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I've found the Hedgehogs XCR shoes to be really good -- light, comfortable, with good but not excessive padding and an effective tread pattern that grips well on most surfaces. I have no direct experience of the other two, but I've had a couple of pairs of Merrell shoes in the past and the grip on both was terrible -- they were great for skating but no good for walking. I've read similar remarks about the grip on other Merrell shoes. The Mountainlife shoes might be excellent, but it's not a brand with a particularly good reputation. There are loads of other good shoes around, from the likes of Inov-8 (especially their unlined ones, which are very quick drying), Scarpa, Berghaus, Montrail...But none will be any use if they don't fit properly, so try a few pairs on before you buy if at all possible.
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Have a pair of salomon fastpacker gtx mids. Relatively light weight (just over 1 kg per pair for size 10). So far more than happy with them. Snug fit, good grip and walked through a few streams and bogs with no waterproofing issues (goretex liner.) Another good brand to consider is Montane- also do lightweight waterproof shoes. The Salomon fit is quite snug compared to other boots I've had so worth trying them out in the shop first. Looked at the merrells and TNF boots but not too impressed with tread, although admittedly didn't try them out. Had some merrells years ago and the tread wore out quickly, but I assume things have moved on since then.
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 In my experience barriers in waterproof shoes break down quickly and fail or are easily overwhelmed by a carelessly placed foot, and once wet lined shoes take an age to dry and smell like a rotting carcass... I use unlined shoes all the time now, and in the wet use Rocky Goretex socks; they work very well, as a number of contributors here might attest.... As to shoe types I favour Montrail in a variety of guises, but that is because they fit me very well; so, find what feels comfortable..... I rate Montrail Highlanders for Scottish conditions.
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 another vote for the rocky goretex socks. much easier and leaves you with the option of your shoes being nice and airy when it's warm and dry.
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 Take a look at Salomon Exos shoes, they do a mid and shoe version. Very light, gore-tex lined, good grip and comfortable in my experience.
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I did a search for 'Salomon Exos" and "Salomon Exo" but can't find any shoes, only T-shirts and tights! Are you sure that's what they're called? Thanks
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 If you go down the non-waterproof route I would recommend Five Ten's approach shoes. I have a pair of the Insight and have just ordered the heavier duty Camp Four (reviewed here) because I often carry the relatively heavy load that is my youngest son. I find the Insight to be very comfortable, very grippy, very well made and they compare well on price to other premium brands like Salomon, Meindl, TNF etc. They are not the lightest you can find though (just realised... I appear to have recommended non-lightweight, non-waterproof shoes  but still worth a look I would say!). I'd agree about avoiding Merrell. I"ve bought their shoes for casual wear but never fancied them for the outdoors and heard bad things about their durability and grip. Do they even claim to be for real outdoors use?
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 I'd agree about avoiding Merrell. I"ve bought their shoes for casual wear but never fancied them for the outdoors and heard bad things about their durability and grip. Do they even claim to be for real outdoors use? My wife uses Merrels more than anything else in the outdoors, they seem work very well for her. Here's a pair in action; I think the Cuillin ridge qualifies as "real outdoors", and not somewhere you want tenuous grip or things falling to bits on you... They don't do it for me, the fit is wrong on my feet. Which is a great shame, as they strike me as excellent value for money. Pete.
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| Edited: 21/04/09 13:14 |
it's the merrell octogrip pattern sole that tends to be treacherous.
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 sorry to sidetrack the thread, but can anyone reccomend where to source Rocky socks. Placed order in 2 places (some canoe place and silvermans) and both have fallen through even though they said they would order them. Any advice would be happily recieved
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 Don't know if Uttings still have any but I ordered some Rockys from the Fishing Supplies place (Parky's first link) back in early Jan and they're still waiting for stock! The promised date keeps slipping - I don't know if they're messing me about or the importer's messing them about....  I did buy my first pair from them though, and the price was good and the delivery quick - when they had any!
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Think Brookbank were having importer problems too, was going to 12-18 days before they turned up but then ended up phoning me to say that the it had fallen through think will try uttings before fly fishing tackle. Cheers peeps!!!
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| Edited: 22/04/09 17:35 |
My recommendation to those looking for lightweight shoe is Vasque Breeze GTX XCR shoes and it make sure you are looking for boots that are suitable to your needs. It has been my experience that although Gore Tex can be waterproof and breathable for some applications like rain wear, that is not so with hiking boots where you might often be in ankle-deep water.
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| Edited: 20/06/11 11:16 |
