Rain boots and hiking boots/tennis shoes. Help?

Parent Cafe
1

<p>I feel a little embarrassed asking this, as I feel like I should know the answer, but I do not lol. I haven’t bought shoes from anywhere other than Payless in over a decade. I only own three pairs of shoes- flip flops, cheap tennis shoes, and basketball shoes. Shoes are not my thing lol.</p>

<p>Anyway, I am leaving for Costa Rica in a few days. I need to buy decent, cheap rain boots. I also need to buy some sort of hiking boots or very sturdy tennis shoes (or do they have some kind of combination?). Does anyone have any ideas where to go? I don’t want to spend a fortune. </p>

<p>I live in SE Michigan btw. </p>

<p>Thanks so much :)</p>

<p>PS: I have no problem wearing guy’s shoes. All of my shoes currently are guys shoes. I am 6’0" with feet to match my height, so my size is a bit hard to find.</p>

2

<p>Keen Targhee II - Waterproof hiking boot that’s lightweight and comfy for all day wear. Son loves 'em–wears them in the MI winter too.</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> KEEN Targhee ll Mid Hiking Shoe - Men’s: Clothing](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/KEEN-Targhee-Mid-Hiking-Shoe/dp/B000HZYWDY]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/KEEN-Targhee-Mid-Hiking-Shoe/dp/B000HZYWDY)</p>

3

<p>Do you have a Dick’s Sporting Goods or Sports Authority in your area? If so, you can probably find everything you need in one of those stores. Check their sale ads (usually located at the entrance and in your big Sunday newspaper).</p>

4

<p>Ouch. Is that a typical price range for a hiking shoe? I was hoping for something about half the cost.</p>

<p>ny- yes I have one just down the street. I can’t believe I didn’t think to look there!</p>

5

<p>My daughter and I both own rain boots from Target. Cute, comfortable, and cheap!</p>

<p>While looking for a link for you, I found another pair that must be owned! Sigh.</p>

<p>[target</a> rain boots - Google Product Search](<a href=“target rain boots - Google Shopping”>target rain boots - Google Shopping)</p>

6

<p>^ Wow, those seem perfect!
<em>Makes note to go to Target.</em></p>

7

<p>Do you have a DSW (Discount Shoe Warehouse) near you? It’s a chain.</p>

8

<p>^ I just checked out the DSW website. Apparently there is one about 10 miles from me. I’ve never heard of it though. The website seems like it is more for dressy shoes. Do you think they would have a nice hiking boots section? I can’t seem to find them on the website.</p>

9

<p>You usually have to go to a sporting goods type of store to get comfortable hiking shoes.
You will definitely want to try them on because every brand fits a little differently.</p>

<p>Modells is another store you might want to try.</p>

10

<p>DSW has all sorts of shoes and many times they do have the odd sizes. Make sure they have non-slip soles.</p>

11

<p>My D was just in Costa Rica, and took a pair of rubber rain boots like in the Target thread. She also wore some REI type waterproof hiking boots much of the time. Add some comfy athletic type flip-flops and a pair of “dress” shoes (fancy flip-flops or flats or low heels that you can walk a long way in) and you will be set.
Do try out your local DSW, they may have everything you need.</p>

12

<p>Don’t forget “boot socks” and a box of bandaids.</p>

<p>Breaking the boots in a bit before you leave might be a good idea, also.</p>

13

<p>We have gotten inexpensive hiking boots (and decent quality) at Farm & Fleet. Do you have those stores near you? I think we paid around $30-45 for a pair.</p>

14

<p>Boot socks? Never heard of them, so another thing to add to my list. </p>

<p>Onward- no it looks like that is solely a Midwest store :/</p>

15

<p>Try a couple of Merrill styles. You won’t have to break them in at all- comfortable from the first day.
You really should go to a good sporting goods store and try on a few brands and see what you like. Everyone’s feet are different.</p>

16

<p>“Boot socks” can be a bit thicker - really just add comfort. However, make sure the boot fits while wearing the socks. Really you just need to know to wear socks and not the thin variety.</p>

17

<p>Unless you are going to be doing some serious off-road hiking, then something like this would probably be a good choice:</p>

<p>[Timberland</a> Men’s TMA Route Racer Low](<a href=“http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3738450&clickid=body_rv_img]Timberland”>http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3738450&clickid=body_rv_img)</p>

<p>Basically, a waterproof running/hiking shoe with heavy duty soles for hiking in dirt. The next step is a mid-height version, more of a hiking boot (but really a waterproof high top sports shoe.</p>

<p>[Timberland</a> Women’s Lionshead Mid Boot](<a href=“http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3752284&cp=1779792.1761172.1845665&parentPage=family]Timberland”>http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3752284&cp=1779792.1761172.1845665&parentPage=family)</p>

<p>[Timberland</a> Women’s White Ledge Mid Hiker](<a href=“http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2665548&cp=1779792.1761172.1845665&parentPage=family]Timberland”>http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2665548&cp=1779792.1761172.1845665&parentPage=family)</p>

<p>Look around at the discount places (Marshalls, outdoor outfitters, etc.). Lots of companies make this stuff: North Face, Columbia, Timberland, etc. Basically all the companies that make fleece. The one linked above is a closeout style, about half the price of this year’s models.</p>

18

<p>Go to REI and have them fit you for a pair of hiking boots. They are very knowledgeable and probably have experience in fitting you for a trip to Costa Rica. They will have boot socks and everything you should need.</p>

<p>It won’t be cheap but buy a good pair of hiking boots and you will thank yourself. I promise. If you buy a good pair of hiking boots they should be waterproof and you won’t need a pair of rain boots.</p>

<p>There are two REI’s in the Detroit area. One near Someset and the other near Twelve Oaks. There is also a REI in Ann Arbor or Bivouac in downtown is also a great outdoor store.</p>

<p>If you have time you can order hiking boots from the REIOUTLET and they will ship them to the store for free. You would save yourself some money. </p>

<p>Personally, I like to spend my money on good shoes. Because when my feet are dry and don’t hurt, I am a very happy camper.</p>

19

<p>^^Absolutely do the REI fitting thing. There is nothing worse than being on vacation and not being able to walk a couple of steps because of blisters on your feet due to bad boots. Invest in quality boots, and your feet will tell your “thank you” twenty years from now.</p>

<p>The REI outlet has some great stuff:</p>

<p>[Footwear</a> at REI-OUTLET.com](<a href=“http://www.rei.com/outlet/category/22000056]Footwear”>http://www.rei.com/outlet/category/22000056)</p>

20

<p>yes,yes…REI. I love that store. One of the greatest things is that if you buy anything from their store and are not satisfied, you can return it and get a full refund. </p>

<p>They will even take back stuff you have worn for a month or a year if you become unhappy with the product.<br>
They do it cheerfully with no questions or haggling. Just be sure and keep your receipt.</p>

<p>I really like both Merrells and Keens. Keens run wide. </p>

<p>Also try [Shoes</a>, Clothing | Zappos.com Free Shipping](<a href=“http://www.zappos.com%5DShoes”>http://www.zappos.com)
They have everything. Shipping is fast and returns are free. So ordering a few pair in different sizes/styles is not a problem. They have great customer service.</p>