The perfect hiking shoe/boot, does it exist?

Ok guys, as a fellow who has suffered from blisters on the trail way too much, I am always on the lookout for a better fitting trail shoe. I have tried boots, hiking shoes, trail running shoes, waterproof hiking shoes, even my regular sneakers. I have finally been able to get away from blisters by using injini socks as liners and then smart wool type socks over them, but the perfect shoe I have not. I like to say that I am a fast, strong hiker, so the only thing that will slow me down or stop my hike is my feet

Sneakers work great for me, but they do not offer much protection from rocks on the soles of your feet, and I found out this past weekend that you have to be really careful not to get wet of rock hopping. It doesn't take much for water to seep in to breathable sneakers, the good thing is that they dry super fast.

I noticed Red's Keen hiking shoes this past weekend, and I feel in love. But before I go out and buy a pair, or even order them off the internet. I want to know how you all go about buying boots/shoes? How do certain brands fit to size? Are they wider or narrower than others? Are they really waterproof or do they leak halfway up? What is your favorite brand? etc.

I think you hit on it......the socks. I wear a synthetic sock next to my skin and a heavier wool or wool blend on the outside. For those that have problems with blisters, try different combinations of socks.

My guess is that the perfect combo does exist, but it will be different for everyone because everyone's feet are different. The main thing that works for me is rotating my socks a couple of times a day to ensure my feet stay dry. Another thing I've noticed is if I speed up beyond my normal pace I find my feet start trying to blister. I hope you find what works for you.

What boots/shoes do you all use? and what boots/shoes do not work for you?

I'm pretty traditional. I have an old pair of Vasque Sundowners that look horrible, but just won't quit. I think they make a Sundowner "Classic" now, but I don't think it's the same boot. I usually wear cotton or wool socks.

Dwight,

Well when I got back into hiking around in 2000 I bought some Technica Horizon boots.
They were a mid weight boot that was made in Europe. Still got them but need to be
resoled. The only thing I got to many blisters. I used smart wool socks with liners.

Around 2 1/2 years ago I ordered some Alico Tahoe hiking boots from Sierra Trading Post
first time to order boots by mail but they are perfect for me with Thorlo Trekkiing Socks.

One of my first posts, HERE, on this forum was about these boots. Since I got them I
haven't had a single blister! To each to his own, they are big and heavy and I like them!

Any way just my .02 worth.

This is what I was fishing for, thanks guys. I bought a pair of gor-tex Raichle hiking shoes from Sierra Trading Post 2 years ago, and I still haven't gotten them broke in yet. The first pair I ordered were too small, so I gave them to one of my foster boys, and I ordered the next sixe up, but they still do not fit to well. I have a wide foot, and I find that most shoes are not wide enough.

Dwight,

When I bought my boots from Sierra Trading Post they came with return postage! Didn't even know about
that before hand. If they didn't fit i could have returned them. Up early, got a contest in Hot Springs and
can't sleep! Heck!!

It's kinda like, and just as critical, as finding that perfect cup of trail coffee. I think most of us agree that VIA is the answer to that question. Now, on to boots.

Cliff is right about the "perfect boot" is surely going to be a unique combination for everyone. For me, that combination includes; boot, insole, socks, and lacing technique.

I tried several boots and socks combinations over the years and always got blisters after about 6 miles on the trail. I even bought a New Balance boot because I loved their running shoes. My backpacking endeavors were pretty much limited to short distance 2-3 day trips due to the blisters - mole skin was my friend. My 1st Grand Canyon hike I ended up with two black toe nails, one of which I lost, and plenty of blisters. My 2nd GC trip (rim-to-rim) I had mole skin everywhere. Trips to Big Bend and Glacier ended in the same results.

While on a Colorado 14er trip two years ago I noticed a guy wearing Keens and saw how big the toe box was. I felt like that would be a benefit. Months later I bought my 1st pair of Keen Voyageur. I hiked the ERL in them Jan. 2009 and again in June 2009 plus several weekend trips with no blisters. I did use Superfeet insole and wore Cool Max socks. These were my boots of choice until hiking this January in a 2-1/2 hour down pour. I knew then I needed a waterproof boot. So, I turned to Keen Targhee II.

The first real test for these boots was last weekend on the ERL; although I have worn them on two previous short distance weekend trips. I found the water proofing worked great. It made for crossing the rock hoppers a breeze. Our 12 mile day 1 yielded no blisters although my 2nd toe on each foot was irritated toward the end of the day. Our 12 mile day 2 yielded a heel blister on my right foot, which I put mole skin on along with the two toes. The 3 mile day 3 was a breeze with no discomfort.

Conclusion; Keens do run small so order a 1/2 to a full size larger than normal. I order from Zappos because their shipping is free both ways. I order two sizes, try them on, and return one of them. I'm still tweaking the fit on the Targhee boots, but they seem to be the pair for me when water proofing is expected. I just ordered a pair of SOLE insoles based on Preacher's recommendation. I'll heat those in the oven and hope for a better fit on my right heel and deeper impression for my toes. I will also try sock liners (again) to see how that works and tweak my lacing. I'm thrilled to have found a boot that has allowed me to extend my daily distance, which has truly opened up longer multi-day trails. Of course, the only way to test out a boot is to get on the trail with pack weight. I'll report back on my results in a few months when I can get some real miles under my feet. My ERL yo-yo in June should be a perfect opportunity to find the "perfect" combination.

I will continue to wear the Voyageur's for dry terrain and desert hiking, which we have plenty of in Texas.

I am going to go try on the Targhee II's soon. Everyone says that Keen's have an open toe box, which is where I always get my blisters, so I am going to go try a pair on with my SOLE inserts to see how I like them.

I would agree that this question is different for each person, some of us move slow and steady so our feet never really get warmed up. Others go really fast and that causes a lot of hot spots if we are not careful. Some have super heavy packs that bear down on our feet causing other problems. Some of us are sever over/under pronators (if you do not know about this, you need to know) that causes knee and other problems if we have the wrong shoe.

I really appreciate the help guys, keep it up

Something to also consider is different boot lacing methods.

Red,

I like the look of that Voyageur and prefer a non-waterproof boot for the extra ventilation. Back in the 80's, I bought a pair of Hi-Tec Sierra Lites for day hiking. When I progressed to backpacking, I continued to use them because I liked the fit and the support was adequate enough even with the additional pack weight.

And I loved the fact that they were light weight.

What size do you wear and how much do they weigh? The Zappos site says 17 oz. for a size 8.

I wear a size 11 and my Hi-Tecs weigh 17 oz. also.

Ouachita - you are right about the added ventilation on the Voyageurs. My feet did sweat more in the Targhees.

I wear a size 9 in Keen. I just weighed the Voyageur @ 2.0 lbs and the Targhee II @ 2 lbs 3 oz. I flipped over to Keen's site and they listed the Voyageur at 16 oz so I'm guessing that is per boot.

It's worth mentioning the Keens have a lock lacing system built in the top half hook. Basically the inner portion of the hook is smaller than the lace and when you pull it in the hook it "snaps" in to place and will not loosen at that point. Also, I found the break in time on the Voyageur is "right out of the box."

I took a closer look at my Taghees after my post. I was curious about the coincidence of the toe rub on both feet / boots. I noticed I could feel the stitching of the strip of material on top of the boot (see photo) from inside and through the waterproofing layer. That has to be the source of the rub. I'll see if the SOLE insoles will solve that issue w/ a deeper inprint; otherwise, I may add a strip of mole skin inside the boot on that area for added cushioning. I'm also planning on testing sock liners so surely I'll be able to solve that issue. The Voyageur are designed different and do not have the same strip of material on top (see photo).

You can also see how the lacing loops are designed on the boots for tightening the boot in specific areas. Yep, I'm a Keen fan, but surely make your own judgement.

I bought a $250 pair of Vasque Sundowner GTX boots here at Ozark Outdoor Supply 2 years ago that still give me blisters. Thats with liners and smartwool socks.

Funny thing is, I bought a pair of $30 hi-tec hiking boots, and had no blisters on the Ouachita Trail. I got only one on the Eagle Rock Loop, but there was a lot of water crossings and I probably could have dried my feet better.

BTW- I'm the guy that ran into you at the trailhead and took off by myself. We talked for 20-30 minutes or so. You mentioned this site.