Which brand of hiking/trekking shoes is cheapest?
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at
4:26 pm
I am looking for hiking shoes which are waterproof and cheap?
Tagged with: hiking shoes
Filed under: Leather Boat Shoes
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I’ve always had difficult finding decent boots that fit. I am size 14, with a narrow heel, wide forefoot (bunions), and no arches. I have had the best luck with L. L. Bean. Good quality, the most consistent fit (for me), and the prices are usually competitive. And I always put Superfeet insoles in place of the stock insoles, which adds to the price a little (but totally worth it).
I’ve tried Merrell, Montrail, Garmont, and others, and found the sizing and quality to be inconsistent.
Well I hope you used cheap for a lack of a better word and I am hoping you meant inexpensive. Boots are one of the things I would not go cheap on, remember you get what you pay for. I would try them on in the major retail stores like REI, EMS, Gander Mountain or Campmor. After you try them on and have all your questions answered go to http://www.backcountry.com to buy them for a much cheaper price. They also have a return policy you cant beat, no questions asked. So if those waterproof boots end up leaking just send them back for an exchange or refund.
I`d go with Merrell, Vasque or Columbia.
A good pair of boots is not something to scrimp on. A good pair of boots may cost twice as much or more than other "cheap" boots, but they will provide much more comfort and be easier wearing on your feet. Many inexpensive boots can cause pain and discomfort, plus, they will probably not last as long as high quality boots. I personally tried cheap boots once a few years ago, and I wound up killing them in one trip. The waterproofing leaked and the glues in the boot melted. They only lasted for 60 miles and two weeks, so I was rather disappointed.
Cheap and waterproof do not really go well together, and while there are inexpensive waterproof boots, the waterproofing is going to be questionable and not to be relied upon.
REI is a great place to test what boots fit well, and the staff is well trained and knowledgeable on the products they sell. They can also help you find the right type of boot for the terrain you’ll be in primarily. Garmont makes boots that I like and have found to be long lasting.