I know there are some serious hikers here. I was thinking of asking for shoes for Christmas. I need a wide toe box and not opposed to sandals. I cannot do anything that loops around the big toe or has a thong between the toes.
Thanks!!
L.L. Bean.
One of my kids likes these. There is a shoe version as well. Good support, good quality.
https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Annex-Mid-Gore-Tex/dp/B00S7J644C
If there’s an REI near you, go there and talk to the very knowledgeable staff. Hiking boots are like running shoes, but even more so. How the tradeoffs among all the elements involved are handled creates a dizzying variety of shoes (and price points), and the more you know the more you will be aware of the differences. The best shoe in the world for your best friend may not even be worth trying on for you.
Hoka running shoes are the best hiking shoes in my experience.
http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/brooks-puregrit-5-womens-trail-running-shoes/120230.html?dwvar_120230_color=474&dwvar_120230_width=B#kclickid=5a1dfb85-8f25-4bc2-b914-cb695d99cbd9&utm_term=brooks+trail+running+shoes%7C401%7C4919050560&q=trail&utm_campaign=Search+%7C+B+%7C+Shoes&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=4919050560&utm_source=bing&prefn0=gender&prefv0=Women’s&filterstate=closed&start=6
I found these on sale last summer at REI. I used them for hiking in Glacier National Park and I found them to be great on the trail without the heavy feeling of hiking boots. They have a nice wide toe box which is most important to me. I was torn between these and a pair of Merrill trail runners. I liked the color and look of the Merrells better but the Brooks was a better fit. I love the shoe so much that I’ve continued to wear them at home when I go walking. I added a Superfeet insert into the shoe which might also be part of the comfort equation. REI has a good selection and the shoe department has inserts that you can try when you’re trying on shoes.
I’ve heard that Keen brand hikers tend to have the roomiest toe boxes. Maybe give them a look.
I had a pair of Merrell Moab Ventilators that I had to stop using because they hurt my feet so bad.
Before my last outdoorsy trip, I rolled the dice at bought a pair of Vasque Talus Trek boots online, without trying them on. The gamble paid off. I love them - super comfortable and no issues with fit or (so far) durability. They come in a “low” as well, if you don’t need or want a boot style.
I also concur with the REI recommendation. Both kids are extensive hikers. What worked for one didn’t work for the other. Don’t forget to use a good hiking sock!
If your idea of hiking is maintained trails with a day pack, then trail runners are the best (with Gore-Tex in rainy climates). They make high top ones to keep the pebbles out. Try them on at a place like REI that has a steep downhill section for testing boots. It is most important that your toes do not hit the front on downhills. Second most important is the heels don’t rub on uphills, but that is much harder to ascertain is a short trial. REI has a generous return policy if you do end up with issues. S2 needs a wider toe box and has a pair of Salomons. I do most of the groomed trails in a pair of Asics.
My family does the much more intensive mountaineering also so we have some pretty serious gear - Lowa, Salewa, Scarpa, La Sportiva. You can hike in the heavier boots, but you should stay out of the boulder fields in light hikers. These boots take some getting used to.
Altra Lone Peak. They have low and boot versions.
Keen have a wide toe box. Salmon does as well. Vasque is also good for a wider foot. Going to REI is a great idea. Not only do they have a wide selection, they also have very knowledgeable salespeople who really aren’t interested in "overselling ". Very refreshing!
And they also have some rock-like surfaces to walk on so you can test your shoes!
thanks everyone. I am about 200 miles from the nearest REI but I may have a chance to go to one over the holidays when we are visiting relatives. I really appreciate all the good thoughts. My hiking is state parks -easy stuff but I noticed my tennis shoes weren’t cutting it. Sliding on all the leaves
You might look at trail running shoes if you’re liking everything about your current shoe except the sole. They tend to be lighter and more flexible than hiking shoes. (Salomon has lots, many on sale at Amazon. )
I’d consider getting Goretex mid-high boots because you often have to slog through mud and water on hikes. They can be a little warm during the summer, however. Trail running shoes do not work for me because of lack of support on uneven ground, especially over exposed roots and rocks, and they tend to slip more. Sierra trading post is a good source for name brand boots at reasonable prices.
I also need a wide toe box. REI has been the most helpful place for me to shop. I have a size 5 foot, they don’t stock that size, but have still been very helpful in advising me.
I bought Keen Arroyo hiking sandals a year ago and have used them successfully on a number of moderate grade, rocky and wet trails. I think now that these may only be available in men’s sizes, but I was able get a woman’s model from Zappos last year.
Just last week, I tried some Merrills at REI that I liked very much - closed toe. I am thinking of getting those for a bit more flexibility than the Keens. The Keen is sole is thick so a bit stiff and I’d like the flexibility in the sole - I think I’ll get better traction on slippery trails.
I’ve also started using trekking poles now that I’m past the mid-century mark. I find it helpful when balance might be an issue.
I knew I would get lots of responses -Thanks everyone
LOWA from REI are good for my H with wide feet, and fine for me with narrower feet also.
Good thing about REI is things are returnable for just about any reason for a year.m
REI garage time limit is 30 days, I think.
There are many great brands of hiking boots. What will work best for you is rather individual, which is why I’d echo the REI recommendation for the superior knowledge regarding fit. The other part of fit is getting your individual boots to wear in to your feet. I had some low tops that were awful for a time, and then at a point they started feeling great. But get a good initial fit, then wear for short hikes before trying something longer. While you are at it, get the expert REI opinion on socks. I’m a fan of thin liner and thick outer sock to avoid blisters.
Some say to wear runners or trail shoes. When younger, I used runners for just about everything, trekking the Himalaya included. These days I appreciate the better traction of my low top boots and hiking pole, even for shorter hikes.
I had to buy hiking boots for a trip to Peru, and I must have ordered more than a dozen from Zappos. I discovered that what is perfect for one person doesn’t work for others – ones that some reviewers raved about I found really uncomfortable. It really is a very individual decision. I ended up buying Merrells after trying on just about every other brand, although my trail running shoes from Salomon are still my favorite hiking shoes.
Things to consider – do you want them to be waterproof, or water resistant? Do you want ankle support? How lightweight do you want them to be? If all you want is better traction than sneakers, then trail running shoes are a really good option to consider. My Salomons have better traction than most hiking shoes.