EastEileen

As I've mentioned here before, we're planning an extensive trip in the Southwest. As part of our trip, we'll be staying in the Carlsbad Caverns, Monument Valley and Moab areas. We aren't planning on long or strenuous hikes (heat and not in the best shape!), but want to do some of the recommended hikes as we can. Can we get away with good sneakers?

FainaAgain

For any hike shoes should be closed-toes, thick sole, and broken into. Everything else is up to you. I never wear sneakers, but this is my personal preference. I was on a Canyon tour, and most of the people were in sneakers.

suzanne

If you wear sneakers, keep in mind that if they are light-colored, they will be stained orange by the end of the trip - from all that orange dirt they have out there! This is a stain that doesn't come out (I've ruined a few pairs of white socks hiking out there).

Brooklyn_Bomber

Most of us just wear our huarache sandals.

Connie

My first time out west I wore sneakers and always felt less than sure footed. A lot of the paths are fine dust, almost like talcum powder. Going downhill felt like skiing.

Ever since I have worn hiking boots and felt so much more secure. I made my walks much more comfortable.

I like a boot that is flexible-- not the rigid boots for serious hikers.

EastEileen

Sounds like I need to do some last-minute shopping. Thanks!

Austin

Aha! You just came here for an excuse to shop. I need to try that some time.


in any event, I agree, hiking boots will be better, esp since your trip is "extensive". Have fun (Shopping and traveling...)

EastEileen

Oh, but if you only knew how much I hate shopping. Really!
Just wish I had time to order through LLBean or Lands' End.
Thanks for the responses.

JackOneill

I'd pass on boots. Instead, go for what's called "approach" shoes, or some sturdy cross trainers. Low cut is the way to go. You want a solid heel and sole, with some protection for your foot. Boots, I'm afraid, would be too much, i e too hot and too much weight, for the kind of weather you're about to walk into. Check out rei.com for some ideas. Vasque, New Balance, Salomon, Montrail, Merrill all make great shoes. merrill makes a pair called Baja Ventillators (I think) that are breathable, yet still sturdy.

Austin

Eileen, you may not want to order hiking boots thru the mail anyway. I know that many I try on hurt the back of my heel, or above the ankle. Really need to try them on and walk around in them for awhile at the store. Timberland are always comfy. You really need to make sure they fit well, or you won't do much hiking due to sore feet!

Have fun!

E

I agree with Jack O'Neill: I would go with low hikers rather than boots, unless you have very bad ankles. They're a lot like sneakers, but have thicker soles and toes and better tread. They're more comfy, and can transition better to casual restaraunts and walking around town. (However: given that you won't be hiking a lot, I think you could get away with good sneakers.)I also second Suzanne: it's very dusty out there, and the dust is orange. It will get all over your shoes, socks and cuffs, so I'd avoid white.
And, a word of general advice: it's kind of a bad idea to bring brand new shoes on a walking trip, although I do admit to having done it myself. If you must, just remember to bring a few bandaids or whatever to protect any blisters that may spring up.
Have a great time!

Connie

What Jack describes is what I had in mind. Mine are so comfortable I wear them most of the time while out west, even when not hiking.

Don't know where you live but you might do a search for a Timberland outlet store. I got mine for a steal off the back bargain wall.

Another idea is a pair of lightweight wool socks. They help prevent blisters, are very cushiony and you can get a short version that doesn't come up your leg. They will probably have them at the Timberland store.

EastEileen

Thanks again for all your ideas. I agree with ordering online -- I have very wide feet and I do have to try them on, but I hate going to the mall so much that if I had more time, I'd play the ordering and returning game until I found something I liked. I do have a Timberland not too far -- in Kittery, ME at the outlets. I'll try there. There's also an REI in our area.
I had put off getting anything for the very reason someone mentioned -- the thought of hiking boots in the July heat in southern Utah was more than I could think of, but today I got cold feet -- ha! -- and thought that I better check with those that know.
I do have Rockport ProWalkers that I always buy, but someone mentioned that the soles of sneakers may be too slippery. I have some cross-trainers that I wear to the gym and their soles have a bit more traction. I guess I can live with their turning orange, if I can't find hikers!
Thanks again.

utahtea

EastEileen,

I wear white leather Reeboks walking shoes all the time on hikes in Utah. I guess they are sneakers. They don't turn orange but my white socks do. Since you said you weren't doing any real serious hiking I bet your cross trainers will be fine.

Utahtea

EastEileen

Utahtea,
Do you find the Reebock walkers slippery as someone else mentioned?

JackOneill

There are a couple kinds of "slippery." When mud gets slippery, it almost doesn't matter what you're wearing.
I have a pair of Five-Tennies that have the "grippiest" sole of any hiking shoe I've ever worn. They're great when you're crossing streams and have to jump on boulders. They do a good job of sticking. But in wet mud they don't work (and I wore them in Hawaii down a trail, after it had rained. Whoa, Nelley.)
Bottom line: I think sneakers (even most "hiking" shoes) aren't going to provide a lot of traction in certain situations.
Most companies will describe their shoes, and what they're for, eg, some shoes are made for wet conditions; therefore, they'd be better suited for the wet boulders I described above.
But don't worry too much about your shoes.
Have fun.

ellen_griswold

Yes, you can get away with good sneakers. For seven summers, we've done short/moderate hikes and i've always worn a pair of Adidas or Nikes.

However, i'm a runner so i replace them every 3-4 months, which might make a difference with traction. I
If yours are good and sturdy, you should be fine.

Brooklyn_Bomber

Wouldn't it be hilarious if six months from now we learn that Eileen and her husband never left the parking lots at the national parks?

suzanne

If you have wide feet, I'm betting that Timberlands won't fit you. My bf and I have wide-ish feet, and when we tried on several pairs of Timberlands we both could feel how much they squished our toes from the sides. It was a bummer - because his sister worked for Timberland footwear at the time!

utahtea

To EastEileen,

I have worn my reebok walking shoes on the 3 mile round trip Delicate Arch hike in Arches National Park, the natural entranced to Carlsbad Caverns and the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls in Yosemite to name a few and I didn't have any problems.

A few years ago we bought hiking boots that I find very comfortable but then they have more cushion inside. I can't wear them anymore because they cause blisters so it's back to my reeboks. I would wear them on any hike I would do.

I don't have any problems in the real sandy areas or on the slick sandstone parts. Just be careful when there is loose sand on the slick rock or any wet areas in Carlsbad Caverns. Hiking boots don't prevent you from falling...being careful does

Utahtea