Looking for recommendations for hiking shoes? I wear Vessi's now. I would like a medium lightweight low top hiking shoe. Something wtth more grip and thicker sole for.cushion
Have you already read through the Shoe subforum. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes
I am a big fan of Columbia shoes. They have an Outdry model that is water resistent and very lightweight.
Thank you.
Columbia's trail and hiking shoes are excellent.
https://www.columbia.com/c/womens-hiking-boots/
But I switched to Merrell, even better, super lightweight and versatile.
Skechers have the soul!
Another vote for Merrill low cuts. New pair has been to Switzerland (hiking/walking) and France. grewat shoes, and they come in waterproof versions for those who worry about wet feet!
I think over the years the best shoes I have ever purchased have been Merrill. Trouble is they are difficult to find here. Even more difficult is the larger sizes in any shoe. Very frustrating. Merrill, always my first choice.
just to clarify.. it's Merrell, not Merrill. ;)
I want to add another vote for Merrell. My wife and I have worn their mid-ankle hiking boots from the streets of Paris to the trails of Cinque Terre with no problems. They give good ankle and arch support without added weight. You may want to consider one of their trail running shoes if you're looking for softer soles.
A quick testimonial. While in Paris last year, my wife wanted to give her feet a break from the hiking boots, so she slipped into her Sketcher lace ups. We were walking to the metro after a night cruise on the Seine when she caught a cobblestone the wrong way and twisted her ankle. We limped back to the metro. While there is no way to know for certain, we are both convinced that the lack of support in the Sketchers probably made the situation worse. She wore the Merrells the rest of the trip without further issues. Obviously, this is just one opinion. I only were Merrell when I travel internationally.
My husband and I both have Keens which we really like.
Oboz, which I learned about from Mardee on this forum.
I love the Scarpa hiking shoe. It is especially good if you have narrow feet. And it's not too expensive.
Another fan of Merrell.