20 Best Winter Hikes Portland (2022 Updated)

Finally a shoe that fits. I’ve tried 4-5 brands of hiker’s for daughter so nice she was about 12 and she always complained the didn’t feet right. Now 19, she is moving to AK, so having quality is a priority.

We went to sporting store, again, and tried on 7-8 pairs and a Columbia pair fit, but what was in stock was more a hunting boot. but we had a size and, being older, she realized that it was the arch that did not fit in keen, vasques, rocky or the Walmart hikers.

We ordered these and after keeping them on 10 minutes, she asked if she could wear them all the time. THAT is the statement that says it all. Her everyday foot wear has be converse all these years, and didn’t enjoy hiking or hunting near as much in other hikers because her feet hurt, and she always opted to wear her converse, which have limitations when hiking on uneven rocky terrain.

I can’t tell you how happy we are that after 7 years, we finally found a hiker that fits comfortably and has all day comfort. I did add silicone repellant to the fabric weave area and seal oil to the boot leather, as stated these are going to be daily wear in AK.

And because they are on sale, I’m ordering a second pair for a Christmas present.

I love these shoes! I’m a digital nomad who moves every 3-4 weeks, and I like to do a lot of outdoor activities wherever I’m at. So I need a shoe that can handle a variety of terrain and weather. These shoes are it!! These shoes have tackled the cliffs of Gozo, the snowy trails of the Königsee in February, the forests and the water-laden tunnels of Madeira, etc.

, not to mention plenty of airports and cities because I wear them when I travel. Long story short: They’re great “all-purpose” hiking shoes. Getting down to technicals, these shoes do have less cushion/drop, which I personally like as someone who has worn low-drop shoes for years now.

They also offer light ankle support without being super heavy or rigid. (I considered a Salomon hiking boot before finding these, but it was way too clunky and confining for my taste). Waterproof-wise these hold up like a champ 9/10 times.

Of course, you’ve got a limited depth of water you can go in and I wouldn’t simply stand in a stream for hours, but they’ve held up really well in river crossings, standing water, marshland and even medium-snow.

I love these boots. I find they fit and feel like good quality tennis shoes. I have 3 pairs because they fit well and are comfortable and wear much better than tennis shoes. I should mention though as someone else pointed out, if you do not use the top lace guides push them closed with pliers!! This is very important!! I also was tripped by the loop of the lace on the right foot catching in the eye on the inside of the left boot.

(I do not use the top lace guides) I slip my feet into my boots without lacing each time so I have them loose at the ankle. I do not need the ankle support, but I like that they are tall for keeping water out of the boot and ankle protection.

I waterproof them with silicone to protect them and they have always kept my feet dry in wet environments. I have a pair of 7. 5 to wear with light weight socks in the summer. That is what size I wear in tennis shoes.

I also have a pair of 8. 5 to wear with medium socks. I recently bought a pair of 9’s to wear with really heavy socks. I do replace the stock insoles with more padded ones and they fit fine. I have somewhat wide feet and often purchase wide shoes, but the regular width on these fits me fine.

Live in Oregon, needed a decent waterproof winter boot, for everyday running around town or play, preferably warm enough to handle a few snow days. The snow seems to be done this winter so I haven’t checked them out in that element but these definitely work in rain, waterproof and grip well.

I wish these were a bit warmer which is why I didn’t give 5 stars, that and the part above the ankle is a bit stiff. But, these do feel like a tennis shoe, light, comfortable enough for long day wear despite my arthritic toes and these look really cool – even in this teal surprisingly.

I got that color because it was on clearance and thought they’d be loud but no! It’s darker than the picture. I wear a size 9 and after reading reviews, bought size 9 Wide. Fits fine with room for a thicker sock.

For the price, I think you really get a great bang for your buck.

My goddaughter in New York recommended these boots after reading very good reviews about them knowing I was struggling to choose new ones. The actual boot is very comfortable and fits well. I was told by a podiatrist to always buy a size larger in a trainer and walking boot so I purchased a 5 although my normal shoe size is 4.

On my second wearing I got a blister on my ankle above my heal, I have very sensitive feet so wasn’t surprised, the ankle cuffs are a little hard. I did however read a review that advised wearers to watch a YouTube video on how to tie laces properly on walking boots.

I found a Trekkit video and was amazed at how differently they advise how to tie laces than I tie mine. I’m waiting for my blister to heal before trying this technique but I’m confident that it will make a big difference.

Overall I think the boots are comfortable, subject to more breaking in, they look good and seem to be waterproof as I walked in puddles without a problem. 10 out of 10 after a few more wears I’m confident.

Altra says their shoes will typically last between 300-600 miles, which is a wide range, but it is accurate in my experience. After looking at the use I kept track of, I think I got between 400-450 miles on these so far, but they don’t have much longer left in them.

As I get ready for some longer trips this summer, I will likely be purchasing another pair of these to use due to how much I like them, while opting for other shoes for my typical 20-40 mile/week hiking activity.

It may seem “extra”, but these fulfill a pretty niche but important part of my footwear quiver. I switched to the mids after a rough ankle injury that made me look for a little more support than I usually used, and these offer great support, while also being flexible.

I appreciate that. I think some people may have issues with these because they use the typical convention for sizing up when purchasing other boots. Doing this may cause issues with seams and stress on the parts of the boots that flex the most.

With my experience of ~8 pairs of Altras, in a few styles, I have had the best experience buying them in my “true” size, meaning regardless of the size listed on the shoe, they aren’t the equivalent of a half-size larger, which is what I typically do with other brands.

I typically need a “wide” option for most footwear, and I think a lot of people may think these are a “wide” shoe because of the toebox. While they do work pretty well for me, I think some of my past experiences with them wearing out in the same spot they tend to wear out (outer foot, about an inch below my pinky toe) is because despite the toe box being so open, they aren’t wide in other spots like some boots/shoes are.

Still, I have enjoyed Lone Peaks while they lasted, and haven’t been dissatisfied with how much mileage I got out of them. One other thing to note is the zero amount of drop between toe and heel. It might not seem like a big deal, but you probably will feel it after a long day if you haven’t worn them before.

It may be worth taking things a little slower at first. When I first started, they felt fine on flat ground, but uphills were a bit tougher on my calves. I definitely felt the burn after some initial long hikes that I didn’t have issues with while wearing shoes with a typical drop! After a little bit of time, you will probably acclimate and be just fine.

I simply suggest keeping that in mind the first few times you wear them. One issue I had with this particular model was the tread starting to wear down pretty quickly on the rocky trails I usually go on.

By the time the tread was nearly gone, I had just started to get some holes in the outer fabric near the outer edge of my foot where it bends. Even with this, it was a drastic improvement in durability from previous years.

I think a large part of that was that I went for the “ALL-WTHR” version this time, which likely gets more durability from the liner. For this kind of boot, I did find the ventilation to be solid. I was pleasantly surprised by it, as someone who has feet that typically run hot.

“I REALLY want to like these shoes,” I think to myself as I spend the second night in an Icelandic hotel room thankful for the complimentary hair dryer while I sit on the bathroom floor blow drying the life back into these shoes.

My Salomon hiking boots are heavy and the waterproofing was potentially compromised from multiple stream crossings so I thought I’d purchase a smaller lightweight versatile waterproof trail running shoe for my Iceland and Europe trip because my friends have converted to hiking in trail runners and it’s something I’ve considered for hot weather anyway.

I tried them on at REI and loved everything about the fit. They had wide toe room, were very supportive, and didn’t hurt my feet when running around Ladybird Lake during the Texas drought. However, within 30 minutes into a rainy, muddy hike the waterproofing over the top of my left foot failed.

It definitely wasn’t from rain paints dripping into my shoes, which I wouldn’t have faulted the shoe for. It was like the very dorsal middle aspect of the toes where only sky water touches. My feet were soaked by the end of it as my right foot eventually became compromised too.

Disappointed, I dried the shoes and tried again the next day thinking it was probably my fault/user error. When waterfall viewing at Seljalandsfoss, just getting the spray on me soaked through to my feet.

The tread was at least very good though. I tried no socks but ended up with blisters on my heel. Now I’m not even halfway through my trip and wishing I could have a do-over. The inside of the shoe says waterproof eVent waterproofing and REI calls them waterproof, but the Altra website says “weather resistant”.

I feel like I’ve been duped. These will be going back to REI upon my return. I would consider purchasing Altras for running in dry weather only but I’m pretty bitter right now. Going to stick with Salomon.

I refused to try these on for a long time, as they do look a bit. ungainly, with that wide toe box. After spending 8+ months damaging my feet and knees with other shoes and boots, I finally gave in, and I could kick myself (actually, I can’t.

I’m not that flexible). The second I tried them on they felt like I was walking on air. All the negative reviews I’d read on them (how weird the loose toe box felt, how the lack of stability caused more ankle turns, how it would take a lot of effort to relearn how to walk with the zero-drop heel) – none of them were true for me.

That’s why it’s important to find out what your particular feet need, rather than what folks favorite shoes are. For me, I have a decent-sized bunion on one foot, and also poorly-healed broken toes on that same foot, then both knees are inflamed from hiking in shoes that were too inflexible.

I am MUCH steadier in these, not experiencing the pounding sensations in my feet, and had zero issues transitioning. The big toe box? I am addicted to the feeling!! There’s definitely a certain method one needs to tie their laces – I was tempted to go too tight, and they pain on top of my foot literally felt like I’d broken it.

So, that’s part of the learning curve. As far as traction – I’ve hiked appx 30 miles so far in them, and they are excellent on rock that some other shoes are slippery on. I mean, really good. I also ended up having them on (not my intention, but you know how it goes on the trails) for a number of water crossings.

The current was quite strong and flowed over rock, rather than loose rocks and sand, so I thought there was no way they’d fare well. My feet never slipped once. However, on any muddy surfaces, loose soil and/or leaves, this is where I have to slow down to a snail’s pace, because they have no ability to navigate them.

That’s understandable when you look at the lower profile treads, and it’s something I’m willing to sacrifice for the comfort that brings. I can see myself becoming an Altra loyalist for sure. They earned 4 instead of 5 stars due to the traction, and the feel of the top of the shoe when the laces are tightened.

After going on spring break and touring 7 college campuses in 5 days, these Run Star Hike Platform quickly became my favorite shoes to wear the entire trip. They were incredibly comfortable and my feet were in heaven and never felt tired the entire day! In the past I’ve never been able to wear the classic Chucks because of my arches and plantar fasciitis.

These shoes have the perfect cushioned insole and are wildly comfortable to wear for 5 minutes or days straight. I can’t wait to acquire more colors for my collection! Please Converse NEVER STOP making these! I just hope you bring back the white and the low cuts that have been sold out back quickly!.

Now I’m 45 years old, which people thinks I don’t look 45 because of I’m rocking the shoes. I gets lots of good complement. I love the high tops of converse, since high school life in the year of 90’s.

This one I love better makes me add height that’s more I love 💕 about of this shoes plus comfortable all day to wear at full time hours job on retail store. The complement I get so much and now all my friends buying same my shoes but different colors.

I wear 7 it fit’s perfect to me, I loved the Jade color. I’m buying another different color. How I wish they made lot’s of different color.

They are very comfortable, i love the way they look on my feet and have received many complements. I loved them so much i even bought my sister a pair. i have been contemplating buying a different color like pink or purple.

Maybe i will also buy my sister her favorite color which is green. These platform converse are awesome, i believe these are my first ever pair of converse. I saw someone with them and loved the way they looked.

I did not know converse made platform tennis shoes. These shoes are very sturdy.

I am a regular user of the X Ultra mid boots, having worn out two pairs each of the X Ultra 2 and X Ultra 3. Note that this review applies to the biggest available size (UK 13. 5, EUR 49 1/3, USA 14), so it may not be fully applicable to smaller sizes.

I have also worn these boots for several months, and they are probably approaching the mid point of their useful life by looking at their soles, so I believe I can provide a good assessment. In my opinion the 4th iteration of the X Ultra is a major step backwards from the excellent previous versions.

The changes seem to be related to the significant weight reduction (488 gr per boot versus 590 for the X Ultra 3), which is noticeable. However, the cost of this weight reduction is huge: 1. There is significantly less cushioning around the ankle, and the boot is also approximately one finger lower.

I continue to notice a slight friction around the ankles on every hike, although less as time goes on. In the first few hikes I stopped several times because of this, and once I even had to put some tissue to increase the cushioning.

To me this makes no sense, as it a significant inconvenience just to lose a few grams. 2. I have to stop and tighten my laces at least twice in every hike, as otherwise the fitting becomes loose. This is new to me and had never happened before.

I ignore the reason but maybe the material has some elasticity in it. Huge inconvenience. 3. The boot seems to have much less torsion resistance than previous versions. I hike in a very stony area, and at least once every day this causes slight ankle twists when placing the boot heel on a stone.

Avoiding this is the reason why I wear mid boots instead of regular shoes, and again seems to be the result of saving a few grams. Overall very disappointed with these boots to the point where I have looked and successfully acquired two more pairs of version 3.

I can not recommend version 4 to any one and I will certainly be very cautious when a (hopefully improved) version 5 comes out. Version 3 was an excellent product, this one is not.

Please keep in mind that I have never used the X Ultra 3’s, so my review is not biased. I am an avid backpacker and have worn many boots in my life. Also keep in mind that I had two REI employees ensure that I was purchasing the right size.

These, by far, are not only the most expensive but also the worst pair of boots that I have ever dawned upon my feet. My Adidas Terrex Swift R2’s that I loved finally died out on me and I decided to splurge on a new set of boots from a “quality” brand.

Salomon’s Ultra 3’s have great reviews, so I figured the new 4’s would be even better. This was not the case. It seems Salomon missed the mark on the skew between trail runner and hiking boot with these, making them not only useless, but actively harmful to users.

I took these on a 30 mile backpacking trip on Isle Royal and now have medical bills to pay directly because of these boots because they caused intense blistering, bruising of my feet, my toe nails are turning purple and will likely fall off, and of course I slipped multiple times on easy terrain due to lack of grip.

Here is a quick summary: Comfort: This is subjective to my feet, but these were a terrible fit. I do not have wide feet, but these run so narrow that they crushed my feet and damaged my nail beds on my long hike.

Also manufacturing quality is low as the right show had a completely different shape, ridges, and size than the left shoe causing uneven wear. The bottoms are paper thin, expect to feel every pebble under your foot.

Support: There is none. The point of a mid cut is to offer stability. These boots have a convenient cutout specifically around where your ankles end up when you are hiking downhill and need stability the most.

The bottom of the shoe is very flexible and unstable. Also the upper of the shoe is very flexible. This results in your foot warping the upper when planted on any incline, and sliding off the sole of the shoe regardless of how tight you tie them.

Grip: I have slipped total of four times in my hiking career. Three of those times were during the 30 miles I hiked with these boots on. The will slip on dry rock, wet rock, roots, dirt, and even mud.

The last eight miles of my hike I completed in my crocs because I could no longer handle the damage the boots were causing to my feet and the crocs had measurably better grip and stability. Durability: Waterproofing failed after about ten miles.

At the end of the 30 miles, noticeable snags int the stitching appeared. The lugs also seemed slightly worn which is surprising since they didn’t grip anything to begin with. Conclusion: I have no idea how it is possible to create a shoe that is tight enough in the forefoot to crush your toes but loose enough in the heel to shred your heels.

This shoe offers the lack of support and protection of a boot while also lacking the flexibility, comfort, and freedom of a trail runner. Truly the worst of both worlds. Again, I cannot imagine a foot type or activity scenario that these would be ideal for.

I’m deeply disappointed that Salomon has opted for perceived style rather than function and that their manufacturing quality has dropped so intensely. I use their products for my cross country skiing antics but will likely be swapping to a quality brand after this experience.

Overall, the shoes perform well for their intended use as light hiking boots. They’re well supported for their light weight, but not something I would use for extended backpacking. I end up doing some walking on concrete (in wet conditions) to get to many of the hikes I take these on, and they do not have sufficient padding to be comfortable on pavement.

Given that pavement is not what they’re built for, I’m not dinging them for that. Other shoes do offer better padding though. The tread on the bottom has fantastic grip, and has served me well in wet, dry, and dusty scrambling conditions.

That said, it does seem to be wearing through a bit more quickly than I’d like for a $150+ shoe. This may seem superficial, but I am really disappointed with the colors. I have wide feet. Not extremely wide, but wide enough that for Salomons, I usually need to pick up the wide-specific model.

I love the look of many Salomon shoe, but for some reason, these guys always pick the blandest ones for the wide fit! I feel like we’re being punished for having wide feet, and there ain’t a darn thing I can do about it! I think the Green Gables color on the X 4 Ultra Mid is one of the best looking hiking shoes in the game, and I actually purchased one originally.

Of course, it didn’t fit because it was far too narrow, so I was consigned to the boring black shoe bin. I’ve been wearing these shoes for three months and, overall, they perform well for light hikers.

They have fantastic grip and effective waterproofing, but durability remains an open question, and styles lost some major points (especially knowing how much Salomon is capable of). Would I buy again? Frankly, I hope not to.

I loved my X Ultra 3 Mid Wide GTX, and I’d like to see a version 5 or 4. 1 that brings better colors, more durability throughout, and specifically longer-lasting lugs/treads underfoot. The new lacing system is good, and I’d like to see it stick around.

If all that materialized (and I mean please, please bring us that Green Gables in wide!), then yes, count me in for another round after the next update. If you’re stuck with the version 4 as is, I’d skip it and come back next year.

I’ve had 3 pairs of Salomon walking walking shoes over the last 10 years. The first pair were awesome and lasted me 6 years (I still actually use them for gardening). The next pair lasted about a year before they developed a split in the upper.

They were replaced under warranty but the replacement pair split at the heel and caused blisters after 14 months. The fundamental problem (and this to some extent was true of the second pair) was that the cinch laces are just way too short causing excess pressure on the heel when getting your foot in.

I looked on the website and found that this was a common complaint in the reviews. I then bought a really cheap pair to tide me over which actually lasted twice as long as my previous Saloman shoes. As Salomon’s response to poor reviews has always been that they take feedback seriously and improve their products accordingly so I thought that given this was a relatively new model they may well have taken the difficult decision to invest the extra 2 cents in longer laces so took the plunge and bought these.

How they have actually managed to make them worse is a mystery. The laces are certainly no longer than in the previous version, however, the addition of the pointless soft projection at the back does (as other reviewers have mentioned) make it far more difficult to get your feet in.

Needless to say they are going back. Clearly Salomon don’t listen to feedback so I doubt that this will have any imact.

These are very nice-looking boots, flattering. They look nothing like a men’s boot and are not clunky or heavy. These have become my daily go-to. They’re not hot and the padding is comfortably supportive, not at all squishy.

I have no issues with the zippers, they glide easily. I have the natural color; it’s a beautiful buff color, not too bleached-looking. The laces stay tied and lie floppily on the boot, nothing sticking out.

There is good, reliable traction with the soles but they don’t track clods of dirt into the house. I got size 8 1/2 and the size is spot on: they are great with no socks, but there is ample room to accommodate socks comfortably without that “sausaged in” feeling happening.

The toe box is perfect; roomy but not looking like an industrial work boot toe – it’s a pretty almond shape. I have terrible feet from fractures and arthritis, and a very high instep that makes many boots uncomfortable after a short while : these boots work, all day, even with all the issues with my feet.

I like that these have the look of a hiker without the weight. Not using them for hiking (have actual hiking boots for that) just for casual wear with jeans or leggings. They are comfortable and true to size.

There is plenty of room in the toe box even with socks. I have a bunion starting on my right foot, so this is the area I sometimes run into trouble with fit. Okay, about the zippers. Only ONE of them works.

The other one (the one on the outside) is ornamental only. That is why it has an additional tag on it stating that it is decorative only and non-functioning (at least my pair did). Maybe this was added because people thought it was broken.

And yes, they have different zipper pulls on them. The functioning zipper doesn’t have the piece of ornamental suede that the decorative one has. I hope that helps people and they don’t hesitate to order because they fear a zipper issue.

Great boots and will wear them a lot this fall.

I just got these and immediately put them on. I do not understand the negative reviews. The site clearly states these are not leather, so if that is what you wanted, do not order these. I found them to be comfortable right out of the box.

I ordered my regular size 9 medium, and they fit perfect. It also states that the outside zipper is ornamental only. I hate when people do not read the description, and then complain about something that was clearly stated.

I love these and they will be good for taking my dogs on a walk when the weather is not so great. I would not wear leather out in bad weather, but these will be perfect. I think they are really cute, and even make my feet look smaller! I like them so much I am going to get my sister a pair for Christmas.

Don’t listen to the negative reviews. These are great shoes and you can’t beat the price.

Best ski socks ever. and all around knee socks, really. As a ski patroller and backcountry ski enthusiast, I am a complete Smartwool snob. I keep trying to give other brands a chance, but end up going back to my tried & true Smartwool socks! I get the light cushion for touring and medium cushion for resort skiing.

The feet fit well, are low-bulk but padded where needed, stay in place (no heel bunching or slipping) and seams don’t rub. The calves/shins are lightly padded where needed depending on the sport, stay up without being tight and have fun designs that don’t make me feel like I’m wearing my grandfather’s socks.

The wool wicks & wears well – my feet get cold if they get damp, but the wool blend of these socks helps wick sweat and moisture to keep my feet drier (and thus warmer) longer. I usually wear through the heel and ball of feet after a while, but even then they rarely get actual holes.

just very thin. Highly recommend, and love this fun ski scene print in particular!.

I find the 360 printing to not only be functional for more variety in designs but also a beautiful way to capture imagery in socks. This pattern is no different and the colors are rich, vibrant, and eye-catching.

This printing process allows variety in patterns without the seams and bulk of extra wool in the traditional weaving process, this sock in comparison is breathable and a good weight without adding bulk.

The only caveat was that I found the sock too tight, I have more athletic calves and this is an issue with most socks over typical crew height. That being said I could see the compression element of calf height socks being desirable in a ski boot, in comparison I only used mine in daily cold weather wear setting #SmartwoolLove.

I love the design and colors of this sock! Initially I wasn’t sure if I would like the design on my calf. I have larger calves, and sometimes designs would get distorted. No issues here though! I wore this pair of socks while lounging around the home, and hiking.

There’s no snow here in Wisconsin yet, so I haven’t been able to test them while snowboarding. The socks are soft against my skin, and give the right amount of cushion. I’m personally a fan of the targeted cushioning.

The cushion that sits on the shin isn’t noticeable at all when you wear it. The cushion by the toes and heel is great too. I didn’t have any irritation. It’s a super durable pair of socks, and I’d definitely would purchase another one!.

I love pretty much everything about these boots. Other hiking boots I’ve tried in this price range include Salomon X-Ultra 4 Mid GTX, X-Ultra 3 Mid GTX, various Merrell hiking boots and shoes, and The North Face waterproof hiking boots.

The Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry blow them ALL out of the water in terms of quality of materials, worksmanship, and especially durability. These boots have served me well for about a year now and could easily last another couple of years.

I am a landscaper by trade and wear these to work five days a week, and often for walks/hikes on the weekend. They’ve held up extremely well to my heavy usage. I’m telling you, both pairs of Salomon boots I owned fell apart faster than I’d expect a pair of Wal Mart boots to do the same.

These Oboz boots are different. More comprehensive review below. The Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry are made from quality materials, including leather with high-durability rubber in key places. They are plenty comfortable while also being HIGHLY supportive.

Immediately upon trying them I could tell they were a lot sturdier and more supportive than all of the others I’d tried up to that point. The insole felt high-quality by comparison. These boots are TRULY waterproof (within reason) while still being breathable enough for hot summer days in the high desert.

The rubber wrapped around the toe area and heel area of the boots seems to have done a ton to make these boots last longer. The sole of the boot might look strange at first glance, but I’ve found it a great and versatile sole shape.

I’ve worn these on all terrains in all weather while doing landscaping work. I’ve worn these on hot days, in torrential downpours, and also all throughout cold winters with heavy snowfall and ice. Somehow they manage to be breathable enough in summer and warm enough in winter with proper socks, and are still effectively waterproof.

In summary, if you are looking for possibly the best combination of quality, comfort, support, and durability in a hiking boot under $200: these are very likely the best value waterproof hiking boot out there.

Working as a landscaper is one of the best stress tests for a boot, and this one excelled. IMPORTANT NOTE: these absolutely run one-half size small. I’m normally a size 11, I ordered these in a size 11.

5 and it is perfect.

So far, I’ve put about 30 miles on the Oboz Bridgers, and I also have a pair of Keen Durands with 200ish miles on them (along with a graveyard of worn out boots from other manufacturers). This review will contrast the two to highlight what I feel are shortcomings with the Bridger.

I bought the Oboz based on near-universal praise (I like to have two pairs of boots and had recently retired a pair of $95 Propets that performed admirably above their station). However, in almost every performance measure, I find the Oboz inferior to the Keen Durands.

Fit: These Bridgers are the narrowest “wide width” boots I’ve worn, though they are broken in now and have loosened a bit. Some describe them favorably as “snug. ” I see them as too tight laterally for my feet to get any airflow.

Keens, as everyone knows, are the roomiest boots out there for people like me who have duck feet. The Oboz are fine lengthwise, FWIW. Comfort: If you’re one of those hikers who like “feedback,” which I interpret as being able to feel the trail textures underfoot, you might enjoy these Oboz boots.

To me, they don’t offer enough protection. I feel every rock I step on, and once I hit mile five of a mountain hike, my feet start to feel banged up. The Durands, after 200 miles, are still quite comfy and provide a good barrier against trail hazards on long hikes.

Traction: I’m disappointed with the traction I get from the Oboz. My debut hike began with a fairly gentle uphill slope on hard-packed dirt that was damp (not muddy) from an overnight rain. The boots slipped out a couple times as the pitch increased.

The treads pack mud as well. If rocky terrain is slightly damp, I lose confidence with their grip. By contrast, even with 200 miles of wear, the Keens haven’t lost any gripping power. There’s one area in which the Oboz perform better, and that’s toe protection going downhill.

The flat(ish) toe box and extra roominess of the Keens can be a drawback on a sleep downhill slope, as the foot tends to slide forward a bit. All that said, the Oboz do seem to be a well-made boot. I just don’t think they’re ideal for the rocky or rainy environments I hike in.

I’d like to try them on a cool-weather desert hike or one of those gravelly coastal trails in Italy.

These are my new favorites. The Oboz Bridger are a country mile ahead of anything in its class, or anything close to it. If you are considering Keens or Merrills. simply put. “DON’T when you have the outstanding Oboz Bridger available instead.

There are many other reviewers here that will go into the detail behind why so I’ll spare you here. Just do it and you won’t be dissatisfied. The dark shadow color variety is my favorite and looks just terrific.

I find these shoes so comfortable that I wear them all day even when I’m watching TV in my lounge chair. I have never had a more sure-footed feeling in a low-cut. The arch support is unbelievably great and the heel fits like a glove.

My instep is a bit high and my foot is slightly wide but the non-wide regular variety fits perfectly. These shoes seem indestructible in my foot never gets wet no matter how much I’m getting splashed either working in the garden or on the wet trail.

They tend to collect a bit of dirt on the bottom so if you do wear them indoors pop them off and rinse off the bottoms easily. I find that I’m able to slip these on like bedroom slippers without having to reach down to tie and untie them and they maintain their form and support without breaking down.

Truly a remarkable shoe unlike any other I’ve ever had. So much better than Lowe and Rachlie and Solomon. They make Keens and Merrills look like cheap Keds. I read recently that the company got bought so I’m hoping nothing changes.

Maybe I need to buy a half a dozen pair just so that I can ensure in perpetuity that I continue to have the best outdoor shoe I’ve ever had.

When I was 18 or 19 I lived in a house with a neglected lawn and for some reason decided to try this. Yard was full of clover, dandelions, and other weeds. Had large area bare spots of N. C. red clay around trees.

I put it down heavy just once and it killed off about every weed. Big patches of weeds became bare spots then the grass filled in and thickened, turned a nice darker green. Grass started spreading to the red dirt spots.

Neighbor across the road could tell a difference from her house a good distance back from the road away from ours and asked me “what did you do to your yard? It looks good”. I’d recommend putting it down a bit heavier than instructed if you have a serious weed problem as long as it won’t run into a creek or other water source.

Be ready to mow the yard because it will make your grass grow.

Have had good results with Scotts Crabgrass Preventer. Its finer texture seems to provide more even application compared to the larger granules in other brands. It claims to be “season-long” protection vs.

3-4 months as mentioned by some competitors. I just applied it a few days ago, so only time will tell if the current product works as well at preventing crabgrass as it has in the past for me. My frustration with the product solely lies with BJ’s.

I discovered that a special/reduced price on the website was only for online orders. In- store pricing was $5 higher. NO WHERE WAS THAT MENTIONED in the online posting. I had to place an online order, then return to do a store pickup.

I bought these three weeks ago at REI and went on a 20-mile day hike over rocky, muddy, and up and down steep terrain. They kept my feet relatively dry but do appear to trap some moisture around in the footbed as it was necessary for me to change out my wool socks after 15 miles due to the slight dampness of the wool socks and heat spots below and around my toes.

However, the shoe was comfortably dry and cool during the last 5 miles of the hike. The shoe was comfortable out of the box, required no break-in period, and provided decent arch support. I will be trying them again on a hike with prescribed orthidic for pronation.

I don’t think I could have hiked such a distance in my Moab’s 2 vent boots, as they feel much heavier, less comfortable, and wider than the Moab Speeds. While I always finish my hikes in some degree of foot pain/soreness, I could go further and longer before feeling that.

I am not sure about the breathability of the gor-tex, but it did keep water out when walking over rocks on streams with a few inches of water over them, and they had excellent grip and traction. My ankles felt braced and protected as I have frequently rolled my ankles and these shoes prevented excessive movement around the ankle, providing excellent support.

I liked the styling of the shoe, particularly the black shoes, as they weren’t some radical design or attention-seeking color and styling. As far as durability goes, time will tell, but I suspect that the outer sole will wear prematurely compared to my Moab 2 Vents as the Speed is much softer, which contributes to the comfort of the shoe.

This shoe was not available in a wide size, but it fit well on my feet as I am at the edge of the wide measurement, any wider, and they would not fit comfortably. I recommend the shoe if you are looking for a light trail runner hiker or occasional day hiker.

They are also very comfortable on a warehouse concrete floor. I wouldn’t try to hike the PCT and expect them to last, though. Overall I was impressed and satisfied with my purchase.

This is my 9th pair of Merrells – all are still in service though some are 15+ years old. I bought these wanting a back up for my PERFECT Chameleon 7’s, which are wearing and I can’t bear to think of life w/o them.

When these arrived, I didn’t want to like them because they look like a tennis shoe. HOWEVER, I was unable to not love them. Let’s start w/this, my feet have peripheral neuropathy, are narrow, bony and sensitive, I have severe chronic lumbar issues and I need a LOAD of cushion in the soles of my shoes (thus all the Merrell footwear).

While the sole and heel are well cushioned, when I walk, the sole flexes comfortably, though when I try to ‘bend’ the sole w/my hands, it’s actually quite stiff, which surprised me because it feels so soft when I walk.

I added my own insoles for extra cushioning (that most feet won’t need) and these are heavenly. I’m an avid city and park walker, not hiking over rough terrain, and these are SO COMFY! They’re surprisingly light and seem very durable at the same time.

I spilled a latte on them and it wiped right off w/no marks afterwards or dampness inside the shoe. The soles are absolutely the stickiest I’ve had. I inadvertently walked over my yoga mat and it stick to them, and on the wet northwest sidewalks/pavement, they stick like crazy.

When you have physical issues as I do, you have to invest in quality well made shoes. However, I don’t mind paying what a shoe is worth when they hold up for YEARS and make my feet SO HAPPY!! Gone are the days I can walk into a one stop shopping store and expect to pick up a cheap pair of shoes that I can wear.

I’m very grateful Merrell makes quality, durable and best of all comfortable shoes. Thank you Merrell!!!.

I ordered them Jan. 2022 and think they’re groovy looking in person (got the map print insole). But I have found them too short in the toe (I should have sized up) so I have not worn them as much as anticipated.

I could never run in them due to this but they are quite comfortable all day if not for being short. The lugs provide great traction for any off road surface, even ice, given their depth and gum rubber.

They have a nice protective toe – more than just mesh, and padded tongue. So not only eco conscious (78% recycled materials) but also very light weight and competent. I love how the heel feels where most running shoes this can be a tad tight.

In most boots I wear 9. 5 but sneakers are a 10, so I just should have ordered in the larger size. They have also held up well and are easy to spot/wipe clean. And in frigid temperatures they have kept my feet mostly warm and content.

Just wish they had been longer in the toe in the size 9. 5 I ordered. But that’s my bad. Other than toes, they fit great everywhere else.

In my early 60’s and wanted a bike suitable for gravel, rural roads primarily for exercise and a little exploring. Serious mountain biking isn’t in my future and I certainly wasn’t going to spend 4 figures or more at the local bike shop.

Looked at reviews (YouTube) and prices and settled on the Axum DP as I’ve owned Schwinn’s and was reasonably satisfied. Problems: 1. Assembly instructions had gotten wet and the manuals were almost useless.

Was able to download new manuals from internet, but they were of limited help. However, between common sense, the digital manuals and YouTube, was able to assemble bike in a couple hours and I’m hardly a mechanic.

2. You will need a new seat or at least a seat pad to protect VITAL body parts. 3. Still having some issues with the dropper seat, but it does work. Probably needs some fine tuning and being new to such things I just need to learn how to adjust it.

4. When assembling bike, have some grease handy as you will need it for appropriate areas. 5. I see what reviews said about inadequate cushioning from front forks. They help, but not suitable for any serious off-road riding.

In retrospect, for what I need, it might have been wiser to stick to the basic Axum, rather than the Axum DP. Either way, I’m thinking I purchased more bike than I really need, but better too much than too little.

The bike feels solid and the gearing and brakes worked well enough out of the box. Just did my first four miles on the bike with no issues other than the dropper post. Assuming no other problems, I’m rather happy to have the bike at this price versus dropping a much larger amount of $$$ for some “super bike” that I will never be able to fully utilize.

its a good value for the money, the seat is a board and will have to be replaced, the bike was packaged well and arrived early. This thing will require some brake tuning and you will need to grease all the bearings.

it shifts very well and the gear range is spot on. The bike is heavy mine weighs 36. 6 pounds. the good news is the fork is heavy and easily replaced for and air one and you can quickly lose 2 lbs. the fork weighs 6.

5 lbs. the 2. 6 tires are heavy with the tubes and more weight can be lost there. The rolling resistance is high but the ride and geometry are great. The brakes are decent and the bike itself looks great in blue.

Basically all the contact points need upgrading but its a very good foundation for $490. I love the dropper its a very usefull feature.

Fantastic beginners mountain bike. The dropper post is a life saver for those alternating terrains on their ride, the 2. 6 inch wide tires allow for smooth rolling over branches and rocks, wide handle bars and disc brakes provide excellent control of downhill descents.

The ONLY thing I would change is the fork, but I understand to keep the $500 price point this is acceptable. I definitely recommend this bike for those getting into mountain biking to try out. It’ll leave you wanting more for sure, but you WILL NOT find a better bike at this price point.