I usually look to replace my summer shoes every other year. Summer hikers wear out faster for me. The rough granite of the White mountains eats soles, and my light trail runners that I’ve been using during the warm months just don’t seem to last as long. Sometimes I can little more life out of a pair with new quality insoles, but if the shoes are trashed it’s time to begin the search for replacements.
Now that we’re in the new year, the manufacturers need to unload that old stock that didn’t sell. Brand new trail runners that are last year’s design may be offered for attractive discounts. If I can score a nice pair of leftover shoes that match what I’m wearing, I’d rather go that route.
If I can’t find my previous shoe online, then I go into “Cinderella Mode”
What you put on your feet matters when the miles pile up. I frequently see, and have myself fallen prey to the recommendations of “experts” online in blog posts and gear reviews.
While I glean some information from reviews as to the durability, price and value, I need to go and put them on my feet.
I try hiking footwear on in person, and if I’m convinced of their comfort, I’ll pay a little extra and buy in store. If I must buy online, I always buy from an outfitter with a good return policy. I never settle for “good enough” hoping that they’ll break in. I’ve been down that “trail ” before. Although leather boots may eventually conform to your feet as they wear in, it might not happen at all. Synthetic footwear does not have the same stretching properties, so for me, they’ve got to feel good from the get go. Do I sound a little obsessive? I know my feet will tell me if I’ve made the right decision!
How do you choose the perfect pair?
An Unmapped Route: A Hiker's Blog 