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[MikeD]

Hi Guys,

My last pair of 'mountain' boots are dead.

Im looking to buy a pair this week, I think I'll give the trainer rather then boot thing a go.  Can anyone recommend me a decent pair they've actually tried? 

Thanks
Mike

ps And I am looking to buy a decent walking pole \ basher pole for my tarp - and recommendations here appreciated too.

[chris]

go try some on, best shoe is the one that fits! I had Inov-8's and loved them. Less cushioning than a normal shoe so you get a better feel for the ground. other than that meindl are very good and so are merrell. the only real decision  you have to make is g-tex lined or not.
As for walking poles leki are the market leaders and supposed to be the best.

[MikeD]

good stuff, hopefully i'll get out to buy them tomorrow or friday, just need to be a little informed, so thanks Chris.

[Bic]

Fiizan Compact Trekking poles....just bought these pair of Poles from Tiso,s, have included a link to a review, can,t fault them for the money, took them for a walk Sunday last... light and easy to walk with ..... haven,t used them with a tarp setup with the exception of setting Tarp up in the back garden, again solid can,t fault them......anyhow good hunting.... heres the link:     http://www.petesy.co.uk/fizan-compact-ultralite-trekking-poles/

[suspectmonkey]

If your looking to try on Inov-8 then both Jackson Sports and Up & Running in Belfast keep a good stock.  I was surprised with the amount of trail running shoes Up & Running kept as I assumed they would all be geared towards pounding the miles on tarmac!

Mind you, the price of Inov-8's seem to have gone up.  When I looked at them earlier in the year they seemed to be going for around £60-65, but now they all seem to be around the £70-75 mark for the same shoes.  I know its not much, but I do often wonder how what are essentially a pair of trainers can cost nearly the same amount as a pair of Goretex boots.

As for walking poles, I honestly can't fault the Trekmates pair I've got.  I dont know if I would fancy using a more expensive walking pole for pitching a tarp with, as they do seem to get a bit of a hard time if its windy.  If I was looking to blow some money on a good pair though then the Black Diamonds look the ticket and I prefer the trigger/flick lock system to a screw lock. 

[MG1]

I use the salomon speedcross 2 trail shoes the grip on them is first class and very comfortable.

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/salomon-speed-cross-2-187038?src=google

[paulocon]

Another vote here for Inov-8's. I regularly use them for hill walking as well as for running and find them great.

Obviously, the terrain is a big consideration - happily use the Inov-8's in the Mournes but if heading for the big lumps of mud that are the Wicklow Mountains, I leave them at home.

The other boot I've used recently is Meindl Respond XCR, billed as a multi-terrain shoe and it does exactly what it says on the tin!

One thing about the Inov-8's is that you need to break them in - tend to be tough on the ankles initially and you are using different muscles that with convential boots..

[Matthew]

I use the salomon speedcross 2 trail shoes the grip on them is first class and very comfortable.

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/salomon-speed-cross-2-187038?src=google

i could not agree more, i have them in the fetching green and thay are great

[brendanmcc]

Can't comment on trail shoes as a dodgy ankle would prohibit any attempt to walk in anything but a boot.

Regarding poles- avoid craghoppers!

I bought them in a deal in cotswold (£30 for 2) and broke the strap off 1 on my first outing and and again on the replacement on my second outing.  (which happened to be the MMM- not very convenient!).

Fair enough I gave them a fair bit of abuse over the 2 hikes but nothing that I wouldn't have expected them to cope with.
Lost all 3 rubber ends off the 3 poles I used as well.

It seems that you pretty much get what you pay for with walking poles.#

I'll be trying t get a refund for my poles and replacing with 1 Leki in the mean time.

[MikeD]

Thanks guys, I'm wondering if the salomon speedcross 2 trail shoes are waterproof, or whether im expecting too much to expect trail shoes to be waterproof ?

[MikeD]

Lots of the shoes mentioned are on ebay too - which is handy....

[suspectmonkey]

Thanks guys, I'm wondering if the salomon speedcross 2 trail shoes are waterproof, or whether im expecting too much to expect trail shoes to be waterproof ?

From what I've heard, waterproof trail shoes aren't the way to go.  Its basically accepted that when you wear trail shoes there is a good chance you're feet will get wet.  If you have waterproof lined trail shoes then you will have a job getting them dried out again.  Non-waterproof shoes don't have that problem as the water can easily escape, and as they are much more breathable then they dry quicker.  Thats the theory anyway

[MikeD]

Right Suspect, I see, can't help but think, its a bad idea to have non-waterproof shoes.

My boots started leaking, and there is nothing worse then walking through grass (just grass) and getting wet feet for the rest of the day, most depressing in fact.

[chris]

Suspect is right. Shoes with a membrane (gtex, event, Omni-tech etc) work well in theory i.e they keep water out. Problem is they also keep water in!
If you go down the trail shoes route then you need to get into the fast and light mindset. I found the best combo is trail shoes and as thin a sock as you can find. That way when you do get your feet wet, your own body heat pretty much dries them out. Once you get used to wearing them combined with a bit of careful foot work to avoid obvious wet bits you'll be sorted.

[MikeD]

cant help but chuckle, but it sounds like a plan! Light running shoes, thin socks, is nothing sacred !
As long as I have someone to blame, I,ll do it!

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