Finding the right shoe...

[adzza]

Hey all,

So I am buying new shoes/boots.

A little history. I first bought a pair of Hi-Tec boots a couple of years back. Seemed to be ok in the store, and I broke them in over a few weeks doing fully loaded hourly, and two hourly walks through the streets. All seemed good. Went on a hike and after the first day my feet were in absolute agony! Never used them again as it was such a bad experience.

Took some advice and bought some KT26's on the next hike which was much longer and more strenuous and had no feet issues what so ever!

Now the tricky part. I am heading up to Mt Feathertop next weekend, and need some boots for winter expeditions I plan on doing more regularly, like snow. I am scared to buy boots again based on my last experience. I have tried on some Merrel boots last weekend, and the were very comfortable, but its really a big unknown how my feet will fair 8 hours into a walk. Anyone have any tips here? I hope to find a pair tomorrow so I can start breaking them in for next weekends 22Km hike (short I know but I like to be prepared so I enjoy it!).

Cheers.

[adzza]

Just an update everyone.

So I went shopping the other day in hardware lane, Melbourne. Must have tried on 8 pairs of boots, none of which fit me just right. I had tried on about 6 the weekend before, and again the weekend before that. I stumbled into columbia and discovered the Bugaboot Thermo Techlite. Now....this boot is purpose built for snow hiking, which is what I intended on using my new purchase for (I have hiking shoes for the warmer months). Columbia were having a huge sale so It figured it was worth a look. These boots are soooo light its mind bending. Seriously...They appear to be very well built, double stiching throughout, space blanket materials on the inside for feet warmth, and a grippy sole.

Now why not another boot you ask? Well here is my issue with boots. They all have a much stiffer sole compared to shoes/runners. This hurts the arches in my feet considerably, and is very painful after a few hours....So I was seeking a boot with runner like flexibility, but with warmth, and watherproofnees, etc. This was the one. Walking around in them is like having runners on as far as flexibility goes, but they have high ankle support (really high) so no gaiters are needed.

They also have a built in electronic warmer (which I didnt buy the boot for) that lasts 4 hours on its lowest heat setting, should your pinkies get chilly!

They retail for $499, and I managed to score them for $270, which was a comparable price to other boots so I scored an absolute bargain.

All in all these boots felt the most comfortable, and will keep me dry and warm so they tick all the boxes. Hope this helps someone else!

[gayet]

Electronic warmer - please explain?

What happens if it gets wet? Do you end up with fried tootsies
They sound good. Apart from the high ankle support as those of us with high arches and high/chunky ankles tend to suffer in such boots.

[doogs]

I can never find my right shoe either

[Nuts]

I can wear anything, but yes, I agree, great that people share their experience and there is always something to learn...

heated boots... who woulda thought..

[adzza]

Electronic warmer - please explain?

What happens if it gets wet? Do you end up with fried tootsies
They sound good. Apart from the high ankle support as those of us with high arches and high/chunky ankles tend to suffer in such boots.

The boots are waterproof, so the idea is they wont. There is protection built in to that in the case they get dunked, it still functions.

Funnily enough, these are really soft so even with the really high support, they flex a lot which is why I like them. Proves if you look hard enough you WILL find the right shoe/boot. Just need to know your feet, and know what your looking for.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I'm still looking for that perfect fitted leather boot. I've looked hard and long with no luck.

Found a pair of hiking shoes at Aldi, and they are the most comfy shoes I've owned in a very long time. Been wearing them on my walks for the past two weeks. And only $39.95

[adzza]

I'm still looking for that perfect fitted leather boot. I've looked hard and long with no luck.

Found a pair of hiking shoes at Aldi, and they are the most comfy shoes I've owned in a very long time. Been wearing them on my walks for the past two weeks. And only $39.95

LOL. Go the bargains. Dunlop KT26's for me in spring/summer/autumn.