3583
Interest Check: Outdoors & Ultralight Shoes
▶ What type of qualities do you look for in hiking shoes?
▶ Are there certain features that make most sense for trail running?
▶ What companies/brands do you think make the best shoes in general?
We’re always looking at posts and polls of suggestions, and we take this into account when we’re looking for products to put on the site. It doesn’t mean we can secure relationships with any brand of course, but it does mean we can try, and it gives us a better sense of the interests of the community. So let us know what you think and what suggestions you might have in the discussion.
Thanks!
See our other Interest Checks here:
· Jackets: www.massdrop.com/talk/7906/interest-check-outdoors-ultralight-jackets
· Backpacks: www.massdrop.com/talk/8011/interest-check-outdoors-ultralight-backpacks
We’ll be posting other Interest Checks for other categories so stay tuned. And feel free to share any polls you’ve created here so we can help more people see them.
thumb_up27
136
remove_red_eye2.7K
bookmark_borderSave
3583
DuncanCampbell
For hiking I want a very light weight mid boot/trail runner that’s waterproof but breathable and durable. Love the fit of the Altra Lone Peaks but they are not waterproof and have separated at the toes. The Lonepeak 4.0 RMS midi look like an improvement. Would love a drop (women's models).
0
Would love to see some Lowa Caminos on here. Quality German made boot. Goretex lining Vibram replaceable sole, amazingly comfortable and versatile with a smart wee lacing system (ball bearings in the lower foot for an easy cinch and a tongue lock too)
7
A hiking shoe is paramount!
Needs to fit perfectly.
My foot is slightly wide so I need a foot box to fit as if it was the most important sizing. The sole needs to be flexible be still have arch support and acomadate an Insert that when heal pressure wraps around the heal then when front ball pressure let's the toes spread stopping it from hammering the front of the shoe/boot lastly the laces should not put stress on the top of the arch.
What? You say there is no such foot where out there!
Your right!!
But that's what I want.
Ernie
Neutral ride. Or zero drop shoes
0 heel drop!!!
16
I'm probably the minority here, but Adidas has been my go to brand now for trail runners. My terrex agravic has been solid for runs and treks. The boost on trail shoes is legit. Also, they actually have solid colors for their shoes, not just rainbows. How about a drop for Adidas terrex skychaser? I've been checking out those shoes for a minute.
Altra trail runners! Timp 1.5's! Good cushion, zero drop, foot shape, light weight!
Black /Brown Leather Uppers, Waterproof/Gore-Tex, Minimum 400 gms Insulation ( Thinsulate, Prima-Loft or Aerogel ) 6" or 8" Hiking Boots with the new Vibram Arctic Ice Grip, Slip-Resistant soft-toe , heavy-duty Hiking Boots.
(Edited)Trail runners like altra, saloman!
Lightweight, under 10.5 oz. Preferably a mild drop 4mm to 8mm but will consider 0 drop. Wide toe box but normal heel and shank. 4mm to 6 mm lugs in a strong material since I usually blow them out by under 400 miles. Protective shank. NOT waterproof and able to drain. So far Altra Lone Peak 4.0 look the best choice.
(Edited)
66
For low-top trail runners/superlight hikers, I like water resistance but not waterproofness. Something that would be fine with the occasional puddle or a sprinkling but still be breathable. Most shoes are either very permeable mesh or Goretex. Something in between would be great.
make sure the options include width sizing and high instep allowance. if you're serious about shoe's quality and fit, this needs to be an option
Altra!
I have been loving the fit and zero drop soles of Altra shoes the last few years. I have a pair of black Lone Peak 3.5 mesh boots for work and a pair of navy shoes for off duty.
I love trail running shoes, but they've been largely overdone. People are wearing shoes that are WAY too protective for the type of running they're doing! While some runners definitely need protection from rocky terrain, that is not the majority of trail runners needs. Other considerations are sticky rubber in wet conditions. I personally would like to see simpler, stripped down shoes that still have some trail tread on them. I think the North Face RKT comes close, although the fit on that shoe wasn't perfect. Some considerations are: Inov-8, Salming, Columbia Montrail, On, Altra, Nike, Saucony trail shoes.
I always go for Merrells. Merrell has great shoes and boots for people with wider feet, plus they are relatively affordable.
60
Altras are great if you need wide - Salomon as well IMHO
I use Salomon Amphibs a lot for just light hiking &/or I think I might get wet feet.
I have a pair of Merrell Capras when things may be a little rougher &
I have a pair of Keen Targhee Mids (which also come in wide, btw) on those rare occasions that I may have to deal w/snow or crap weather..I live in NC so I have to go to the Mts to 'find' snow.
I can't encourage people enough to wear gaiters if you are going w/low cut shoes, it will save you lots of stops to get the junk out of your shoes...
I can't encourage people enough to wear gaiters if you are going w/low cut shoes, it will save you lots of stops to get the junk out of your shoes...
31
I use to hike in boots. I thought I needed them to give me good ankle support. Wrong! After trial and error I ended up with La Sportiva Mountain Running shoes. These give my feet great inner support, outer support, excellent traction, sooooo lightweight, and I’ve worn these in very wet conditions, cold and hot temperatures, they have been durable and held up under bad trail conditions, and they haven’t failed me yet. I’m not a runner either. I wanted hiking shoes that would do all of the above while also being a good investment. In my opinion the first priority in finding a good outdoor shoe is getting the proper fit for your outdoor application. Fit is everything. A great shoe is great only if it fits you correctly.
Its rare to find quality outdoor shoes in wide sizes. Most companies will have only 1 or 2 models that are made in wide..
Scarpa mojito pleaseeee. I look for comfiness mainly, also lightweight and rigidity. And they have to look ok for daily usage. Scarpa mojito.
I just need them to come in wide size and to be cheap enough that I don't feel bad when they wear out, as they always do.
6
My favorite for running and hiking are vivo barefoot trail runners. flat, flexible but thick enough for running on rocks and good traction. Also wide toe box that allows room for folks with a long second toe!
273
Id like to see some HOKA trail running shoes specifically their flagship TOR Ultra WP Hi trail running boot.
This sneaker combines hiking boot and trail runner into the perfect all terrain hiking/running boot.
This sneaker combines hiking boot and trail runner into the perfect all terrain hiking/running boot.
Women's Altra Lone Peak (3.5, 4.0 versions if they're available to you) please. My feet have never been happier, even when doing big mileage days (20+ miles I didn't think I had in me!).
I would really appreciate more drops for women's gear, in general. Thank you!
11
Looking to replace my boot (which I love) with something rugged but light. Trail and backcountry hiking are the primary use.
Salomon makes great shoes and I'm due for a third pair. I've had XA Pros and Fel Raisers and love how they fit my feet.
Would also like to see Forsake on here as well.
Would also like to see Forsake on here as well.
Any and all bedrock sandals
17
I guess my first post was more of a comment and not an answer to the questions.
I look for a zero drop, no padding, very thin sole to offer protection but still allowing for ground feel.
For features in a trail running shoe, I want something that hugs the bottom of my feet well. To me that means secure ankle straps and something across or near the toes to keep the sole in place. Having run in both sandals and closed-toe shoes, I find that I like sandals more. When I ran in traditional shoes (Saucony Guides) I always wore a hole in them above my big toe. Sandals allow my toes to lift and move naturally. When I run I don't care (maybe even prefer) if I have to run across water or mud, etc. Sandals allow my feet to dry out and shed debris quickly, however, closed toes prevent rocks and things from getting stuck between the sole and my foot. So what I wear can vary based on the trail I'm using.
17
I am a huge fan of Xeroshoes. I do trail running and have a pair of Venture Sandals and Prios. My sandals have sadly broken a few times, and they fixed the straps for free. I bought the Prio so I had something to cover my toes during my winter runs and snowshoeing. I have found these to be my new go to shoe for everything. In all fairness I bought them because I found Xeroshoes to be one of the cheapest on the market and I don't have a ton of money to throw around.
