The absolute best low cut bushwalking shoes you can buy..

[andrewbish]

..don't exist of course, since we all have our personal preferences.

That said, I am in the market for bush walking shoes and wouldn't mind getting some suggestions of suitable shoes - models, not just brands. I am hoping to get a short list of suitable shoes before I head off with my hard-earned next week to the stores.

I will be using the shoes for 3 season hiking in Vic, Tas and NZ, mostly in the high country ie. lots of rocky, uneven ground. (I will stick with boots for snow). I carry loads up to 15Kg.

My basic requirements (in rough order of priority) are:

- under $120 (which gives me a lot of options atm due to the sales)
- shoes, not boots (mandatory - those who wish to debate low v high should visit this thread)
- good lateral support
- good toes protection,
- somewhat firm sole (for the rocky ground)
- light
- quick drying
- durable *


If there are other factors you think I should consider, i am happy to hear it.

There was a recent favourable review on BPL (by a certain R Caffin) of the New Balance MT810s, and they seem like one possible option.


* In regard to durability I had an interesting conversation with an assistant at an outdoor store today who said that walking shoes are inherently less durable that boots and that I should not expect to get more than a couple of years out of them. This is fine by me as I would I expect to be buying new footwear every other year just for the hell of it. Do you agree with hercomment re durability of shoes?

[quicky]

..don't exist of course, since we all have our personal preferences.

That said, I am in the market for bush walking shoes and wouldn't mind getting some suggestions of suitable shoes - models, not just brands. I am hoping to get a short list of suitable shoes before I head off with my hard-earned next week to the stores.

I will be using the shoes for 3 season hiking in Vic, Tas and NZ, mostly in the high country ie. lots of rocky, uneven ground. (I will stick with boots for snow). I carry loads up to 15Kg.

My basic requirements (in rough order of priority) are:

- under $120 (which gives me a lot of options atm due to the sales)
- shoes, not boots (mandatory - those who wish to debate low v high should visit this thread)
- good lateral support
- good toes protection,
- somewhat firm sole (for the rocky ground)
- light
- quick drying
- durable *


If there are other factors you think I should consider, i am happy to hear it.

There was a recent favourable review on BPL (by a certain R Caffin) of the New Balance MT810s, and they seem like one possible option.


* In regard to durability I had an interesting conversation with an assistant at an outdoor store today who said that walking shoes are inherently less durable that boots and that I should not expect to get more than a couple of years out of them. This is fine by me as I would I expect to be buying new footwear every other year just for the hell of it. Do you agree with hercomment re durability of shoes?

Considering your requirements, I can certainly recommend the La Sportiva Wild Cat 2.0.

I have owned these...at the right price point for you, great (no...awesome) grip, rock plate for protection, decent toe rand, relatively quick to dry...and just *&%$#! comfortable, along with a supporting (and reinforced) heel cup. These were winners apart from one issue. Make sure you try them on, the ankle cut rides high, and can become a little bothersome around your ankle bone on both sides if you have low-rider feet like me. I happily ignored this for ages as these shoes were very, very comfortable. Plus, the toe box is very spacious, allowing your toes to splay as they would without shoes on, giving you heaps more feel under your feet. Awesome shoe. 4/5 for me. http://www.bogong.com.au/footwear/trail ... d-cat.html (just higher than your anticipated budget, but a well respected shoe)

The other shoe is the Trail Roc 245, or 255 by Inov-8 http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Produc ... .html?L=26. I now wear the 245's http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Produc ... .html?L=26. As above but better in every way (except in lateral support...slightly less), even grippier, and far better proprioception under foot (more of a minimalist shoe though, so it has reduced drop between heel and toe...more like having bare feet). This is ok for me, as I tend to hike with anything up to about 10-12 pound for up to 5 days, irrespective of conditions. However if you're carrying more weight, you may wish to consider some degree of inner sole...although that applies with any shoe or boot really. The only thing with these is that I can't locate them in Melbourne. I purchased mine from Sydney, and now that I have my size, will buy from US now for about US$110-120. So, perhaps they fall out of your price range. However, if I can ask you to consider one thing...it's your budget. When it comes to footwear, the shoe that wins is the one you buy...irrespective of price and brand....otherwise you can pay the price later in discomfort. Try and be a little flexible with your top end budget if you can.

I have tried other shoes, such as Keen and Merrel, which didn't quite do it for me. Perhaps others here have differing opinions? New Balance also rate highly..you're quite right. Jump on to BPL if you're keen...they have a great user gear ratings section (reader gear reviews) for a great many things....footwear is one of that forum's passions http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... index.html.

I hear you, I always get weird looks from regular outdoor retailers when I tell them I hike in runners. They also same the same thing about the longevity of the shoes. I just remember being told "something's gotta give...if it aint your shoe...it's your foot". To me, this couldn't be more true. Well, I'd rather it be my shoe, and happily replace my shoes/boots/runners every year than have foot issues.

Happy searching!

[Hallu]

I'm not sure Andrew is looking for trail running shoes ? I tried comfortable shoes such as the Asics Kayano and the heel wasn't protected enough for bushwalking, and they certainly aren't durable in those conditions. So yeah I would look towards Keen, Merrel or Patagonia, not Asics, New Balance or else. Other point to clarify : do you want them waterproof or not ?

If you're interested in these : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z4 ... 02_s02_i00 I'm selling a pair, 11 US size (10 UK, 44.5 european) I wore them only once, but they're too small for me (usually 11 US is 45 EU not 44.5 and I missed this).

[Moondog55]

Anything by Rockport USA but not the Rockport China stuff, there is a difference, the very best walking shoes were the Katmandu Brogues but those haven't been available for over adecade

[andrewbish]

I'm not sure Andrew is looking for trail running shoes ? I tried comfortable shoes such as the Asics Kayano and the heel wasn't protected enough for bushwalking, and they certainly aren't durable in those conditions. So yeah I would look towards Keen, Merrel or Patagonia, not Asics, New Balance or else. Other point to clarify : do you want them waterproof or not ?

If you're interested in these : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z4 ... 02_s02_i00 I'm selling a pair, 11 US size (10 UK, 44.5 european) I wore them only once, but they're too small for me (usually 11 US is 45 EU not 44.5 and I missed this).

Hallu - Yes, running shoes are in the mix.
- My preference is for breathable/quick drying vs water proof.
- I am a size 10.5 in streetwear shoes, but go to 11 for hiking. What is the Aus equivalent of those Keens?

Quicky - those La Sportiva's look pretty good. I will pop into Bogong and check them out.

Moondog - are their any particular Rockport models you can recommend?


Thanks, all for your suggestions.
Andrew

[blacksheep]

Anything by Rockport USA but not the Rockport China stuff, there is a difference, the very best walking shoes were the Katmandu Brogues but those haven't been available for over adecade

Kathmandu walkers! With vibram roccia block sole..those were the days..I still visit that family in asolo that made them.

[Hallu]

I'm not sure Andrew is looking for trail running shoes ? I tried comfortable shoes such as the Asics Kayano and the heel wasn't protected enough for bushwalking, and they certainly aren't durable in those conditions. So yeah I would look towards Keen, Merrel or Patagonia, not Asics, New Balance or else. Other point to clarify : do you want them waterproof or not ?

If you're interested in these : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z4 ... 02_s02_i00 I'm selling a pair, 11 US size (10 UK, 44.5 european) I wore them only once, but they're too small for me (usually 11 US is 45 EU not 44.5 and I missed this).

Hallu - Yes, running shoes are in the mix.
- My preference is for breathable/quick drying vs water proof.
- I am a size 10.5 in streetwear shoes, but go to 11 for hiking. What is the Aus equivalent of those Keens?

Quicky - those La Sportiva's look pretty good. I will pop into Bogong and check them out.

Moondog - are their any particular Rockport models you can recommend?


Thanks, all for your suggestions.
Andrew

When you say 11 for hiking is it US or UK size ? I usually take 11/11.5 US for hiking, and those were 0.5 too small so they may suit you. I paid 95 $ for them and I sell them 55 $. If you can stop by at Melbourne Uni where I work I can bring the shoes and you can try them on.

[Moondog55]

Well the ones I own are no longer available but these are the closest to mine

http://www.rockport.com/mens-shoes/casu ... ies-casual

I tried on many pairs when in America but in the end bought the cheapest pair on sale about $40- AUD so not really applicable. if Katmandu would bring back the brogues then those are what I would be buying, I got 10 years out of mine ( needed resoling after 6 ) but that was city walking about 12 klicks a day to work and back when I lived in Northcote
I wear high boots in the bush, always have and I feel naked and vulnerable in shoes in the high country

[photohiker]

Agree regarding Rockports. I haven't noticed US made Rockports here for quite a while. Also, be aware that Rockport sizing varies between manufacturing locations, even for the exact same shoe style, so online purchasing can be risky.

[andrewbish]

Considering your requirements, I can certainly recommend the La Sportiva Wild Cat 2.0.

I have owned these...at the right price point for you, great (no...awesome) grip, rock plate for protection, decent toe rand, relatively quick to dry...and just *&%$#! comfortable, along with a supporting (and reinforced) heel cup. These were winners apart from one issue. Make sure you try them on, the ankle cut rides high, and can become a little bothersome around your ankle bone on both sides if you have low-rider feet like me. I happily ignored this for ages as these shoes were very, very comfortable. Plus, the toe box is very spacious, allowing your toes to splay as they would without shoes on, giving you heaps more feel under your feet. Awesome shoe. 4/5 for me. http://www.bogong.com.au/footwear/trail ... d-cat.html (just higher than your anticipated budget, but a well respected shoe)

HI quicky

I popped into Bogong just now to check out those La Sportivas up close. I have now thought of another requirement I have - conservative styling.
I will try some of the Collingwood stores after work.

A

[quicky]

Considering your requirements, I can certainly recommend the La Sportiva Wild Cat 2.0.

I have owned these...at the right price point for you, great (no...awesome) grip, rock plate for protection, decent toe rand, relatively quick to dry...and just *&%$#! comfortable, along with a supporting (and reinforced) heel cup. These were winners apart from one issue. Make sure you try them on, the ankle cut rides high, and can become a little bothersome around your ankle bone on both sides if you have low-rider feet like me. I happily ignored this for ages as these shoes were very, very comfortable. Plus, the toe box is very spacious, allowing your toes to splay as they would without shoes on, giving you heaps more feel under your feet. Awesome shoe. 4/5 for me. http://www.bogong.com.au/footwear/trail ... d-cat.html (just higher than your anticipated budget, but a well respected shoe)

HI quicky

I popped into Bogong just now to check out those La Sportivas up close. I have now thought of another requirement I have - conservative styling.
I will try some of the Collingwood stores after work.

A

Ah yes...many of my choices were made through a utilitarian lens...that's for sure. Mind you, these shoes are quite mild....and look good compared to some! Let me know what you end up with!

[andrewbish]

Will do, quicky.

If anyone else has hiking shoes they can recommend I would love to hear from you.

[roysta]

Andrew, low cut Zamberlan GTX Zeniths are outside your price range by about $40 but I've been very impressed by them.
I bought them for a specific task, walking on moraine in Peru.
They worked admirably both as a hiker and as an approach shoe on the hard surface, given they have a fairly rigid Vibram sole.
Mountain Designs have them online for $159.95, well priced.

[andrewbish]

Andrew, low cut Zamberlan GTX Zeniths are outside your price range by about $40 but I've been very impressed by them.
I bought them for a specific task, walking on moraine in Peru.
They worked admirably both as a hiker and as an approach shoe on the hard surface, given they have a fairly rigid Vibram sole.
Mountain Designs have them online for $159.95, well priced.

Nice shoes. I may have to reconsider my budget...

[Strider]

Andrew, low cut Zamberlan GTX Zeniths are outside your price range by about $40 but I've been very impressed by them.
I bought them for a specific task, walking on moraine in Peru.
They worked admirably both as a hiker and as an approach shoe on the hard surface, given they have a fairly rigid Vibram sole.
Mountain Designs have them online for $159.95, well priced.

Sale finished yesterday. Damn

http://www.mountaindesigns.com/online-s ... odID=18247

[Strider]

Andrew, low cut Zamberlan GTX Zeniths are outside your price range by about $40 but I've been very impressed by them.
I bought them for a specific task, walking on moraine in Peru.
They worked admirably both as a hiker and as an approach shoe on the hard surface, given they have a fairly rigid Vibram sole.
Mountain Designs have them online for $159.95, well priced.

Sale finished yesterday. Damn

http://www.mountaindesigns.com/online-s ... odID=18247

Maybe not. Dropped in to MD's today and the sale was still in full swing, despite the website. Tried on a variety of different shoes, including the Zeniths, but ended up walking out with a pair of these for $130 odd.

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/Mobile/ ... lleryKey=0

Online reviews are positively glowing, so no buyers remorse for once! And I'm really glad to get out of the Gore-Tex sweat boxes I was wearing previously.

[quicky]

Andrew, low cut Zamberlan GTX Zeniths are outside your price range by about $40 but I've been very impressed by them.
I bought them for a specific task, walking on moraine in Peru.
They worked admirably both as a hiker and as an approach shoe on the hard surface, given they have a fairly rigid Vibram sole.
Mountain Designs have them online for $159.95, well priced.

Sale finished yesterday. Damn

http://www.mountaindesigns.com/online-s ... odID=18247

Maybe not. Dropped in to MD's today and the sale was still in full swing, despite the website. Tried on a variety of different shoes, including the Zeniths, but ended up walking out with a pair of these for $130 odd.

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/Mobile/ ... lleryKey=0

Online reviews are positively glowing, so no buyers remorse for once! And I'm really glad to get out of the Gore-Tex sweat boxes I was wearing previously.

I've heard same. Plus, often, with a bit of eyelid battering or gilding the lilly, you can get them to extend their sales 'just for you'....I've done that before.

[stuey69]

ended up walking out with a pair of these for $130 odd.
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/Mobile/ ... lleryKey=0

Yes, the Moab Ventilators are a good shoe and will work well, an excellent price.

[ULWalkingPhil]

This would have to be my GoLite Timber Lite boots, only paid $20.00 for them, the best hiking boots I ever owned. there not exactly low cut.

The next best, also purchased for $20.00 are my GoLite Carbo Lite hiking shoes, they are low cut.

[Strider]

ended up walking out with a pair of these for $130 odd.
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/Mobile/ ... lleryKey=0

Yes, the Moab Ventilators are a good shoe and will work well, an excellent price.

Cheaper online obviously. So that's where I'll be buying my next pair/s.

[Hallu]

Yeah for shoes you need to try them in store, and buy them on amazon.com. There's also a good trick for shoe brands that refuse to be exported from the US to Australia (you can check those brands listed on CampSaver.com here : http://www.campsaver.com/service/int-shipping ), you can order them on the French amazon site, amazon.fr. I did this for my Patagonia Drifter GTX shoes, and when you order in France with shipping outside Europe, you don't pay the TVA (the French VAT/GST which is 20%), that means it was actually less expensive (by about 20 AUD) to buy them in France than in the US (if they'd accepted shipping Patagonia products). It's not true for all brands of course, but it's worth having a look.

[Strider]

Yeah for shoes you need to try them in store, and buy them on amazon.com. There's also a good trick for shoe brands that refuse to be exported from the US to Australia (you can check those brands listed on CampSaver.com here : http://www.campsaver.com/service/int-shipping ), you can order them on the French amazon site, amazon.fr. I did this for my Patagonia Drifter GTX shoes, and when you order in France with shipping outside Europe, you don't pay the TVA (the French VAT/GST which is 20%), that means it was actually less expensive (by about 20 AUD) to buy them in France than in the US (if they'd accepted shipping Patagonia products). It's not true for all brands of course, but it's worth having a look.

MD's went to the effort to fit me and we spent a fair amount of time finding the right option. They deserve my sale...this time

[wayno]

mate , if you're not scottish, you should be..!

[Strider]

mate , if you're not scottish, you should be..!

???

I'm a Kiwi and you know it!

[wayno]

you know how to save money like the best scots

[Nuts]

I wouldn't go for those Merrell ventilators, crap!! (just to add some balance to the praise)

Honestly, I went through a heap of shoes a couple of years back (some of the last ones are here: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=8312&hilit=shoes+for+tassie+walking ) admittedly the 'mid' size but I found the moabs The worst of the lot!!!

I wore them for 2 overland trips and gave up. Boxy even for a wide foot, the footbed was the softest iv'e tried with no support. Feel everything through them with any pack weight. I lean't them to a guide for another week before the separate sole rubber sections parted leaving a dangerous curl of rubber to catch everything. That is three weeks !!!

They might get good press in the states, might be ok kept dry but otherwise a thumbs down for them..

[Strider]

Sounds like you were using them outside of their intended purpose Nuts. Multi-day walks are not what I would imagine these shoes were designed for, especially those where they are likely to get very wet (why didn't you buy the GTX version?). Anyone can test a product to destruction by using it outside of its limits, but it sounds like you were expecting them to perform like rigid-soled, full-grain leather boots?

[andrewbish]

you know how to save money like the best scots

Are there any true Scotsman in the house?!!

[Nuts]

Yes, I get the feeling that the designers had drier places in mind, Moab is a clue . In that case I was trying mesh shoes/ not goretex with the idea that they would drain and dry quicker.

Weight wise I (personally) could easily be 20/30kg heavier, put that way they really don't have enough stiffness and support under the foot. Compared to the other 'trail' type shoes, just found the Merrells ride closest to 'runners' like the asics. Tried several brands so my comments are relative to the others, some of which were very good compared to the boots I was coming from, most pretty disappointing for one reason or other:

These are Keen, Salewa, Innov8 (as well as the asics, Merrell) I did take some close ups of the various downfalls (if anyone is interested in these brands), found the Salewa (mtn sole model) abt the best so far (fwiw) but obviuosly a huge range of trail shoes I haven't tried. I had a pair of Zamberlan trail shoes that were great but they changed the model, i'd be looking at the Europeans wherever possible for toughness, Zamberlan, Scarpa, Meindl(?). Probably be next, none of the current models really impressed at the time but I did have a pair of Zamberlan shoes once that were hard to kill

[wayno]

i find euro shoes are a pain to fit into, tend to be too narrow...