Reddit mentions: The best outdoor shoes for women

Does your local gym not have shoes on sale? Usually they stock a good variety of shoes and you can try them on. (I've had gyms even let me step on rock with try-on shoes).

Climbing shoes aren't buy it for life and they will get worn down. As a beginner with little technique, that chance that you'll wear down your shoes faster increases. Which is why most people recommend getting the Defys as a cheap, getting into the sport shoe. I think I blew out my first pair in less than a year.

I've had good luck and bought all my shoes at around the $40 mark. I have size 6 feet (and I wear size 5-5.5 in climbing shoes) and a lot of shoes come into clearance since not many people wear that size. I've tried on countless shoes and still have trouble finding one that I really like. I would probably try to find shoes that you can try on, but if you have to order online, order from a site that has good returns. Amazon has some climbing shoes and a good return policy.

Sorry that I don't have really great advice. Shoes are super subjective. Oh, also, if you might go outdoors, you might want an all day shoe or something comfortable.

Anyways, you wanted recommendations. Here are some that we've tried and seen around the gym.

• La Sportive Nagos - My boyfriend wore these shoes for a while and really seemed to like them. They're a step up from Defy's, but make a good beginner shoe. They're made of leather so you don't get that Defy stink and will stretch a bit to accommodate your foot.
  
  
• La Sportiva Mythos - Super popular shoe. I see these everywhere around the gym. I have a pair that I picked up from a used gear sale and it didn't work out for me, but they work well for a lot of people. Keep in mind that these stretch out like crazy, I think a full size or two, so order smaller than your street size.
  
  I tried to think of more, but I'm kind of stuck. I personally really like Scarpa shoes and La Sportiva just doesn't fit my foot well. So even though La Sportiva is super popular in the US, I can't wear them.
  
  Good luck.

I got [these](https://www.amazon.com/Teva-Womens-Arrowood-Waterproof-Charcoal/dp/B01N6ILF1Y/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1527607566&sr=8-6&keywords=teva+boots+women) a couple of months ago so I guess a bit new still for extensive comments but so far I am very very happy with them. They are light but supportive and comfortable. For me it was important that my ankle felt supported too. I think the grip is good, I haven't landed on my ass yet this season! But they are a definitely mid-way shoe rather than full blown hardcore hiking. They do have some more rugged models. Teva is a great brand, my friend has been hiking on his for a good three years now and they have lasted well.

Also check out Adidas Terrex line! Those shoes have some very solid soles and good builds too.

I hike the mountains in MT multiple times a month. Mostly day hikes but I also do 1-5 day trips whenever possible. I prefer the cold so my gear is oriented to that. I won’t give full descriptions but I’ll link you what I use very comfortably. You can check the items out up/downgrade as needed. At least you’ll have an idea of what can work.


Also, the bulk of my gear money is spent on comfort clothing, not the main items I list below. All wool. Head to toe. Can score nice wool at the good will/thrift store sometimes. Good luck!


Tent – 110.00 got mine on sale for 75.00 so look for deals


sleeping bag – ICW 84.95. I’m certain I paid less so shop around


backpack – Tenzig 2220. 149.95. Most comfortable pack I’ve owned. Currently year 2 of using it. I think I paid 200 so this might be a good deal


Boots – for day hike I use Field Blazer – 100ish bucks for above 0, and Woody Elite – 200ish bucks for below 0.


For multi day trips with no snow I use Ventilator – About 100ish bucks. They have low and mid. I own both but prefer the low.



My kit is always evolving but these are some things I always carry no matter what -


--My knife + ferrocerium rod. (I put hundreds of dollars into my knives - but you can carry a mora for 10.00)

--A lifestraw. (10 bucks?)

--My own medkit (pieced together based on needs over the years) (10-25ish bucks?)

--Extra socks. (Good wool socks - 6-15 bucks)

--Day hike - plastic military canteen. (buck or two at thrift) Multi day - Stainless steel cup/bottle system (40-80+ bucks, or can go aluminum for short term and half the price)

--Paracord + tarp. (15 bucks or less for both and in good weather + fire the tent isn't even necessary with these. If the bears are out I always use a tent though)

--Pocket fishing kit I made with extra fishing line. (5 bucks)


What's in my pocket - Bic lighter, phone, compass, chapstick, whistle, hand warmer packx3, instant coffee.


This is for me, solo hiking in the mountains. I often carry much more depending on what i'm out to do, but these are items that in my experience will never leave my pack. I also always carry my Alaskan.

Since I can't make this its own thread, and it's super super specific, I'll try sharing this here!!

I'll be attending a three week group vacation-thing in Europe in May, consisting of both indoor casual and formal activities (workshops, business meetings, brewery tours, sightseeing, etc.) as well as outdoor activities (two free days of outdoors stuff, a night lantern hike, etc.). I'll be traveling to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and England, and I am absolutely overwhelmed with what to pack. This is geared for a college/about to graduate tour group! Here are my constraints:

• I don't want to look like a tourist (pretty obvious)--I've only ever been to the UK and that was for a one week sightseeing/art trip, so it was all indoors, very easy to pack!
  
• No access to washer/dryer (probably)
  
• I have to be able to carry the luggage in question. I'm a 5'3" girl who works out, and currently I have a large suitcase I can drag up/down stairs and a Patagonia Black Hole Duffle for my back. That's the limit of my packing.
  
• I have a severe sweating problem. If I get even slightly overheated, I will sweat through absolutely anything--silk, cotton, linen, you name it, I'll stain it. So, rewearing things is really challenging in the spring/summer months. So what weather should I prepare for as someone from the deep southern USA?
  
• I own zero stuff for hiking (probably), just general gym wear. But I was looking at these boots. Could I use them for both hiking and blend in wearing them around the cities? I don't want to bring a ton of shoes!
  
• What kind of bag/purse would be best to bring?
  
  I'm super super overwhelmed and terrified of not being dressed properly since I have some health problems/wear out pretty easily! Thanks for the help!!
  

Harness and Shoes to start.

From my experience, even at big EMS and REI stores everyone in the climbing departments has been more into the climbing than the money. DO NOT buy shoes online. Talk to whoever is in your climbing shop and ask their opinion. Dont worry about bothering them. Try on AS MANY as possible. Im sure they will have great suggestions for beginner shoes.

I was even lucky enough to even have an EMS employee talk me out of buying expensive shoes as a newb. He explained that until my footwork got better, i would probably rub through the thin sensitive rubber way quicker than i could wrangle up another $170. Eternally greatful!

Some shops even have price matching options if you can find the gear they have elsewhere for cheaper.
You should be spending 70-100 bucks for beginner shoes. It is totally worth it. They are your most important connection to the rock.
Friend of mine has these as her first shoes and she loves them!

Good luck! Have Fun!

Happy birthday to your baby! Noodles!

I know it isn't at all the asme but we celebrated my puppy's birthday on the 19th, and did a photoshoot which was super fun and made me so happy! :)

Here is the item- a pair of rain boots, as I do not have anything to wear on my feet when it rains in the spring :) Thanks for the contest!

I like Keen shoes for comfort. They aren't the sexiest shoe in the world, but they are wide and supportive. Currently my everyday shoe is the Presidio. I also have a pair of (discontinued) Keen loafers.

Dankso is too narrow for me, but Alegria clogs fit well. Some of their shoes are pretty gaudy, but their Stonewall boots are pretty simple.

In the summer time, I wear Birkenstocks (ugly but comfortable) and Vionic sandals.

I have wide feet, but a narrow heel. I needed to stop wearing heels and pointy shoes due to a Morton's neuroma. So all of these shoes are very supportive, and provide adequate space for metatarsal bones.

First off, thank you for this amazing contest. I love that everyone will "win" by working toward their goals.

I practice at a martial arts school that requires a 15:30 two mile run to test for a black belt. I still have about two years until this day comes, but I would like to be prepared and ready ahead of time.

On January 15, I started off with a mile time of about 10:30. As of March 24, my mile time is about 8:52. My goal is to improve my mile time by at least 20 seconds in a month (down to 8:32). I have reached a plateau, and I really need to push myself to accomplish my goal. The final goal for this year is to reach a mile time of 7 minutes. The only plausible way to track my progress is simply to record the time it requires me to run a mile. I could try to measure the time it takes me for each lap, but my watch is sadly not made out for that (and holding a phone while jogging messes with my balance).

The Steps:

• Reduce Body Fat and Weight: I have been constantly skipping workouts and not controlling my diet properly. I have seen little to no changes in my body weight and percent body fat since I started in January. As of March 24, I weighed in at about 127 lbs with my percent body fat at 20% (both measured by electronic scale). I will attempt to lose one pound a week (down to about 123 lbs) and to reach a percent body fat of around 18%. Progress will be measured through scale readings and pictures.
  
  
• Jogging: Monday and Friday will be regular jogging days. Mondays will be days in which I see what progress I have made by running a mile as fast as I can, and jogging for the rest of the time I have until my martial arts class (usually ends up being 2 to 3 extra miles). Fridays will just be a long distance running day. No rests unless necessary, covering the most distance I can within an hour.
  
• Interval Training: I was given great advice on /r/running concerning working toward my goal through interval training. In the past, I haven't given it my all, so from this point forward, I truly will have to push myself to my limits instead of making of excuses as to why I need to stop. The track at my school gym requires 6.7 laps to complete a mile. Looking at my ultimate goal of a 7 minute mile, I will need to run each lap in about 1:02. Therefore, from the advice I received, I will attempt to run a lap within 1:02, walk/jog half a lap, attempt to run another lap within 1:02, walk/jog, etc. until I fail to run a lap within 1:02. Once this point is reached, I will run half a lap in 0:31, walk/jog quarter of a lap, and continue until I fail. I will attempt to run up to 2 miles with this pattern (or until I fail to run half a lap in 0:31), at which point I will just jog at an easy pace for the rest of the workout. Interval training will be done once a week on Wednesday.
  
  
• Insanity: I have previously had great results with Insanity. And the workouts that I have been skipping almost all of this year are Insanity workouts. Therefore, I have to step up my game. The Insanity workouts really help build leg muscles needed for speed, and Shaun T's yelling truly motivates me to push myself to healthy limits. Insanity workouts will be done Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (if there are no pressing plans for the weekend).
  
  
• More Muscle: Martial arts and rock climbing will assist in increasing my muscle (and reducing my percent body fat). I have two martial arts classes every Monday and Wednesday. I have usually skipped one of them each week in the past, so I plan on sticking to the schedule and consistently going to both. And I have constantly skipped rock climbing due to the soreness it causes in my upper body over the weekend. However, with no belt tests coming up, I have no excuse to skip. Rock climbing will allow me to work the muscles in my upper body that I rarely work out.
  
  Cheerleaders:
  
  
• /u/mcpomaden, /u/Slizards, /u/chronos42; if you have been summoned, don't worry. I don't need too much cheerleading... Hopefully.
  
  As I get more into climbing, I could use some climbing shoes and a chalk bag.
  
  I do not use Amazon music, but the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack is the best for when I need some inspiration.
  
  I will be back to edit this further.

Well they're definitely full on hiking boots. They're heavier, and made for doing longer hikes. They're also pretty comfy in my opinion. If you're for something lighter or more similar to sneakers, I've had a pair of keens for the last few years that I've used for short day hikes that aren't too challenging. They're similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Saltzman-Outdoor-Raven-Lagoon/dp/B00RLVW3CE/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1492374266&sr=8-20&keywords=women+keen+hiking+shoes

They're lighter, but still provide good grip and protection for your feet. If you're not planning on doing backpacking and want to do more local day hikes this will probably be a better bet. My SO also just liked wearing them as his normal shoe. They're comfy, have room for sole inserts, and they're good quality shoes.

I trail run/hike in these

they are amazing! light, rock plate, stiff but not too stiff, EXTREMELY comfortable from the minute i put them on. I find the stiffness of this shoe keeps my feet inline and when i do trip/misstep it keeps my ankle from rolling.

I find hiking is so soothing. nature, good sites and sounds, being alone thinking but not stress thinking bc i can't be in my head too much while all the beauty of nature is around me - just ....so soothing

Hush Puppies

Dr. Martens - these don't specifically come in a wide-width, but they're sized VERY generously and I highly recommend them as a fellow orthotics-wearer.

Rockport - available in wide-width except for 11

Sam Edelman

Hope you find something you like! I know how tough it is to find nice looking orthotic-friendly footwear.

I have two pairs of excellent hiking boots for moderate treks like you've described. My Danner Adrika boots are amazingly comfortable, fairly lightweight, and took nearly no break in time. I did replace the insoles with my preferred boot insole, but they are awesome. I wore them all around Colorado and New Mexico for moderate hikes. I also have the more technical Lowa Renegade GTX which I got on sale in a retired color combo, and they are a little heavier and more supportive, but still great for any hikes that may take you around water/puddles/rain.

https://www.amazon.com/Ariat-Womens-Terrain-Hiking-Boot/dp/B01FXESU9A

I bought these for a trip to Arizona and they fit great, wore well, and still look awesome.

Ariat is a great boot, and at $80 these are a really good price.

I was just in ireland two weeks ago! I took two pairs of shoes with me and it worked out pretty well. I took a pair of Blondo Liams in the taupe color for walking around the cities and going out at night. Super cute and waterproof, went with everything. Love them. Then I took a pair of Sperry Duckboots as well for walking around the countryside and they were a life saver. We were there just after the snow so everything was puddles and super muddy. Our feet stayed dry and we could trudge through all the muddy puddles we wanted and not care if our shoes got dirty. We just washed them off in the sink later that night!

https://www.amazon.com/Blondo-Womens-Wateproof-Mushroom-Suede/dp/B072FGFYR5/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522250540&sr=8-2&keywords=blondo+liam

https://www.amazon.com/Sperry-Top-Sider-Womens-Saltwater-Rosewood/dp/B01N7KAVWO/ref=sr_1_13?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1522250570&sr=1-13&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=sperry%2Bduck%2Bboots&th=1

They're not trail runners, but I have this pair of Merrell hiking boots, and they're great. Very light for mid-rise hiking boots, waterproof, excellent support.

I think the fit of the shoe has more to do with blisters than the weight. I would go a size down or a size narrower if you find yourself getting blisters a lot. Your shoes should be snug, but have just enough room to wiggle your toes.

I had Sam Edelman's Tinsley boots in polished black for a couple years and loved them. I needed a wide width so I recently replaced them with A New Day's Alex boots and I'm loving the matte black because at first glace they can pass as normal boots. I wear them with cuffed jeans like this and a jacket similar to this. It's great because it doesn't look so obviously 'rain gear' like most are.

Changing your socks frequently won't help much, but it will help protect your feet from blisters and "hot spots" (areas that aren't quite abraded enough to blister, but which become painful and sore enough that you don't want to walk.)

Breaking in boots and shoes is extremely important in you are living life on foot. Infantry soldiers are issued two pairs of boots. They are supposed to alternate boots every other day. When you first get a pair of combat boots, you soak them in water, beat them with a wooden-handled scrub brush, put on two pairs of clean, woolen, combat socks, tuck two spare pair into your belt, and go for a walk. Halfway through, you stop, take off the boots, switch socks to two dry pairs and walk back. As the boots dry, they begin to mould to your feet.

On the second day, you do this to the second pair of boots. You only need to soak and beat them once, but you need to switch boots every day so that they wear in evenly and they have a chance to air-dry out (from sweat) to avoid fungus. Pull your boot inserts out of the pair that is "resting."

https://depositphotos.com/stock-photos/military-boots.html?qview=3370816

https://depositphotos.com/stock-photos/military-boots.html?qview=5960165

Your foot bears weight unevenly. If you look at a barefoot footprint in wet sand, you can see that your body weight is borne on the "ball" (metatarsals) and "heel." Because of the way people walk when wearing boots (the heel strikes the ground first, then the toes) and especially when marching in cadence, military boots tend to wear worst on the back of the heel. In effect, lacing boots up above the ankle protects the ankle, but causes people to walk unnaturally. If one grows up barefooted or wearing moccasins, your natural gait will be very different, in which one points the toe when taking a step. This looks somewhat like a ballet dancer pointing her (or his) toe. The toes/metatarsals strike the ground first, and the heel later. This is similar to the way people's feet touch the ground when running--you run "on your toes," kind of.

Boots will wear more on those areas where the foot bears the majority of the body's weight, and as the boot sole wears, depressions will form inside the boot to accommodate the plantar surfaces of the foot. This is what we mean when we say boots are "worn in." Once this occurs, as long as you do not wear your boots with wet feet and wet socks, your feet should not blister. However, when on a long hump you should still rest your feet ten minutes out of every two hours, and change socks and inspect each other's feet during the rest.

Modern hiking boots usually do not require much of a break-in period, but they also are not nearly as durable as military boots. They are designed a lot like tennis shoes.

https://www.mensjournal.com/gear/9-best-light-hiking-boots-spring-2018/

Older design (1970's) mountaineering boots have a very stiff sole and a very robust way of lacing. Walking in them feels a little bit like having boards strapped to your feet.

https://www.amazon.com/Danner-Womens-Mountain-Light-Cascade/dp/B00SC8DDTC

Everybody chooses boots that suit them best. Nothing wrong with that. I chose boots that were not necessarily the best quality or the most comfortable, but for which I had good evidence to support the idea that they would not fail me 1,000 miles from home. I chose military packs for the same reason. Tough, durable, almost impossible to break.

After months of searching/hoping, I finally found true high rise black jeans with 93% cotton... and I got them for $35!!! thank you Gap!

I've only worn them once (after washing) so I'll have to see about longevity, but so far it feels like a Christmas miracle.

I also finally got some Chelsea rain boots after holding out for ever. The Sam Edelman ones went on sale on Amazon for $22 (usually $55) a few weeks ago and I pulled the trigger.

I’m going on a short trip to Europe at the end of this month into December. Looking for some fashionable but warm and comfortable shoes to walk around. What do you gals think of these Dr Martens www.amazon.com/dp/B0073ZX9IA/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_bxE3BbTB4VKPE another concern is that I wear size 11 and sometimes I feel that certain shoes make my feet look comically large.

If your feet get cold then something like this will be your best winter friend.

I'm an 8.5 in Keds and an 8.5 in Merrells. I have narrow feet, which is why I love both Merrells and Keds. Also seconding the Sirens.

If you're only doing light hiking, you could also look into trail running shoes, which will give you more options and might be cheaper. Either way, if you live near an REI or other outdoor store, I'd recommend going in and trying a bunch on to get a feel for the brands (Merrell runs narrow-ish, Keens run wide, etc) if you want to try to score a sale online.

the sam edelman tinsley is really similar, has great reviews and would probably be available in nordstrom or other department stores!

i have the stormy and they are definitely not comfortable - i have narrow feet and they're almost too narrow for me.

Could these work for going out to dinner with tights/dress or ponte pants/nice blouse?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076VL1K6G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I'm traveling soon and it's going to be very rainy but I want to minimize my packing list and bring 2 pairs of shoes tops.

Have you tried Down Booties? If you're just trying to warm up in the car post swim and don't need to walk around much, they might be a good option.

something like these

I'm an 8.5W and think they are very true to size. I'm not familiar with the ones you posted, but I have these ones and have worn them for about 5-6 yrs, and they are just starting to give up. I've heard great things about these ones too.

Doc Martens makes a [Chelsea boot] (http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Martens-2976-Chelsea-Smooth/dp/B000W8E2I6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412816997&sr=8-1&keywords=dr+marten+chelsea+boot) that looks a lot like the shoes you linked for close to $100. If you don't like the look of the sole, they also make [these] (http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Martens-Womens-Flora-Polished/dp/B0073ZX9IA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412816997&sr=8-2&keywords=dr+marten+chelsea+boot0).

Hope this helps!

Northern and central Italy can get pretty chilly this time of year so I would suggest you ditch the tanks and add a sweater. I’d also suggest water proofing your shoes or swapping the oxfords for some rain booties that you could wear on the plane - I just got theseAsgard rain booties and they’re comfy and can be folded up if need be! Buone vacanze!

doc marten floras maybe

I've heard good things about the Vans and Uniqlo no show socks.

What about chelsea rainboots? I have a pair in black from J.Crew, they're waterproof and I got matte ones so you can't really tell that they are rubber boots from far away.