HikeArizona.COM

Ok, here goes... in attempts to keep this civil as long as possible, can we leave out WHY we like one type or brand over another and let's just see how big a variety we get. After we get a good sampling than feel free to come back and post why you like a specific brand or style foot gear.

What is your favorite foot gear under the following conditions?
1. Short, or easy terrain hikes
2. Long hikes
3. Tougher terrain
4. Backpacking (20-30+ lb packs?)
5. Cold weather use
6. Snowy hikes

Of course, my favorite foot gear pretty much reads like a broken record:
1. Older pair of Teva Terra-Fi's
2. Teva Terra-Fi's or Terra-Fi 3's
3. Teva Terra-Fi 3's
4. Teva Terra-Fi 3's
5. Teva Terra-Fi's or Terra-Fi 3's with either wool or neoprene socks
6. Teva Terra-Fi's or Terra-Fi 3's with neoprene socks

Currently Hoka one one kaha's, prefer the older sky kaha to the newer GTX. I started in Tor's they were ok but even with orthotics the support did not seem to be there. I still wear them for easy stuff. I wear hard based plastic orthotics so I don't worry about cactus thru the sole. For me they are incredibly grippy on rocks. I have used them for backpacking. I don't care about the waterproofing because on most water hikes they get submerged anyway. They also have good traction wet, on most wet rocks.

Are those the ones (Moab 2's) where the heel is flush - or lower - than the ball of the sole?

Lowa Trekkers, the only boot I own. Probably on my 6th + pair.

I have various old guy foot problems, currently toe arthritis is the main issue. I had switched from Keens to Merrel Moabs a few years ago and was reasonably happy. The Keens seemed to fall apart too easy (chunks of rubber off the edges) and the soles were thin (rocks batter bottom of foot) and Merrels were better. But recently, even with silicon toe protectors I was getting blue toenails with the Merrels...just from long but not rough walks. Trotted out my old pair of Keens this week and they felt way more comfortable than my "Merrel norm". Still felt thin in the sole...I'm thinking thicker insoles. This may have something to do with fit, but that big Keen toe box is reassuring for sensitive toes.

@Hansenaz
I am getting an insulated pair for winter hiking soon, via the wonders of ebay, as a back up for my Hoka's. Keen wide toe box is nice.

Hansenaz wrote:The Keens seemed to fall apart too easy (chunks of rubber off the edges) and the soles were thin (rocks batter bottom of foot) and Merrels were better

Yup, Keens do fall apart quite easily but for my aging feet and especially the bunion on my right foot I must admit they were very comfortable, at least when using Pro-Step inserts.I said "were" because the numerous repairs have taken their toll and my last pair has nothing left to glue back together. Unless they have a boot having a sole without the 'grey marshmallow' parts, I will not be getting another pair of Keens.

As I believe I mentioned earlier, due to long-lasting super-hard rubber soles the Merrell's do seem to wear forever but in my experience they have no traction on smooth and/or wet surfaces and even the 'wide' ones are now too narrow for my feet.

For my off-trail/cross-country hikes, I just might pull out my decade-old high-top Danner's. Although a bit on the heavy side, they were comfortable and I NEVER had and sole intrusion of any kind... even when stepping on a rattler (by accident).

Still have 7 pair of the kangaroo leather vibrams I do most of my summer hiking in. Did Belford, Oxford, Missouri in them. I also use them when they are worn out for hiking to run devisadero and the airport road because the rocks on the gravel road fly up and hit my toes which really hurts when running. I prefer running in my Xero shoes aqua clouds which have become my favorite light trail and road shoe because the soles are indestructible. I have warrantied every other sandal Xero makes multiple times and I cannot wear down the sole! Of course if you don’t like something between your toes they are not for you. I just picked up a replacement pair for $14.99 which you can’t beat although they are going strong and have proven to beat even the VFF’s for mileage. I run in the winter in softstar primal runamocs and these may become my rough rocky 14 er shoe of choice they provide more protection and my feet came out of Huron, La plata, and Massive in much better shape than if I wore VFF’s.