need recommendation for hiking/trekking shoes/boots [Archive]

Hooahguy

08-07-2011, 17:41

Ok so in about two months or so Im doing a cross-country hike in Israel. The path is around 60km, or 37-ish miles, over mostly dirt paths and a bit of road. The weather will most likely be hot to temperate.
Now my question is, whats the best kind of boot/shoe to wear on this hike?

Any recommendations?

Cute Wolf

08-07-2011, 17:49

try looking for thick rubber soled, canvas topped boots, if your track is mostly dry. But if a lot of muds and waters are involved, simple rubber boots are better.

Fisherking

08-07-2011, 18:14

That is not that long a walk unless you plan it for one day. In that case you may need to do some running or walking into the night.

I would just get a pair of the current issue army boots and make sure they are comfortable and ware them a while before you go for major walks. Take three pair of thick comfortable socks along and you should do fine.

Hooahguy

08-07-2011, 18:24

Its done over 3 days, I think. Or maybe its 2 days and 3 nights?
I was thinking combat boots, since they seem to be good for pretty much everything.

Drunk Clown

08-07-2011, 18:40

Nike Dunk High

Fisherking

08-07-2011, 18:43

Its done over 3 days, I think. Or maybe its 2 days and 3 nights?
I was thinking combat boots, since they seem to be good for pretty much everything.

You could do worse and pay more money for them too.

As it is done over several days you may want to take some light trekking shoes as a back up in case the weather surprises you but extra stuff might be more of a problem than not.

If there were special requirements you should know about it beforehand.

It doesn’t sound too strenuous, taking 2 or 3 days to cover that distance unless it is a major mountain range.

My wife would insist on covering it between breakfast and dinner. :yes:

But that is another story. :laugh4:

Hooahguy

08-07-2011, 18:53

Centurion1

08-07-2011, 18:56

Combat boots are usually gortex and will keep your feet dry. Water also wont escape so bring GOOD and extra socks to change into. Go to a military outfitter or something (I went to my NEX) and have them measure you for boots.

Drunk Clown

08-07-2011, 19:12

Fisherking

08-07-2011, 19:20

I actually found what seems to be a good pair of combat boots on Amazon for like $55 (the tan ones, at least).
http://www.amazon.com/Wellco-Mens-80060-Weather-Combat/dp/B002WGJXNU/ref=sr_1_14?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1312737646&sr=1-14

Though Im reluctant to get them because I dont know how sizing is...

I would recommend trying them on but that should not be too much trouble as I am sure you can find them in a lot of places.

Once you have the size, ordering from online should not be a problem if it offers a savings.

I might also recommend some jell inserts. You can use them over the inserts already in the boots.

Hooahguy

08-07-2011, 19:34

Actually those boots arent available anywhere near me.
Theoretically, could I just go to a shoe store and ask them to fit me for boots, then go onto amazon and use the measurements to buy these?
I know that Im a size 11, I just dont know the width.

rajpoot

08-07-2011, 20:10

Those combat boots on Amazon look like they're made of suede?

I did some trekking while I was in school and I always wore DMS boots (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMS_boots#DMS_Boots). They're standard issue for army personnel here (I've never seen any combat boots).
They are quite comfortable and hard wearing.
Infact I confess that I did not discard the first pair I bought after I returned from my trip. I wore them three years straight until the sole of one broke into two.

A Nerd

08-07-2011, 21:03

I found this site had some nice boots. Some more expensive than others, but as you know, you get what you pay for.

http://www.armynavysuperstores.com/boots.htm

Crazed Rabbit

08-07-2011, 21:46

Is there an REI near you? Try on some hiking boots there. Army boots seem like overkill to me, I don't see the need for such a high top. But I've never had a problem rolling my ankles.

CR

Hooahguy

08-07-2011, 23:57

I found this site had some nice boots. Some more expensive than others, but as you know, you get what you pay for.

http://www.armynavysuperstores.com/boots.htm
Wow, thanks! Many of the boots here were listed for less than any other site.

A Nerd

08-08-2011, 00:12

Alot of them are made in the USA too if you are into that sort of thing. I was pleasantly surprised to find the pair I bought was made here. :)

Hooahguy

08-08-2011, 02:27

Does anyone have any experience with these boots?
http://www.amazon.com/Desert-Original-S-W-Tactical-Combat/dp/B000VRGBLO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

(found them cheaper here-http://www.army-navy.us/swat/swatclassic9t.htm )

They look really good, got good ratings, so I think Ill get these.

Crazed Rabbit

08-08-2011, 03:37

You're gonna be doing Tactical SWAT combat on this hike? ~;p

They have good reviews, but I'll again recommend fitting some before you buy.

CR

Hooahguy

08-08-2011, 03:46

Haha no combat, hopefully, on my hikes but Id like a nice versatile boot and this seems to fit the bill.
I would love to try it on but not a single store near me carries boots like this.

Hooahguy

08-08-2011, 04:27

Ok now Im just confused.
So Im an 11 in dress shoes and my old boots, which had a good fit in terms of toe and width and stuff, but in sneakers Im a size 11.5. And no, they are not Nike.
God this is confusing.

Centurion1

08-08-2011, 04:45

dot buy boots off the internet if you have never owned a pair. and stop focusing on combat boots.

Fisherking

08-08-2011, 07:25

Sometimes boots and shoes even from the same manufacturer are sized different in different styles.

Buying shoes or boots online can be a problem, especially if they vary in width.

You also want to try them with the heavy socks you should be wearing on the hike.

It might be better to buy what you can find locally. Even if it means paying a little more.

Also, to me the socks can be as important as the boots so don’t neglect that part.

And what ever you do, don’t wait until you go to get the equipment. I don’t know about Israel but I have a lot of trouble finding anything decent in this country. It is like a nation noted for hiking don’t know how to treat their feet.

Strike For The South

08-08-2011, 07:55

vibram treks

Centurion1

08-08-2011, 08:21

vibram treks

Lol Hell No

Strike For The South

08-08-2011, 09:55

I disagree

Centurion1

08-08-2011, 10:19

I double agree thus canceling out your disagree

Hooahguy

08-08-2011, 13:40

Im with Centurion here. Toed shoes?
Id rather wear nothing than those.

drone

08-08-2011, 15:24

And what ever you do, don’t wait until you go to get the equipment.
To add to this advice, you also should break them in before your trip. Hiking for 2-3 days in new boots can be painful, especially if they don't quite fit right.