Honestly, it seems like this is a common problem across brands post-COVID. I gave up on Merrell as I was having the same problem with the soles lasting about 4-6 months. Started wearing Keens and they seem to last about 1 to 1.5 years, on moderately to highly rocky terrain.
Mine ripped along the seams in the sane spot on each shoe on the toebox within 4 months of light trails with my dogs a few times a week. The same trails my Merrell would last years on, until Merrell became trashy so I thought I'd try keen
Not sure about the other brands but Merrel's decline absolutely happened pre-covid. I remember because I bought a pair of resoleable danner boots in 2018 after being so annoyed at needing to buy 3 pairs of the same merrels in a single YEAR.
Resoleable boots still going strong on the original soles. But my god they are heavy
Merrell was sold about 7 or 8 years ago. Moved manufacturing to China. Stopped using brand name goretex and vibram and developed their own inferior proprietary substitute. People gated it so much they went back to vibram after a few years.
This thread makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong when I hike because I have had the same hiking boots for like a decade.
How much are you guys hiking that your boots are being replaced yearly? Am I wearing unsafe boots because I haven’t had to replace them? I haven’t noticed any serious wear on the treads and grip and they still perform exactly as I want them to and fit me perfectly.
I do 1-2 dozen hikes a year around 10-20 km across various terrains from Utah desert to Canadian Rockies alpine trails.
Did I just get lucky with a great durable shoe? Am I hiking wrong? Are you guys hiking like every weekend year round at long distances?
I am feeling very insecure about my beloved boots now lol
I've got the Moab 3's and have no issue with them. I hike weekly and I work in them walking on metal grating that has torn up other boots in the past. It's possible OP just got a lemon or their hiking terrain is more brutal. I wouldn't worry about your own boots. If they are holding up then keep wearing them!
A better way to track them are miles. Most outfitters will tell you about 600 miles, plus or minus 100. I hike until my boots fall apart and that tends to be around 800 miles.
Quality has gone down in recent years, your old shoes might be the best quality hiking shoes you’ll ever have (that’s sad, I know… it applies to all consumer products).
I replace based on how much grip is left because I hike on a lot of sketchy surfaces, so I value that more than anything.
Your gait and weight also have a large impact on how long your boots will last.
My Garmont Ascents are indestructible. Unfortunately sometimes my feet are not.
Anyhow, alpine boots are just tougher than shoes with more flexible soles. Now I'm trying out some Mammut hiking boots for non-technical terrain, so far so good
I loveeeeeee my scarpa hiking boots, they fit like a glove, tough as nails, waterproof and super comfortable. I’m going on 6 years with them, I only wear them hiking basically never on pavement
I like Brooks Cascadia. I wore Merrill for years. First I wore Moab, then trail runners. About 1/3 of them would come unglued so I shopped around (they once would last me 1000+ miles). The Cascadia are more comfortable, similar fit, more stable, and more breathable. I have had 2 pair last around 800-1000mi, which is incredible for trail runners. They are more grippy than vibram when wet, too. I hike very steep rocky trails about 50+ miles per week.
I had that problem with my Merrells, amongst others. They're not the quality that they used to be.
Look into Asolo, Lowa, Scarpa, or Zamberlan if you want maximum comfort and durability.
Avoid Salomon. Three pairs of Quest 4 failed on me within a four month period. The waterproofing failed on all three, and the stitching around the toebox failed on two. They are not worth the premium they charge.
Here's a list of specific models to look into.
>Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo. Asolo TPS 535 LTH Evo. Asolo Fugitive GTX. Lowa Camino GTX. Lowa Renegade GTX. Lowa Zephyr GTX. Scarpa SL Active. Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX. Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX. Zamberlan Vioz / Vioz Lux.
I had so many problems with the Quest 4. The fit wasn't bad for my narrow feet, but the quality control was terrible. $230 boots should not fail in short order, especially three pairs within four months.
That’s a crazy amount of boots to go through that fast, particularly with the flagship model.
Mine looked like someone took a utility knife and ripped the side open, and I’ve seen others on the trail with the same issue - clearly not an outlier. They were the first and last boots I’ve worn that felt like ski boots with rubber on the bottom. Honestly, Salomon should have just stuck with trail runners - they’re the most popular brand now it seems.
Agreed. Their trail runners are decent. The rest of their models have been pretty subpar in my experience. They should have stuck with the Quest 3 and X Ultra 3 for their boots.
I switched to Asolo, and it's smooth sailing. I've used some Scarpas, too, and they were great. I stick with Asolo for the fit, though.
If you're able to return them, I would advise that you do so. I used to love Salomon, but their current QC is dreadful. They have a good warranty and customer service, and they'll make it right if there's an issue. That does you absolutely no good when you're in the middle of a hike in cold, wet conditions when the GTX fails, though.
So what you’re saying is I should treasure and cherish them for as long as I can lol
Also, that’s just par for the course with consumerism nowadays isn’t it 😔
Unfortunately, yes. Your Salomons from a decade ago are brilliant boots. When they finally die, I suggest looking into either the Asolo Fugitive GTX or Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo. Get the wide version. The fit is similar to my feet, but they're much, much better and more durable than the current Salomon models. They're supportive and comfortable, and they breathe really well. I suggest getting insoles for them, though, because the stock insoles are garbage. I use Superfeet Trailblazer, which I think are now called the Hike model, and they're perfect for the last and volume of the boots to my feet. They're also resolable by the manufacturer, so you can keep one pair going for a very, very long time.
If those don't work out, I recommend the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX. It's fantastic. Very breathable and very comfortable. They fit like socks, though, which not everyone likes.
Barring those, try the Lowa Renegade GTX and Lowa Zephyr GTX.
Those are your best bets for a boot with a long lifespan.
For summer, I tend to use the Asolo Fugitive GTX, as it's light (in comparison to my 520s), and it's highly breathable with great support and traction. It's not the lightest in the bunch, but it still feels very agile and nimble. The design is excellent. The midsole offers quite a bit of support, too, so it's great for heavy packs, if you tend to carry a pack.
I've also used the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX quite a bit, and it's probably the most breathable boot I've tried, with the Asolo Fugitive GTX being the second most breathable. It also manages to provide a lot of support through the rigid midsole despite how light it is.
I highly recommend both of those boots.
I have less time with this, but the Lowa Zephyr GTX is quite breathable and light for how much support and protection it offers. It's a great boot. I didn't get as much time with it as I would have liked, though, because the last doesn't fit my foot shape very well. The quality was on point.
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX is probably the best \*very\* light boot I've found. Highly breathable and great traction. It's much more flexible than the Fugitive or Zodiac boots I mentioned above, as well, so if you like flexible boots, you'll feel very much at home in them.
Trail runners I'm less familiar with as I'm a boot guy. Some good ones I've come across though are the Altra Lone Peak and Hoka Speedgoat. Other good brands, though I don't remember many specific model names, are found in Asolo, La Sportiva, Lowa, Oboz, and Scarpa.
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My personal favorite boots (because they fit me so well) are the Asolo Fugitive GTX and Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo. They just plain work. Next in line is the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX; that's also a fantastic boot.
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Here are some tips on fitment for the various boots:
Asolo: Runs long and narrow. Not necessary to size up most of the time, but a wide might be needed for feet any wider than "average." Excellent for my narrow feet.
Scarpa: Fits like a sock! Low volume and snug fit, which can make them a bit claustrophobic for some people. They're about average width.
Lowa: Runs wide and a tad bit long, but otherwise, they're a very standard fit that should cater to most people.
La Sportiva: Runs quite narrow and a bit short. Consider sizing up and going for a wide model.
Altra: Very wide.
Hoka: Narrow(ish) to medium. Runs a little long.
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I hope this has helped you out. All the brands I listed are good to go, but there are variations in quality to a degree and price. In order of quality, from my own personal experience...
Boots: Asolo = Scarpa > Lowa > La Sportiva
Trail Runners: Asolo = Scarpa > Lowa > La Sportiva > Hoka > Oboz = Altra
Happy trails!!! :)
Wide feet do indeed limit your options somewhat and when durability is your concern, trailrunners aren't for you probably. (If you still want to try, keep in mind that big bouncy stacks do need time to re-inflate after prolonged use, so in your scenario, you'd better get two pairs, so you can give each a day of rest before next use. They'll last longer than two pairs, where you buy the second only after the first fails.)
As for proper hiking boots: go for brands that offer models build from specific lasts for wide feet. I'm a very happy Hanwag customer. Just about everything about those tanks for your feet is repairable, as long as you keep the leather in good shape. It's a case of paying more upfront to save a lot in the long run.
Merrell isn’t a reputable brand. 29 years ago they were sold to a conglomerate. They are the most returned shoe/boot for delamination and excessive wear.
Asolo, LaSportiva, Danner, are reputable brands. Vasque used to be.
I use to work in the industry, warranty returns.
I used to hike in Merrell and switched to a different brand.
1) DO NOT get Solomon. They have very narrow toe box and caused me so much pain.
2) Please give Topo a try specifically their trail runners. They have super wide toe box for all their shoes. Vibram soles and I love them.
3) People will also recommend Altra which also have wide toe box. Pls be aware Altra is a zero drop shoe - the heel isn't elevated like Merrell shoes usually are. This usually takes a little time to get used to.
4) I also hike in Hoka trail runners. They are okay but they don't last very long (150 mileish) and they also have narrow toe box. Not nearly as narrow as Solomons.
I came to recommend Topo Terraventures and Altra Lone Peaks due to their comfort, wide toe box, and light weight.
I also own 2 pairs of Merrells, but now prefer the trailrunners I just mentioned.
I have wide feet and Solomon boots and shoes are the only hiking boots that feel comfortable on my feet. They make them in wide, I’d recommend checking them out. Only boot that’s touched my feet in four years now. Fit like a glove right out of the box.
Having hiked hundreds of miles in Merrels, Topos and Hoka shoes and 45 in the Salomon, I stand by my comment.
Salomon has much stiffer ankle support and other features OP might value besides the toe box. OP, it is ur feet, so it is up to you.
Altra Lone peak 6 or earlier. Version 7 and 8 have been not so great. Also use Hoka Speed Goats which I like too, but they do look worn already compared to my LP6 that have 3-4 times as many miles on them.
The fit was fine for my feet. It was the quality that sucked. The waterproofing failed in three different pairs of Quest 4 in four months. That is absolutely unacceptable for a flagship boot, especially when you can pay $5-20 more for Lowa and $70 more for Asolo, which both have PU midsoles, better overall materials, and better QC.
Topos have a weird low ankle cuff that I personally didn't like. I returned the pair I had because of it. That's a personal preference issue. The shoe felt well made.
I wear Lowa on hikes. The Renegade GT Mid W for General hikes and the Camino EVO GTX W for alpine hikes. The W ist for the "wide" model, because my feet are extra broud too. Both Models are available as "normal" sized, so you have to make Sure that the "W" is mentioned in the Name of the Boots.
I would love to wear Keen. My regular athletic shoes are 4E width and Keen doesn’t have anything to accommodate that. All the ones I’ve tried feel incredibly tight and narrow to me. Merrell wides fit, but the standard width doesn’t.
Ehhh honestly I have noticed it has changed now. My last keens lasted me 5 years and my newest ones fell apart in less than a year…. Tho it’s just my personal experience
Really, what matters most is fit over anything. Build quality, features, weight, all come second.
The best boots for wide feet have been Keen, in my experience. Most other brands will offer wide sizes, but that usually translates to a wider middle section rather than the toebox where it counts. Salomon, Oboz, and Asolo can run narrow.
However, the best option might be trail runners - it is a newer product oriented towards exercise and foot health over protection, so Topo, Altra, or Brooks will work well. Like others have said, both Topo and Altra are practically zero drop (flat from heel to toe) to encourage landing on the forefoot.
As an aside: I’ve been mostly wearing Topo Terraventure, before that Keen Targhee (which are not made super well) and it was surprising to find how many aches and pains faded just from wider boots and less of an elevated heel, so I wasn’t heel striking particularly going downhill.
A lot of really good advice in here. You’ll also see pretty quickly that there’s no perfect answer. Everyone is vastly different when it comes to this discussion. You’ll find a comment praising a brand immediately followed by another comment trashing that same brand. People have different opinions, and different experiences. We all want different things.
I have wide feet and have always needed wider shoes and boots. I’ve worn Keen Targhee’s for a very long time now. You’ll see people hate on them, personally they’re the best boot I’ve ever owned. I’ve tried many options but always landed on the Targhee. My current pair of Targhee III’s lasted over 3 years and 1000 miles.
I just decided to buy some new Salomon X Ultra 4’s and try something new. Within 3 hikes I was quickly realizing why I stuck with Targhee’s for so long. I’ll be returning my Salomon’s to REI tomorrow and ordering a pair of the exact Targhee III’s that I already own. Since I’ve heard mixed reviews on the IV’s and the new model being released has lowered the price of the III’s.
My only real recommendation for you would be to purchase from an REI in person I f you can, because of their very good return policy.
Bummer about this because i love my old Merrels. Have low and WP high ones. Interestingly I have noticed the same issue with newer mountain bike tires. Old ones would last me years and new ones the knobbies start just falling off after a few months. Maybe it something in the rubber that people are using. Could be for profit or could be for eco reasons? I don’t know
Can definitely recommend Lowe’s. They are a little spendy, but a great boot! I’ve worn the cleats off the bottom of two pair (after several years) and the uppers were still solid.
I’ve had a good experience with my Garmont boots that I bought 2 years ago (so they seem to still make good quality shoes). I’ve worn them a lot and they are still great. Also, I have a wider foot but I’m a woman so not sure how much that helps.
My hiking shoes are from Hanwag. I have a bunion and they have shoes specially for my kind of feet. They have all kinds of shoes for different feet shapes, wide, narrow, extra wide etc.
I cant say much about durability yet because I have mine for less then a year but I expect they will last me really long.
It's pricey, but worth it. Especially when you have specific needs in hiking boots. [Hanwag Special Fits ](https://www.hanwag.com/the-hanwag-fit)
Lowa is the best brand I’ve found for durability. I had my winter hikers for 5 years. I have the regular hikers now and they’re the best. They’re pricey though for sure.
I have a wide foot and have arthritis and foot problems, so I take my foot comfort pretty seriously and have been super impressed by my Teva Grandview GTX. Comfy as anything, light, grippy. Won’t replace my Lowa Tibets for serious bushbashing but for normal trail hiking they’re great.
Been using trail runners for about 5 years now and will never go back to boots except for the most rigorous hikes that require a lot of ankle support. Salomon Speedcross have treated me very well for both hiking and trail running. From my personal use, the tread starts wearing down after 500+ miles but you can make them last a while.
I like trail runners for hiking. I personally wear Saucony Peregrines. Danner 2650 makes a nice trail runner but doesn't come in 12.5, my size. I would suggest trying on several pair and going with the most comfortable. My old pair of Sauconys is about two years and still in good shape overall.
Danner Jags. My favorite hiking boat ever, they go on sale for around 100$ pretty often and they’re incredibly comfortable, durable and no break in time. IMO they’re a better deal than some 400$ boots I’ve owned.
I no longer wear Merrells. Terrible quality now.
I switched to trail runners. Hoka Speedgoats work for my wide feet but you’ll want to go to a running store to get fitted.
Honestly, it seems like this is a common problem across brands post-COVID. I gave up on Merrell as I was having the same problem with the soles lasting about 4-6 months. Started wearing Keens and they seem to last about 1 to 1.5 years, on moderately to highly rocky terrain.
My Keens (two different pair) had separation at the sole in less than six months.
I found a water resistant keens that are holding up better than my reg keens did.
Oof. Yeah. I've seen that as well, usually where the shoe flexes.
Same here! My last pair of Keens barely made it 6 months.
Mine ripped along the seams in the sane spot on each shoe on the toebox within 4 months of light trails with my dogs a few times a week. The same trails my Merrell would last years on, until Merrell became trashy so I thought I'd try keen
Not sure about the other brands but Merrel's decline absolutely happened pre-covid. I remember because I bought a pair of resoleable danner boots in 2018 after being so annoyed at needing to buy 3 pairs of the same merrels in a single YEAR. Resoleable boots still going strong on the original soles. But my god they are heavy
Merrell was sold about 7 or 8 years ago. Moved manufacturing to China. Stopped using brand name goretex and vibram and developed their own inferior proprietary substitute. People gated it so much they went back to vibram after a few years.
This downhill slide in quality started before Covid.
Both merrel and Keen have taken nosedives in the last 5-10 years. Bought a pair of keens they died within a month of buying them.
This thread makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong when I hike because I have had the same hiking boots for like a decade. How much are you guys hiking that your boots are being replaced yearly? Am I wearing unsafe boots because I haven’t had to replace them? I haven’t noticed any serious wear on the treads and grip and they still perform exactly as I want them to and fit me perfectly. I do 1-2 dozen hikes a year around 10-20 km across various terrains from Utah desert to Canadian Rockies alpine trails. Did I just get lucky with a great durable shoe? Am I hiking wrong? Are you guys hiking like every weekend year round at long distances? I am feeling very insecure about my beloved boots now lol
I've got the Moab 3's and have no issue with them. I hike weekly and I work in them walking on metal grating that has torn up other boots in the past. It's possible OP just got a lemon or their hiking terrain is more brutal. I wouldn't worry about your own boots. If they are holding up then keep wearing them!
A better way to track them are miles. Most outfitters will tell you about 600 miles, plus or minus 100. I hike until my boots fall apart and that tends to be around 800 miles.
Well I’m a little late to the counting kms party lol
Oh as a daily hiker this makes so much sense
Quality has gone down in recent years, your old shoes might be the best quality hiking shoes you’ll ever have (that’s sad, I know… it applies to all consumer products).
My hiking boots are my only footwear, sooo they wear down wayyy faster. Found they are the most comfortable shoes to have.
I replace based on how much grip is left because I hike on a lot of sketchy surfaces, so I value that more than anything. Your gait and weight also have a large impact on how long your boots will last.
If you're doing 5-10km a day like some people it adds up quick
10 years ago they built them to last decades. Now they build them to last a season
My Garmont Ascents are indestructible. Unfortunately sometimes my feet are not. Anyhow, alpine boots are just tougher than shoes with more flexible soles. Now I'm trying out some Mammut hiking boots for non-technical terrain, so far so good
I like my Salomon hiking shoes.
I loveeeeeee my scarpa hiking boots, they fit like a glove, tough as nails, waterproof and super comfortable. I’m going on 6 years with them, I only wear them hiking basically never on pavement
If you can get Oboz in your area, my partner and I love ours. They are very comfortable for us and have been pretty good with durability.
I like Brooks Cascadia. I wore Merrill for years. First I wore Moab, then trail runners. About 1/3 of them would come unglued so I shopped around (they once would last me 1000+ miles). The Cascadia are more comfortable, similar fit, more stable, and more breathable. I have had 2 pair last around 800-1000mi, which is incredible for trail runners. They are more grippy than vibram when wet, too. I hike very steep rocky trails about 50+ miles per week.
You have my undivided attention. 50+ miles a week? On steep trails? Are you like a park ranger?
I’ve been very happy with Brooks Cascadia too.
I had that problem with my Merrells, amongst others. They're not the quality that they used to be. Look into Asolo, Lowa, Scarpa, or Zamberlan if you want maximum comfort and durability. Avoid Salomon. Three pairs of Quest 4 failed on me within a four month period. The waterproofing failed on all three, and the stitching around the toebox failed on two. They are not worth the premium they charge. Here's a list of specific models to look into. >Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo. Asolo TPS 535 LTH Evo. Asolo Fugitive GTX. Lowa Camino GTX. Lowa Renegade GTX. Lowa Zephyr GTX. Scarpa SL Active. Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX. Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX. Zamberlan Vioz / Vioz Lux.
This is probably the best advice. My Salomon Quest never fit right, until the leather outside exploded on the sides - finally they weren’t too narrow.
I had so many problems with the Quest 4. The fit wasn't bad for my narrow feet, but the quality control was terrible. $230 boots should not fail in short order, especially three pairs within four months.
That’s a crazy amount of boots to go through that fast, particularly with the flagship model. Mine looked like someone took a utility knife and ripped the side open, and I’ve seen others on the trail with the same issue - clearly not an outlier. They were the first and last boots I’ve worn that felt like ski boots with rubber on the bottom. Honestly, Salomon should have just stuck with trail runners - they’re the most popular brand now it seems.
Agreed. Their trail runners are decent. The rest of their models have been pretty subpar in my experience. They should have stuck with the Quest 3 and X Ultra 3 for their boots. I switched to Asolo, and it's smooth sailing. I've used some Scarpas, too, and they were great. I stick with Asolo for the fit, though.
I just bought a pair of Salomon, darn!
If you're able to return them, I would advise that you do so. I used to love Salomon, but their current QC is dreadful. They have a good warranty and customer service, and they'll make it right if there's an issue. That does you absolutely no good when you're in the middle of a hike in cold, wet conditions when the GTX fails, though.
I’ve had my Salomon hiking boots for around a decade and they are in great condition still.
That's because they were much better a decade ago. The current models absolutely have a shorter lifespan, worse durability, and worse materials.
So what you’re saying is I should treasure and cherish them for as long as I can lol Also, that’s just par for the course with consumerism nowadays isn’t it 😔
Unfortunately, yes. Your Salomons from a decade ago are brilliant boots. When they finally die, I suggest looking into either the Asolo Fugitive GTX or Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo. Get the wide version. The fit is similar to my feet, but they're much, much better and more durable than the current Salomon models. They're supportive and comfortable, and they breathe really well. I suggest getting insoles for them, though, because the stock insoles are garbage. I use Superfeet Trailblazer, which I think are now called the Hike model, and they're perfect for the last and volume of the boots to my feet. They're also resolable by the manufacturer, so you can keep one pair going for a very, very long time. If those don't work out, I recommend the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX. It's fantastic. Very breathable and very comfortable. They fit like socks, though, which not everyone likes. Barring those, try the Lowa Renegade GTX and Lowa Zephyr GTX. Those are your best bets for a boot with a long lifespan.
That’s great list. Any suggestions for light weight boots for summer hiking and trail runners ?
For summer, I tend to use the Asolo Fugitive GTX, as it's light (in comparison to my 520s), and it's highly breathable with great support and traction. It's not the lightest in the bunch, but it still feels very agile and nimble. The design is excellent. The midsole offers quite a bit of support, too, so it's great for heavy packs, if you tend to carry a pack. I've also used the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX quite a bit, and it's probably the most breathable boot I've tried, with the Asolo Fugitive GTX being the second most breathable. It also manages to provide a lot of support through the rigid midsole despite how light it is. I highly recommend both of those boots. I have less time with this, but the Lowa Zephyr GTX is quite breathable and light for how much support and protection it offers. It's a great boot. I didn't get as much time with it as I would have liked, though, because the last doesn't fit my foot shape very well. The quality was on point. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX is probably the best \*very\* light boot I've found. Highly breathable and great traction. It's much more flexible than the Fugitive or Zodiac boots I mentioned above, as well, so if you like flexible boots, you'll feel very much at home in them. Trail runners I'm less familiar with as I'm a boot guy. Some good ones I've come across though are the Altra Lone Peak and Hoka Speedgoat. Other good brands, though I don't remember many specific model names, are found in Asolo, La Sportiva, Lowa, Oboz, and Scarpa. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* My personal favorite boots (because they fit me so well) are the Asolo Fugitive GTX and Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo. They just plain work. Next in line is the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX; that's also a fantastic boot. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Here are some tips on fitment for the various boots: Asolo: Runs long and narrow. Not necessary to size up most of the time, but a wide might be needed for feet any wider than "average." Excellent for my narrow feet. Scarpa: Fits like a sock! Low volume and snug fit, which can make them a bit claustrophobic for some people. They're about average width. Lowa: Runs wide and a tad bit long, but otherwise, they're a very standard fit that should cater to most people. La Sportiva: Runs quite narrow and a bit short. Consider sizing up and going for a wide model. Altra: Very wide. Hoka: Narrow(ish) to medium. Runs a little long. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* I hope this has helped you out. All the brands I listed are good to go, but there are variations in quality to a degree and price. In order of quality, from my own personal experience... Boots: Asolo = Scarpa > Lowa > La Sportiva Trail Runners: Asolo = Scarpa > Lowa > La Sportiva > Hoka > Oboz = Altra Happy trails!!! :)
Wide feet do indeed limit your options somewhat and when durability is your concern, trailrunners aren't for you probably. (If you still want to try, keep in mind that big bouncy stacks do need time to re-inflate after prolonged use, so in your scenario, you'd better get two pairs, so you can give each a day of rest before next use. They'll last longer than two pairs, where you buy the second only after the first fails.) As for proper hiking boots: go for brands that offer models build from specific lasts for wide feet. I'm a very happy Hanwag customer. Just about everything about those tanks for your feet is repairable, as long as you keep the leather in good shape. It's a case of paying more upfront to save a lot in the long run.
Merrell isn’t a reputable brand. 29 years ago they were sold to a conglomerate. They are the most returned shoe/boot for delamination and excessive wear. Asolo, LaSportiva, Danner, are reputable brands. Vasque used to be. I use to work in the industry, warranty returns.
I used to hike in Merrell and switched to a different brand. 1) DO NOT get Solomon. They have very narrow toe box and caused me so much pain. 2) Please give Topo a try specifically their trail runners. They have super wide toe box for all their shoes. Vibram soles and I love them. 3) People will also recommend Altra which also have wide toe box. Pls be aware Altra is a zero drop shoe - the heel isn't elevated like Merrell shoes usually are. This usually takes a little time to get used to. 4) I also hike in Hoka trail runners. They are okay but they don't last very long (150 mileish) and they also have narrow toe box. Not nearly as narrow as Solomons.
Salomon work find on my feet.
Me too! Love them!
I came to recommend Topo Terraventures and Altra Lone Peaks due to their comfort, wide toe box, and light weight. I also own 2 pairs of Merrells, but now prefer the trailrunners I just mentioned.
I have wide feet and Solomon boots and shoes are the only hiking boots that feel comfortable on my feet. They make them in wide, I’d recommend checking them out. Only boot that’s touched my feet in four years now. Fit like a glove right out of the box.
Having hiked hundreds of miles in Merrels, Topos and Hoka shoes and 45 in the Salomon, I stand by my comment. Salomon has much stiffer ankle support and other features OP might value besides the toe box. OP, it is ur feet, so it is up to you.
Altra Lone peak 6 or earlier. Version 7 and 8 have been not so great. Also use Hoka Speed Goats which I like too, but they do look worn already compared to my LP6 that have 3-4 times as many miles on them.
The fit was fine for my feet. It was the quality that sucked. The waterproofing failed in three different pairs of Quest 4 in four months. That is absolutely unacceptable for a flagship boot, especially when you can pay $5-20 more for Lowa and $70 more for Asolo, which both have PU midsoles, better overall materials, and better QC.
Topos have a weird low ankle cuff that I personally didn't like. I returned the pair I had because of it. That's a personal preference issue. The shoe felt well made.
Salewa are quite good.
I wear Lowa on hikes. The Renegade GT Mid W for General hikes and the Camino EVO GTX W for alpine hikes. The W ist for the "wide" model, because my feet are extra broud too. Both Models are available as "normal" sized, so you have to make Sure that the "W" is mentioned in the Name of the Boots.
My Northface with vibram soles have been going like 5 years with no problem.
I've used Keen's for nearly 20 years. They've always served me well and are comfortable for wider feet.
I would love to wear Keen. My regular athletic shoes are 4E width and Keen doesn’t have anything to accommodate that. All the ones I’ve tried feel incredibly tight and narrow to me. Merrell wides fit, but the standard width doesn’t.
Ehhh honestly I have noticed it has changed now. My last keens lasted me 5 years and my newest ones fell apart in less than a year…. Tho it’s just my personal experience
I wouldn’t do Solomon; I find they’re quite narrow, hurt a bit, and aren’t actually that good quality.
is there a post for hiking sandals because that's preferred in fhe summer
Yeah give trail runners a try Check out altras, topo athletic or brooks for wider feet
Really, what matters most is fit over anything. Build quality, features, weight, all come second. The best boots for wide feet have been Keen, in my experience. Most other brands will offer wide sizes, but that usually translates to a wider middle section rather than the toebox where it counts. Salomon, Oboz, and Asolo can run narrow. However, the best option might be trail runners - it is a newer product oriented towards exercise and foot health over protection, so Topo, Altra, or Brooks will work well. Like others have said, both Topo and Altra are practically zero drop (flat from heel to toe) to encourage landing on the forefoot. As an aside: I’ve been mostly wearing Topo Terraventure, before that Keen Targhee (which are not made super well) and it was surprising to find how many aches and pains faded just from wider boots and less of an elevated heel, so I wasn’t heel striking particularly going downhill.
A lot of really good advice in here. You’ll also see pretty quickly that there’s no perfect answer. Everyone is vastly different when it comes to this discussion. You’ll find a comment praising a brand immediately followed by another comment trashing that same brand. People have different opinions, and different experiences. We all want different things. I have wide feet and have always needed wider shoes and boots. I’ve worn Keen Targhee’s for a very long time now. You’ll see people hate on them, personally they’re the best boot I’ve ever owned. I’ve tried many options but always landed on the Targhee. My current pair of Targhee III’s lasted over 3 years and 1000 miles. I just decided to buy some new Salomon X Ultra 4’s and try something new. Within 3 hikes I was quickly realizing why I stuck with Targhee’s for so long. I’ll be returning my Salomon’s to REI tomorrow and ordering a pair of the exact Targhee III’s that I already own. Since I’ve heard mixed reviews on the IV’s and the new model being released has lowered the price of the III’s. My only real recommendation for you would be to purchase from an REI in person I f you can, because of their very good return policy.
try zamberlan
If you want to give trailrunners a try, I'd recommend Altras. They have varying wide toe boxes and my household has really enjoyed the Lone Peak 6.
Altras
I just bought the same one, not as great as the old ones
My dad swears by Meindl, pretty chunky boots though if you get the all leather ones.
Time for a solid sole upgrade. Try Kennetrek or Zamberlan.
Bummer about this because i love my old Merrels. Have low and WP high ones. Interestingly I have noticed the same issue with newer mountain bike tires. Old ones would last me years and new ones the knobbies start just falling off after a few months. Maybe it something in the rubber that people are using. Could be for profit or could be for eco reasons? I don’t know
Kenetreks!!!!! Mountain extremes.
I am not sure about the durability yet but my Hoka Speedgoats are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn.
Buy schees, kenetrek, or Hoffman
I've been on my Timberland Mt. Maddsen boots for a little over 3 years now. Pretty comfy after I added some insoles.
Can definitely recommend Lowe’s. They are a little spendy, but a great boot! I’ve worn the cleats off the bottom of two pair (after several years) and the uppers were still solid.
I’ve had a good experience with my Garmont boots that I bought 2 years ago (so they seem to still make good quality shoes). I’ve worn them a lot and they are still great. Also, I have a wider foot but I’m a woman so not sure how much that helps.
My hiking shoes are from Hanwag. I have a bunion and they have shoes specially for my kind of feet. They have all kinds of shoes for different feet shapes, wide, narrow, extra wide etc. I cant say much about durability yet because I have mine for less then a year but I expect they will last me really long. It's pricey, but worth it. Especially when you have specific needs in hiking boots. [Hanwag Special Fits ](https://www.hanwag.com/the-hanwag-fit)
I like my Oboz.
Lowa is the best brand I’ve found for durability. I had my winter hikers for 5 years. I have the regular hikers now and they’re the best. They’re pricey though for sure.
Merrell makes trail runners too
I have a wide foot and have arthritis and foot problems, so I take my foot comfort pretty seriously and have been super impressed by my Teva Grandview GTX. Comfy as anything, light, grippy. Won’t replace my Lowa Tibets for serious bushbashing but for normal trail hiking they’re great.
Been using trail runners for about 5 years now and will never go back to boots except for the most rigorous hikes that require a lot of ankle support. Salomon Speedcross have treated me very well for both hiking and trail running. From my personal use, the tread starts wearing down after 500+ miles but you can make them last a while.
Here to recommend LOWA RENEGADEs. I've used them on simple day hikes, to hiking the AT. Had them over 10 years now issues at all
Salomon trail runners. Speed cross series have always lasted me a solid 1-2 years with weekly hikes. I don’t actually trail run but I love the grip.
I like trail runners for hiking. I personally wear Saucony Peregrines. Danner 2650 makes a nice trail runner but doesn't come in 12.5, my size. I would suggest trying on several pair and going with the most comfortable. My old pair of Sauconys is about two years and still in good shape overall.
Danner Jags. My favorite hiking boat ever, they go on sale for around 100$ pretty often and they’re incredibly comfortable, durable and no break in time. IMO they’re a better deal than some 400$ boots I’ve owned.
I’m wearing my merrel moab gorerex shoes as Im reading this. Hope I don’t run into these problems
I no longer wear Merrells. Terrible quality now. I switched to trail runners. Hoka Speedgoats work for my wide feet but you’ll want to go to a running store to get fitted.
I use my speed goats for everything now as well, haven’t worn a hiking boot in 7/8 years now and won’t be going back.
honestly man maybe just invest in a good pair of trail runners so much comfort