Goretex boots make your feet sweat and blister if you do any real strenuous, longer hikes in them, especially in hotter weather. It's always better to go non goretex. The best serious hiking boots are still all cowhide boots with a 3/4 nylon shank. The Alico 'Summit' boot is about perfect, it is made to fit after market insoles and it's made in italy by an old boot maker that knows what they're doing and is cheaper than many of the modern trail runners. They break in fast and are extremely durable. I live in colorado, hike often, and i am 7 years in on a pair that look like they will go at least another 7 right now. Nothing gives you the kind of support and protection like old school, cowhide leather boots and a good custom insole do. I have been through probably 12 pair of different high dollar boots over the last 32 years, including scarpa, garmont, asolo, la sportiva, and many more i can't remember, and i also did a lot of trail running in trail runners and some hiking in trail runners. Trail runners and light weight boots are good for lightweight, totally on-trail hiking, and then only on clean, perfectly manicured trails that don't have scree fields, or other sharp rocks, etc. i highly suggest you wear the proper footwear for the trail you're hiking... It makes me wince when i see youtubers hiking the Continental divide trail in sneakers and the like... That is not smart imo, and is definitely not a comfortable way to go... You need protection from sharp rocks, you need the rigidity to side kick or toe kick steps into hard snow or dirt, you need that rigidity as well to edge on small rock ledges, and the ankle support is excellent for carrying a heavier pack, even if you're going ultra light. Just some words of wisdom from an older middle aged, pretty experienced hiker, trailrunner and alpine climber... Take it or leave it.
Hi Chris, we’re now on O’Cebriero as I type - over 600km down & under 200km until we reach Santiago. Then it’s on to Finestere & Muxia ! Talking footwear is tricky here on the Camino. We are carrying our own packs the whole way so my Lowa Z8-s goretex have been utterly perfect for me. Way lighter than my Lowa Tibets but with almost as much ankle support. Not one single blister and my feet are always dry. My wife’s Lowa Mauria Evo GTX Ws have been perfect for her. We’ve also used “Injini” toe socks - they are essential. Because of the uber light weight of trail runners, people swear by low cut Altras & Hokas. But remember 99% of people are also shipping their bags and carrying a very light day pack rather than their full 15kg pack. Most trail runners are not at all waterproof but dry overnight allegedly. For me, wet feet are a recipe for blisters.
Saw the Altra Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX in person and wasn't particularely impressed by the quality and doesn't seem like they would last very long in rocky terrain. The Olympus 6 on the other hand felt like a big leap both in quality and durability. I was very impressed by the fit and finish, hold, softer sole, even the laces felt better. I am currently between the Olympus 6 and Hoka Kaha 2, they're about the same price.
One of our team members alternate between the Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX for lighter hikes and a more traditional style hiking boot, he hasn't had any issues with durability but with that said, they won't be as durable as a traditional hiking boot especially in rocky terrain. We have most models of Altra's covered amongst the team here and all very happy them!
Hi Chris, I have been wearing Altras as my daily wear for a number of years and for a few long distance hikes. Normally, I would buy any of the their shoes in my normal 9.5 size, but for these boots, would you suggest treating them like a proper hiking boot and going up a size?
Goretex boots make your feet sweat and blister if you do any real strenuous, longer hikes in them, especially in hotter weather. It's always better to go non goretex. The best serious hiking boots are still all cowhide boots with a 3/4 nylon shank. The Alico 'Summit' boot is about perfect, it is made to fit after market insoles and it's made in italy by an old boot maker that knows what they're doing and is cheaper than many of the modern trail runners. They break in fast and are extremely durable. I live in colorado, hike often, and i am 7 years in on a pair that look like they will go at least another 7 right now. Nothing gives you the kind of support and protection like old school, cowhide leather boots and a good custom insole do. I have been through probably 12 pair of different high dollar boots over the last 32 years, including scarpa, garmont, asolo, la sportiva, and many more i can't remember, and i also did a lot of trail running in trail runners and some hiking in trail runners. Trail runners and light weight boots are good for lightweight, totally on-trail hiking, and then only on clean, perfectly manicured trails that don't have scree fields, or other sharp rocks, etc. i highly suggest you wear the proper footwear for the trail you're hiking... It makes me wince when i see youtubers hiking the Continental divide trail in sneakers and the like... That is not smart imo, and is definitely not a comfortable way to go... You need protection from sharp rocks, you need the rigidity to side kick or toe kick steps into hard snow or dirt, you need that rigidity as well to edge on small rock ledges, and the ankle support is excellent for carrying a heavier pack, even if you're going ultra light. Just some words of wisdom from an older middle aged, pretty experienced hiker, trailrunner and alpine climber... Take it or leave it.
Hi Chris, we’re now on O’Cebriero as I type - over 600km down & under 200km until we reach Santiago. Then it’s on to Finestere & Muxia !
Talking footwear is tricky here on the Camino. We are carrying our own packs the whole way so my Lowa Z8-s goretex have been utterly perfect for me. Way lighter than my Lowa Tibets but with almost as much ankle support.
Not one single blister and my feet are always dry. My wife’s Lowa Mauria Evo GTX Ws have been perfect for her. We’ve also used “Injini” toe socks - they are essential.
Because of the uber light weight of trail runners, people swear by low cut Altras & Hokas. But remember 99% of people are also shipping their bags and carrying a very light day pack rather than their full 15kg pack.
Most trail runners are not at all waterproof but dry overnight allegedly. For me, wet feet are a recipe for blisters.
Saw the Altra Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX in person and wasn't particularely impressed by the quality and doesn't seem like they would last very long in rocky terrain. The Olympus 6 on the other hand felt like a big leap both in quality and durability. I was very impressed by the fit and finish, hold, softer sole, even the laces felt better. I am currently between the Olympus 6 and Hoka Kaha 2, they're about the same price.
One of our team members alternate between the Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX for lighter hikes and a more traditional style hiking boot, he hasn't had any issues with durability but with that said, they won't be as durable as a traditional hiking boot especially in rocky terrain. We have most models of Altra's covered amongst the team here and all very happy them!
Hi Chris, I have been wearing Altras as my daily wear for a number of years and for a few long distance hikes. Normally, I would buy any of the their shoes in my normal 9.5 size, but for these boots, would you suggest treating them like a proper hiking boot and going up a size?
Hi Carl, I would stay same size and fit them like their normal shoes. I wear the same size in both their trail runners and these.
@@tomsoutdoorsgearguide Thanks. I appreciate the reply.
Hey Chris are these new Altra hikers a zero drop boot like most (all?) of their trail runners?
Hi there! Yes that is correct, the Altra Olympus 5 Hike are zero drop!