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Hello everyone,

So here is my scenario: I have developed a case of tendonitis (bad enough that the doctor's quote was "oh' my" when I showed him my ankle) so, sadly my Asolo Moran full boots are going to need to be replaced. I hike often in shoes.... however, there are times when I will go into the wilderness for 10+ days and when I do this, I may carry 50 lbs with food, tent, etc. The tendonitis seems to be getting worse and worse...and this is condition is perpetuated by a full boot.

So, my request is; I would like to hear anyone's feedback on a mid-boot. I want a liltte more support than what is typically found in my Scarpa hiking shoes.

Anyone have any suggestions/history on a good mid-height boot? Just curious for feedback.

Thanks.

Eric

thanks for the insight/suggestion D-Money. I have been looking around and will probably make the pilgrimage to the Seattle REI to try on boots.

erlall

I have recently found the Vasque line as well and I have fallen in love with them. I purched the Vasque Scree which is a mid hiking boot and have put about 175 miles on them just this year. I have had problems with boots giving me "MAJOR" heal blisters and was considering going to a shoe, but when I found the Scree's I have not had a single issue even on a 10 day trek around Mt Rainier. They give good heal and arch support and have a fairly flexable sole. They also have a wide footbox so when going down hill my toes did not ram into the front of the boot. They are a Goretex boot so water will not be a problem. I would recomend heading to your locale REI and trying them on. Happy hunting...

D-Money

he-he-he

Just wait until you get into your 40's - things only get better!

Cheers.

Eric

erlall

Yeah, I'm finding the age thing problematic as well (I am only 30, but I am still getting older and not only can I not stop it, it seems to be speeding up).

I'm actually not sure of the style of Vasques that I have used (I blew out my last pair after finishing up the PCT and completing the Colorado Trail in them -- it was a spectacular implosion of the sole -- very impressive). I have only owned two pairs, but I was extremely happy with them, so I've been converted. I'm holding out on buying shoes until next spring, but they'll be Vasques when I do.

Forrest

Hey Forrest,

Yes, I have hiked "many a mile" in shoes. I have some Scarpas that I hiked the Enchantments in this summer. The shoes worked fine. We just have a tradition of hiking the West Coast Trail every summer and while that hike can be hiked in shoes... it would be challenging with all the mud, etc... so I was kicking around the idea of a mid boot. A mid boot would offer me some more ankle support - that would also be ideal when hiking with my family when I am carrying a family tent, food, etc.

I think my biggest issue is coming to terms with this whole age thing... I cannot seem to make it stop... dang-it.

What specific Vasques shoes do you like?

erlall

Have you tried backpacking in shoes? I made the switch from boots to shoes for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and I can't imagine actually wearing boots to hike or backpack in any more. I generally do a pretty lightweight shoe for hiking (my favorites are vasques), but I did my first 500 miles of the PCT in a very lightweight oasics running shoe.

Forrest