72
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Accepted
Why do so many people hike with such light footwear?
Hmm - more of a tirade than a question, but let's assume you sincerely want to learn. There's a good deal of ground to cover, so please bear with me here...
First, technical trail shoes are not "city ...
- 11.7k
23
votes
Why do so many people hike with such light footwear?
Why do so many people hike with such light footwear?
I can give you a personal perspective: I have hiked in the 2000-3000m altitude (alps) for a long time, using quite tough semi-alpine boots (like ...
- 1,898
15
votes
Why do so many people hike with such light footwear?
The hiking shoe/waterproof trainer style is comfortable for casual strolls on easy trails, in good weather. This "light outdoors" (or fair-weather hiking) market is huge in comparison to serious ...
- 26.1k
15
votes
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How to keep small rocks and stones out of hiking boots?
Like Russell said, gaiters are what you need, there are many varieties, most are meant to help keep your feet and pants dry while moving through the bush, but in your situation I'd probably recommend ...
- 53.5k
15
votes
What makes shoelaces so special?
Aglets, shoelaces being easy to find and in the right lengths, the smooth exterior and if you have the right kind, the ease of tying and staying in their knots.
As a hobby knot tyer, (and member of ...
- 3,579
15
votes
Should one buy a higher shoe size while buying hiking shoes?
While it's a very personal thing, there are a few simple guidelines for trying on boots.
Go late in the day, when you've been walking around, and your feet are already sweaty and swollen. Your feet ...
- 490
14
votes
Why do so many people hike with such light footwear?
For certain types of hiking, lightness is key. I can't talk for everyone doing that (some may just be unaware of the consequences of their kit choices) but I really like speed hiking / fell running, ...
- 24.9k
14
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How can I tell a “trail shoe” from a regular sport shoe?
The problem is, that these are a (comparatively) new type of shoes and a hybrid of other types. Therefore there is no clear definition, not even consistent naming.
Trail running shoes
These are the ...
- 21.7k
12
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What is the best type of shoe to wear for crossing deep rivers?
I guess the answer really is
It depends
As a general purpose solution I normally bring sturdy trekking/hiking sandals on my trips. Something like the models from Teva for example (many pictures on ...
- 12.7k
11
votes
Accepted
Technique for swimming with fins?
I am a 25+ year scuba divemaster. Alas, poor fin kicking technique is very common, even among experienced scuba divers.
First of all, selection of a fin which is too flexible is better than one ...
- 1,329
11
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What are differences between higher and lower shoes other than ankle support?
Depending on the climate there are some significant differences.
Boots are noticeably warmer than shoes. This is beneficial in the cold, though socks etc. provide warmth as well. In hot conditions ...
- 26.1k
10
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What is the best type of shoe to wear for crossing deep rivers?
Any kayaking shop will have a selection of both shoes and boots designed for this. While you can get them with thin soles, I recommend thicker soles if you're mainly wearing them on rocky river beds ...
- 26.1k
10
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What is the best type of shoe to wear for crossing deep rivers?
I've owned pairs of both Keen and Ecco sandals, and have been quite happy with both. They each have solid leather construction with comfortable padding on the inside, and they tend to hold up well.
...
- 1,793
9
votes
Climbing barefoot/in toe-shoes?
I'll chime in from a fairly unique position with anecdotal evidence only.
I feel like most of the advice you'll get is from experts that talk down to you condescendingly if you even mention the b-...
9
votes
FiveFingers or hiking boots?
Like the original poster I do everything in VFF's. Anything else causes me pain. Specifically nerve pain, or neuromas, in between the bones of my foot due to compression of my toes.
I've easily ...
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9
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What is the best type of shoe to wear for crossing deep rivers?
If you are only going to use them to cross rivers and you are wanting to save on weight / space, I would suggest some neoprene booties. Surf or diving booties will do just fine. Some are like a ...
- 276
9
votes
Accepted
Should one buy a higher shoe size while buying hiking shoes?
There are a number of factors you should be considering when sizing your hiking shoes.
LONG DISTANCE HIKING
For long thru-hikes, it is very common to go up a size, because after a few days of ...
- 11.7k
8
votes
What is the best type of shoe to wear for crossing deep rivers?
Merrell make several excellent shoes which are designed to be lightweight running shoes and I believe they would fit your use case neatly.
Unlike sandals they offer a fully enclosed toe for greater ...
- 121
8
votes
Does a pound on your foot equal 5 pounds on your back?
Yes - it's true.
The source is a 1984 study by the U.S. Army Research Institute, which found that it takes up to 6.4 times as much energy to move at a given pace when weight is carried in the ...
- 11.7k
8
votes
How to keep small rocks and stones out of hiking boots?
The two answers suggesting the purchase of gaiters seem like a great idea. The same effect can be gained with socks. Either cut the elastic off of a pair of socks that are worn out. Or just roll ...
- 30.3k
8
votes
What is bog shoeing?
Modern bog shoes are special footwear made for bog walking, or bogshoeing.
Bogshoeing is essentially snowshoeing through marshlands. It's popular in Finland, and Estonia where they have large bogs ...
- 53.5k
8
votes
How to prevent metal eyelets from rusting?
When I bought my first pair of walking boots, I was told to buy a jar of vaseline and use that on the hooks of the boots.
You can apply it very precisely and it is very likely not to run off and ...
- 3,579
7
votes
7
votes
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how to distinguish between Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent vs Merrell Men's Moab 2 Waterproof at a glance?
Looking at REI at the Moab 2 Waterproof, one sees that it has a little tab showing a tag with "Dry" on it:
Similarly, the Moab 3 Waterproof (also REI) has a tag saying "Waterproof"...
- 1,824
7
votes
Accepted
How far can a pair of shoes last?
I don't know what 'experts' you've heard, but trekking shoes that can't make at least 1000 km are a very low quality ones.
The 'recommended' mileage for running shoes in popular apps is often as low ...
- 9,487
6
votes
FiveFingers or hiking boots?
I've done a lot of UK upland walking in minimal shoes, plus long Alpine treks with packs up to 30 lbs or so.
A lot depends on the ground you are going to cover. If it's stony, I find that your soles ...
- 11.7k
6
votes
Why do so many people hike with such light footwear?
There is a major advantage to lighter footwear when hiking. Here is a great example: Does a pound on your foot equal 5 pounds on your back?
Newer, light weight footwear can be targeted for hiking ...
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Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible