I recently started walking a couple of miles a day on trails in a nearby park--I want to continue when the weather turns. Pretty much no matter what the weather. I'm even considering some snowshoes. For now I'm thinking of getting some Bogs boots. They seem versatile and durable, but I wonder if they'll be comfortable for walking at a brisk pace for several miles? Can anyone recommend these, or another type of shoe?
This site should have something that's exactly what you are looking for:
http://www.muckbootsonline.com
I love Bogs, but they're better for just wearing while running errands or walking on sidewalks in the rain. If you were going to a muddy festival or something, they would be great! The most comfortable and supportive shoes you'll get that are weather/water proof are going to be hiking shoes or boots with Goretex protective on them. Goretex ROCKS! You can literally walk through streams (as long as the water doesn't go over the tops of the shoes) and your feet will not get wet at all. I've been hiking and using Goretex products for over 20 years, and they do not disappoint. Check out REI, Zappos and local outdoor outfitter stores for good selections of hiking shoes and boots. That's what you need if walking several miles. Merrell and Vasque are both good names.
I've gotten some nice ones from Eastern Mountain Sports: http://www.ems.com/home/index.jsp
Sometimes I want to live in my hiking boots, they are that comfortable. :)
I like Merrell's a lot. Very durable and comfy. I am not sure how they would be in the snow, but you may want to check them out. I bought mine at Chester Boot Shop (in Frasier or Clinton Twp. (?) Off of Gratiot. th
LOVE BOGS! My family will wear nothing else.
Here are my reasons =)
1. Great protection against the cold upt to -30
2. Remains comfortable in moderate weather.
3. Seconds as rain boots (Great for puddle jumping- no one is too old for those =))
4. Great arch support. My 6 year old and I both have flat feet and this boot is super comfortable for us. More comfortable than my shocks my Ecco hiking shoes.
5. Easy to wear
6. Easy to clean.
7. Reasonably priced
Love these boots so much that I purchased a pair for each of my 3 nephews.
Check out onlineshoes.com they currently have 10% off promo code is FALL4TEN on regular priced bogs.
I used to work for Track N Trail, a large hiking and outdoor shoe store. You may want to look into getting a pair of boots that have GoreTex in them. The GoreTex makes them waterproof (not just water resistant) and yet they are still breathable. Hiking boots, however, need to be broken in, but if you find a really good pair, they will last you a very long time. Look for a store w/ a knowledgeable salesperson who can go over the different brands out there and explain what each one can or cannot do for you with what you are looking for. It seems to me Bog Boots are nothing more than rubber rain boots and if thats the case, you won't last long in those boots. Livong in St. Joe, you should be able to find an REI or a Track N Trail out there. If I can help, please let me know. Good Luck!
I don't have a shoe for you but I have something that will help keep traction in the ice. They are called Yak Trax and can be found online or at any running store.
You just keep them in your pocket and when you come across an icy trail slip them on your shoes and keep going. They are made of rubber and metal and are very flexible which makes them easy to crunch up and sitck in your pocket.
I purchased a pair for my MIL last year and she LOVES them. She's an avid runner.
Happy walking ;-)
