Registered: 08/11/09
Posts: 82
Loc: Illinois(I just live here)
I've got a pair of Asolo Fugitive GTX that I really like. However, in the interests of lightening up I'm looking at trail runners. Background, I got the Goretex boots after spending a weekend with wet feet in shoes that wouldn't dry out. The boots are comfy and do the job but like I said, I'm trying to lighten up. I've looked at Brooks Cascadia and North Face Prophecy. I think at this point, I like the Prophecy better. I'm looking for suggestions to try on. I'm trying to short circuit trying on every shoe at REI. My lunch hour is only so long...
I switched a couple of years ago from GTX Sundowners to Solomons because they fit my feet so well. In close to freezing temps I will take the GTX version but for most applications the regular work better as they keep my feet from overheating, drain well and dry out fairly quickly. There is another post from someone about hiking in New England with regular trail runners and neoprene socks for cold, wet weather.
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If I wouldn't eat it at home, why would I want to eat it on the trail?
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Unfortunately the best pair of trail runners (as with any other shoe) is the one that fits you! Shoe fit is so individual that I wouldn't ever consider recommending a certain brand. That may mean several lunch hours.
You might also want to find a good running shoe store, which often carries a better selection of trail runners than does REI (frankly, I've found REI sadly lacking in both variety and size selection). Of course, if you find what seems to be the ideal shoe at REI, buy there so you can return them if they don't work after you've worn them a while.
After the time I got my Goretex-lined boots wet and they took three days of sitting in the sun to dry out, I will never buy shoes with Goretex again. Regular (non-Goretex) trail runners dry quite rapidly while you're hiking (good idea to wring out your socks after fording a stream, though).
If you do find the perfect shoe (which you won't know until you've worn them on the trail a while), order at least a half dozen pair from one of the online shoe dealers (most have free shipping). Too many manufacturers change the models every year or, as in the case of Montrail, are bought out with the new owner ruining the whole line of shoes.
Edited by OregonMouse (04/27/1002:03 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 08/11/09
Posts: 82
Loc: Illinois(I just live here)
So I'm trying a pair of Merrell Moab Ventilators, in walnut for those of you that are color concious. I don't think they are the lightest in the world but they seem to fit and I have a good weekend for testing them out.
So I'm trying a pair of Merrell Moab Ventilators, in walnut for those of you that are color concious. I don't think they are the lightest in the world but they seem to fit and I have a good weekend for testing them out.
john
Those are my current boots...and as far as fit, comfort, and wicking/quickness of drying, they've been great.
My last trip out was the beginning of this month, at mid-elevation in the Smokies. I took a day hike up to the top of Mt Guyot (6600 ft) where there was still several feet of snow, and my feet got SOAKED, literally swimming in there. By the time I had descended back to my 4500 ft campsite, a few miles walk, my feet were nothing more than damp. A half mile into the next morning's hike, my feet/boots were completely dry (it was humid during the night and no drying occurred).
My only complaint has been durability. They've developed a gash just behind the toe reinforcement on the upper of the left boot, about 3/4" long. I don't know if this was something I abused (rock, log, etc), a flaw in this particular boot, or what is to blame, but they were purchased at REI, so they'll be going back for replacement. The right one is almost perfect, save for the outsole separating from the upper just slightly where it wraps over the toe. For the amount I wear them, I'd expect that at this point, but not the big gaping gash in the left one.
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Light, Cheap, Durable... pick two
After the time I got my Goretex-lined boots wet and they took three days of sitting in the sun to dry out, I will never buy shoes with Goretex again.
This is a mystery to me. I know others have had the same experience with Gore-Tex (or other w/b), but I've had nothing but good experiences with it. The one time I got my Gore-Tex lined boots wet inside (clumsy step into a lake) they dried quite quickly, and I've never had any leakage in the rain. I've used three different boots with Gore-Tex: Zamberlan Civettas, Lowa Klondikes, and currently Keen Targhees (Event, I think).
Oops..I lied. My original Klondikes that I bought very used at REI leaked a bit in heavy rain.
After the time I got my Goretex-lined boots wet and they took three days of sitting in the sun to dry out, I will never buy shoes with Goretex again.
This is a mystery to me. I know others have had the same experience with Gore-Tex (or other w/b), but I've had nothing but good experiences with it. The one time I got my Gore-Tex lined boots wet inside (clumsy step into a lake) they dried quite quickly, and I've never had any leakage in the rain. I've used three different boots with Gore-Tex: Zamberlan Civettas, Lowa Klondikes, and currently Keen Targhees (Event, I think).
Oops..I lied. My original Klondikes that I bought very used at REI leaked a bit in heavy rain.
Everything wets out eventually, and Gortex is no different. If you are hiking in periods of prolonged or heavy rain, then your feet are going to get wet. Like OM said, Gortex, once it has "wet-out" takes longer to dry-out than standard, none-WP boots/trail-runners.
I just don't see the need for gortex boots, shoes, jackets or pants. Heavy stuff, that is even heavier when wet and stays wet for longer.
I have found my Gortex Solomon trail runners to be great. My feet have always stayed nice and dry no matter what. After 6 years one of the laces finally broke but I cannot complain. I have a new pair for next season. My sister lives at the coast where they get over 3 feet of rain a year. She walks around daily in Solomon Gortex runner similar to mine and has never had a problem either. Last time I visited her I asked her if her feet ever got wet and she said no.
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