Looking for Answers about Footwear?

ive done many gut buster trail runs..trail shoes will be fine...hiking shoes would be too heavy.
happy trails
shelagh

I would suggest the Salomon XT Wings, they're a gore-tex trail runner. Not too heavy, durable, good support on the trails and I've used them on many hikes. Even found they were sturdy enough to strap crampons onto.

If you have wide feet, Keen is the only way to go.

You will have to compromise somewhere:

weight/support/durability/waterproof/price

Anything super lightweight usually comprimises some durability and maybe support.

Waterproof often means it will be a bit more expensive and/or less breathable.

When I travel, and space/weight is limited, I usually go with a light day-hiker with ankle support with light foam (not heavy, but supportive polyurethane) midsole. I also pack a pair of flippy-floppies for beach days.

The ankle high dayhikers are a little overkill for trail -running, but I appreciate the extra stability on the ankles.

Best of luck, have a great trip

Depends on the depth of the water . Once the water reaches the tongue of a lot of boots they leak. Look for boots with a waterproof one piece fully stitched in tongue and gortex lined between the inner and outer layer of the boot material and a welded 1"-1/14" rubber rand around the bottom where the boot material meets the sole. My personal experience is that leather boots( Gortex inner lining) provide the best support, comfort and waterproofing.Gators that slip over your boots are a definete help when crossing occasional creeks/rivers and can easily be removed ones you've crossed the water.

Any type of amphibious sandal ex. Keen Newport H2 will work well. Hang them on your pack to dry and then wear them around camp.

Good day hikers like the Kootenay and Grinnell will be most servicable when they are carefully waterproofed with a beeswax (my preference), or mink oil product. Because of the full bellows to the tongue your feet will remain dry until water comes in over the top of the cuff.
Always ensure your boots are well broken-in, at least 40 hours of casual wear in town shopping before you take them out for a hike. My Raichle Kootenays remained dry inside from several creek crossings on rocks submerged until we stood knee-deep in a meadow swamped with water during scrambles after severe thunder storms. Wrung-out my socks and kept hiking out for 7 hours with full 80 lb pack. The Grinnells are not made in my size but they should be a first choice.

Try Techphibians. Good traction when wet. Light and dry quickly.

A roomy one. Layering is the answer when it comes to feet, just like the rest of you. We've hiked in the Territories in pretty brutal temperatures, and found that what's inside the footwear is the most important thing:

-cotton to absorb water;

-thick 100% wool socks for insulation, even when damp;

-a thick wool insole, to minimize ground-based heat loss.

When it comes to the actual footwear, just make sure it's fairly high, has fur or a drawstring at the top to prevent snow intrusion, is comfortable, and has plenty of space inside. Take all of your layers with you when you go shopping!

Remember, your feet generate a lot of heat in an enclosed space, and often are the warmest part of your body. Look after moisture, and insulate to preserve heat loss, and your problems are minimal.

I wore the "Scarpa Kailash GORE-TEX Day Hiking Boots (Men's)" on a 30km hike this weekend. My feet stayed absolutely dry (use gaitors too) and warm for the most part, but the key is to have good thick breathable socks as well. Make sure you try the boot on with some thick socks. My feet were warm almost all day except for the summit where temperatures got to -40 in the windchill. I would highly recommend these boots, but be sure to use good socks (smartwool are great). next time I will try layering my socks with a thin merino pair underneath some very thick smartwools.

Merrell Thermo Arc 8 WTPF Winter Boots (Women's)

I'd suggest that just about any shoe or boot would be fine at -4, but focus instead on socks. Something breathable that will wick away foot sweat and provide good insulation. Also focus on the other end of your body and cover your noggin with a toque to keep the heat-in. Does wonders for keeping your feet warm.

I've been using 1/4" hex-head sheet metal screws for years...just screw them directly into the lugs on the toe and heel of your boots. I use 3 in front and 4 in back for boots and running shoes, and they can be easily replaced every year! Hope this helps.

Microspikes are great as a mini-crampon but they're not meant for sidewalks. I use them on snowy/icy bush trails and on the Ice Walks at Maligne Canyon. On an icy sidewalk, though, they'll just roll around, since the spikes need something softer to dig into.
YakTrax are fine for slippery sidewalks. Just be aware that the springs have a tendency to come unwound, and the soft rubber centres can break. Either makes them useless.
Believe it or not, the cheap 'Stabilicers' work pretty well on the city streets. Two downsides - they rust, and they can slingshot off your feet like a rubber band. Tie a shoelace across the top to stop from losing them when they peel off and wipe the water off when you're done.

I would recommend the Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction Device but all three models MEC sells will do a good job.

Hi Catherine; I just finished a review of the ice cleat traction device available from MEC. My review is all about me being pregnant last winter. These ice cleats are a MUST! I live in Inuvik, Northwest Territories where everything is ice, and I could RUN on the streets with the ice cleats on my boots. Now that the baby is here, I continue to wear them while carrying her so we don't fall. Definitely get them and you won't regret it! -A. Osmond (NWT).

The Oboz Yellowstone is hard to beat. It's lightweight, takes very little break-in and provides good support and traction. It's not too much for day hikes yet it can handle 30-40 lbs on longer trips. The uppers are mostly one piece so there aren't many seems. Well priced to for what you get.

If you definitely want waterproof, have a gander at the Salomon Quest (5018-010). It has a higher ankle to help prevent filling it with water in a deceptively deep puddle, and is a little cooler and more flexible than most heavy hiking boots. The Vasque Breeze (5002-858) is another reasonably breathable option with a stiffer sole, and for something lighter weight the Salomon Fastpacker (5016-710) would work well as long as you keep your feet out of the streams.

There are a lot of lightweight options, but first consider if non-waterproof-way-more-breathable-than-waterproof is actually a better choice. Waterproof boots have a tendency to hold in the heat, especially in a hot climate, but sometimes they're what's needed for the job. The right choice of socks with whatever footwear you choose can make a world of difference.
Consider the Salomon Fastpacker or Vasque Breeze if you really have to go waterproof. Both are lightweight, supportive and probably have the best breathability in their category.

I've worn day hikers with goretex in the winter for years.

MEC Killarney 2 Day Hiking Boots

Depending on how cold it is just grab some of the woolen socks that MEC sells. Do temperatures from +40 to -40 teamperature with these boots and a good socks.

Select a winter boot that does not have a removable liner. Example would be the Columbia Bugaboot Omni-Heat 5022538. This style of boot, while not quite as warm as the removable liner type, will fit more like a hiking boot. It will be less bulky and more comfortable for walking longer distances.

Come in the store or call the service centre, we will assist you and help you find the best shoe for your travels.

Best would be to go in the store and get advice from staff.

Try on any of the Salomon XA line or the Montrail shoe AT Plus. These are great multi-sport shoes that will bridge the trail runner/light hiker divide.

Merrell is the only shoe company that actively promotes their vegan shoes. Most other companies make shoes without using leather, it just takes a bit more research into how and what they are made of.

We have the Salomon XA Spare Lace Sets in stock Product #5006826. Feel free to call the Service Centre to get a set.

Try your local MEC.

Product number 5006-826. Search it online here or ask a staff member at your local store.

Generally, Italian boots are the narrowest, French are next, and German are the widest. Gronells might be good.
Keens have a very wide toe box (too wide for many people), Salomon's have a wide foot and narrower heel.
Try on a number of brands in the store then walk up and down the ramps with them. Pay special attention to the downslopes and make sure your toes aren't touching the ends.

I have wide feet, also a straight last for my fit, so I recommend Keen boots, very comfy, but expensive. Less money in USA