Can anybody suggest a good brand and/or style of hiking boot or shoe?? The athletic shoes I buy off the shelf are useless, they are either not sturdy enough to handle rough terrain, or they make my feet burn (I've been told that waterproof footwear is undesirable - the feet can't breathe).

1) My feet are weird - narrow heels, but wide across the toes. Reeboks fit nice and wide for my forefoot, but then the heels are loose, and I get blisters. And all that foam and padding makes my feet sweat and BURN when I walk long distances in them.

2) I have a pair of Rockport walking shoes that I wear "in town", ie, they're great for walking on city streets and paved walkways in the park. They are so comfortable, but not sturdy enough to handle cross-country hiking. Does anybody know if Rockport makes hiking boots?

Hi Doreen,

How about custom designed sneekers? Some online shoe makers have custom templates to fill on line with measurement instructions that you print out and measure your feet on.

Wa'il

Actually, custom-made is a good option; there is a shop here in Kingston (Walkwel's on Wellington St, if anyone's interested). I prefer the idea of a professional measuring and fitting my tootsies, and being able to see and feel the materials. Especially since I'd be paying at least $200.

I guess I'm most interested to hear suggestions re: over-all comfort and DURABILITY. I hike through mixed terrain, often wet and squishy, and often slippery (need good traction). I've seen terrific boots, exactly what I want, at Mark's Work Wearhouse, but they're MENS. I have small feet, even if wide. Equivalent to man's size 5, if there is such a thing.

Oh well, just polling for ideas.

thanks, Doreen

Hi, Doreen. You might try Ecco shoes/boots. They're not cheap, but they are made to fit narrow in the heel and looser across the front of the foot. I bought some shoes recently, and a friend of mine bought a lovely pair of hiking boots - very lightweight and quite smart looking, but sturdy. They were around $300, though.

Rachel

PS: I don't think you can get a men's five, though you might try a boy's shoe. I seem to have the same problems as you in buying shoes. I was quite pleased to find the Eccos.

Thanks Rachel,

Hmm, $300 is steep, BUT worth it in the long run for good quality boots that will probably last a few years. I used to pay over $300 a year for fitness club membership, and hardly used it (the place was SO busy, full of university jocks and skinny girls in pink spandex; I hated being the fat broad waddling on the treadmill). I'll check out some of the better-quality shoe and/or sports shops, maybe they could "special order" for me.

Doreen