suggestions on some very good hiking shoes: I live in south Florida and want to buy a new pair of hiking shoes that will be good in swamp water and in the mountains of Utah, California...

Davet Loc: Fort Myers, Florida

I live in south Florida and want to buy a new pair of hiking shoes that will be good in swamp water and in the mountains of Utah, California and Colorado. I wear a size 12, however when I went to the local Bass Pro store the Merrell boot felt like a 13 would fit me best. Any suggestions on quality and type of shoe?

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Well I just returned from Moab/Arches/Island in the Sky. Going to Tetons soon. We have a bit of wet land here not S. Fl.

I need a new pair myself. Note to self: lots of great brands, number don't matter but fit does. My normal size is a 12. Make sure they are waterproof (even in desert). They are well broken in and comfortable.

I make sure to wear the two systemic soxs when I try on shoes.

Have a great out door experience.

J. R.

boydcrochet

Merrel Moabs, shoes or boots. I wear 13W. I find them true to size but they run tight. I don't always wear wides. I've not found wide width Merrels needed in sandals or boots. I have some good Keen waterproof boots that aren't wide. I don't like them as much as my Moab boots. I have waterproof hikers from Dressports? 13 W. Very comfortable.

(I'm heavy 240lbs) I need to daily alternate hiking shoes to avoid various issues.

It occurs to me you might have hit a missed labeled pair(s)?

On the low priced brands, HiTec aren't bad. Easily better than Timberland and a number of other common brands.

A long time ago I had a good pair of New Balance hikers. Other than that pair which I have tried to replace often, they never size right for me. Maybe just what you need?

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Worth going to good fitter and paying a little more. I'm a 4E on New Balance so quite wide, but a knowledgable fitter with sufficient product awareness will usually find something.

I currently use Meindel Leather boots and Scarpa approach shoes.

When we had a long holiday your side in 2011 I mainly lived in Meindel approach trainers (with Goretex liner) and found them extremely comfortable. Good support, good underbed, and grippy sole on slickrock (but you pay for this in wear). If doing a lot of wading consider sealskin waterproof socks.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Davet wrote:

I live in south Florida and want to buy a new pair of hiking shoes that will be good in swamp water and in the mountains of Utah, California and Colorado. I wear a size 12, however when I went to the local Bass Pro store the Merrell boot felt like a 13 would fit me best. Any suggestions on quality and type of shoe?

I am still able to do some hiking. I just don't go as high or as long. Do not buy cheap boots. Do not wear cotton socks. Wear as previously noted synthetic socks. Wear the hell out of them until you are going on your trip. There are a variety of blister kits you can buy. That would not be a bad thing to have.

billmck Loc: Central KY

If you're serious about using them in the mountains, make sure you go to an outdoors store with a good shoe fitter. I had a pair of Lowa boots that felt really good, but before a week-long backpack trip went to a good fitter and bought the same shoe in a 1.5 longer size due to trying them on a downward-sloped table simulating descents.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Davet wrote:

I live in south Florida and want to buy a new pair of hiking shoes that will be good in swamp water and in the mountains of Utah, California and Colorado. I wear a size 12, however when I went to the local Bass Pro store the Merrell boot felt like a 13 would fit me best. Any suggestions on quality and type of shoe?

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/best-hiking-boots-shoes-men-170718450.html
You can check this out.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

Davet wrote:

I live in south Florida and want to buy a new pair of hiking shoes that will be good in swamp water and in the mountains of Utah, California and Colorado. I wear a size 12, however when I went to the local Bass Pro store the Merrell boot felt like a 13 would fit me best. Any suggestions on quality and type of shoe?

The absolute best hiking boots made are from Peter Limmer. https://gearpatrol.com/2019/01/27/profile-peter-limmer-and-sons-custom-hiking-boots/

ltatko

Have you checked L.L.Bean??

Always good "stuff"

Len

jayluber Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I use the Vasque trail running shoes (7678) for hiking thru wet conditions where I may have to cross streams and rivers. They are also great for hiking and general walk-about. They are not waterproof and let the water in and OUT. Dry fairly quickly, but let in the fine dust thru the mesh. They are light and very comfy. I don't want a waterproof boot when crossing any water deeper than a couple of inches as once the water gets in the top of the boot, it does not drain out.

I use Solomon (401337) waterproof hiking boots for dry and sandy conditions. They do not let in the talcum powder dust of southern Utah and are very stable and have sticky soles for the slip rock. I love them.

jayluber Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I use the Vasque trail running shoes (7678) for hiking thru wet conditions where I may have to cross streams and rivers. They are also great for hiking and general walk-about. They are not waterproof and let the water in and OUT. Dry fairly quickly, but let in the fine dust thru the mesh. They are light and very comfy. I don't want a waterproof boot when crossing any water deeper than a couple of inches as once the water gets in the top of the boot, it does not drain out.

I use Solomon (401337) waterproof hiking boots for dry and sandy conditions. They do not let in the talcum powder dust of southern Utah and are very stable and have sticky soles for the slip rock. I love them.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Davet wrote:

I live in south Florida and want to buy a new pair of hiking shoes that will be good in swamp water and in the mountains of Utah, California and Colorado. I wear a size 12, however when I went to the local Bass Pro store the Merrell boot felt like a 13 would fit me best. Any suggestions on quality and type of shoe?

I had Merrell hiking boots and they've been one of my favorites of all the other I had! (have size 13-14 and never had any issues to fit)!

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

O am I. New Balance is the one shoe with width qualifications that work. A wade show from other manufactures doesn't work.

Spectre Loc: Bothell, Washington

I’m from the NW and have always used Merrell for hiking. REI is my resource for most outdoor items. Always have “Mole Skin” available and use it before blistering occurs. Also I use 2 pair of socks. Synthetic inside and wool outside. A good hiking monopod is a plus.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

I have a pair of Reebok safety boots I got at Boot World that are light weight, very comfortable and great for hiking.

https://reebokwork.com/247/Reebok-Rapid-Response-RB-RB8694