking their firm but dampened feel with excellent vibram sole.

Love my Olympus 5’s - done both The Camino (800km) and Larapinta Trail (250km) in them - the latter is considered to be one of the most brutal trails on footwear anywhere because of the constant sharp rock and stone.

Altras do still suffer from durability limitations- about 500 miles on rugged tracks seems to be the rule.

[GregL]

Originally Posted by p nut

Few Keens I’ve tried a few years ago were surprisingly good.

But all I wear now are trail runners. Had Hoka Speedgoats for a long time then switched to Nike Zegama’s with the built in gaiters. I don’t see myself going back to hikers.

Second the recommendations for Keens. For light-duty hiking, Targhees are nearly as light as trail runners, but provide ankle protection and are waterproof.

Greg

[JMT3]

I’ve been told by many that unless your going off the trail the best shoe to use for hiking on trails is a trail running shoe. I have one set of Merrell’s which they are falling apart and not very well constructed.. The shoes I found that have the great life and are very comfortable Adidas Terrex. I had one pair that lasted for several years and have been to several countries and have a new pair waiting in my closet for when I get home from California.

Bought my Adidas thru Sierra.com. Very inexpensive.

[bikinchris]

I like my Oboz boots. The real bottom line is you need to go to a good outdoor store and have them fit you.

[XXtwindad]

These.

Salomon X4 mid ultra gore-Tex. Light AF and totally waterproof. I’ve been doing a **** ton of hiking this year. Worth every penny.

https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/p...860&size=26278

[fourflys]

for me, shoes are kind of like saddles.. just because it works well for someone else, means diddly for me..

having said that, I've tried a number of mid-top hiking boots and nothing beats a pair of Keens.. similar to Lake cycling shoes, they just seem to a bit wider than most others.. and they seem to break in to my foot really well.. I'm actually about to buy a new pair after around 9 yrs..

[Len J]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

These.

Salomon X4 mid ultra gore-Tex. Light AF and totally waterproof. I’ve been doing a **** ton of hiking this year. Worth every penny.

https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/p...860&size=26278

This. I have a pair of these that are about 6 years old and wouldn't wear anything else. they have a lace lock between the foot-laces and the ankle-laces that allow you to adjust each independently. super comfortable.

Len

[mdeth1313]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

These.

Salomon X4 mid ultra gore-Tex. Light AF and totally waterproof. I’ve been doing a **** ton of hiking this year. Worth every penny.

https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/p...860&size=26278

These were the winners. I ordered a pair and they are as comfortable as the hokas. Thanks! Made it worthwhile having to read through the KIA's!

[weisan]

Originally Posted by mdeth1313

These were the winners. I ordered a pair and they are as comfortable as the hokas. Thanks! Made it worthwhile having to read through the KIA's!

Good pick and thanks for the recommendation by XXTwin pal, I also ordered a pair, more of a replacement for my 3-year-old almost worn-out Salomon X4, in fact I was just wearing the new pair this morning while hiking with my kids at the Sonoran desert in Tucson.

[XXtwindad]

Awesome shoes! Wishing both of you many smiles and miles in them!

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by mdeth1313

These were the winners. I ordered a pair and they are as comfortable as the hokas. Thanks! Made it worthwhile having to read through the KIA's!

Any updates? I’m just about to go on a hike with mine.

[mdeth1313]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

Any updates? I’m just about to go on a hike with mine.

Not really - I haven't been doing any hiking, although that will change now that it's May - lots going on the 1st half of the month, maybe I'll get to it the 2nd half.