All the different shoes I have researched seem to have so many reviews talking about how bad they are, and that the soles fall off or the waterproofing fails. For example the Merrell MOAB 3 GTX Mid, some say they are very good, other say they are terrible. Any shoes that seem to actually be decent around the $150 price point?
Danner
Check out sierra.com
Wylie said:
Check out sierra.com
This is probably your best bet, OP. Check out sales frequently, and look for things with lasts that match your foot profile, i.e., if you have really narrow feet, consider La Sportiva/wide feet, Zamberlan. If you do have narrow feet, look into the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX and La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX. They’re both good boots that have been on sale recently.
Salomon
Been wearing Merrells since the first time I wore a pair. Tossed my Redwings in the bin and swapped.
I wear Keen Targee boots. I have had minor issues with the tread coming loose after a year or so, but I stick it back on with some shoe goo and downgrade them from hiking to yard wear.
I’m team trail runner and like the Altra Lone Peaks (although I’m still in v6). Besides a true winter boot I don’t like Gore-Tex as my feet will sweat too much. I’d suggest going to a store and trying on the popular options. I will say that I went with a friend to look for new boots and he settled on the Moabs despite trying hard to prefer any other option.
Check out Lems boots. Their Boulder Boot is simple, waterproof, and extremely durable. I’ve tried every kind of boot on the market and have dozens in my closet. The Lems are never with those boots, I wear them everywhere. Lemsshoes.com
I just bought the Oboz Katabic mids. They’re very comfortable and on sale at various places right now. Shouldn’t have to pay full price point since we’re mid-season, but you might have trouble finding your size/color combo. I spent $130 to include express shipping from Backcountry to make sure they arrived in time for my trip, but regular shipping and $100 will get you a good shoe.
I’ve put my La Sportiva trail runners through the paces for about 5 years and have never had an issue!
Altra Lone Peaks
I have 2 pair of Merrells. They’ve lasted years so far. Vibram soles too.
Pace said:
I have 2 pair of Merrells. They’ve lasted years so far. Vibram soles too.
I heard older Merrells were good but the new ones like the MOAB 3 not so much. Do you have experience with the latest ones?
@Adler
I do not. Sorry.
@Adler
That is the case, unfortunately. The old ones were really good for the price. The new ones aren’t.
Altra Lone Peaks. Trail runners are way more comfortable. Waterproofing will just make your feet sweat and is only really necessary if you’re hiking in snow.