this might be out of left field, but i decided to get a pair of keen's recently and they're the best shoe/boot i've had so far in all my days of traveling. they're basically a steel toed shoe with a ton of ventilation, but are shoe shaped (low ankle) rather than boot shaped (high ankle) although they do have some boot options.
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they have really good traction but work as walking around town shoes as well, and i bike with them too without any problems.
http://www.keenfootwear.com/
View attachment 24053
they have really good traction but work as walking around town shoes as well, and i bike with them too without any problems.
http://www.keenfootwear.com/
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I started off with waterproof working boots and ended up ditching those... Honestly, I think a good pair of sneakers will do. You should definitely get a shoe that will be durable, comfortable for walking long distances and is breathable. The shoe @Matt Derrick suggested looks like it would be all three of those things. I don't travel in boots anymore just because they stink real quick. Now, I wear a pair of hiking sandals since it's the summer, even manage to hop trains with them. It really all depends on what works for you (personal preference/personal experience).
Thats the ticket. I like sandals when I don't wear boots. (don't mind boots in hot weather but yea I'm not the most meticulous when it comes to a bit of funk lol)
I just donated my used cheap sneakers and semi worn dress shoes to one of those box things. NOw I"m down to two pair of boots. (one my old desert boots need laces and I put in new cheap insert) and really old leather sandals... more like flip flops. But I want to get a good pair of Sandal like ... uh something. Just gotta drop in the shoe carnival or some where.
Andrea Van Scoyoc
Animal/Enviro Activist, Tree Hugging Nature Fae!
Good post - don't think I've seen too much of this (yes I have not searched). I don't use a boot to hike or walk long distance - prefer a hiking sneaker - Merrill - can be a tad pricey but they last a long time and are comfortable with a good grip.
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Stephen O Roach
Deleted Account
They sure do I've hiked Half across Europe and South America with those same pair of Docs and Merrill makes a bad ass shoe worecnothing but Merrill back in hs
every pair of docs i've ever had i wore down the tread in under a year. personally, i think they're terrible boots.
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Stephen O Roach
Deleted Account
The thing that many people say with Doc marten which I have to agree upon is to only purchase the made in England's their better manfucstured quality then the Mall bought Docs I purchased mine in london back in 2011/2012 only thing I've had to replace are my laces a few times I also reccomend straight lacing many times I've had to cut myself free
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Stephen O Roach
Deleted Account
Its hit or miss but also depends where you biy them yea their not as quality made as they probably were in the 80s
When it comes to the kind of traveling I do / plan to do (urban areas, coach/passenger train/hitchhiking) I second that. I often have issues with my shoes, cause I prefer lightweight canvas shoes (chucks, vans) and I wear them out quite quickly (esp while traveling). But I get along with it and don't care if they are ripped or whatever as long as they are comfortable. Only shoes that gave me blisters recently were new shoes.
Yes, it depends on circumstance, IMHO. To be honest, I wouldn't ride freight wearing sandals. In that case I would wear sturdy boots. (Riding freight is out of the option here anyway, so I don't care about that.) But if it works for you, why not?
I see it this way: if my shoes fall apart, I can fix them with tape and get replacement everywhere for cheap. I always have flip flops in my backpack as emergency shoes (or just to wear in a hostel or for a walk downtown). On the other hand, would I plan to hike far away from civilization I would definitely care more about robust, comfortable shoes, cause I would depend on them and the ability to walk long distances. So, as you wrote, it depends.
Just my 2 cents ...
Here's another thread about boots/shoes that might have some useful info in it. https://squattheplanet.com/threads/which-boots.17235/
Totally agree with this. All other docs are made in China these days and are rubbish quality compared to the "made in England" ones. Shame they're so damn expensive.
I've had a pair of berghaus walking boots for the last four years that have finally cracked on the suede they were £100 ($155) but I've worn them pretty much every day. The tread is still good on them, but now they're not water tight I think it's the end for them. They've been the comfiest boots I've ever owned. Didn't need breaking in or anything.
I prefer a hiking boot when I am traveling. My Merrill boots are waterproof and give high ankle support that I need because I am clumsy.
just arrived at my mums house to collect my dog to discover she is also rocking a pair of keens! Its a conspiracy! Tried them on and they are super comfortable. apparently she's been wearing them for years. I have to admit I have never noticed, but there you go Keen's endorsed by Matt and my mum
