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Backpacking Shoes

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  • 19-08-2008 3:36pm
    #1
    bazpaul
    Closed Accounts Posts: 64 ✭✭


    Folks,

    I will be travelling to SE Asia for 2 months at the end of the year and am looking for the ultimate twalking/hiking shoe. Needs to be waterproof, breathable, light and durable. i have been looking online, but there is so much choice. I like the look off ECCO, Timberland and Vasque....does anyone have any suggestions???

    I have experienced so many sh!t shoes when travelling that i have decided to go all out and spend money on a great pair!!


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    #2
    jank
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 13,018 ✭✭✭✭jank


    I am going to SE Asia next month for 3 months and have thought about this too.
    I have bought a pair of North Face Hedghog's for 110 euro

    http://www2.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=EU&model=AX4R&language=en
    I broke them in when i was climbing the Galtee's and Mangerton.
    They are great. Light, waterproof, dont make me blister.


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    #3
    bazpaul
    Closed Accounts Posts: 64 ✭✭bazpaul


    Nice they look good. did you buy them in dublin?? I can go into the North Face shop and request they get these in right???

    I was also looking at timberland, imnot sure if they have a great rep for hiking shoes....but to me a beginner, these look good:

    http://www.shoebuy.com/timberland-hypertrail-low-gore-tex-xcr-membrane/267146/568002


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    #4
    bazpaul
    Closed Accounts Posts: 64 ✭✭bazpaul


    i wonder is it cheaper....to rty the shoes in the shop here, but buy them online in an english store???


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    #5
    Evil Phil
    Registered Users Posts: 7,468 ✭✭✭Evil Phil


    Where ever you buy them I would suggest going to Great Outdoors and getting them fitted properly. I would also avoid timberland for hiking boots - they're more a fashion than useable outdoors. Go for recognised outdoor brand names in recognised outdoor shops and you won't go wrong. Ecco I would be doubtful off (although I could be wrong) and timberland may look good down on a dance floor but that's about it.

    I can't comment on vasque as I've never heard of them.


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    #6
    bazpaul
    Closed Accounts Posts: 64 ✭✭bazpaul


    Alright...yeh i had a feeling Timberlands might be more of a fashion accessory!! Theres a few Ecco shops around dublin i was gonna look at!

    When you say 'get them fitted' in great outdoors, does that mean you can buy shoes elsewhere and bring them in there. i was in great outdoors last week and their selction was limited and mainly consisted of Hi-Tek which i wouldnt trust myself!

    Can you order in alot of different shoes to Great Outdoors???

    What about New-Balance.....are they any use??

    I was looking at these Keens, they lok great from reviews i have read:

    http://www.rei.com/product/772933


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    #7
    Evil Phil
    Registered Users Posts: 7,468 ✭✭✭Evil Phil


    What GO will do is custom fit a pair of boots to fit you feet. They will order stuff in for you if you want them too and if you're a member of the MCI they'll give you a 10% discount. I find that with the discount they can compete with online prices (but I mostly buy climbing gear from them). I also like to support local enterprise and if I am paying a few quid more I also get the advantage of gettting to physically see my goods before I buy them.

    You could go into them and discuss your requirements with them, they're very helpful for such things.


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    #8
    Evil Phil
    Registered Users Posts: 7,468 ✭✭✭Evil Phil


    Keen do good sandles too by the way, I can recommend them.


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    #9
    jank
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 13,018 ✭✭✭✭jank


    I bought mine in mahers outdoors in cork. TBH i wouldnt skim on your shoes. You will be wearing them days on end. THey have to be right and its worth paying a bit extra for them

    Also they didnt have my size so they ordered in a 8 1/2 specially for me so its worth the extra few euro. Anyway you wont save that much buying online with these shoes as far as i can see.


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    #10
    BeardyGit
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,946 ✭✭✭BeardyGit


    Evil Phil wrote: »
    .....I also like to support local enterprise and if I am paying a few quid more I also get the advantage of gettting to physically see my goods before I buy them.

    You could go into them and discuss your requirements with them, they're very helpful for such things.

    You'll also know you're buying from a retailer that spends a lot of time and money supporting the local mountain rescue team too - see www.dwmrt.ie for more info.

    The lads/lasses in there are spot on when it comes to sizing and advising on a purchase. Most are keen travellers or outdoors-people themselves, so they'll usually know what they're talking to you about, or will go get someone who knows the kit/activity if it's not their own forté.

    Gil


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