Any hikers out there?

[kimandross]

I'm going to Vermont next month for an awesome surprise 40th birthday celebration for a family member. We will be doing some hiking, since that's what the birthday girl likes. Well, I don't hike much (Read: at all), so obviously I need shoes. Anyone know any good, not expensive hiking shoes?

[moonstone523]

I personally prefer low hiking shoes vs boots. And to take that a step further, I prefer trail running shoes to a low-top Merrell.

Since you'll most likely being doing day hikes, you can get by with running shoes. I've hiked plenty in mine and been a-okay.

What's most important is that the shoes fit you and are well broken in. Don't buy a new pair of hikers and expect to break them in on the trail. Hello blisters.

A camel back backpack is also nice to have for day hikes, but a bottle of water will do as well.

So to recap, I prefer trail running shoes!

[surfbetty530]

I have no opinion on shoes but just have to say how much I love VT! Where in VT are you headed?

[sara76]

You should be fine with comfortable running shoes that are broken in. That's all I wore for 3 miles down, 3 miles up in the Grand Canyon and my feet were fine. The rest of my body was in trouble but it had nothing to do with my shoes
I live Vermont too! I fly into Burlington when I go home and take the ferry to my favorite Adirondacks, but I try to do one stay over in Vermont each trip. My last boyfriend before DH was from Montpelier and I came pretty close to settling there. Its a great city, the guy wasn't right though. It's going to be a great time of year for you to go there! You must go to Ben and Jerry's. Too much exercise and not enough fat intake is not good

[Deleted]

Ditto moonstone. I prefer running or low hiking shoes with more give in the sole.

Now is the time you can pick up some great gear at Sports Authority/Dick's for layering pieces like tanks, lightweight jackets, etc.

[kimandross]

Thanks for the tips! I will definitley look into clothes, shoes, etc, although I don't want to buy a ton since its only a 4 day trip. Although maybe I'll take up FL hiking....ha!

We staying in a house just north of Killington, which is in the middle. I know we have plans to go to Ben & Jerry's, do 2-3 hikes, go to some breweries/wineries, all that fun stuff. I'm just so excited as its my first real vacation in a long time. Plus, as of right now, the birthday girl doesn't knowabout anything and we're in the process of sending her various clues about the trip. They are all Vermont related, but we're giving them in such a way to throw her off. Its been such a fun planning process, I can't wait for the actual trip to get here!

[moonstone523]

Sept 4, 2012 13:58:28 GMT -5 @bigtowlittletoe said:

Ditto moonstone. I prefer running or low hiking shoes with more give in the sole.

Now is the time you can pick up some great gear at Sports Authority/Dick's for layering pieces like tanks, lightweight jackets, etc.

This is EXACTLY why I prefer running/trail running shoes. I once was on a three day hike in New Zealand with a huge ass pack on, in hiking boots, and slipped while going over a little stream. The thick soles of hiking boots couldn't "feel" the ground. I fell down the stream and would have kept.on.going. if my pack didn't catch on a branch.

I will never hike in hiking boots again.

Not to mention this bad ass guy hiked, I mean jogged laps around me, for three days and a bigger pack than me, in regular ole running shoes. If he could do it, so could I (the hiking part, not the running up and down a mountain part).

[almead1]

I've had good luck at Columbia Outlet in Ellenton (also one in Orlando) as well as Zappos (although I usually go try them on in person somewhere).

I second breaking them in! I usually wear my new ones when I walk the dog around the neighborhood.