What Are The Best Shoes For Walking/hiking

[tigerbalm]

A couple of friends of mine might have me interested in a spot of walking they walk up to 15 Kilometers every other day, but the problem is shoes.

They don't seem to last long especially lately in this heat it seems to be effecting the glue.

I know there a re many walkers in CM and was just interested to know what shoes, boots, trainers you wear and why?

And where do you guys and girls buy them from.

Thanks for your time

TB

[realthaideal]

YOu actually might be needing running shoes !

[gotlost]

YOu actually might be needing running shoes !

You bet me to it in a time like this and only wants walking shoes.

[Atmos]

YOu actually might be needing running shoes !

You bet me to it in a time like this and only wants walking shoes.

Best . . . I've been doing triathlons since 88, harriers (cross country running) too. I am no expert but I suppose reasonable experience.

It comes down to the foot and the shoe - I have on numerous occasions won vouchers for a specific brand of shoe and found they did not have one that suited my feet. Too narrow or too wide across the toe, not fitting right across the heel . . . and so on, yes it is like the Three Bears and the porridge situation.

A few years back I went to a foot specialist after recurring ankle problems; money well spent. After a few trials I settled on Brooks as being the right one for me, and have stayed with the same model ever since (they may change colour, but fit has been consistent fortunately), they also made a trail-running version of the same shoe I use for off road running and longer walks . . . I have a beaut pair of New Balance I won, I'll wear them as casuals but never run in them. For you - they may be perfect.

So . . . you need to get away from 'brand' and focus more on fit.

Re durability, I've found Brooks to be practically indestructible, best I've had in that respect.

[tigerbalm]

YOu actually might be needing running shoes !

You bet me to it in a time like this and only wants walking shoes.

Best . . . I've been doing triathlons since 88, harriers (cross country running) too. I am no expert but I suppose reasonable experience.

It comes down to the foot and the shoe - I have on numerous occasions won vouchers for a specific brand of shoe and found they did not have one that suited my feet. Too narrow or too wide across the toe, not fitting right across the heel . . . and so on, yes it is like the Three Bears and the porridge situation.

A few years back I went to a foot specialist after recurring ankle problems; money well spent. After a few trials I settled on Brooks as being the right one for me, and have stayed with the same model ever since (they may change colour, but fit has been consistent fortunately), they also made a trail-running version of the same shoe I use for off road running and longer walks . . . I have a beaut pair of New Balance I won, I'll wear them as casuals but never run in them. For you - they may be perfect.

So . . . you need to get away from 'brand' and focus more on fit.

Re durability, I've found Brooks to be practically indestructible, best I've had in that respect.

Thanks for the reply

Can you get Brookes in CM? The problem with my feet is that they are wide.

[tigerbalm]

YOu actually might be needing running shoes !

LOL it is funny you should say that i did initially think of that when i was putting the post together.

[tigerbalm]

YOu actually might be needing running shoes !

You bet me to it in a time like this and only wants walking shoes.

i only plan to walk around the Doi Saket area not many Government buildings or Bridges or Malls, as long as i stay away from the Bangkok Bank in Doi Saket i should be ok

[Atmos]

I wear Brooks 'Adrenaline'' they suit me as have a wide front foot and narrowish heel. Good ankle support that has not weakened with age, have had other shoes that were maybe just as good short-term but lost that rigidity around the heel area. Mine have been wet so many times - river crossings, mud, beach running, very happy with them.

I can't say re Chiang Mai shops, but I did see them in a general sports store in Phuket, not a shoe store, so they are definitely available here.

I could say they're 'bullet-proof' but no . . .

[klfopera]

I bought Findig hiking boots (in Phuket) before I did some extensive hiking in mountainous regions of namibia. I found them extremely comfortable and durable. And well priced (about US$45). Do you have a findig shop In CNX?

[kevozman1]

Nike air max. Cost between £60 - £100 but for that you

get comfort, style and bounce in your step.

[rodcourt49]

Nike air max. Cost between £60 - £100 but for that you

get comfort, style and bounce in your step.

..able to leap burning buildings in a single bound..

[losworld]

Given the current state in Tland I'd get some rocket shoes.

[Gladiator]

Regarding the comment concerning the shoes not lasting long due the glue being affected by the heat -

I have had the same problem with some good quality formal shoes that I brought out from the U.K.

I guess that the only solution would be to buy some good quality stitched shoes. Any suggestions where to find them in Chiang Mai?

Thanks in advance.

[tigerbalm]

I bought Findig hiking boots (in Phuket) before I did some extensive hiking in mountainous regions of namibia. I found them extremely comfortable and durable. And well priced (about US$45). Do you have a findig shop In CNX?

I realy am unsure about Chiang mai having a Findig shop hopefully some one on here may be able to answer this question.

Interesting you mention hiking boot which i presume are leather, and if boots then would i imagine give the ankles some support if going off road so to speak.

[whiterussian]

Doc Martins!

get rather hot, but the best shoes I have ever had.

5000 at central airport plaza and lifetime guarantee... sole replacement

http://www.drmartens.com/ProductList.asp?S...ns&type=All

or my last pair of cross trainers lasted 4 years, worn pretty much every day toughest shoes I have ever had - even used them for hill walking/ paragliding in the UK for a year (impact stress is massive on landing):

Merrell

had to bin them when a neighbourhood cat urinated in them one night.

Edited May 20, 2010 by whiterussian

[tigerbalm]

Doc Martins!

get rather hot, but the best shoes I have ever had.

5000 at central airport plaza and lifetime guarantee... sole replacement

http://www.drmartens.com/ProductList.asp?S...ns&type=All

or my last pair of cross trainers lasted 4 years, worn pretty much every day toughest shoes I have ever had - even used them for hill walking/ paragliding in the UK for a year (impact stress is massive on landing):

Merrell

had to bin them when a neighbourhood cat urinated in them one night.

[/quote

Those merrell's look good i suppose they were purchased in the UK, as far as the cat peeing in them , i would have put them in the washing machine like i use to back home when they got a bit smelly.

The DM's you had could you if possible tell me which ones in the Picture (Link) you had.

[noise]

Thanks for the reply

Can you get Brookes in CM? The problem with my feet is that they are wide.

I, too, find a running shoes have the best flexibility and give me the best cushioning for all types of activities (other than court sports), from 1-2 hr gym work outs to day long walking and trips. Plus, they are cooler for long term wear. I got some cross trainers (same brand) and they have stiffer soles and do not breath as well.

I, too, have wide feet. And the only brand I can find that will give me the width is New Balance with their 2E and 4E widths. I have seen NB at the Sport Mart in Kad Suan Kaew. Some NB models will be wide enough in 2E, others have to be 4E.

However, I also need a size 13 and have yet to find one in Chiangmai ins size 2E or 4E. I have to have friends bring them from the U.S. If you have a shorter foot, you may be able to find your size.

Sadly, as you said, they only seem to last about a year and then all they are good for is mucking around in the yard. But mine wear out the cushioning first and then the material; the glue does not seem to be the problem. But then I am big and heavy, so I "work" the cushioning quite a bit.

The only ones where the glue failed were during year 3 after a year plus of working in the yard with them (even though I could feel they were not giving me the cushioning and support anymore).

Having said this, you got some other good recommendations and I am going to look some more.

The Merrells in the picture look promising, but they have next to no heel and I need a decent heel with lots of cushion.

[Soulwy]

I bought Findig hiking boots (in Phuket) before I did some extensive hiking in mountainous regions of namibia. I found them extremely comfortable and durable. And well priced (about US$45). Do you have a findig shop In CNX?

I realy am unsure about Chiang mai having a Findig shop hopefully some one on here may be able to answer this question.

Interesting you mention hiking boot which i presume are leather, and if boots then would i imagine give the ankles some support if going off road so to speak.

There is one at Airport Plaza. 1st of 2nd floor (1 floor higher than McDumpnald)

[Donnyboy]

imo, it really depends on what walk or hike yr intending to do

some may consider a walk along a paved roadside, for others, it could be a mountain trails

[Pikey]

Apart from the one in Aoirport Plaza there's also a Findig dealer on the ground floor of Kad Suan Kaew called "Udom Ogg" (sp?).

I've got a pair of high back Merrells that I've had for maybe 8 years and they are still going strong. They have a Goretex liner which comes in handy in wet conditions. I've also been a big fan of Doc Martens since I was a kid and my current pair (8 hole steel toecaps) are 10 years old and in great condition.

Cheers,

Pikey.

[vagabond48]

I just bought a pair of Merrell shoes in the basement of Airport Plaza. Thy were 50% off the price. Of course that is assuming the original price was not jacked up. When I was in the super sports at Central department store, a sales woman was kind enough to tell me about this sale. They also have some other brands as well. I wear a size 10 and found very few models in my size but if you wear 11 or 9 or under, there are more to choose from.

[vagabond48]

I just bought a pair of Merrell sports shoes in the basement of Airport Plaza. Thy were 50% off the price. Of course that is assuming the original price was not jacked up. When I was in the super sports at Central department store, a sales woman was kind enough to tell me about this sale. They also have some other brands as well. I wear a size 10 and found very few models in my size but if you wear 11 or 9 or under, there are more to choose from.