in a handbasket asked: I am going to Ecuador in a few weeks and need to buy some decent hiking boots. I need good support due to some foot problems. Where should I go? Any suggestions on a good boot that is waterproof and not too heavy?
Technorati Tags: Advice, Ecuador, Foot Problems, Hiking Boots
I could make several suggestions, but it still comes back to this. You are going to need some one to fit the boots to your specific need and that isn’t going to happen going down to your local Wal-mart. You can either go to a place like Cabela’s or Bass Pro shop. You could also go to a sport shop like Academy. Any of these three will have the product that you are looking for. Another suggestion would be go to one of the smaller shoe stores, but not ones like Payless. You either need a store that carries field and hunting products or hiking products. You need to talk to folks that use these items and know what you are really looking for and that you can not find at a discount shoe store. I would go with my first two suggestions, just because they hire folks that not only talk the talk but walk the walk (small pun intended) but they do know what they are talking about, and for them they are used to outfitting folks to make treks back into the wilderness on a regular basis.
For REAL hiking, you have to try the boots on. REI and Eastern Mt. Sports carry a great selection.
Don’t cheap out. You will regret it in a major way. For serious hiking, you are looking at an all-leather boot designed for backpacking. If there is the word “lightweight” or “medium duty” keep looking … these boots will not have the strength to provide all day support and protection.
Lots of great brands … I have had good success with Merrell. You must try them on though, and with the same sock weight you will be wearing. Some hiking boots are sized a little weird .
Wolverine makes excellent boots.
What ever you buy, wear them before you go, to break them in.
good hiking boots are water proof… look for a gore-tex hiking boots. the best of all boots.
visit
or visit a store near you
Any all-leather boot you buy can be made waterproof using a product called Sno Seal. It’s a beeswax product. Put on one application before you ever wear them and treat them at least once more before you go, and take it along any time you travel so you can re-treat if you notice the water not beading up any more. Work into seams and at junction of boot & soles with an old toothbrush (see link for directions). Great stuff.
If you’re not doing that much hiking or if money is tight, look at sportsmansguide.com for boots. They have some great prices right now. I just bought a pair with Vibram soles for $20!! In fact, I bought two pair– one for my fiance, too. Unfortunately, they’re now out of stock.
Breaking in the boots is key– wear them every opportunity you get so they form to your feet and you can tell whether you need any additional padding. I broke a toe a couple of weeks ago and found that a gel pad under the ball of the foot took the pressure off, hiked 13 miles since then with no discomfort.
If you’ll be wading streams or bushwhacking rain forest, you might want to consider gaiters to keep your socks and lower legs dry. I just got a pair at REI for $20 that have a removable strap for under the heel of your shoe– if it ever breaks (which it probably won’t because it’s Hypalon), it can be replaced, unlike the straps that are just sewn on or *shudder* the elastic straps that go in your first mile.
Good luck, have fun on your trip.