What should I wear Shoes or Boots?

Equipment
Written By Peter Boyle

Salomon Cross Hike

At this point in time I feel that I will be wearing the Salomon "CROSS HIKE", this will be my third different pair of Boots / Shoes.

My first pair were from Kathmandu a few years ago now, back then it was like selling Ice to Eskimos, heavy duty, water proofish and thick rubber sole bla bla bla. The second pair I tried and am still wearing are the Salomon "X Ultra 04", as far as I am concerned these shoes are at the other end of the scale, I have done hundreds of kilometres over some rugged country and they performed outstanding, however I am still looking for the perfect shoe.

With the "CROSS HIKE" I am hoping to get all of the features of the "X ULTRA" plus a little more support:

Pro's

  • Weight 385gm

  • Durability

  • Good support

  • Speed Laces can be good

  • Water resistant

  • Dry quickly

Con's

  • Price

  • Speed laces can also be a problem if they have a malfunction

  • Not water proof but lets face it unless you are going to wear fishing waders then what ever shoe / Boot you choose your feet are going to get wet at some point!

  • Availability may be a problem, I will have 2 spare pairs sent ahead with other supplies.

What ever you choose, if you intend on wearing more than one pair over the journey then you will need to break in your spares before you go.

 

Peter Boyle
Previous

Trekking Poles / Walking Sticks