After carrying me to the West Coast, and then across the Atlantic; tramping through Southern Spain, France, to the German Alps, and back to Spain; strolling the halls and gardens of the Alhambra to slogging through corrals; hiking in and out of olive groves to climbing the mountains of the Serrania the seams are giving way and the Gore-Tex has given up the ghost. My wonderful Merrell Passages are struggling to survive in the face of tired adhesive and New England winter.
The search is on for a new pair of kicks that can match the green wonders I must now give up. I've already begun scouring adventure outfitters, shoe outlets, and online retailers for a pair of light-weight hikers that fit like a glove and hold up to anything.
I offer a challenge: send me ideas for a new shoe. All I ask is for something firm and supportive, yet flexible enough to fit my foot like skin. Something waterproof but highly breathable that can stand up to long wear without smelling like carrion. Something light, but strong. Something that can carry me wherever my circumstances take me without complaint.
Bonus points to suggestions below $100.
Ah, goodbye, my lovelies.
4 comments:
I love LL Bean shoes...and you can't beat the return policy!
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=474&catalogId=1&storeId=1&langId=-1
https://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39222158&memberId=12500226
these are pretty sweet shoes. i'd look around on this site for awhile. it's where i got almost all of my gear when i went to cali. great company, and best prices for hiking stuff 99% of the time.
ps... goretex will last you a lot longer and should hold up better. you can also double check, but generally vibram soles can just be redone.
One word - Keens!!
http://www.keenfootwear.com
They are the best shoes ever! I got myself the close-toed sandals, breathable and comfy. A friend warned me that I'd never take them off, and she was right. The only thing that made me switch back to normal shoes was below freezing weather.
But Keens can go through water and mud and come out fine on the other side. I luv my Keens!
You should write about your fun trip to MI, or the last week at the farm, or PA...seeing this blog every time I check to see if you've posted something new makes me feel "worn out!"
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