After retiring August 1st and since I live next to a State Park, I started hiking the trails.
I talked to my buddy r that’s still in the Corps currently in MARSOC and he recommended Merrells.
I bought a pair and loved the arch support and the fact that they’re not just a tennis shoe that looks like a hiking shoe.

Are there any other brands that knock it out the park across the brand that folks here recommend ?





Liked so much I bought a second pair yesterday.

I've been using Merrell or Salomon. Both hiking and water fun. I liked Ecco as well but they kept dropping models I liked. M and S are more consistent w/ their products lines; I just stay away from the made in prc ones.

Danner USA for more heavy duty stuff.

BTW, I'm really digging the pull type laces (native or after market) over the typical tie up laces.

I'm on my umpteenth pair of Moabs. I've been very happy with them.

The other players in that type of footwear are Keen and Oboz. I've tried both and just don't like the feel of them.

If you are just walking with little or no load and don't need a ton of ankle support, you might consider some trail runner shoes. I'm partial to the Speedcross from Salomon.

I wear a hiking boot for work.
I prefer the squishy insole Sketchers and I have to do a LOT of walking around a huge manufacturing facility.

I’ve had a couple pairs of Oboz that were good. They run wide, so I can’t wear them, but I understand a lot of guys like Keens

I like Salomon.

Merrell Moabs for me. I've used them literally for decades. (Not the same pair!)

I have a normal heel and wide across the ball of the foot, so the Merrells in wide work great.

Another plus - they have sold the same ones for (again, literally) decades, so I don't have to figure it out again every year or two.

Salomon is my favorite - XA Pro shoes and Quest 4D GTX boots depending on the terrain. I’ve tried Merrell but something about them hurts the arches in my feet. Have a friend that wears Merrell but can’t wear Salomon for the same reason.

Had one pair of Merrell Moabs because folks raves about them and I blew through them quite quickly.

Lowa is my go to now.

https://www.lowaboots.com/

I have had Lowa Zephyrs as my main hunting and hiking boots for years now and they hold up very well. But they are UGLY!!!
I had their Upland Game GTX as duty boots but they quit making those and had to switch to the R6 GTX. I beat the snot out of them daily and they last about 4 years. I just give them a coat of mink oil every 2 months or so.

I am eyeballing a set of their Explorer II low models.

I'm on my forth pair of Merrel Moabs. I'll most likely buy another pair when these wear out.

I’m a Merrill man through and through. I wish that they would make hunting boots as I find their shoes very comfortable for an all day hike.

Lowa. Been wearing them for 10 or 15 years now. Mostly Renegade GTX, replaced every year or two. They make everything from light weight hiking shoes to serious technical boots for mountain climbing.

Oboz, the only hiking shoes I will buy. Very good if you have plantar fasciitis. A little heavy and kinda hot, but are very comfortable and good in the wet.

My daily wear are Salomon Quest 4D.

I'm buying another pair when these are worn out.

quote:

Originally posted by alptraum:
Lowa. Been wearing them for 10 or 15 years now. Mostly Renegade GTX, replaced every year or two. They make everything from light weight hiking shoes to serious technical boots for mountain climbing.

Are you actually wearing them out that quickly??
I beat the crap out of my duty boots and they last about 4 years.
I have had my Zephyrs for 7 or 8 granted these are only worn when hunting or hiking so they get less use but they are just now needing to be replaced but they will get mowing duty as they are still serviceable.

Another long time MM can hear. Just a note that I was having a minor issue with them on more rigorous hikes and when I went to get another pair fitted the person told me to get a half size larger to give my toes room to move around particularly when descending hills...

Where I hike (AZ desert) I think any Lowa boot is gtg. I prefer the desert combat boots they make. Sturdy, light, and comfortable. Z-6S gts.

Edit - I won’t hike in a “shoe”.

Merrill

I have kigh tops , low, waterproof for winter, breathable for summer

Love them

Merrell Moab here. I have a pair of low and high. Both waterproof.

The Merrill’s are comfortable but I wouldn’t consider them durable hiking boots beyond casual day hikes.
Lowa is a good brand and Keens are pretty good although also not a serious high mileage hiking boot.
Asolo like the link below, makes quality boots too but I’m not a real serious hiker these days to really wear any of these out.

https://www.backcountry.com/as...m2_LDkoaAkaOEALw_wcB