Show off your exploration shoes...

[Good Times]

I've been wanting to pick up some new meat for my poor feet so I took the plunge and drove to my favorite REI store and did a bit of spring shopping :love:

I did a bit of homework before going to REI so I knew that I was looking at either the Keen or Merrell hiking boots. I was deciding between the mid top and the low top form and I did find two that really felt comfortable. The Keen Voyageur and the Keen Voyageur Mid. Somehow the Merrell boots weren't feeling any love.

http://www.chaosedition.com/ultimateyota/keen_voyageur.jpg

http://www.chaosedition.com/ultimateyota/keen_voyageur_mid.jpg

Both are basically the same shoe except one is smaller than the other. After trying them out for over 45 min I finally walked out with the Keen Voyageur Mid. :king: After having ankle surgery almost 18 months ago I'm still a chicken sh*t when it comes to support around my ankle so the mid top made more sense. I will note that the low top version felt like a champ so I may have to figure out a way to pick those up too :tapedshut:

My doc told me that the plate and screws in my leg would make that leg virtually indestructible but somehow I'm still paranoid so the added support of the mid top is my own personal insurance policy so I don't do something stupid. Plus it secures my other leg which is not broken anyway :spank:

I did check out some of the keen sandals and those were pretty sexy too! Not sure how comfortable it'll be if I get some sand/rocks in between so I'm thinking I'll just stick to my Reefs as they're super comfortable :).

So whatcha all pimpin now a days when you go out and explore?

[randver]

got mine for free

http://armynavyairforcemarine.com/usmc/4150altama.gif

[Cheese]

Lance, I wear higher boots just so my ankles stay up and in tact.

Asolo Fugitive GTX for most of the light work.

I have only had one pair of Merrel's be worth a hoot.

I have a pair of Montrail approach shoes that have been getting lots of miles, lace to toe makes me happy when I am not in my Chacos or my Wescos.

[Robinhood4x4]

About the keen sandals, I have the Venice and it's a comfortable sandal. It certainly offers more protection in the rocks since it wraps all around. My only complaint is that despite all the holes in it, they don't let my foot breath very well. Maybe I just have sweaty feet or something, but I find after a whole day of walking it's not very dry down there.

[Cheese]

And worse yet, they seem to collect crap.

I wore mine in Moab wheeling. I think I still have sand stuck on those from that trip and it was a couple years ago!

My feet are not sweaty and those make mine hot in a bad way.

[Good Times]

Adrian, funny thing is that I was wearing a similar one that randver posted and actually broke my ankle while goofing off playing paintball with a few buddies of mine. How I broke it I have no clue but I can tell ya now with the perm plate now in my leg the likelihood is slim to break the exact same spot. Perhaps the other bone might shatter but bleh!

the only thing that bothers me w/ the sandals are the rocks/pebbles that get stuck between my foot and sole. will make for one miserable experience. also my feet do sweat so i expect that it'll reek if it doesn't get that ample ventilation.

[Cebby]

I'm currently wearing these (I also have the old version that are used as my beaters):

http://usaimages.wolverineworldwide.com/bulk/2006/9/8/MRL-W86595-06.psd.fpx?cell=260,226&qlt=80&rgn=0,-0.195384615384615,1.6,1.39076923076923&cvt=jpeg

I have these also (different colors though and they're showing their age):

http://usaimages.wolverineworldwide.com/bulk/2007/2/14/MRL-W87169_70-06.psd.fpx?cell=260,226&qlt=80&rgn=0,-0.263823171556036,1.75746924428822,1.5276463431120 7&cvt=jpeg http://usaimages.wolverineworldwide.com/bulk/cat1/2007/9/10/MRL-W87451-07.psd.fpx?cell=260,226&qlt=80&rgn=0,-0.263823171556036,1.75746924428822,1.5276463431120 7&cvt=jpeg

The boots and sandals are like new though...

http://usaimages.wolverineworldwide.com/bulk/2006/4/24/MRL2-W53683-84-06-y.psd.fpx?cell=260,226&qlt=80&rgn=0,-0.0557741491245327,1.27877237851662,1.111548298249 07&cvt=jpeg http://usaimages.wolverineworldwide.com/bulk/2006/9/8/MRL-W30735-06.psd.fpx?cell=260,226&qlt=80&rgn=0,-0.403566288181673,2.07900207900208,1.8071325763633 5&cvt=jpeg

Yeah, you could say I drank the Merrell cool aid.

[Cheese]

I remember about your ankle.

I meant I wear really tall, heavy boots when working. I have Wesco Loggers that I love. My ankles are apparently forgiving when hiking/climbing as I get by with less boot.

Not sure about Keen footwear. The sandals were decent, but neither of two pictured felt solid to me.

[habanero]

About 6 years old and the tread's nearly done but they're still waterproof and comfortable with a 54# pack.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/193-9353_IMG.jpg