RV-Dreams Community Forum

Hiking boot suggestions

Camper Chronicles said
03:31 PM Oct 5, 2015

I am looking for a woman's hiking boot that has ankle support and works for a wide foot and high arch. I want lightweight and material that breathes. Anyone with this foot type using a particular brand? It's a big investment so want to make sure I get it right.

Trace

Alie and Jims Carrilite said
03:44 PM Oct 5, 2015

Check in the Keen brand. I walk for my income and keep quality footwear on my feet. So far I like them. I have about 600miles on my current pair.

Hdrider said
08:01 PM Oct 5, 2015

I second Keen's. I worked on concrete and wore Keens for many years for work and my every day boot. I still wear Keens for hiking and even for my sandals.

soos said
09:37 PM Oct 5, 2015

Also, I highly recommend buying at REI. They know hiking boots, what to look for with fit, have a fake rock for you to practice on to check fit, and best of all, a VERY liberal return policy. Even if you wear them hiking for a month, like my DH did, you can return them if they are uncomfortable, like my DH did. $240 pair of boots and they took them back, no issue at all.

Also, we hike a lot and have THREE pairs of boots- low profile for easy hikes, mid profile light weight vented ones for hot hikes, and high profile waterproof ones for difficult hikes.

Sue

Camper Chronicles said
09:57 AM Oct 6, 2015

Thanks Sue...I didn't know about the REI return policy. That might be the way to go since really how can you know if you don't try them. The high arch is a pain since it gets aggravated with the wrong shoes during the longer hikes.

Thanks Trace

DebbieM said
12:20 PM Oct 6, 2015

Like Sue, I have 2 pairs. One low cut and one high above the ankle. I've hiked almost all my life. In the past 30 years seems like I've always had Merrills. Not really planned, just always felt the best when I tried them on, laced them and walked in them. You should try on several and see what is most comfortable for you. I have the same foot type.

NWescapee said
05:04 PM Oct 6, 2015

Second the vote for Merrells, I have a really high arch and a slightly wider than average foot. I also wear their walking shoes, I think I'm on about my 7th or 8th pair now, gotta quit all this walking, I keep wearing out my shoes.

TheNewhalls said
05:16 AM Oct 7, 2015

Third vote for Merrells. Just discovered them a few years ago. On my second pair.

dianneandsteve said
08:41 AM Oct 7, 2015

I had always worn Merrells and never heard of Keens until Hdrider had mentioned them on one of his blogs. I've always had an issue trying to get shoes including Merrells in a wide size but to my surprise the Keens fit perfectly without going to a wide style. They are the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn and seem to last longer then the Merrells. I'm for Keens.

Diana and Jim said
11:01 AM Oct 7, 2015

I've found that regardless of the brand, I need an insert to accommodate my high arch. Diana

The Junkman said
11:45 AM Oct 16, 2015

I only use Keens.. Comfort on my toes.. I get a new pair about every 6 mo.. I wear them almost daily. Good compromise for a boot in warm weather..

Bill and Jodee said
10:04 AM Oct 24, 2015

We bought our first Keens hiking boots this summer and wear them nearly every day regardless of what we have planned. I'm trying to figure out how to wear them for our son's wedding next month! We also didn't have to go with a wider shoe like we have with other brands, so that was another draw for us. The store in Astoria even had Size 15 for Bill, so we could buy from a store.

They have been great in rock and sand, the ankle support is superb.

Redterpos3 said
04:46 PM Apr 16, 2017

I love my merrill's mid-weight boot. When I put my foot in to try it on, my foot just melted into the boot, and as I walked around I kept saying to myself these feel wonderful!!! Keen's are also great as well. Several other brands as well...I think the key is to try them on and find the one that feels right for you, each of our feet are different are require different things.

Neil and Connie said
05:29 PM Apr 17, 2017

Merrell or Keen…

Bruce and Robin said
08:39 AM Apr 25, 2017

What Neil said ^. I will only add that I wear Merrill Moab Ventilators hiking shoe in FL. They are not waterproof, but are very light, breathable, and cool. I wear them every day to work and when I am hiking on dry trails taking photographs. They dry out fast if you happen to get them wet. I also have a pair of waterproof Merrill Mids, Moab. In my research of hiking shoes, folks that need a wide shoe or boot favor the Keens.

Terry and Jo said
03:49 PM Apr 25, 2017

For informational purposes, this thread is about a year and a half (or a bit more) old, however, so far as I know, both Keen and Merrill boots are still available, so the thread is still relevant. However, I suspect that Trace may have already made her purchase, so recommendations specifically to her might not be up to date.

Terry