Shoe decisions
25Apr2006 Filed under: Uncategorized Author: Jason LancasterI need a shoe for the trails. Started out with the mindset that I should get myself a pair of nice hiking boots and bought a pair of
Vasque Sundowner Summit GTX’s, which I know would be awesome in icky weather, but I’m going back on that decision and getting myself something lightweight — considering that I don’t backpack all that often. If it’s something I start doing more and I start racking up a lot of miles, I can see doing something different, otherwise I’m hoping one of the following will do what I need:
The heaviest shoes listed are the Asolos, but they’re just over 2.75lbs and are totally made for light backpacking. That’s not too bad, considering the Eclipses are 2.5lbs. I ordered a pair of the Nasty’s from Zappos.com since they have such a good return policy. The Nasty’s are not even a pound! Can you believe that? If they really are up to the hiking challenge, I’ll be walking on air!
I really can’t see lugging a boot over 3lbs around on day hikes — which is my usual adventure. What will I be taking backpacking this weekend? I honestly have no idea. Maybe just an old pair of tennis shoes? Maybe my Alaska boots? Maybe I’ll find something at REI tonight that is just too good to pass up. On that note, I better leave to go shop!
That’s goal two. Actually, goal two has higher priority over goal one.
8 Responses to “Shoe decisions”
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Christopher M.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:01 pm
Whatever shoes/books you take you probably want to make sure they are well broken in? Another thing to think about is socks. You probably want some good hiking socks. Some light-weight sandals may come in handy in the evening.
Jason Lancaster
April 26th, 2006 at 11:27 am
Luckily, I have a ton of good socks! Smartwool is the best brand ever.
I know about the break-in thing, except I waited too long to properly do that. If I get a pair I’ll be able to get 5 miles or so before the trip and considering we’re not planning anything more than 20 miles because of schedule constraints I think I’ll be able to handle it without much break-in.
Yeah, I’d love to get a nice pair of sandals at some point, but that point is not yet. I have to hike a lot more before I can justify that. Plus there’s so much else I need to buy right now. I’ve read of ton of good stuff on Chaco’s, so maybe one day I’ll have a pair of them.
Jill
April 26th, 2006 at 11:41 am
Don’t forget to take some Band-Aid Blister bandages just in case. Much better than regular band-aids, since they won’t come off if something is rubbing on it. And agreed re: Smartwool. Got some for skiing and my feet were never cold!
Danielle
April 26th, 2006 at 1:59 pm
Chaco’s are nice but I really like the Keen line. I have two pair of sandals and two pair of casuals all from REI. I’ve worn my Keen sandals on light hiking trips even. Especially great for places like Double Rock.
Jason Lancaster
April 26th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
The other great thing about Keen’s is the toe protection (at least in some of the models). What kind of casuals do you have? I’ll have to check them out sometime. Sandals would be really nice to bike in, too.
Christopher M.
April 26th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
I’ve hiked in the Keen Newport sandals. I usually throw them in the pack to wear at camp after a day of wearing the heavy boots. There great as you can’t stub your toe.
Alan
April 26th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
doesn’t really matter what kind of sandals you bring, so long as they’re comfortable. I usually end up just bringing flip flops or something to wear when I’m at camp, just attach them to my pack when I put boots on and I’m good to go.
Danielle
April 27th, 2006 at 1:22 pm
I have the Newport H2, Taos, Bronx and Proidence Clog. I love these shoes. They are so comfortable to wear. And the toe jam on the sandals is amazing for the trails.