Looking for hiking boots

winniethepooh · 07-28-2014, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Formula

Based on the fact that your GF sister does not have hiking boots, I would assume that she has not hiked before/recently. I would be very concerned about hiking Mt. Washington. It is a long haul!

We're definitely mulling over our game plan with that in mind. Throw in some of the lovely weather we had today, and my alarm bells are going off! We'll be taking it as nice and easy as we can.

HellRaZoR004 · 07-29-2014, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winniethepooh

We're definitely mulling over our game plan with that in mind. Throw in some of the lovely weather we had today, and my alarm bells are going off! We'll be taking it as nice and easy as we can.

Why not start smaller, like Mt. Monadnock or Mt. Major?

Mt. Washington isn't necessarily the easiest hike.

Flylady · 07-30-2014, 10:57 AM

I agree, Merrill footware (Moeb) for hiking is not that expensive and a good investment. I have two pair (one on each coast) and am looking at buying another (high top) for better ankle support.

Dave M · 08-01-2014, 01:45 PM

Doesn't buying a new pair of hiking shoes require breaking in. I'd make
sure that shoe is a good fit.

Dave M

Long Pine · 08-06-2014, 08:44 AM

It wasn't clear from your initial comments whether you had hiked Mount Washington before. If you have not, you may not be as familiar with how different the weather can be on the summit. Just a tip to check http://www.mountwashington.org within 24 hours of your trip. Go the the "Weather" tab and check "Higher Summits Forecast". For example, it says tomorrow will be in the upper 40s with winds of 15-30 mph. Good to know ahead of time so you can pack the appropriate gear. Enjoy and be safe.

fatlazyless · 08-06-2014, 04:22 PM

For about twenty five dollars the Plymouth Walmart should have hiking boots; both above and below the ankle styles, that are incredibly good for just 25-bucks ... plus you can walk em all around the store to see if they are right....or go to Plymouth Ski & Sports on Main St for some real nice Merrill's for $125.

The Walmart brand name for hiking boots/shoes is Ozark Trail and for 25-30-dollars they are real nice, plus u get to wear them all around the store before paying to make sure they is a good fit before ascending the super-steep Sphinx Trail up Mt Adams or someplace like that ......the Laughing Lion Trail over on the Royces in Grafton Notch ......ugh!

MikeF-NH · 08-06-2014, 04:26 PM

I would caution against climbing Mt Washington in "rented" or low cost footware. That mountain has claimed lives from unprepared and inexperienced hikers and is a large pill to be swallowed for the casual hiker. The least you can expect from your experience there is blisters and other foot related ailments. If you must summit that beast, do it by driving up the auto road or taking the Cog Railway.

Better options would be:
1.) Mt Monadnock: a 4-5 hour round trip with great views that most can handle even with sneakers.
2.) Mt Major: a much shorter hike (less than an hour up) and great for beginners.
3.) Mt Cardigan: a very nice and more remote mountain. Great views and nice hiking trails.

A lot of bad decisions have been made related to Mt Washington. I would plan carefully and make sure you leave information with friends/relatives about when you are leaving, when you should be back (and that you will call them when you are) and the route you will be taking.

BroadHopper · 08-06-2014, 08:07 PM

Dauabb's Cobbler Shop formerly Labelle's Shoe Repair is now offering USA made shoes and boots. Check it out!

glennsteely · 08-11-2014, 06:27 PM

....but, breaking in a pair of hiking boots can be an adventure all of its own. I have done some pretty tough hiking in my days, my boots have lots of miles on them, and imo I would say, a good break in is just as important as the brand you choose. I always break my boots in wet, meaning that I put them on, tie them up and walk into the water and soak them, then I wear them, soaked all day. I keep wetting them and by the time I take them off, they are almost dry. I do this for a few days before I dry them out completely, and basically, then they are ready for some short treks, say 1 to 5 milers. The wetting and drying on your feet kind of molds the boots to your feet, this is how I do mine.....just my opinion.

SIKSUKR · 08-12-2014, 09:15 AM

I'll have to try that with my ski boots.

glennsteely · 08-14-2014, 03:37 AM

I dont think that would work with ski boots......LOL!!!

07-30-2014, 10:57 AM	#3
Flylady Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: So. California & Lakes Region Posts: 256 Thanks: 225 Thanked 106 Times in 61 Posts	Protect ur Feet I agree, Merrill footware (Moeb) for hiking is not that expensive and a good investment. I have two pair (one on each coast) and am looking at buying another (high top) for better ankle support.

08-01-2014, 01:45 PM	#4
Dave M Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 395 Thanks: 4 Thanked 26 Times in 24 Posts	On the other hand Doesn't buying a new pair of hiking shoes require breaking in. I'd make sure that shoe is a good fit. Dave M

08-06-2014, 08:44 AM	#5
Long Pine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 93 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 12 Posts	Check the weather It wasn't clear from your initial comments whether you had hiked Mount Washington before. If you have not, you may not be as familiar with how different the weather can be on the summit. Just a tip to check http://www.mountwashington.org within 24 hours of your trip. Go the the "Weather" tab and check "Higher Summits Forecast". For example, it says tomorrow will be in the upper 40s with winds of 15-30 mph. Good to know ahead of time so you can pack the appropriate gear. Enjoy and be safe.

08-06-2014, 04:22 PM	#6
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,765 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,016 Times in 740 Posts	...hiking Ply Wmt For about twenty five dollars the Plymouth Walmart should have hiking boots; both above and below the ankle styles, that are incredibly good for just 25-bucks ... plus you can walk em all around the store to see if they are right....or go to Plymouth Ski & Sports on Main St for some real nice Merrill's for $125. The Walmart brand name for hiking boots/shoes is Ozark Trail and for 25-30-dollars they are real nice, plus u get to wear them all around the store before paying to make sure they is a good fit before ascending the super-steep Sphinx Trail up Mt Adams or someplace like that ......the Laughing Lion Trail over on the Royces in Grafton Notch ......ugh! __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! Last edited by fatlazyless; 08-07-2014 at 01:17 PM.

08-06-2014, 08:07 PM	#8
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,582 Thanks: 3,224 Thanked 1,106 Times in 796 Posts	American made shoes and boots Dauabb's Cobbler Shop formerly Labelle's Shoe Repair is now offering USA made shoes and boots. Check it out! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

08-06-2014, 04:26 PM	#7
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 318 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	I would caution against climbing Mt Washington in "rented" or low cost footware. That mountain has claimed lives from unprepared and inexperienced hikers and is a large pill to be swallowed for the casual hiker. The least you can expect from your experience there is blisters and other foot related ailments. If you must summit that beast, do it by driving up the auto road or taking the Cog Railway. Better options would be: 1.) Mt Monadnock: a 4-5 hour round trip with great views that most can handle even with sneakers. 2.) Mt Major: a much shorter hike (less than an hour up) and great for beginners. 3.) Mt Cardigan: a very nice and more remote mountain. Great views and nice hiking trails. A lot of bad decisions have been made related to Mt Washington. I would plan carefully and make sure you leave information with friends/relatives about when you are leaving, when you should be back (and that you will call them when you are) and the route you will be taking.

The Following User Says Thank You to MikeF-NH For This Useful Post:
GBGX2 (08-06-2014)

The Following User Says Thank You to BroadHopper For This Useful Post:
Daub's Cobbler Shop (02-11-2016)

08-11-2014, 06:27 PM	#9
glennsteely Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mantua, N.J. Posts: 472 Thanks: 90 Thanked 111 Times in 38 Posts	All good advice.... ....but, breaking in a pair of hiking boots can be an adventure all of its own. I have done some pretty tough hiking in my days, my boots have lots of miles on them, and imo I would say, a good break in is just as important as the brand you choose. I always break my boots in wet, meaning that I put them on, tie them up and walk into the water and soak them, then I wear them, soaked all day. I keep wetting them and by the time I take them off, they are almost dry. I do this for a few days before I dry them out completely, and basically, then they are ready for some short treks, say 1 to 5 milers. The wetting and drying on your feet kind of molds the boots to your feet, this is how I do mine.....just my opinion. __________________ You have to go out on a limb sometimes, cause that is where the fruit is. You can't get to the fruit from that nice safe spot, clinging to the trunk of the tree...... Last edited by glennsteely; 08-11-2014 at 06:28 PM. Reason: spelling

08-12-2014, 09:15 AM	#10
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	I'll have to try that with my ski boots. __________________ SIKSUKR

08-14-2014, 03:37 AM	#11
glennsteely Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mantua, N.J. Posts: 472 Thanks: 90 Thanked 111 Times in 38 Posts	Sickster.... I dont think that would work with ski boots......LOL!!! __________________ You have to go out on a limb sometimes, cause that is where the fruit is. You can't get to the fruit from that nice safe spot, clinging to the trunk of the tree......