Hiking shoes/boots
Hey all.
This year I want to get more into walking/hiking - although nothing extreme - and figured I should probably look at getting some shoes for that specific purpose.
(As much as I love my go to boots, I'm not sure they're really designed for long walks or trailing up hills or through mud - especially now that I'm faced with cleaning a load of dirt out of the welts of my IR's following my latest local walk 😠)
I have absolutely no idea where to begin looking, beyond recalling that some people have previously mentioned Salomans, and that people like trail shoes?
Budget wise, I guess it'd be around £100-150. Again, no idea whether that's 'enough' or 'too much', and any general brand recommendations would be welcomed!
19 Replies
You're probably better off getting a modern trail runner/hiking shoe hybrid. They're lighter, offer as good support.
From a pure fashion perspective Salomon XT6 series/xultra360, Hoka One One Ancapa/Tor/Kaha
do you want a closed ankle boot for support (if you're doing longer days etc you might want this) or a shoe (if you're doing shorter/faster this might be more comfortable)?
There are also approach shoes that can work La Sportiva (TX4), Keen (Jasper) and Scarpa spring to mind.
You might want to extend the budget up to c£200
For more classic hill boots, Fracap and Diemme are options.
Thanks for the info - this is super helpful and I'll go through the recommendations you've highlighted.
(I like the look of the Salomon XT6's - although now I probably need to think whether more ankle support would be best - I'm used to ankle boots through daily wear)
The routes I've done so far haven't been particularly strenuous at all - local woodland followed by some field walking, a more uneven piece of woodland, and some urban walks - although I guess I do want to build up to more 'exciting' things as time goes on. I think my last walk was around 5-6km, but obviously aim to extend that as I get more used to it.
Would something like the XT6's be good as a general all-purpose option?
Yes 100%, waywt is full of XT6's this year
I think for 5-10km hikes I would definitely prefer shoes over boots as well
Easier to take away with you for holiday hikes as well
I like my Hoka Tor a lot
I've done a 40k (dry weather) hike/run in the North Wales mountains in xt6s because they work for me. I use Tors for slightly more difficult/wet/boggy terrain (better tread, waterproof ish).
Awesome - good to know!
(And yes, was leaning towards shoes for ease of carrying)
In regards to the XT6's specifically, I'm assuming they would all serve the same purpose?
e.g.
I can see XT6's on their website here: https://www.salomon.com/en-gb/shop-emea/product/xt-6-adv.html#color=86288
But also see that END have some on sale at present: https://www.endclothing.com/gb/salomon-xt-6-l47293700.html
Same function and product?
END.
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Buy Salomon XT-6 - Aloe Washm, Hazelnut & Feather Gray from END. (KR) - only £111. Fast shipping on latest Salomon
In fact, these do appear to be the same shoe - unless I've missed something 😂
(Wasn't sure if they make different models for, say, fashion, and then different models for actual hiking - akin to Red Wing with their heritage line vs workboots etc.)
yes they are the same shoe. Would note that it's an 11 year old design now so if you want the absolute cutting edge of trail shoes there are newer options.
But xt6s look cooler than most and are easier to slot into most wardrobes.
Thanks. I hadn't really thought about slotting them into my wardrobe generally, but seeing as I'm not particularly envisaging wearing them with things than my usual stuff just yet, I guess them being quite versatile for general wear is actually very appealing.
(https://www.instagram.com/salomonology - I found this from a search on here, makes them look pretty cool)
I don't think I need cutting edge, but out of interest what are some of the advances that have been made with newer models?
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If you want to min max for light footwear I personally recommend these guys https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/
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Lightweight Outdoor Clothing & Gear Specialist. Massive range of Backpacking, Trekking & Adventure Racing kit with reviews, specs & advice.
How do the XT6's work for jogging? I'm looking for some shoes for travel that I can use for exercise, that I can keep wearing the rest of the day too
Modern innovations : lighter, more responsive/cushioned, better materials, better tread patterns, better sole compounds.
I've done runs in mine but they're definitely not my first choice for running on pavement (but I prefer a more cushioned shoe generally).
If trail running fine, wouldnt use too much on asphalt
Yeah, I would only run in them when traveling, so no more than 3ish weeks at a time.
But when traveling you need to adapt, so would probably be running on asphalt for a lot of that.
Thank you!
Cool - good to know. Will have a think over all the recommendations here.
I like my xt-6s but they are narrow and they are heavy and clunky compared to more modern trail running shoes
Hmm, I'm liking the look of the X Ultra 360's now, too. Although going to have a broader think about boots vs shoes.
i know you're asking about shoes/boots but i would encourage you to put some effort into your socks! they are nearly as important in the outdoors as your actual footwear beacuse bad socks can leave you cold, wet, and/or blistered.
That's a very good point - thanks!
Any thoughts on the Hoka Anacapa 2 Breeze's?
I've been having a longer think, and reassessed what my usage is typically going to be, surface-wise. There's a fair chunk of pavement on my walks, (and potential for pavement) amidst the fields/woodland, so I wonder if something dedicated to hiking/trail running may be a bit overkill for my needs.
Came across these Saucony's which I like the look of more generally, so just considering whether they may work as a general purpose walking/light hiking shoe.
https://www.endclothing.com/gb/saucony-grid-peak-s70814-5.html
END.
Saucony Grid Peak Tan & Chino Green | END.
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