Hiking Shoes

[Heavy Metal]

Reading the reviews at REI, the Salomon's appear to be having problems recently with a plastic part breaking.

[mrbieler]

Did you not like the Zephyrs? I was thinking of getting a pair of the GTX Mids for wet weather training and hiking/backpacking...

I love them. They are extremely comfortable and supportive. The downside is that the soft sole that makes them soft on the feet doesn't seem to last as long. Everything's a trade off.

[Ironman8]

I love them. They are extremely comfortable and supportive. The downside is that the soft sole that makes them soft on the feet doesn't seem to last as long. Everything's a trade off.

I know this is more subjective, but would you say that if you have strong feet and ankles, then you could carry a load with these? Or are the mid-soles too soft?

[mrbieler]

I know this is more subjective, but would you say that if you have strong feet and ankles, then you could carry a load with these? Or are the mid-soles too soft?

For my $0.02, these are not what you want with a decent load on. They're light weight hikers.

[Ironman8]

For my $0.02, these are not what you want with a decent load on. They're light weight hikers.

Ok thanks...I guess I'll get these for training, and another for hikes with a heavier pack...doesn't seem to be a good medium out there tha can do both...

[drrufo]

If you want a light pair for just knocking around, try Colemans Galatin boots. They are light weight and are low cut.
I have diabetic issues with my feet and have tried various brands, my employer pays for Worx work boots and I find them too heavy for every day use but the Galatins with an insole from New Balance look like the answer for me.

[6933]

I hike regularly in rough, mountainous terrain in a pair of Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots. I like my ankles to have support since rolling them is a real possibility almost every step. I will second what was mentioned earlier in that I have seen several Tier 1's in Salomon's and they recommended them.

[Det-Sog]

+1 for the Merrell Moabs.

I also have the gortex Merrell Chameleon for cooler weather. Neither have ankle support, but are great for light hiking or camping.

[HES]

Just a report on the moabs I bought. One week at Scout camp in Alabama and they held up great walking all over the place over rolling (for the most part) terrain with a very light load.

[rallen]

I agree with this 99%. The exception is that I like my Lowa's just a little bit better. But you can not go wrong with the Salomons.

Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra MID's. Most comfortable lightweight hiker I have ever owned. I have never gone cheap on my footwear (Asolo, Lowa, Danner), and these are as good as it gets in my book. They are now on sale @ REI for $120: http://www.rei.com/product/811331/sa...ing-boots-mens

They also make a low top version as well: http://www.rei.com/webservices/rei/D...:referralID=NA