Looking for Hiking Boots

What do you use at home?

Although I've not done the ones you listed, I've done a couple of very easy trails in the Lauterbrunnen area - Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg (a couple of times) and one from Almendhubel down to Muerren. I hike in low cut hikers here at home and that was more than sufficient for those trails. We did get off the paved trail and cut down on what I would call a "regular" trail here at home, lol but still it was clear and well-trodden.

I'm 72 and have transitioned to a zero drop platform. I use Altra brand for boots and shoes. My go-to shoes for touring in Europe are Altra Lone Peak low cuts. I have their hiking boots which started out being waterproof but after a few years there was some leakage around the seam between the vamp and the sole so just use them when it's dry.

To me, everyone's feet are different and have different needs. I want a wide toe box as I wear a product called CorrectToes to prevent plantar fasciitis plus a Pedag metatarsal pad. Others would not need or want either of those items.

Do you need a backpack or will a day pack do?

My husband has wide feet and absolutely loves Merrill. He now even wears them to work!

Do you have an REI or other outdoor store near you?

You really need to try hiking boots on and break them in before your trip. A specialty store like REI can help guide you through the choices. There are many good brands of hiking boots, but you need to find ones that are comfortable for you. My hiking boots are made by Vasque and since I only do day hikes, I prefer the lightweight boots; I tried some other brands but they did not work for my feet (average width but narrow heel). There are many other well known brands (e.g., Merrell, Lowa, Asolo) and they all have their fans.

I'd accept some recommendations here but I'd never buy boots or shoes for "hiking" without thorough research and real world trials. Do you want waterproof, zero drop, room for orthotics, low- or high-cut, leather, synthetic, and what's your budget? And how many hard miles on similar terrain are you planning to put on them before you go to Europe?

As others have mentioned, footwear is very unique to each person. Having said that, do you really need a hiking boot? In a previous thread you mention "no heavy hiking/trekking". So maybe a hiking shoe would be sufficient? Other than the brands already mentioned you could consider Oboz and Keen.

Again assuming you are not doing strenuous/technical hiking, for poles I would get the cheapest collapsible ones available. Collapsible only because I assume you would want to pack them in your luggage. Alternatively, just buy a cheap pair when you arrive. For backpacks, I'm assuming you mean a daypack. Good brands include Osprey, REI, Eddie Bauer, LL Bean, Gregory, Cotopaxi. Alot depends on how much you intend to carry. If it's snacks a light jacket and a water bottle something pretty simple is fine.

My husband recently bought a pair of Slovakian made Lowa boots. They survived pretty demanding conditions in the Italian Alps. They are not the cheapest, but are well worth the slight premium. I don't recommend brands that don't specialize in footwear. There are many online stores that offer sales from time to time. Try them on extensively at home in late afternoons or in evenings, when your feet expand. Also, wear hiking socks that you will wear while in Europe.

I love my hiking poles made in Austria. I bought them on clearance from sierra.com off-season.

For backpacks, it depends on the size you desire. I like featherweight ones and use packable daypacks from Eagle Creek. However, many people opt for bigger ones that have a chest strap and/or waist strap.

In addition, I love hiking pants that have multiple zipper pockets--again, they aren't cheap, but so worth it. Make sure they aren't made of cotton. There are some outdoor clothing vendors offering sales of 2021 models. In fact, I just bought four pairs of pants from Steep and Cheap (the outlet of Backcountry) to try on. I will likely keep one to two pairs. Finally, a good wind and water-proof (or resistant) jacket with lots of pockets are a must.
Bring with you good hats for sun and perhaps another set of beanies for warmth.

I'll "jump in," with what I worked for me last year in Switzerland. I had 2 pairs of low-cut waterproof shoes for hiking, that weren't too clunky looking. One was Merrill Trail Runners bought at REI. The Merrill look like athletic street shoes, but the soles make them better for hiking on trails than other athletic shoes.
My second pair was Salomon which I also bought at REI last year (https://www.zappos.com/p/salomon-outline-gtx-trellis-navy-blazer-guacamole/product/9065013/color/758330), but these were heavier and little more clunky looking. We are very informal, so those shoes were also worn when not on the trails. My feet are wide, so I usually re-lace before wearing them for the first time, to accommodate my wider foot; I have also “skipped” eyelets if necessary.
I am "older than Pam," and Altras do not work for me because of the "zero drop." Several years ago, I took the same Altras as Pam to Europe and developed problems with my achilles tendon, after walking on cobblestones. My PT later told me that a shoe with a slight heel/lift was easier on tendons as we age. I would suggest going to your local REI and trying on shoes there.
Trekking Poles: I have very lightweight Leki carbon poles which fold to about 15" so they were able to go into my Eagle Creek packable backpack. I've had them for several years, which I also bought at REI.
Backpack: For the hikes you are thinking of doing, any daypack would do. We mostly carried water, snacks, jacket, and a few other essentials. Our hikes in Switzerland were mainly 2-5 miles in length.
We're heading back to Switzerland again this year, and I plan once again taking those two pairs of shoes, as well as my trekking poles.

Wow... so many responses so soon :-)
Well, this will be the first time I am shopping for hiking boots. I do hear the brand names like Salomon, Merrel and Keen. I was looking for something like the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots. Yes, we do have a REI store nearby. But the issue is that hiking boots for my size (10W) are not available in-store. I do have Plantar Fasciitis too. When i searched rei.com, it showed me only these 3 brands for waterproof boots. Hiking Shoes are available in a few other brands too. Currently, I use Orthofeet shoes for walking on paved sidewalks in a park.

The nice thing about REI is you can return them for any reason. So, you can buy them, hike in them, and return them if they turn out to be the wrong choice (pain or other issues). Perhaps you can order several pair to be delivered to the store and then go in and try on...

Again, I've not done the trails you specify but that looks like a lot of boot. Are you thinking your Orthofeet won't be sturdy enough for the trails you've targeted?

I totally understand about not being able to find my size locally. I wear a Women's 11 and most stores only stock up to a 10. I usually buy on Zappos which as easy returns but I didn't see a size 10W on that style with a quick glance.

Yes, you do need to elongate your achilles with a zero drop platform. I go barefoot a lot and prior to this shoe brand was switching in/out of Kalso Earth Shoes with a negative heel so had no problem with a transition. As indicated, YMMV!

REI lets you schedule a virtual appt.
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html

If they don’t have the boots in stock in your local store, find out if they can send some to the store for you to try on. Find out about their return policy. I know that the very first time I bought a pair of boots (25+ years ago) the REI salesperson suggested I wear them around the house for a couple of days (so as not to damage the soles) and if they didn’t feel right bring them back. I ended up exchanging them for Vasque boots and now that is the brand I always buy.

Although I like to shop local, my favorite shoe store is Zappos, as Pam mentioned. Free shipping and return.
Just type in your requirement: size, width, hiking. Good luck!
Editing: I just typed in your size and W and several hiking or trail runner shoes popped up.

I have the Salomon GTX mid boots you described in wide, and they are nice boots. They are not too heavy and have good support. BUT (and this is a big but) I think their shoes run narrow in general, and the wides aren't really all that wide. I agree with others - your best bet is to try some on. If you need to order a size not found in a store, try Zappos or REI. Both have good return policies. Once you've found a shoe you think you like, wear it around the house for a few days. I have had good luck with Keen, as they have a fairly wide toe box. My husband likes his Lowa's, and they also come in wide.

In terms of hiking backpacks, we've had good luck with Osprey packs. You can try them on at REI, and they'll even fit them for your frame. We like Black Diamond or Leki poles, but are renting poles during an upcoming hiking trip to England. It was easier than having to worry about checking them. Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

Hi. I know your question pertains particularly to shoes. However, I wonder if you could post on the Switzerland forum and change the title slightly to point to your desired hiking trails? You could then ask about shoes as part of your question and perhaps find out how rigorous these trails are. Would that help you decide on the type of shoe?

I did all my hiking/walking in Switzerland in my running shoes and was very comfortable. Wear what you can comfortably walk many miles in. If you’re not used to wearing hiking boots, I’m not sure I would get them.

Keens are the brand I prefer. Wear my low cut Keen Targhees daily as I hike in nearby Griffith Park early in the morning. Expensive, durable, lightweight. Mine are a decade old and look relatively unscathed. When I head to the UK they are one of the 2 pairs of shoes I take.

Bought them at my local REI. Oh and I’m 5 years older than you.

EDIT: saw that you have plantar fasciitis. Buying and wearing my Keen Targhee shoes, eliminated mine.

I agree with everyone else that you need to find what works for you. Go to REI and try on every single boot they have. Walk around the store for as long as you can and go up and down the stairs, etc. For me, Lowa Renegades have been my hiking boot of choice for well over 20 years. They just fit me right out of the box.

My daypack is an Osprey but my backpacking pack is REI. Again, get fitted. They will put weight in the pack and adjust it to your body. Walk around and see how it feels, and see if you like the features.

I swear by hiking poles and have since my mid 30's. For me, it is the downhill that is a killer on the knees and the poles are so helpful. Also, I am a klutz, so they have saved me many times from face planting;) I use Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock, the women's version. For me, I really dislike the twist lock ones as those tend to come undone, so I stick to the flick lock style.

For boots, the most important thing you can do is to go to a good outfitting shop and get fitted by someone. Do not buy online. We go to a locally owned backpacking shop. Everyone's feet are different. And then make sure to break in your boots before your trip and make sure they work for you. Don't wait until you get to Switzerland. And figure out what socks you like. I love Point 9. And don't forget moleskin.

I'm over 65 and I love my Keen's boots. I've had Merrell's in the past.

Do you want a day pack or an overnight backpack? We love our Oyster day pack. It's lasted many years.

Our hiking poles are old, and I don't know what kind they are, but I love hiking with poles. So important!

Have a great trip! We're doing the Alps this fall, too.

We were in Switzerland last September and I hike with HOKA hiking boots…….I need the extra padding and they were great. We hiked the Mannlichen to KS trail and the trail around Murren……I am a very active 69 year old.

Sharon is correct that Salomon boots are generally narrow. Keen is a casual footwear brand and so I am not sure if their hiking boots are equally as good. I bought a pair of Lowa from Mountain Steals.

Outdoor Research is having a sale in their website. They mainly sell apparel and assessories.

My husband (who has wide feet) has those Salomon ultra 3 mid boots and loves them, but he only wears them for the longer, more strenuous hikes we do. Like 8+ miles with 3000 feet of elevation gain and loss. We are in our late 70’s and do a lot of hiking in the Alps and elsewhere.

Those Salomon’s look to me like too much boot for the hikes you are talking about. I have looked at the photos and description of the Schynige Platta Panorama trail (under 4 miles, mostly dirt trail) and the Rigi Panorama trail (described as “easy walking on a wide groomed path suitable for strollers”). You do not need a full-on hiking boot for walks like that, and I doubt you would want to wear them on the plane.

I also have Salomons but they are low-cut, bought in France after one day on the Tour du Mont Blanc with misery from my well-broken in mid Asolo boots. I went to a sports shop in the village where we spent our first night, explained the issue, bought what they recommended, and happily hiked the rest of the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit (8-12 miles a day on rough terrain) in the Salomon Alp-X low shoes. 2 of our 3 guides had the exact same shoes. They were fine for hiking longer distances on rugged, rocky terrain, so should suffice for they type of hiking you are contemplating.

Talk to the REI salesperson and be specific about the type and difficulty of the hikes you plan to do. They should be able to match up something.

Looking at the photos of the Mt Rigi trail ---
https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffsb&q=mt+rigi+panorama+trail&iax=images&ia=images&iai=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.momstotszurich.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F12%2F54a6d-rigi_startgreej.jpg%3Fx90303

it does not appear that special hiking shoes are required.

Definitely not flip-flop friendly, but not blazing a trail in wilderness

According to https://swissfamilyfun.com/rigi-panoramaweg/ the Mt. Rigi Panorama Trail is groomed gravel and dirt trail suitable for baby strollers. So I don't think you need serious backcountry boots for this. I've become a fan of Hoka shoes ever since I started having pain in a foot and my podiatrist recommended them. Pain went away, most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever owned! They sell several lines of waterproof shoes (see https://www.hoka.com/en/us/waterproof-shoes/ )

I've enjoyed reading this thread - I guess I'm really looking forward to traveling! In response to the folks who are saying the trails mentioned don't need hiking boots, I do want to mention that some people (like my husband) have foot or ankle issues that make them less stable on any unpaved ground. My husband has nerve damage and will wear his Lowa Renegades on even simple trails because he benefits from the ankle support. So people need to do what is best for them.

Aimee, great point on the packs and different body types. I am tall with long legs and a short torso, and the Ospreys fit me perfectly. :) In terms of the Salomons, all I can say is for me they run narrow. I was told by REI they run wide, but if you read online reviews, many disagree. My regular Keens are actually wider on my foot than my Salomon wides. So I guess it just shows that we all have different feet - that's why it is so important to try on! And I am like you - I have an odd women's size and there are very few boots available in stores to try. (Even the Keens size I wear isn't carried at REI - I had to order directly from Keen.) Ordering multiple pairs and wearing them around the house has been the best solution for me. I envy the folks with common shoe sizes who can just walk into a store and get fitted.

How about shoes/boots for this hike?
https://swissfamilyfun.com/oeschinensee-panorama-hike/

I would do that trail in my hiking shoes (not boots). I wear hiking shoes for all hiking I do even if it could be done in sneakers because I have weak ankles and like the extra support.

I have very wide feet and the only hiking shoes I have found that work are LL. Bean and New Balance (extra wide). I wore the LL. Bean ones to Italy last year and loved them but found out when I hiked later at home through wet grass that they are not waterproof at all. I then bought the New Balance ones. I had actually returned some New Balance ones I bought before my trip because I thought they might be too tight and didn't have time to break them in completely. But for some reason the ones I got the second time are enough wider that they fit fine. They are a little looser in the heel so for fit I probably prefer the LL Bean ones. I will take those to Crete this May as I am not concerned about them being waterproof. But many trails we go on at home require that we go through grass some of the time and because of heat in Florida we often go early so grass is wet.

I used to have Keens which I loved but they aren't made in wide anymore. The Solomons don't fit my feet at all. I earlier bought Merrills and took them to Greece thinking they fit fine and got blisters between my toes. I gave them to my niece who absolutely loves them. So those are good shoes if your feet aren't quite as wide as mine.

I recommend Oboz hiking shoes. They offer great support, excellent on trails yet perfect around town. Some are water proof. I was initially skeptical when the salesman recommended them because finding comfortable but functional shoes have always been difficult. I wear them regularly. They are the only shoes I take/wear on tours except for my hotel room slippers.

Sorry for a diversion....

@BethFL....if your heel is slipping, have you tried some alternate lacing techniques? I used this one for slipping heels and it really made a difference. This is not the website I initially used but it is the same technique.

https://runrepeat.com/top-10-running-shoe-lacing-techniques

OK, back to hiking boots!

Pam, thanks for the tutorial link. Instinctively, I’ve used the lacing for “wide forefoot,” without realizing it was a well-known lacing technique.

I want to add the brand name of my hiking poles: Komperdell. Their poles are made in Austria. Very good and cheaper than Germany's Leki.

Do a Google search and you'll find a sale somewhere. Make sure you don't mistakenly buy ski poles or walking poles.

"thanks for the tutorial link. Instinctively, I’ve used the lacing for “wide forefoot,” without realizing it was a well-known lacing technique."

@Carol...I've used that one too! Are you sure it's not called "Carol's lacing technique"?? lolol!!

Pam: I want to be your “kindred spirit,” but I’m afraid I love meat too much. 😂…but I really love my veggies too!!

Pam-thanks! I never thought of doing something like this! I will try it. You are queen of all things shoes! I bought the toe socks you recommended last summer and they are wonderful. It is also fun to see people's looks when they see I have mittens on my feet!

@Carol…I’ll accept an omnivore as a kindred spirit! I’d be honored!!

@Beth…I’d forgotten I went on and on about the Injinji’s. I’m glad they are working for you. And yes people laugh but it doesn’t matter if your toes are happy! I hope the lacing works. I could not believe how much difference it made. I’ve got a very wide forefoot and narrow heel.

Finally settled for Hoka One One Bondi7 Size 10 XW(Extra Wide) after trying New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11, New Balance Fresh Foam more v3, Merrell Moab Waterproof 10 W, KEEN 10W.
Merrell fit fine for my wide feet, but was hard on my heel(PF). KEEN was a bit tight.
New Balance were comparable to Hoka. Maybe next time.

You will love your HOKAS!

Trying on a show gets you out of the store with a positive start. After that, it depends. OP, first off I would discard the waterproof boot thing. Unless you are restricted to shallow puddles, they do you no good. If they do get water in, they do not drain as fast. It is a mindset. When we hike we never take off our shoes to cross a stream. If you are concerned about your feet and took the time to buy shoes you think are good for your feet, why would you wade across a stream with unknown hazards in your bare feet? Any shoe made can get wet and recover. Mine have.
Another thing about shoes and hiking, they may feel fine for short times, but what will happen after several hours? Time is a big factor, as is repetitive steepness (your heels) and your toes on the downhill. Then there are the socks you wear.
It’s a whole ball of wax. Maybe that is why hikers and runners own so many pairs of shoes.
I would say buy what is at least comfortable in the store. Do not buy anything wih the attitude of breaking them in. Today’s shoes are not like that. If it doesn’t feel comfortable at first try on, forget it. Anything that is iffy will probably manifest itself worse during wear.
Best for you is to get a shoe and make sure you walk for an extended time, or miles and see what happens. You might get through a 5k in a shoe but not the marathon.
We did the Hadrian’s Wall walk in six days, about 15 miles a day. We met hikers who had tremendous blisters, so they were walking in their sandals or socks. They swore we would get the same. We did not think so and we never did.

In my opinion, the Merrell Moab 2 is our best bargain selection for day hikers and light backpackers who usually stick to well-maintained trails. The lightweight and comfy feel of this boot at such a low price are what makes it so popular. For $145, you get good cushioning underfoot, dependable Vibram outsoles, and a waterproof membrane (a $165 upgrade to Gore-Tex is available). The Moab was updated to the "2" a few years ago, but the proven design was left untouched. A revised footbed with a higher arch, increased cushioning under the heel, and a more waterproof and durable suede top were among the notable upgrades.

the Merrell Moab 2 is our best bargain selection for day hikers and light backpackers who usually stick to well-maintained trails. The lightweight and comfy feel of this boot at such a low price are what makes it so popular.

Merrell Moab and all its varieties are probably the most well known and longest lasting style of hike footwear on the market. Each brand has its style of 'can't get rid of it because it sells too well' model, the Moab is it for Merrell. For Keen its the Targhee's, for The North Face its the Hedgehog, for Lowa its the Tempest, for Salomon its the XA Pro, for Oboz its the Bozeman. All good reputable brands, trail running brands like Hoka and Altra should also be considered as they have hikers now, best to buy from an outdoor specialty store.

Most important is getting a good fit, breaking it in or, at least getting used to walking around for several hours in them and making sure your ankle, knees and hips are ready for your trip. Too many people go on a vacation where there's 3-4 hours of constant walking and after day-2, their body is shot. Get the right shoes, get proper socks, and get your body moving so you can enjoy your vacation versus, suffering through and searching for Ibuprofen.

For backpacks, don't go too big, people have a tendency to stuff their packs completely; smaller rather than larger. Between 20-40 liters size is good for carrying your jacket, xtra socks, basic 1st aid, headlamp, camera, notes, your lunch, snacks and drinks. Osprey, Gregory, Dueter, Kelty, The North Face, Marmot, Arc'Teryx, Black Diamond, etc....all good.

Hike poles, I like the three-stage collapsible ones, much smaller and easier to pack. I like Black Diamond, Komperdell, Leki, are also good. Hike poles can be the big saviour on downhills, saves your knees/hip/back.