Author Topic: Backpacking footwear  (Read 7644 times)

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  • badfish
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Backpacking footwear
« on: December 31, 2006, 02:45:36 PM »
I'm starting to buy stuff for my trip to south america this summer. I found some backpacking boots on sale (Asolo, $170 CDN), but I'm not really sure if its worth while to buy them. I'm mostly going to be walking around cities with a heavy pack some of the time. Some hiking, but nothing too intense. I'm not sure if a comfortable pair of shoes would be better than expensive backpacking boots.

opinions?

Govtcheez

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #1 on: December 31, 2006, 02:52:58 PM »
If you're keeping everything in your pack, I'd just get the boots - more room in your pack that way.

KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2006, 02:55:04 PM »
Decent boots are great!

I started out with a nice pair of cross-trainers when I globe trotted.  I quickly switched to Merril boots (well most of the time) to protect my ankles.  Lots of foreign cities, public transportation, trails, and stairways can be rough, uneven, have potholes all over the place, and or have protrusions friggin' everywhere.  I sliced all they way through to my sock once in Shanghai.  My boots saved my ankles and even toes more than a few times.  I suggest the boots if you can only choose one.  BTW Asolo and Merril make great products!

Knuck

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #3 on: December 31, 2006, 03:26:42 PM »
As Knuck touched on, there is a difference in support between boots and shoes.  Shoes generally support the arch of your foot, while boots are designed to protect your ankle.  With a heavy pack you can easy twist your ankle if you aren't careful and having proper support is a must.

I'd go with the boots and while you are at it pick up some boot socks also.  They are generally thicker and provide the cushion you are used to, and they also absorb the sweat better, keeping your feet drier.

Govtcheez

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #4 on: December 31, 2006, 04:53:34 PM »
> BTW Asolo and Merril make great products!

Vasque, too

KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #5 on: January 01, 2007, 11:36:12 AM »
Yup!  Used Vasque  also they are at least as good as the other two!


Govtcheez

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #6 on: January 01, 2007, 10:08:36 PM »
I asked my backpacking-fiend friend about Asolos last night and he said that they're not worth the money.

jkim

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2007, 11:13:52 AM »
I don't know about specific brands or anything, but from what I've heard, you want to get the quickest drying pair possible also.

Jake

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #8 on: January 02, 2007, 12:28:30 PM »
merill boots ftw.
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Perspective

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #9 on: January 03, 2007, 04:38:42 PM »
Just flew home so I've missed out on the Asolos that were on sale. I'll be looking around for some good boots though. Thanks for the feedback.

Govtcheez

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #10 on: February 28, 2007, 11:32:57 AM »
I ended up buying Vasque Wasatch GTX's.  They're lovely.  Comfortable as hell, even with a heavy pack on a 5 mile hike in snow.  I wear them when I'm working in the field, too

KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2007, 12:49:55 PM »
I just picked up a pair of Asolos.

They are like armor.  So far so good.  Well padded.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47595279&parent_category_rn=4501274

KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2007, 12:53:56 PM »

Govtcheez

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #13 on: February 28, 2007, 08:13:30 PM »
My REI had jack squat for Merrells, sorry.

KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Backpacking footwear
« Reply #14 on: February 28, 2007, 08:56:04 PM »
No loyalty to REI.  Nice place.  A bit pricey.  Awesome selection of nearly everthing a sporting shop carries.

I was hoping to find Merrils or Vasques but the Asolos just kinda happened.

I will give a more thorough review in a few weeks or so.