The LAST Hiking Shoe Video You'll Ever Watch

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[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Have you been able to find your "Perfect" Hiking Shoe yet? What is it??? 👇Let Us Know Down Below!👇

[@wolfeadventures]

I wish more shoe makers would make anatomically correct shoes. I don’t know anyone with pointy feet. We are limited to two makers and Altra keeps narrowing its shoes.

[@sebastianestrada4690]

For technical trails and mountains, I always feel more secure in narrower shies

[@RC-qf3mp]

There are lots of minimalist shoe brands, and minimalist hiking sandals. All wide toe box, nothing is more breathable than a sandal (except barefoot), quickest drying and zero drop.

[@CameronVirrill]

Really enjoyed this one. Dr. Brosnihan is so well spoken. Very specific and helpful comments from both of you. Thank you.

[@mattc75]

Great video! As someone who has worked on/off at a 'mom & pop' running store for 30 years and having a MSc in health science i couldnt agree more with your guest's comments. You can consider all the 'theories' you want but its multifactorial and so contextually specific that really there's rarely ever a 'golden rule'. There's often so much promotional marketing out there and pushing of the 'ultimate solution' mentality. Happy to hear such a balanced commentary which speaks to variability in each situation. Going to shops that can understand this and integrate this into their practices is a key factor in true customer service.

[@Greg_Jones]

I was a young adult, working on my feet all day, when Earth Shoes came out. They stopped my foot pain. Decades later when trail runners showed up I was drawn to the Altra because of the toebox. Zero drop, no problem! Not any more. My first several mile stroll confirmed that my aging body had changed. So I went with hiking sandals, a bit of a drop with toe room for miles. Haven't looked back.

[@fuzzybuddywizard]

Hi Greg. Great point. Aging bodies require changes in gear. I plan on trying hiking sandals.

[@fkmuiry7i]

That was a really fascinating conversation, thank you for sharing it on KZbin, I'm going over to check out the podcast now!

[@ervinslens]

This was great topic guys, fantastic upload 👏👏

[@thetrailographer]

I avoided the "trend" of Altra but tried a pair this year and have found them to suit my feet. The cushion in the lone peaks is just right for me. Adjusting to zero drop was easy.

[@nathanbailey1593]

The Goruck boots are great for backpacking. Lightweight, quick drying and super strong. I’ve been using the Jedburghs for over a year now and love them.

[@darstar217]

The thing about altras is hilarious because I got altras suggested to me by the associate at an outdoor store based on the kind of shoes I like in general. This was before I ever heard about them on KZbin. They’ve worked out great.

[@johnelbare8237]

I first heard about hiking in trail runners from Ray Jardine in his book “Trail Life” published on 2009.

[@livinglike_lisa7954]

I really enjoyed this video and the in depth conversation. It was revealing when you mentioned that you found a certain shoe/ pack/ tent whatever after trial and error. I think a video about your decision process and what you have tried and why might be helpful. I also like that packs were brought up because I have spent a ton of money trying to find a pack and I finally did but it was so expensive. I also realized that I was getting reviews from men in their 20’s and 30’s and I’m a woman on my 60’s so of course my needs were different but because I was new to backpacking that didn’t register right away because everything was new. I would encourage you to try to get to interview the wander women. They are triple crowners who are in their 50’s and 60’s. I love their channel. I think it would be a great interview. They just got back from hiking the Slovenia mountain trail. Thanks for all you do for the hiking community. I appreciate it.

[@greg.jacobs]

Altra Olympus with low profile super feet has been keeping me injury free.

[@Jc21112]

What a duo, I really liked that video!

[@user-we7xv7hf5q]

This was such a good video. Thank you for the info. ❤❤

[@dadainthip]

Awesome video (and timely for me). For a number of years, I was a Moab Vent (then Moab 2 Vent) guy. Wore out the last pair and I'm wondering if the switch to trail runners is in my near future. (and glad to see you back, Darwin!)

[@CRXluvr]

Great video!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks!

[@blazephysio]

Thanks for having me!

[@adamcauble3674]

Favorite episode of the podcast so far. Dr Blaze knows so much! She should go onto other podcasts too she's got such a wealth of info. Thanks for having her on. Learned so much!

[@russellinthebush2897]

She was just on the latest Backpacker Radio podcast, and she was also on Trail Tales Podcast. I don't know if she's been on others.

[@MeOutside]

I started out with Lone Peaks and used them for a long time. They worked great for me; the zero drop really helped with some ankle and lower back issues. Believe it or not I didn’t really have problems with durability either. I’m currently testing the waters with Speed Goats. Hokas are my daily driver for sneakers so I figured I’d try some trail runners. They’re treating me well so far. I’ve got the gore tex mid in a size bigger to accommodate thick socks for colder weather. Hokas seem to run a bit smaller so I like to size up.

[@eric55406]

I have overpronating feet and long distance hiking hurts no matter what I've found. I do have custom orthotics which help too. Thanks for this video and some ideas to keep trying to find the perfect shoes/boots. I'm planning week-long trips next year so hopefully I can dial in my footwear better before then.

[@georgecrosby2549]

This is good info. I've bought so many shoes, it seems trial and error really is the only way. I've never tried the medial heel wedges though, on my list now.

[@bobmcelroy7289]

I wear oboz boots. They work for me! Great in depth discussion, I see so much of on the interwebs! Thank you for the information!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Oboz are definitely a favorite of a lot of folks!

[@conniesjourney8985]

yep the shos and packs. started with ultras...had knee problems then bought topos...other than the blisters on back feet, best fo me fir backpacking..bob & ted had a great you tube about feet and shoes...and the backpack...on my third backpack...the first two causrd shoulder/arm injuries I have to this day. thank you blaze for your help...return policies keep the shoe box....

[@fuzzybuddywizard]

I noticed as I age, my feet require refit for shoes. What worked for me in the past, does not work for me now. Thanks for this great info! Love this format. The EVOLUTION continues! Thanks Darwin!

[@clayp520]

Saucony Peregrine is my favorite trail runner.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I used to race triathlon in their road shoes

[@peterc5167]

I’ve always used boot because in the past my hiking has been mainly in very rough mountain terrain, had found them comfortable and good for stream crossing etc. Had a brand that I used and trusted. But the first time, I’m now half way through a 2000 km hike on the camino St Jaques from Belgium to Santiago Spain. This is mainly on normal trails, including some road walking. I completed the first half with my trusted boots and am now taking a break for the winter. But I have been left with pain in my achilles tendons above my heel, particularly when walking down steps. I noticed that it is better in shoes that have a heel. I tried putting a heel wedge in some cheap hiking shoes that I have and it seemed an improvement. So I think for the second 1000km into Spain, I will switch to using a shoe. Now I’ve got 4 months to find and test a solution. Not sure where to start. Noticed that the Merrill Moab mentioned has quite a high heal drop so could be a first choice, but concerned that the back of the shoe looked quiet high might rub and pressurise the sensitive part of my achilles tendon. Is there something along the same lines which is also lower at the back? Need something that is also waterproof and breathable. On a quiet day will visit the store for advice, but you can never really be sure that they know and there is unfortunately no small family business expert nearby that I am aware of. Also I need to replace the standard insole with a custom insole which was made for me by a pedologist when I had foot problems a few years ago. Confusing, there is so much on the market.

[@vickiconrad119]

I definitely need ankle support. I have been wearing Keens. Wide toe box is necessary as well. But I'm looking for a softer more lightweight hiking boot with the support I need.

[@FreddyEnergizer]

Love it :P - I got several totally different shoes that are perfect for me ( Boots , sandals , trailrunners etc) but I switch between them depending on the type of terrain /Trail I will hike on. ►Wen hiking in Snow and high altitude Mountains Lowa Armo Pro GTX Boots - Long trail like PCT I hike in Salomon X ultra Mid Aero - In Scotland or Norway I Hike on Salomon X Ultra Mid GTX or the big lowa,s if i go on a really hard trail. - I tried Hoka , Altra Topo , Merrel and a few others those are not for me. special the low ones

[@lynetetreault3799]

Very interesting, thank you. Is there a fast way to find the video you suggest at the end: episode #32 How to really train for a hike? Can't find it 🤔 Thank you 🙂

[@chrishill146]

I went through 5 other shoe brands, and 2 additional "try them out" shoe brands before I finally found what feels great which is the Asics Trabuco Max 2.

[@stevenpeterson659]

Not a thru hiker per se but have been doing approaches, backpacks, treks etc for over 50 years. The my go to shoe for years/decades was some type of running shoe or the predecessor of Chaco's, Teva sandals. I also spent a lot of time in Birkenstocks. I now like many similar ages friends view a lot of my foot issues originated from poor choice of shoes/sandals during my younger years. And also like many of my friends now religiously use two trekking poles, and a light weight more supportive hiking boot/shoe with some ankle support. I my case I also use Naboso neuro insoles with a really thin liner socks. I think the jury is still out on the long term effect of the zero drop trail runner as the backpacking, thru hiking shoe of choice. You need to see where your feet are in 30-40 years.

[@GustoStCool]

I have to wear incredibly durable, reinforced boots. As, my fists and feet are instruments of steel justice.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

💪🔥

You have fist boots?

[@SamWize.]

I love wearing the hokas, u can get them in a wide version aswell that's what I did

[@adrianherth9497]

Topo runventure did the trick for in the past. Zero drop and not too much cushion. I like altras, too but the outsole is garbage if it gets rocky and wet

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I never had a problem with Rocky/Wet environments... it was more that the foam broke down so fast in the Altras

[@user-gu2tu3lg5r]

Thanks for the video! My only suggestion would be to introduce your guest and mention her credentials regarding footwear. Keep up the great work!

[@diipadaapa2000]

Good stuff. Having quite some foot issues currently I'm in the search for stiff forefoot shoes. Something like Speedgoat5 is really bad with flexy forefoot. Topo Terraventures I used a lot are too flexy. Rigid forefoot, wide toebox is what I currently need. Altras are all too flexible. Shoes with carbon plate are promising but not many models available, Tecton x2 for example. This summer I used Lundhags Forests, ie a bit like normal hiking boot. Heavy, but comfortable and good in the arctic Nordics, off trails mostly.

[@RC-qf3mp]

You don’t need carbon plates. The more flexible the shoe, the better for your feet and balance. But you need to watch where you’re going and strengthen your feet. Very dangerous to expect a carbon plate to protect you. Won’t protect you from slipping and falling, tripping, provoking a rattlesnake bite, etc. best protection is to pay attention.

[@diipadaapa2000]

@RC-qf3mp partly true but.. shoe choice is personal and to some extent related to where and under what load you walk. Flexible shoes are no longer an option for me. Ps. I have backpacked 20+ years on approach shoes or trail runners mainly, but as said, the flex is no longer for me.

[@D69BALLS]

Altra Lone Peak 7 killed me after 400 miles on the PCT. Currently trying the Altra Olympus 5 as I'm preparing for PCT2024.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yeah... I haven't tried the 7, but have heard some people that aren't too happy with it.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I wear a 4E wide shoes and boots, and the vast majority of shoe manufacturers who advertise "wide" shoes are just "D" width. And for those of us with wide feet EE + widths, it is extremely frustrating, even shoes with wide footboxes are still too narrow, especially when feet swell. Merrell Moab boots fit my 4E wide feet but their trail shows are still too narrow, eventhough they are advertised as the same width.

[@Johnlancaster]

For me, in the UK, it’s leather hiking boots - by Meindl. I can’t imagine walking 2000 miles in tennis shoes but my walks are 20 miles day hikes.

[@shawnr6117]

At least for now, my go to shoe is the Columbia Redmond hiker (low cut wide, non wp💦) light weight, comfortable, durable, excellent breathability.

[@LMay64]

Fantastic interview. I'm kinda one of those freaks that needs an ultra wide toe box and lots of cushion. The Altra Olympus and Topos are both slightly too narrow. I end up using a Speedgoat 5 2E width in men's, although I'm a woman. I have had mid foot fusions and pins in my toes and just get extremely foot sore. My nails are permanently damaged from microabrasions and their is no "perfect" shoe. I probably over pronate, but I need to get a gait analysis. Overpriced insoles are a necessary evil in addition to expensive shoes. I have really crappy knees and I've gone through 12 plus knee surgeries for various things like patella release, torn menisci and multiple ACL tears. Still, I love the trail and will keep searching for a shoe that gets me to the next destination.

[@sheilahenry7279]

Same. Not as bad but 3 knee surgeries & extremely high arches. I’ve had shin splints, planter fasciitis, one popped Achilles heal tendon & pains there as well as top foot tendons & stress fractures. So, expensive shoes even with inserts are not working. I wish I could find a perfect Dr to tell me what I need.

[@RC-qf3mp]

I wear only minimalist sandals and minimalist hiking shoes. I take the insoles out when I get them. Insoles don’t do anything useful if your feet adapt to minimalist shoes. No cushion, so shoes last much longer too.

[@LMay64]

@@RC-qf3mp That is an opinion. Another would be insoles are incredibly valuable for those of us who have structural defects, surgical reconstructions or are hiking in areas requiring more padding for feet that have less natural pads on our feet. You can’t make generalizations regarding minimalist footwear.

[@RC-qf3mp]

@@LMay64 I can make generalizations regarding the billions of years of evolution to design our extraordinary feet. And shoes stifle that foot health. Treat the underlying problem - poor foot development- and not the symptom. Soles, orthotics and special shoes treat symptoms. Lots of gimmicks and snake oil in the orthotics, soles and shoe industry.

[@LMay64]

@@RC-qf3mp Well, first, humans have only been evolving about 6 million years rather than billions. When feet have developed structural issues or people are born with variations, orthotics and insoles do provide relief and sometimes correction. Genetics and variations are fundamental. I have suffered serious issues as a result of injuries while serving in the military. It’s fantastic you can base all of your assumptions on your personal experience and limited knowledge. The rest of us go beyond social media experts and approach these matters with an open mind. I’m seriously glad you can hike with minimalist footwear. The same does not pertain to many others.

[@jfox71]

I wore Solomon shoes for a long time but they discontinued the specific model. I have tried altra LP, Olympus and adidas terrex. I wish the adidas were wider. I prefer the lonepeaks of what I have tried so far. I may have to check out the Topo's or Hoka's next.

[@ckmaui]

all Hawaii hikes even over lava fields in cheap rubber slippers from the drug store :) live on the mainland now and do like altra for now but have older ones and bought a few to wear out the new ones seem to not be so good though sadly not sure whats next but has to be 0 drop and WIDE toe box because that island slipper life make for wide feet :)

[@JPspinFPV]

I wore the Moab GTX for so many years. Yes, controversial, I know. I'm in the PNW and I like Gore Tex. Currently in the Merrell Speed GTX and it suits me fairly well. Not the most durable construction, though. Soles tend to separate after a while.

[@dynsolgroup]

This topic is so subjective. To me I agree that the number 1 piece of gear is shoes, then SOCKS !. How often have you had the right shoe and a loose sock. at the 10 mile mark it is...Ouch!. I personally have a narrow toe box and love my saucaony peregrines. I'm on my 5th pair and noticed they work well and longer with a good insole replacement ( again..subjective ).

[@islandquay]

Bär (Baer) Mountain comfort hiking boots 2.0. Most comfortable wide toe box, zero drop boots ever!

[@Patches85]

Oh how I wish I can find that right shoe. With a wider foot and a high arch it is very difficult to find a shoe that even fits, let along feels well on the hike.

[@imgadgetmanjim]

I have about 6 pairs of Altra’s because Ross them for $35 on clearance. I love them. I have about worn out first pair.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Dang! That's a good deal & a lot of Altras! 😂

[@imgadgetmanjim]

@@DarwinOnthetrailThey are ultra comfortable to me. I gave one pair to my son snd may buy for the other. Enjoy all your videos.

[@mariafernandaochoa3741]

Hey Darwin, out of topic but… just saw your video with Dan and heard you are afraid of heights, I am too, met my husband on the trail and now we live in the Spanish Pyrenees so.. been having a crash course into mountaineering for the last year. And I just found out! I’m afraid, for me more than heights is falling, I’m afraid of falling and been trying to work it out and would really love to hear you talk about this subject

[@ZafleTheGreat]

I'd love to hear your opinion on lems, specifically the primal pursuit. Am I the only one who thinks the shoes are amazing for trail?

[@Supes_Outdoors]

Nike Pegasus Trail Runner is the shoe for me. I have narrow feet. I’ve tried Hokas and Lone Peaks and they didn’t work for me. If you’re getting blisters you have the wrong shoe. REI is great because you can try shoes risk free if your a member. You can just take them back if they don’t work.

[@Jaime-dd4sw]

I have freakishly wide feet. As in I am a men's size 7 when in sandals and either a 9.5 or 10 in closed shoes to accommodate the width. Right now I am hiking with Lone Peak 6's in the wide sizing, but often fantasize about having more cushion under my feet. My main problem is I've yet to find something with both cushion and grip that is as wide (or wider!!) than when I currently wear. I often try various shoes in stores, but sadly they rarely have wide sizing in stock if the companies even make them, which makes it hard for me to figure out exactly what I need. But for now Lone Peak 6's in wide sizing are working. I have no clue what I am going to when I eventually wear them out though.

[@_Chris390]

Inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2 (or TerraUltra G 270 - basically the same, but the older version). Zero drop, grippy sole, not overly padded, nice wide toe box, lightweight, great quality, nice colours, look good without being garish. Don't bother with Altra nonsense. Can find them on sale for half the RRP or less. Thank me later :)

[@jimmybreeze00]

what's good waterproof hiking shoes?

[@ShortGuysBetaWorks]

Teach a person to fish... and such. 😉 Nice work.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Buy a man eat fish, he day, teach man to a lifetime.

[@WolfCat8922]

If you buy a man a fish you can feed him for one day. If you teach a man to fish you can feed him for a lifetime.

[@johneason6540]

Hello Is the lady today in Flagstaff??? I would be interested in seeing here. I will be in that area the week after Thanksgiving. Heading to the Grand Canyon north rim area. Im now in altra Olympus 5.0 and am very happy, but over six years I have been in times, lone peaks but the Olympus give me the best cushion. At 72yo, ill take all the comfort I can get, I hike weekly, over 70 hikes this year. The feet are the number one place to spend your gear money. If you can't move nothing else matters

[@tonyrc49]

Shoes / boots are tools. Have to find the right equipment for the job. Hiking on a maintained trail is going to be different hiking in the back country.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yep!

[@maple_fields]

I think the book y’all were trying to think of was “Born to Run”

[@blazephysio]

Yes! Thank you. This book is relevant all the time in my world but my brain just blanked on it lol.

[@chrisprysok7634]

Chacos. Saloman had a good boa shoe. After i killed the boa it was awsome laced.

[@paisano777]

Dude, yeah, everyone was in that Moab Vent

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Fo Sho!

[@hikerJohn]

Cuz REI was pushing them and they feel great in the store. I wore them for but they were always too tight till I learned to buy larger shows no matter what brand/type

[@jendrikwunsch1164]

Trend or not: altra lone peak forever. Also in Germany!

[@paulsmart5199]

Im in Asics, they work and they are cheap. I just wish the toe box was a little wider

[@davestennes305]

My everyday shoe was Chacros and they lasted 15 years.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😳

[@davestennes305]

@@DarwinOnthetrail Should qualify that, some gaps in those 15 years, and into hypermiling ie. using 3M 5200 (better than shoe goo) to fix weak spots and delam.

[@bernielamont825]

The problem I have with finding a shoe that fits is that when I do they come out with the next generation, then I have to start all over again. I could literally open up a shoe store with all the shoes that I have in my closet, gently used but not for me.

[@fysh1945]

I need a really wiiiiiidee shoe. Please help!!! Suggestions???

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Topo has been pretty good for me

[@Andy-Mesa]

I worked in the footwear section of a very large REI. Don't go to REI for footwear advice.

[@AnonymousWon-uu5yn]

Just get high heels and get used to them. Your body adapts.

[@socaloutdoors7355]

Altras….not popular by mistake…shoe is super durable and a dream to wear on trail. PCT terrain loves ‘em…

[@KC3YCU]

In my vision of the future of hiking, custom shoes will be 3D printed and assembled in the store. There will be no need to include extra shoes in your bounce box as every outfitter will have a shoe printer

[@jedisith3864]

What a terribly wasteful concept. Have you printed anything that is used in the elements that has lasted? Nylon carbon printed like 18 kg of stuff for work truck and shop. Only about 10% has lasted 9 months. Shoes will die so fast with any filament that can function. Leather will outlast almost anything if cared for.

[@KC3YCU]

@@jedisith3864 you assume the technology will never improve

[@williammiller7759]

Hoka speedgoat hands down best shoe out there!

[@hetane]

Why are you both on the right side of the screen and yet opposite of each other...?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

That was my bad when setting up cameras. This was filmed during an audio podcast, so the video wasn’t my original priority 😅

[@hetane]

@@DarwinOnthetrail sorry..I wrote the comment impulsively at the very beginning...but during your talk i focused on the interesting conversation.

[@johncramer9564]

Maybe it's just me, but I find the overuse of the word "like" by Dr. Morgan Brosnihan both distracting and annoying. If she said exactly the same thing but did not use the word "like" at all her message would resonate a lot more with me. And what I mean by this is when she says, "they're like... but I'm like.... so like.... and like..." and I find myself just thinking how annoying that is instead of listening to what she is actually saying. I guess this might be my pet peeve 🙂

[@davidhyde9310]

This is why EVERYONE needs custom orthotics. Unfortunately, they are quite expensive. They are NOT hard to make (and cost very little) ...so they should NOT be so expensive. I wish there was a home "kit" available to make your own. But then, the shoe industry (and podiatrists) would have a cow. If, in this fantasy, everyone could rather simply mold their own orthotics, then the shoes would only be the outer structure to contain the orthotic. The shoe itself would only provide the traction and structure...and the orthotic would be the most important bit. Alas, however, as is the case with lots of areas of life...this is only a fantasy.

[@WolfCat8922]

Columbia Newton Ridge hiking Boots are not fancy but they hold up. They are warm and dry in snow. Kept my feet dry when they went underwater crossing a stream.

[@michaelzanotto8469]

Hi, great content. I used Merrell Moab ventilator for several big walks in Europe. Only because they came in a wide fit by online order only. But still could be wider,,, . I went to lone peak 5 then 6 as they also have a wide fit (as opposed to their off the shelf models). It was your recommendation and also grizzly n bear. I haven’t looked back but rather stepped forward more comfortably. For my last walk 250km Rota Vicentina in Portugal I used Teva Universal Trail which have Vibram soles. They are excellent (for me) Michael 🦘🇦🇺

[@seflchat5915]

Pls summury