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Hiking boots

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Bernie18. 11. 2024 10:35:33
Hello,

this year I got Salewa WS MTN Trainer Mid GTX boots, 1.5 sizes bigger than my foot and did some hikes with them, mainly in high mountains. Basically the boot is fantastic, has excellent grip, doesn't rub. Now comes that but.velik nasmeh

In the area of front foot pads and partially toes during walking immense pain appears, which builds up to the point I have to take off the boot and relax the foot. Of course the pain returns right away after continuing the walk, builds up, then eases a bit, god forbid if I kick somewhere with the boot, then I'm in another galaxy.

Changed insoles, socks, had the boot stretched just in case. Doesn't help. Maybe the last doesn't suit me, so probably I won't be able to wear these boots.

Now eyeing new ones, but don't know what to get. Despite following basic buying rules, the boot can feel comfortable, but after a few hours of walking you see it doesn't suit you.

Researching these models: ASOLO GREENWOOD EVO GV BUNION WM, Merrel Moab 2, LOWA RENEGADE GTX MID W'S. What do you think please and if you have maybe another opinion, did you have similar issues?

Thanks for every reply.
Lp
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miri18. 11. 2024 11:09:08
Try Planika. Not so IN among facebookers, but friendly for hiking.
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Bernie18. 11. 2024 12:23:01
Thanks Miri, I read they are OK, but aren't they a bit heavier? Well, to check. Have a nice day.
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ppegan18. 11. 2024 13:52:28
I have been wearing only Salewa for over 10 years, from low to high models, currently I have about 4 different ones, even winter ones. All fit me, I can buy them today, tomorrow hike 8 hours, no issues or blisters. So obviously the last doesn't suit you, Salewas are narrower, e.g. Kayland has wider last.
I had La Sportiva winter ones for some time, they didn't suit me at all because they were too stiff. So everyone finds something for themselves, just need to figure out what fits mežikanje
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Tomco18. 11. 2024 22:40:00
Bernie,

I'm not an expert, but I think these cases with such and similar pains are quite specific, it'll be hard for someone to tell you exactly what and why. If you didn't have these issues with the previous boot (?), then clearly something with the new boot. Otherwise it's a pity about Salewa, since MTN Trainer is a top boot. But not every boot for every last, nothing to do about it.

Maybe if you say more about the intended use of the boot, someone might be able to write more.

I can just add, if the main purpose of the boot is high mountains, i.e. lots of rocky terrain, Merrell Moab is not the most optimal choice. Not because it's bad, but simply too soft for more "technical" terrain. For mid-mountains, easier high-altitude tours, long treks on easier terrain, etc., Moab is definitely a top choice. It's fantastically cushioned and I can't imagine it causing any issues. It's also made for a wider last. But if the main purpose is high mountains with lots of rocky terrain, look for more robust and stiffer variants.
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Bernie20. 11. 2024 08:39:07
PPegan hello,

thanks a lot for the comment. Obviously Salewa suits you really well, which is super. And such nice boots they are.velik nasmeh

Probably it's really a last issue. Italian models are narrower, I think, so maybe I'll turn towards German ones (Lowe, Meindl), if they are available somewhere, maybe also Mammut.

Thanks and good luck!
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Bernie20. 11. 2024 08:41:02
Tomco hello,

and thanks a lot for the info.nasmeh I had similar issues in Mizuno super shoes, but after changing the insole, they were perfect.

Yes, looking for something for all terrains, so also and mostly high mountains, all-day hikes. Winter hikes are more on trodden paths with microspikes, not excluding normal crampons, so boot that allows at least heel clip for real crampons. Really a pity about Salewa, it is a fantastic boot.

I'll research more, German boots are maybe wider ...
Thanks and good luck!
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brett5. 01. 2025 13:16:27
Would ask for opinion on Garmont DRAGONTAIL MNT GTX low hiking boots: https://www.iglusport.si/catalog/product/view/id/237921/s/dragontail-mnt-gtx-96391/category/1204/

Worth their price? Purpose: off-trail and gravel around living area, mid-mountains and approx 5-7x yearly high mountains JA, KSA.

TNX!
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zokipoki5. 01. 2025 15:07:42
I wore them for the first time on a hike on 17.4.2024. At that time I wasn't satisfied and was a bit sorry I bought them. Since I'm stubborn, I broke them in and within two months got used to them so they grew on me. Even though I've worn them well, they're still very usable. The inner textile hasn't worn through yet, and the outer part is still compact. The sole holds, but the foam on the sides is damaged.
Since the boot is quite stiff, I wouldn't recommend it to beginners.
It performs well on all terrains except flat ground, where due to the construction it's partially uncomfortable.
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brett5. 01. 2025 16:11:04
Thanks for the constructive comment.
So far for high mountains I've worn Alpinus high boots Nepal. For the rest their low hiking Royal Vibram https://www.alpinashop.si/p20423/nizka-pohodna-obutev-royal-vibram-62741k
With the latter (Made in PRC) in two and a half years (all seasons, conditions) I've walked about 3000km. Now the sole is slowly disintegrating and the protective side rubber is cracking. In short, by spring they'll be out.

This Garmont seems robust, sturdy boot to me, but still aesthetic enough model for village pathsjezik
Most importantly, I want it to last at least two years, for all terrains. That's about 3500km.
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brett5. 01. 2025 16:17:27
Otherwise, on average I walk/run 9.3km per day. Per year a bit under 3500km. Of that less than half off asphalt. Ascents where elevation is at least 300m (up to 2000m) have been around 19/year for the last 10 years. That's why I want boots that can handle that for two years.
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n3jc5. 01. 2025 16:55:25
What about two pairs of shoes: one for light hikes and one approach?

Asphalt paths, forest paths, afternoon walks with dogs, gravel, typical mid-mountain up to ~1000m (1500m?), all these are terrains for which it's a bit of a shame to use sturdier approach shoes, which I prefer to save a bit. Last 5 years for all that and even some lighter 2000m peaks I've worn Scarpa Mojito which reached retirement this year without sole replacement, but good for gardening. Probably get them for about 50EUR cheaper than these Garmonts (or La Sportiva Boulder X which look similar). I planned to buy Mojitos again, but if you say you did 3000km with Royal Vibram for 70EUR, I'll seriously consider them.
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brett5. 01. 2025 20:15:18
From September 2022 to today. Just didn't use them for more demanding hill climbing or mountaineering. Meaning for some Blegoš, Ratitovec etc. yes, but not on rock. Probably would have worn them out sooner otherwise. But I really use them for forest, parks in the USA, local paths, in rain, mud these days, or when I don't want to ruin my ski boots.
But I have a feeling that if I used them for mountaineering too, they'd go to trash much sooner.
Now I would try something more renowned, if it holds up even better.mežikanje

I have seriously thought about two or three pairs of footwear for free/sports time: reinforced low hiking, running and light hiking for walks on lowland off-trails or gravel/asphalt.
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Trobec5. 01. 2025 22:55:39
Royal Vibram last me exactly one summer season. Which is 50+ trips. For 50 or 70€, as I paid for them now, I think that's an excellent deal. I use them on all the most demanding terrain, even ZZ off-trails where sharp rocks, if you're not at least a bit careful, anyway "cut" everything you're wearing. Only for some long descents, especially if the terrain is a bit scree-covered, a bit less comfortable. But I think that's the same with all low ones.
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Mrki8. 01. 2025 14:27:20
-brett: I don't have such good experiences with Garmont Dragontail GTX boots as zokipoki claims. The boots are stiff and mainly for walking on flat and, as you say, walking on gravel around home, uncomfortable. I'm not satisfied with them at all. And I'm not a beginner. True, I'm not stubborn either. Can't praise the Vibram sole either; it's quite inferior and slips faster on rock than the sole on La Sportiva shoes. Mine mostly stay on the shelf in the closet. For running of course totally unsuitable.
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Mrki8. 01. 2025 14:54:35
From zokipoki's pictures you can see that he describes a different boot - Dragontail TECH GTX - and not the one brett is asking about. Zokipoki's is lighter, a bit lower and has a different sole - Michelin not Vibram.
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zokipoki9. 01. 2025 18:07:31
True, the difference is in the sole...
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brett11. 01. 2025 16:30:49
Thanks for all the remarks! What would you suggest then based on my "profile" of intended use? Something from La Sportiva? Oh, I want the shoe to be waterproof obligatorily - so Gore-Tex membrane etc.
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Mrki11. 01. 2025 16:47:37
Shoe selection is very subjective. Something suits one person, something completely different another. I swear by La Sportiva, but don't impose it on anyone. Lots of choice in Iglu.
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DVas13. 01. 2025 07:29:45
La Sportiva suits me best too.
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