Reading the reviews at REI, the Salomon’s appear to be having problems recently with a plastic part breaking.
I love them. They are extremely comfortable and supportive. The downside is that the soft sole that makes them soft on the feet doesn’t seem to last as long. Everything’s a trade off.
I know this is more subjective, but would you say that if you have strong feet and ankles, then you could carry a load with these? Or are the mid-soles too soft?
For my $0.02, these are not what you want with a decent load on. They’re light weight hikers.
Ok thanks…I guess I’ll get these for training, and another for hikes with a heavier pack…doesn’t seem to be a good medium out there tha can do both…
If you want a light pair for just knocking around, try Colemans Galatin boots. They are light weight and are low cut.
I have diabetic issues with my feet and have tried various brands, my employer pays for Worx work boots and I find them too heavy for every day use but the Galatins with an insole from New Balance look like the answer for me.
I hike regularly in rough, mountainous terrain in a pair of Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots. I like my ankles to have support since rolling them is a real possibility almost every step. I will second what was mentioned earlier in that I have seen several Tier 1’s in Salomon’s and they recommended them.
+1 for the Merrell Moabs.
I also have the gortex Merrell Chameleon for cooler weather. Neither have ankle support, but are great for light hiking or camping.
Just a report on the moabs I bought. One week at Scout camp in Alabama and they held up great walking all over the place over rolling (for the most part) terrain with a very light load.
I agree with this 99%. The exception is that I like my Lowa’s just a little bit better. But you can not go wrong with the Salomons.
I have and wear the XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX almost daily.
My issue came with heavy use. The lace system has failed on each shoe with almost daily use over a period of about 6 to 8 months. I called and got free replacement laces, but they are not of the same durability as the original laces. It could be a pretty big issue out in the field as the eyelets are too small for 550 cord or anything else I had on hand.
I prefer the Quest or the Wings Sky model from Salomon.
I wear moabs all the time for hikes and packs lighter than 35lbs. And love them. But for heavier packs I’m using the Danner combat hikers. Extremely durably so far and comfortable with a 60lbs pack. One of the few Danner boots still made in the USA.
I tend to prefer the Refuge Core line from Merrell. They have lows, mids, vented, non-vented, and waterproof versions of them. Super comfy, excellent shock absorption, and pretty lightweight.
I have been wanting to try Salomons for some time now but haven’t done so yet. I hear nothing but great things about them.
Would any of the shoes/boots described in this thread be good for someone with low/no arches who does not want arch support? I am looking for a good pair of shoes in this style, but find any shoe with much, if any, built in arch support to be pretty uncomfortable.
Thanks.
What’s the intended purpose?
If its for backpacking, I think you would be hard pressed to find something without arch support.
If its for light hiking or trail running or whatever else…look into the “barefoot” options like the Merrell Trail Glove, Vibram Five Fingers, or one of New Balances Minimus shoes.
Light hiking/trail running/general wear. I will look into those (except the five fingers because I just can’t get past the toes). Thanks very much.
Same here that’s why I will be getting a pair of the Trail Gloves
Just a note…If you really care about the “barefoot” feel, then the NB Minimus has a 4mm heel lift while the Trail Glove has none. But I heard that the NB has slightly more protection for the soles of your feet but I still think I, personally, will go with the Trail Gloves.
I can’t say I really know from the barefoot feel. I will try and find someplace where I can try them both on. Thanks again.
I have been wearing Merrell Trail Gloves for about 3 months. Great shoe. I ditched my Vibram 5-Finger TrekSports for them. I run on the treadmill with the Trail Gloves and never get hot spots like I did with the 5-fingers.
IMHO, this is the best product Merrell has come out with in a while.
I agree about Merrell shoes.