Current Events > Anyone here into hiking? Need recommendations.

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So I've been steadily getting more into hiking in the past few months, and I think I want to purchase some good shoes specifically for the activity. Up till now I've been using tennis shoes which feel fine on my feet but aren't good for cold or wet weather.

Any recs on good shoes, typically for day hikes only? I don't plan on doing overnight hikes with the big heavy packs any time soon. I don't have a budget but I'd prefer not to spend more than 150 bucks or so.
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Get some weatherproof boots. I have these.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B9U12SO/

I also rub some Obenaufs into them to make them more resilient. I wear them for hiking and as my general winter weather footwear.
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Keen and Merrell makes great hiking boots/shoes. Cabelas brand is also pretty damn good but make sure its Cabelas and not Redhead. Theres a huge dip in quality from Cabelas to Redhead. But I highly recommend Keen or Merrell. I hike at least once a week and I wear Keen waterproof boots. They arent cheap but theyre worth it.

I also recommend a good camlebak backpack. Also not cheap but its the best way to keep hydrated.

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Curious on how you pick between the shoe or a boot, is it just whether you need that extra ankle support?
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Personal preference. And obviously a waterproof boot will be waterproof to deeper water than a waterproof shoe.
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I have a pair of Merrell. Super comfy.
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magnum boots
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I personally prefer boots for the ankle support. I rolled my ankle once in the Adirondacks in New York and it wasnt a fun hike down.

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@treewojima is like the bear grylls of ce
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SSJGrimReaper posted...

@treewojima is like the bear grylls of ce

are you kidding, I wore tennies and flip flops when I went camping lol

Get some waterproof socks while you're at it. They're awesome

MC_BatCommander posted...

Curious on how you pick between the shoe or a boot, is it just whether you need that extra ankle support?

Largely... but it's also what sort of terrain (particularly if you're doing lots of hill walking stuff, as going back down is a lot of torque in the knees and ankles) and just personal preference.

Boots also tend to protect more against the envrionment
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JonnySeifer posted...

Get some waterproof socks while you're at it. They're awesome

Damn I didn't even know that was a thing. How the hell did I miss that?!

Anyway, TC whatever you get make sure it has Gortex or some equivalent.

I find that lighter is better, post 2 might be nice for shoveling the driveway, but I wouldn't want to lug them up a mountain.

I like to look to see how far up the tongue goes, as that will be how deep you can step in water.

Also, check out the tread. I like a tread that will help you go up, but show signs that will slow you from slipping forward.

As for hicking shoes, I two par from Addidas, and they are both great.
One is more or less normal, the other, my upgrade par has Gortex.
Light weight but solid.

If you are prone to rolling you ankle though, get boots.

Also, it's good to have a walking stick.

Mine is actually the trunk of a baby maple tree, I've been using it for about 20 years.
I've actually gotten compliments on the trail about it. Not even joking.
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