Recommendation for hiking shoes?

[Isaiahfortythirtyone]

Hi all, i'm looking for hiking/backpacking shoes. I know the great singapore sale is starting on May 23 and therefore i'll be looking to buy it then.

1) does anyone know where the best place to buy hiking shoes is? i went to queensway, but they seem to have limited selection of brands like timberland, merrell, hi-tec, columbia

2) what brands and models would you recommend?

i'm somewhat attracted by the merrell range of shoes. they look stylish and functional at the same time. timberland tends to look a little chunky and drab. but does anyone have any experience with good brands and models?

also, should i get a BOOT (i.e. one with the shoe extending till it covers the ankles) version or a normal shoe-like version?

TIA!

 

[firestone]

You did not mention your budget or even what terrain you're using it for, that'll be useful.
Also will it be mostly dry land or you're expecting to br crossing streams/rivers...all makes a difference.

 

[Isaiahfortythirtyone]

You did not mention your budget or even what terrain you're using it for, that'll be useful.
Also will it be mostly dry land or you're expecting to br crossing streams/rivers...all makes a difference.

ahh budget? maybe $150? those ive seen are around $200 before a 30% GSS discount.

well i really don't know. I guess i prob won't be crossing streams on my upcoming backpacking trip. but i'll be studying in UK for a year come this sep and i'll be travellign quite a bit then so im looking to get shoes that can last me in UK as well

 

[jiaklormee]

if your going heavy duty, its advisable to get one with ankle supports....prevents sprains and lessens your strain...

i have a pair hi-tec boots...served me quite well....lasted the brunei jungles and many other expeditions...and goes well with causal clothes...

most importantly, get one that fits you and you're comfortable with it...

 

[sORe-EyEz]

i have pretty good Hi-Tec shoes, my 1st pair of Kelvars lasted about 2yrs w/ bouts of occasional rough trail outings. got a pair of Merrell on impulse (warehouse sale) & i must say it fits me better.

things to look out for when buying hiking shoes is:-
- "waterproof" insignia ;p
- material, a 'clean' design is easier to maintain
- quality lace hooks (for mid-high cut), some get bent / break easily, others may rust. few come with all loops
- sole, an aggressively cut grooves will last longer
- fit, shoes come in narrow, mid / wide cut. after market insoles or accessories may help in this respect to some extend

keep ur eyes peeled as some brands may have a lower budget model & premium range. stick to e latter.

 

[foxwagon]

Timberland Gortex.
Soft & keeps your feet dry.
Wait for the Great SGP Sale.

 

[antacid]

if you just want rugged walking shoes for casual but rough terrain, you can try looking for trail running shoes. they look like track shoes, but with more aggressive soles and better heel and arch support.

i have a weak ankle, so i prefer mid-cut shoes that go slightly above the ankle. i have to walk about 30 minutes across a frozen/icy/muddy/wet/gravelly path every day so I got a pair of timberland nubuck boots, but with the cloth uppers that can be folded down. US$45.90. heh heh heh. it's about $130-150 in singapore before discount, i think.

 

[sORe-EyEz]

cross trainers can't repel water. low temperature & soggy foot is a bad combo (ok, even warm & soggy is bad)...

 

[antacid]

cross trainers can't repel water. low temperature & soggy foot is a bad combo (ok, even warm & soggy is bad)...

yes, you're right that cross-trainers aren't waterproof. but i'm talking about trail running shoes.

there are gore-tex trail running shoes from salomon, montrail, vasque, north face, just to name a few.

then you have the light-hiking boots, medium, and finally the heavy hiking boots that you use in mountaineering. so it all depends on what you want to wear them for.

 

[Isaiahfortythirtyone]

antacid: i take it you're living in US? i was tempted to buy from amazon the Merrell Chameleon Wrap Mid Gore-Tex as its only 119USD. it's going for $200 here :think: but when i add shipping and the fact that i cant try before i buy, it's just too risky.

 

[hmjt]

Scarpa Kailash, but dont know if sg have anot. Also can try the Timberland Cadion XCR, saw one shop selling in Queensway shopping ctr.

 

[hmjt]

Can try Scarpa Kailash, not sure if sg selling, or the timberland cadion xcr, saw one shop selling in queensway shopping ctr

 

[hmjt]

Can try Scarpa Kailash, not sure if sg selling, or the timberland cadion xcr, saw one shop selling in queensway shopping ctr

 

[cmeptb72]

If possible, avoid shoes with Vibram soles if you're into trekking. The traction sucks on wet surfaces & I slipped a few times wearing them walking in the MacRitchie jogging trail.

 

[blive]

ahh budget? maybe $150? those ive seen are around $200 before a 30% GSS discount.

well i really don't know. I guess i prob won't be crossing streams on my upcoming backpacking trip. but i'll be studying in UK for a year come this sep and i'll be travellign quite a bit then so im looking to get shoes that can last me in UK as well

I got my Hi-tec boots at a discount sale of GBP 39.99 at a adventure shop in the UK a few months back. Its a good and reliable brand.

You need to be constantly using and caring for the boots, else it will fall out. I had to depend on my normal track shoes when I went to Anapurna Base Camp in Nepal, as my hiking boots gave up on me. It was not used very often, that's why.

Where are you studying in the UK? Unfortunately, I am graduating this Sep, so i won't be here.... :cry:

 

[blive]

If possible, avoid shoes with Vibram soles if you're into trekking. The traction sucks on wet surfaces & I slipped a few times wearing them walking in the MacRitchie jogging trail.

Ouch! you need to learn how to walk properly.... :bsmilie:

 

[hmjt]

Woah! sry for the multiple post, something wrong with my con, when i click submit seems to hang there. Wonder if admin can remove 2 of em, thanks!

 

[nuts]

Vibram soles are indeed very poor with wet surfaces. Had many near slip situations.
But many brands use them.

Couple of months back got Timberland warehouse sale, got a Goretex Timberland mid-cut trekking shoe for like S$129. Alas Vibram sole but price too good to pass up ;p

If possible, avoid shoes with Vibram soles if you're into trekking. The traction sucks on wet surfaces & I slipped a few times wearing them walking in the MacRitchie jogging trail.

 

[sunboi80]

i have a pair of Hi-Tec waterproof shoes which i bought at queensway... casual is very comfortable, but it seem to have a bit less support in the sole area. i.e after trekking for more than 2hrs, my inner sole aches. I dun have this problem with my old columbia shoes...i m not sure whether it's the design fault or whether if i get another sole wll help.
Oh ya mabbe u can consider 'catepillar', they seems to be heavy and rugged...

 

[Isaiahfortythirtyone]

I got my Hi-tec boots at a discount sale of GBP 39.99 at a adventure shop in the UK a few months back. Its a good and reliable brand.

You need to be constantly using and caring for the boots, else it will fall out. I had to depend on my normal track shoes when I went to Anapurna Base Camp in Nepal, as my hiking boots gave up on me. It was not used very often, that's why.

Where are you studying in the UK? Unfortunately, I am graduating this Sep, so i won't be here.... :cry:

I'll be at King's classes will be held at Swan House at High Holborn, near chancery lane. not sure where im staying at yet tho. NUS admin is a tad slow