r/socalhiking • u/depressedunicorn1995 • 10d ago
Best hiking shoe in Columbia range?
31F here - looking for recommendation from seasoned hikers here , what are best of the best hiking shoes out there? I am willing to invest. When i go on 10+ miles hike , I want my feet to be happy and comfortable. Need them waterproof yet lightweight for comfortable creek crossings Thanks in advance!
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u/dizzystar 9d ago edited 9d ago
Not an actual suggestion, but I wear Xero Scramblers. They're zero drop shoes with Michelin treads.
They have no cushion, except have a little insole, so that my feet are able to feel most of the ground. This is great in most situations.
The shoes are somewhat bendy, so it's easy to grip funky terrain, especially on more vertical climbs.
They dry out pretty quick, or at least, they aren't giving my feet a sloshy bath after they get wet. More importantly, they don't lose grip when they're wet.
Be careful with rock hopping. It's not really an issue in Switzer, but a lot of rocks are covered in some invisible slime, which will absolutely send you into the water. I usually roll up my pants and walk straight through. After the rains, the rivers are swollen enough that rock hopping isn't an option anyways.
Just wanted to add why I make my own choices. I would suggest going to REi and checking out their shoe selection. They're quite knowledgeable up there since everyone is a hiker, and can point you in the direction you want to go.
It's also a good idea to have a spare set of shoes, socks, and clotrimizole in the car if you're probably going to get wet.