Footwear

[Nathan C]

I seem to be on a never ending search for the perfect footwear solution. So far I have tried Asolo Flames, Asolo Sasslongs, Meindl Alaskan Hunters, Meindl Canadian Hunters, Lowa Tibets, Lowa Sheephunters, Lowa Renegades, Lowa Rangers, Hanwag Mountain Lites, and Hanwag Alaskas.

What I archery elk hunted in last year were Inov8 Roclite 315 trail runners. They aren't waterproof, but they dry reasonably fast, and they're very comfortable and make me feel nimble.

The problem with a non-waterproof shoe is managing wet days. I have a trail near the house that I run and hike on all the time, and it has three creek crossings going out and three coming back. Depending on the water level it's mid shin to thigh deep. I've been doing that trail 2-3 times a week for months now, so I'm beginning to get some experience with managing wet shoes.

I think in warmer weather my perfect solution will probably be to take the trail runners with a variety of socks. If it rains, I'll wear a thicker wool sock with a neoprene sock over it to keep my feet warm even though they're wet. Then after it dries out a bit I could change into a thinner wool or synthetic sock to help the shoes dry out quicker (thick wool stays wet a long time). The thinner wool socks dry out quick, and I think that a good synthetic like swiftwick or thorlo would dry out even faster.

Has anyone used the goretex socks by Rocky?

I've also thought about taking two pairs of shoes. A minimalist shoe like a trailroc 235 or xtalon 212 and then the roclite 315's or get a pair of terroc 330's. Then I'd have a cushiony shoe for packing heavy loads, plus a very light shoe for day use. If one pair got soaked I could use the other pair the next day. The two shoe solution would still be lighter than taking my heavy boots.

For colder weather I'd probably prefer my Lowa Sheephunters. I like those boots, but they are heavy and stiff.

[Nathan C]

I did an 11 mile hike with 35 lbs today in my Inov-8 Terrafly 303's, and was wishing for a bit more padding. The terrafly's are borderline minimalist, and my Roclite 315's are a bit more comfortable in the rockier terrain, FWIW.

[liteisrite]

I've ran up to 6 miles in 5 fingers and find them great for training on running lightly. I've ran more though in Merrell barefoots. I also have some inov 8s I love and I've done 20 plus in the inov 8 mountain masochists or whatever however they did not hold up well. When it really comes down to it though I often go for the montrails since I've done several 30 plus mile days without issue. I prefer more minimal but I can't argue with lack of issues

[SideStitch]

I've twisted ankles in the past and I prefer boots with good ankle support when backpacking.

[sreekers]

Boot guy myself as well

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[LongShot]

I have 2 pair of Cabela's goretex socks that I wear when I'm out in cold, wet weather. They work well. My boots can be soaked and my feet are warm and dry. Sometimes a bit too warm, so these are only cold weather socks for me. I've quit looking for just one pair that's perfect and the last several years have settled on 2 pairs of boots that cover all my needs.

[kevhans]

The two different pairs of shoes solution sounds like it could work as long as the weight was kept down.
I, too, have struggled with liking the light weight of my Altra Lone Peaks, yet not liking the fact they aren't waterproof. I've come to the conclusion that in the summer its no big deal because they dry so fast. Granted goretex footwear is nice...until you go in over the top. Then the advantages of footwear like my Altras shines. I'm still looking for a sock that will dry faster than my smartwools, but I'm not willing to give up the comfort of merino wool.
In cold weather wet feet are a different story and I still haven't found the perfect footwear for that time of year. For now its an uneasy truce with goretex. If you ever find the perfect solution, let me know!
Hope this helps.

[stseeker]

I definitely have to agree with the sentiment of Gore-Tex footwear. I like it in boots but it is not such a good idea in shoes. I suppose it works great if you are just splashing in shallow puddles. Otherwise, it's a bath tab waiting to happen. Neoprene socks seem like a good idea but I haven't had a chance to grab a pair to try. I'm very interested in the trail runner/neoprene sock/wool sock idea.

[erincollins]

Yes footwear is one of the most important accessory.You need to look for certain essentials while selecting a perfect footwear like they should be designed properly to provide comfort and protection both at the same time they should keep you warm. For this it is always advisable to go for reputed stores like Link Removed. For your first post this seemed a bit commercial.

[Tim in Wa.]

Dexshell http://www.per4mancegear.com/collection ... roof-socks these are great.I gave them a pretty good workout this year
Tim