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Robust Non-GTX Off-Trail Hiking Shoes !!!

Posted by on

Hi all,

I might as well try – can someone recommend SHOES (not boots, not trail runners) with a good stiff sole, robust (maybe leather) upper and no GTX lining, suitable for off-trail desert hiking?

My current Merrell shoes (forget the exact model) fail miserably in that department – cacti will puncture both the sole and the upper rather easily. I have bought and returned the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor – upper is way, way, way too flimsy for my needs. For my photography, I will often wade into cactus infested areas.

I like the looks of the Columbia but they are only sold with a GTX liner, which is not desirable in the desert.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

Posted by
82 posts

Anything that is not solid leather, and has some fabric, will likely get punctured by cacti.

Even though you do NOT want waterproof, you might want to look at the Oboz brand "Bridger Low" shoe.I cannot promise it is cactus-proof, as we don't have cacti where we live. There is no fabric (all leather upper) and has a stiffer-than-usual sole. But feet will get a bit sweaty inside by end of day.

The Oboz Sawtooth Low has a non-waterproof version, but a bit of fabric for ventilation. Only you can decide if that is still too much fabric. (It has a bit less fabric than my Merrell Moab Ventilators). Sole is not as stiff as the Bridger. I own both Oboz models.

Posted by
1078 posts

Second the above post-wore O-boz on the Camino last year and loved them, especially the wide toe-box. Would also suggest you look at Keens- Mine are all leather but not quite as stiff as the O-boz.

Posted by
2527 posts

In recent months I switched to Oboz footwear. More substantial footbed that more popular brands and manage my wide feet over miles of hiking. Happy feet.

Posted by
1259 posts

Altra shoes saved my walking life after I lost all the cushioning on the bottoms of my feet. Not for everyone so try to find a local store, take a pair for a trial walk.
Zero drop, huge toe box, tremendous cushioning, many other benefits. The Smith boots are leather, more of an office shoe but goes anywhere. the Cayd is a low cut leather boot sort of shoe.
Not for everyone so try to find them in a local store and take a pair out for a trial walk.

https://www.altrarunning.com/men/smith-boot
https://www.altrarunning.com/men/cayd

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