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Posted: 11/12/2013 8:26:18 AM EDT
| I'm looking for a pair of shoes to use for training/hiking/daily use. I dont like wearing boots when I dont have to, but I have very little knowledge of the shoe side. Looking at either Solomon or Merrell at this point but I am open to whatever. I want them to be as light as possible and breath well, preferably in earthtones or black/grey. Thanks in advance. |
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I'm looking for a pair of shoes to use for training/hiking/daily use. I dont like wearing boots when I dont have to, but I have very little knowledge of the shoe side. Looking at either Solomon or Merrell at this point but I am open to whatever. I want them to be as light as possible and breath well, preferably in earthtones or black/grey. Thanks in advance. Salomons, hands down. I have two pairs of XAs, one are the GTX (Goretex) the other are not. GREAT shoes. Click me! |
| Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. |
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Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. I had thought about this as well, I love the UA Chetco Trail shoe and its essentially a cut down version of the Speed Freak boot, so I suppose thats an option. Do you have any particular models you could point me to? |
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Salomons, hands down. I have two pairs of XAs, one are the GTX (Goretex) the other are not. GREAT shoes. Click me! Quoted:
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I'm looking for a pair of shoes to use for training/hiking/daily use. I dont like wearing boots when I dont have to, but I have very little knowledge of the shoe side. Looking at either Solomon or Merrell at this point but I am open to whatever. I want them to be as light as possible and breath well, preferably in earthtones or black/grey. Thanks in advance. Salomons, hands down. I have two pairs of XAs, one are the GTX (Goretex) the other are not. GREAT shoes. Click me! This. XA Ultra GTX. |
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I had thought about this as well, I love the UA Chetco Trail shoe and its essentially a cut down version of the Speed Freak boot, so I suppose thats an option. Do you have any particular models you could point me to? Quoted:
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Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. I had thought about this as well, I love the UA Chetco Trail shoe and its essentially a cut down version of the Speed Freak boot, so I suppose thats an option. Do you have any particular models you could point me to? I'd recommend these or these. I personally prefer the Lowas, but that's just me. Also, about the rolling your ankle thing, true, it happens if you're "loaded down with a crap ton of gear" but if you're packing that much of a load, you wouldn't be wearing low cut shoes. Not to mention if you're carrying enough weight over long distances, you'd want something more than a lightweight boot. There isn't going to be a shoe for every single situation. |
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I've had/worn just about every suggestion here, looking for the best pair of footwear
Merrell MOAB ventilator: Pros, cheap. Cons: cheap, no support, fall apart quicker than they should (I've had about 5 pairs of these over the past few years) Salomon XA Pro I have the low cut non goretex version of these. Pros: Comfy, Cons: None really, these are made for trail running. Lowa Zephyr. I had the non goretex boot version. Pros: Very supportive and light. Cons: run narrow, didnt breath well, fell apart after 3 months (stitching around the toe on both boots, returned to Zappos) I'm going to throw a spoiler in the mix that usually is not on the radar in this category. Patagucci I have the low and mid non goretex version of these and they are awesome. Very supportive, breath extremely well (thats why the A/C in the name) and have an outdoorsy vibram sole. The lows come in an earth tone colorway and a bonus is that they look good with a pair of khakis for work. Only con so far is that they are a little heavier than the other choices and are pricy. However, they are comparable price wise to the Salomon and Lowa offerings and I think you get a better value with these. |
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I love Salomon. I was introduced to the brand almost a year ago.
I previously had Merrells and loved them. I put my first pair of Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultras on and "WOW!" what a difference. I never thought I had high arches, but the Salomon has been the ONLY shoe I've ever had that actually gave me arch support. I'll never buy another pair (seeing as how I can get the Salomon at pro-deal prices). My suggestion is to go to your local outdoor supply and try on a few pair. I can 100% recommend Salomon as a brand. |
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I had thought about this as well, I love the UA Chetco Trail shoe and its essentially a cut down version of the Speed Freak boot, so I suppose thats an option. Do you have any particular models you could point me to? Quoted:
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Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. I had thought about this as well, I love the UA Chetco Trail shoe and its essentially a cut down version of the Speed Freak boot, so I suppose thats an option. Do you have any particular models you could point me to? http://www.firestoreonline.com/under-armour-multicam-speedfreek-boot.aspx?gclid=COKsy_Ga4LoCFYdf3godTiUAWg the underarmor speed freak in multicam is what i use. I got it onsale for around $114 from cables i think. Now that i know how nice they are i have been considering buying another pair as a backup for when the first pair wears out. |
| I've got the Merrell Ventilators (non WP or goretex) and I like them a lot. They have held up to jogging, hiking, and hunting so far. I just ordered some of the Salomon trail running shoes since they were 20% off on Amazon yesterday. Unlike the Ventilators they are more waterproof, and seem to have a great reputation. We'll see. |
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Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. If you think boots are going to prevent your ankle from rolling, you're dreaming. I've seen boatloads of ankle sprains where the person was wearing a hiking boot or duty boot. You can lace it as tight as you want, but the only thing that will do is reduce circulation. The advantage of shoes is that the wearer is less encumbered by a heavier piece of footwear, and therefore more nimble, reducing the risk of an ankle injury by surer foot placement and better responsiveness. Also, multiply the extra weight of a boot compared to a shoe times thousands of steps per day and the person wearing the shoe- all else being equal- will have expended less energy walking. I alternate between hiking boots (REI-branded Merrels or OTB Bootistans) and Palladium High Pampas. The latter is about as minimalist as a shoe can get, is available in many colors, and breathes and drains well. It's not meant to hold up to a shit-ton of abuse as it's just rubber and canvas, but I have mine for over two years and they are still holding up fine. |
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Quoted: I'd recommend these or these. I personally prefer the Lowas, but that's just me. Also, about the rolling your ankle thing, true, it happens if you're "loaded down with a crap ton of gear" but if you're packing that much of a load, you wouldn't be wearing low cut shoes. Not to mention if you're carrying enough weight over long distances, you'd want something more than a lightweight boot. There isn't going to be a shoe for every single situation. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. I had thought about this as well, I love the UA Chetco Trail shoe and its essentially a cut down version of the Speed Freak boot, so I suppose thats an option. Do you have any particular models you could point me to? I'd recommend these or these. I personally prefer the Lowas, but that's just me. Also, about the rolling your ankle thing, true, it happens if you're "loaded down with a crap ton of gear" but if you're packing that much of a load, you wouldn't be wearing low cut shoes. Not to mention if you're carrying enough weight over long distances, you'd want something more than a lightweight boot. There isn't going to be a shoe for every single situation.  |
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If you think boots are going to prevent your ankle from rolling, you're dreaming. I've seen boatloads of ankle sprains where the person was wearing a hiking boot or duty boot. You can lace it as tight as you want, but the only thing that will do is reduce circulation. The advantage of shoes is that the wearer is less encumbered by a heavier piece of footwear, and therefore more nimble, reducing the risk of an ankle injury by surer foot placement and better responsiveness. Also, multiply the extra weight of a boot compared to a shoe times thousands of steps per day and the person wearing the shoe- all else being equal- will have expended less energy walking. I alternate between hiking boots (REI-branded Merrels or OTB Bootistans) and Palladium High Pampas. The latter is about as minimalist as a shoe can get, is available in many colors, and breathes and drains well. It's not meant to hold up to a shit-ton of abuse as it's just rubber and canvas, but I have mine for over two years and they are still holding up fine. Quoted:
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Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. If you think boots are going to prevent your ankle from rolling, you're dreaming. I've seen boatloads of ankle sprains where the person was wearing a hiking boot or duty boot. You can lace it as tight as you want, but the only thing that will do is reduce circulation. The advantage of shoes is that the wearer is less encumbered by a heavier piece of footwear, and therefore more nimble, reducing the risk of an ankle injury by surer foot placement and better responsiveness. Also, multiply the extra weight of a boot compared to a shoe times thousands of steps per day and the person wearing the shoe- all else being equal- will have expended less energy walking. I alternate between hiking boots (REI-branded Merrels or OTB Bootistans) and Palladium High Pampas. The latter is about as minimalist as a shoe can get, is available in many colors, and breathes and drains well. It's not meant to hold up to a shit-ton of abuse as it's just rubber and canvas, but I have mine for over two years and they are still holding up fine. Actually boots due provide ankle support and they will REDUCE the chance and severity of a ankle sprain, not completely prevent it but it does help. its the same reason basketball players wear high top shoes and hockey skates extend up so high. yes it reduces mobility but what you lack in mobility you gain in support and protection. Just like body armor, sure you will be the fastest and most mobile with no armor, but adding just a small amount of weight for a plate carrier can offer a great deal of protection. As i commented earlier i prefer the underarmor boots as they are almost as light as gym shoes but offer far more ankle protection. If you want to wear shoes with no ankle support when youre running around with 50+ lbs of gear have at it, i wont stop you but im going to stick with my boots 
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Actually boots due provide ankle support and they will REDUCE the chance and severity of a ankle sprain, not completely prevent it but it does help. its the same reason basketball players wear high top shoes and hockey skates extend up so high. yes it reduces mobility but what you lack in mobility you gain in support and protection. Just like body armor, sure you will be the fastest and most mobile with no armor, but adding just a small amount of weight for a plate carrier can offer a great deal of protection. As i commented earlier i prefer the underarmor boots as they are almost as light as gym shoes but offer far more ankle protection. If you want to wear shoes with no ankle support when youre running around with 50+ lbs of gear have at it, i wont stop you but im going to stick with my boots Quoted:
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Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. If you think boots are going to prevent your ankle from rolling, you're dreaming. I've seen boatloads of ankle sprains where the person was wearing a hiking boot or duty boot. You can lace it as tight as you want, but the only thing that will do is reduce circulation. The advantage of shoes is that the wearer is less encumbered by a heavier piece of footwear, and therefore more nimble, reducing the risk of an ankle injury by surer foot placement and better responsiveness. Also, multiply the extra weight of a boot compared to a shoe times thousands of steps per day and the person wearing the shoe- all else being equal- will have expended less energy walking. I alternate between hiking boots (REI-branded Merrels or OTB Bootistans) and Palladium High Pampas. The latter is about as minimalist as a shoe can get, is available in many colors, and breathes and drains well. It's not meant to hold up to a shit-ton of abuse as it's just rubber and canvas, but I have mine for over two years and they are still holding up fine. Actually boots due provide ankle support and they will REDUCE the chance and severity of a ankle sprain, not completely prevent it but it does help. its the same reason basketball players wear high top shoes and hockey skates extend up so high. yes it reduces mobility but what you lack in mobility you gain in support and protection. Just like body armor, sure you will be the fastest and most mobile with no armor, but adding just a small amount of weight for a plate carrier can offer a great deal of protection. As i commented earlier i prefer the underarmor boots as they are almost as light as gym shoes but offer far more ankle protection. If you want to wear shoes with no ankle support when youre running around with 50+ lbs of gear have at it, i wont stop you but im going to stick with my boots OP isn't talking about rucking man, he's talking about day to day wear. |
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OP isn't talking about rucking man, he's talking about day to day wear. Quoted:
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Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. If you think boots are going to prevent your ankle from rolling, you're dreaming. I've seen boatloads of ankle sprains where the person was wearing a hiking boot or duty boot. You can lace it as tight as you want, but the only thing that will do is reduce circulation. The advantage of shoes is that the wearer is less encumbered by a heavier piece of footwear, and therefore more nimble, reducing the risk of an ankle injury by surer foot placement and better responsiveness. Also, multiply the extra weight of a boot compared to a shoe times thousands of steps per day and the person wearing the shoe- all else being equal- will have expended less energy walking. I alternate between hiking boots (REI-branded Merrels or OTB Bootistans) and Palladium High Pampas. The latter is about as minimalist as a shoe can get, is available in many colors, and breathes and drains well. It's not meant to hold up to a shit-ton of abuse as it's just rubber and canvas, but I have mine for over two years and they are still holding up fine. Actually boots due provide ankle support and they will REDUCE the chance and severity of a ankle sprain, not completely prevent it but it does help. its the same reason basketball players wear high top shoes and hockey skates extend up so high. yes it reduces mobility but what you lack in mobility you gain in support and protection. Just like body armor, sure you will be the fastest and most mobile with no armor, but adding just a small amount of weight for a plate carrier can offer a great deal of protection. As i commented earlier i prefer the underarmor boots as they are almost as light as gym shoes but offer far more ankle protection. If you want to wear shoes with no ankle support when youre running around with 50+ lbs of gear have at it, i wont stop you but im going to stick with my boots OP isn't talking about rucking man, he's talking about day to day wear. Well he mentioned "tactical" in the title of the thread and talks about training and hiking in the first post, i was under the impression he was looking for more than a pair of loafers to go with his new pair of designer dress pants... |
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Well he mentioned "tactical" in the title of the thread and talks about training and hiking in the first post, i was under the impression he was looking for more than a pair of loafers to go with his new pair of designer dress pants... Quoted:
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Just keep in mind that a shoe, while comfortable and light, offers no ankle protection. Boots will help provide ankle support and prevent you from spraining or rolling your ankle, very common when you are loaded down with a crap ton of gear. you can find lightweight boots that provide support but arent insanely heavy like the real deal combat boots. If you think boots are going to prevent your ankle from rolling, you're dreaming. I've seen boatloads of ankle sprains where the person was wearing a hiking boot or duty boot. You can lace it as tight as you want, but the only thing that will do is reduce circulation. The advantage of shoes is that the wearer is less encumbered by a heavier piece of footwear, and therefore more nimble, reducing the risk of an ankle injury by surer foot placement and better responsiveness. Also, multiply the extra weight of a boot compared to a shoe times thousands of steps per day and the person wearing the shoe- all else being equal- will have expended less energy walking. I alternate between hiking boots (REI-branded Merrels or OTB Bootistans) and Palladium High Pampas. The latter is about as minimalist as a shoe can get, is available in many colors, and breathes and drains well. It's not meant to hold up to a shit-ton of abuse as it's just rubber and canvas, but I have mine for over two years and they are still holding up fine. Actually boots due provide ankle support and they will REDUCE the chance and severity of a ankle sprain, not completely prevent it but it does help. its the same reason basketball players wear high top shoes and hockey skates extend up so high. yes it reduces mobility but what you lack in mobility you gain in support and protection. Just like body armor, sure you will be the fastest and most mobile with no armor, but adding just a small amount of weight for a plate carrier can offer a great deal of protection. As i commented earlier i prefer the underarmor boots as they are almost as light as gym shoes but offer far more ankle protection. If you want to wear shoes with no ankle support when youre running around with 50+ lbs of gear have at it, i wont stop you but im going to stick with my boots OP isn't talking about rucking man, he's talking about day to day wear. Well he mentioned "tactical" in the title of the thread and talks about training and hiking in the first post, i was under the impression he was looking for more than a pair of loafers to go with his new pair of designer dress pants... no no you misunderstood, MULTICAM shoes to wear with his khaki slacks. |
| Its looking like the Salomon XA are most in line with what I'm looking at, and seem they hold up better than the Merrell's(both here an online reviews) longterm which for $100+ shoes I greatly appreciate. Where would be the best places as far as price go for the Salomon line? Considering the no perfect answer to all questions I might just snag a set of boots as well to give me options. The Lowa's look rad and as long as they have a decent lifespan I could see them working out. I do have a wider foot, never had to wear a "wide" specific boot but Im on the tighter side of most boots. Do yall have any stores (Currently in Ft Stewart area, live in Ft Lewis area) that I could try them in person as Im not looking to spend $170 to find out they dont fit? Has anyone used both the Lowa and the UA boots that could chime in one one vs the other? To clarify use, the tactical was more a reference to durability/color schemes/support. Im no operator so they dont have to halo jump me into the Hindu Kush and carry me 1000km carrying 150lbs etc.. I just want to be able to do trail hikes with my PC, range days, and wear them at work when Im not in safety toes. However I dont want a pair of dorky white sneakers or some of the ridiculous dayglo nonsense people seem to wear outside the gym. Thanks for all the advice and info so far, its making this a way easier endevor than it could be! |
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DSG carries both the Salomons and Lowas, that's where I got mine from.
DSG Footwear Are you .mil? They give a decent discount if you are. |
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I just got a pair of Salomon GTX gortex shoes last week. Probably one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever worn....plus they look good.
I swapped out the pin stripe laces for all black ones. Looks even cooler now. My feet and legs don't feel as stressed wearing these. Although my old shoes were terrible...so any new shoes would have made an improvement. Here is a link. These are the exact ones I got...not the black/orange tho...I got the Black/asphalt colored ones. I got mine from my local Dicks sporting goods store. |
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The best things to touch my feet outside of the Asian Foot Massage ladies after an 18month deployment.
Salomons XA Pro 3d 
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The best things to touch my feet outside of the Asian Foot Massage ladies after an 18month deployment. Salomons XA Pro 3d http://lghttp.22478.nexcesscdn.net/80A6AB/magento/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/r/e/resizeimage.jpg Those gray and green ones are awesome. Do want. |
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Check out Haix Black Eagles
I'm thinking of going with a pair of these over teh Salomons even... |
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Danner Explorers...yes they are a "boot" but they are not to me.
They go from jeans to khakis to cargos with no issues and are super comfortable. Plus they are hand built in America and can be rebuilt new like new after they have fallen apart. I had the same pair for over ten years until the Vibram soles got to slick to trust on anything wet. |
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