New hiking shoes have been edging their way up my needs list this summer. Lots of hiking miles have been logged and my favorite shoes were wearing out. My secondary shoes are good on snowy trails but are too heavy to be comfortable on fair weather hikes.
These day hikers were on sale and comfortable in the store. Turns out they were a spectacular buy as they handle well on the trail too.
It took me months to settle on shoes partly because I can’t order them online and expect them to fit and be comfortable. However, I was also resisting the process because I adore my old shoes. They’re comfortable but they’ve also traveled with me to many places, never failing to take me everywhere I wish to go. They’re like old friends.
It sounds irrational to be so attached to a pair of shoes but these have helped me through some tough spots both literally and figuratively. I will always be grateful for them.
Are you attached to an object like this? I would love to hear your story!
Make the Journey Fun 
I love my converse sneakers. Yeah I still call them sneakers, not tennis shoes. I like the old school ones that we all wore in the 70s before high tops showed up.
That’s awesome. I’ve never had a pair but guess they must be comfortable!
I know I used to do that. I had some brown ones I loved. It’s ok to change them and try new ones out from time to time.
Lol. It is ok but it gets costly if you’re not sure you’ll really feel good in the shoes. There’s nothing worse than being miles from the car in shoes you realize don’t serve you well. The old ones will absolutely stay in the rotation for short hikes. 🙂 👟
I love my Merrill hiking boots and shoes!!
That’s awesome!!
I know EXACTLY what you are talking about! I have had two foot surgeries to correct some severe problems with my feet. Therefore, I have a real problem in getting shoes that fit and wear correctly. Saddest moment I had regarding my current crop of shoes: I had to off-load my beloved Cochran jump boot! Man, they fit good and they were great on a trail…bit heavy but they gave me excellent ankle support. Anyway, I am still looking for a suitable replacement for the Cochrans. Glad you can at least find hikers that are comfortable and fit.
Ouch! That has to be a real challenge, finding shoes that are good for your feet.
I’ve had a number of brands and styles but these old shoes I love best are New Balance trail runners. They’re lightweight and have amazing traction and have held up beautifully. I tend to roll my ankles in boots ( I know it’s stupid but that’s my reality. Haha). These new shoes are a little heavier than the others but they did great Saturday and I’m excited to wear them again .
A good pair of hikers is hard to replace, for sure. A couple pairs of old favorites live in my garden. I have a t-shirt from one of my early environmental biology jobs in 2009. It has a couple holes, but I won’t stop wearing it. It was such an amazing experience to be on the Arizona Bald Eagle Nest Watch program. I learned so much about these beautiful birds.