http://montrail.com/

(Sorry, I don't know how to create a hyperlink).

I will try either the Sabino Trail or the AT Plus to replace 08 Hardrocks.

"(Sorry, I don't know how to create a hyperlink)."

Just get Ben2World to do it.

Seriously, though - thanks for the link.

Montrail Website

Sweet!

No AT Plus in women's! Blatant discrimination, if you ask me!

I was hoping this model (which I was told by Columbia Sportswear customer service last fall) would be like the old style Hardrock) would solve my problems, but obviously it won't. My heels are far too narrow for me to wear a men's shoe.

Back to the drawing board....

Mary,
take a deep breath and relax, they are posted on the Montrail site. Scroll down to hike and there they are, the female version of the AT and AT Plus.

Edited by thomdarrah on 02/02/2010 15:12:18 MST.

Nice, anyone try them yet? How do they compare to the much praised old Hardrocks?

Just read that both shoes feature a wider toe box. Recovering from a pinched nerve in my foot (neuroma) due to feet widening over the years while shoes not, so looking for replacement trail shoes in wide with a roomy toe box.

How are these shoes for cushioning?

Also anyone know if these can be used with an orthotic about the same thickness as most trail/running shoe liners?

Edited by mountainwalker on 02/02/2010 20:11:34 MST.

If anyone has both the Sabino Trail mid and the 09' Hardrock mid I would really like a comparison of both.

I would also like to hear about the AT plus GTX

Joseph

Curt, where are you getting yours from?

What are the best Montrail online sources?

Anyone know any good local Bay Area sources where you can try on the different shoes in multiple sizes?

They may not have all the models and sizes, but likely have some as well as good advice - just realized that Zombie Runner, which opened near me not too long ago and specializes in footwear like innov8, was founded by husband and wife expert long distance runners. Will share what I find out.

Edited by mountainwalker on 02/02/2010 20:26:16 MST.

Title line says it all. I don't know if anything else was on sale.

I have backpacked about 1000 miles of the AT in this boot. My second pair will wear out this year so I grabbed the third pair on sale.

They are slightly heavy, in my opinion. I need an insole in them. Just bought superfeet, which feel great to me already. Eventually, I may experiment with other, lighter, footgear, but these work well for me. I am thru-hiking the AT this year, and I don't want to change boots in midstream. I'll break in the second pair this month so they are ready to go if I need them.

In 2008 I switched to a new pair halfway through a 500- mile hike and only got one blister on my heel. I wasn't careful enough.

The first pair started to break down on the inside - mostly at the heel. I think maybe a better insole will help with that. I got 600 AT miles out of the first pair. That seems low, but I probably swapped them out before I had to. I'm pretty fussy about my feet being comfortable.

I can't really compare to any other boots. I loved my Chaco's but I don't think they make them anymore. I need a wide toe box and the Montrails are good for that. I put tape around my little toe and sometimes on my heel and otherwise no problems.

I lace them in an alternate way, skipping some crosses, to deal with what they call a "high volume" foot, I think. High arches and high on the top of the foot.

Hope that's helpful.

Edited by abbeybean on 02/03/2010 06:10:52 MST.

I plan on trying them out at my local outfitter in Orlando. Last year, I shopped the internet sales and ended up paying a lot in return shipping costs before I found the right size (12 Wide).

Yeah, that's a good idea to try them on first. I bought my first pair retail. Paid close to $200. It was the second pair of boots I bought that day. LOL. I was on a trail break. Bought a different pair on sale - couldn't return them - then went to another outfitter and tried the Montrails and loved them immediately. I always use up my boots, so it wasn't a big deal. Expensive day, though.

Good luck

Finally found the women's. Rather confusing home page!

The new models aren't available in stores yet. When they are, I plan to order both the ATPlus (which their customer service told me is similar to the OLD Hardrock) and the Sabino Trail runner (which sounds as though it has more stability control) and see which works the best. Thank heavens for online shoe sellers that give free shipping and free return postage! I haven't been able to find a store with a decent selection of women's trail runners (especially Montrails) in the Portland, OR area. While I go to Seattle monthly, and there are good stores up there, there's the sales tax to consider (none in Oregon). But if neither of these new models work for me, that's what I'll have to do.

According to Montrail customer service, the AT Plus won't be available until March. As Mary said, the AT Plus is comparable to the 08 Hardrocks and have more toe protection than the Sabinos.

I have a pair of Sabinos on the way (this is a warrenty claim for 08 Hardrocks that will be replaced instead of repaired). Unfortunately, they no longer have wide or half sizes. Hopefully these fit OK.

I'm wondering what's up on the Eddie Bauer site, they're saying they've got a ship date of 2/12 for the AT Plus.

Linkage

Edited by adamallstar on 02/04/2010 10:58:39 MST.

Anyone tried out the new AT Plus shoes? I'm having a hard time finding any reviews or feedback on the quality.

(Sorry, I don't know how to create a hyperlink).

Check out this description of how to do so

yuck to both. Ever since Columbia purchased them, their styling and quality has gone downhill. Don't believe me? I had a pair of pre Columbia Hardrocks last summer last me 650 miles. The 09 Hardrocks I purchased lasted me 120 miles before giving out on an easy section of trail in VT. Montrail took good care of me, so that wasn't a problem.

I bought some Montrail Wildwood TRs at Sierra Trading Post for bout half off.

Down Works in Santa Cruz has some of the Montrail line and some Inov-8s. It sweetens the deal that they have plenty of other toys... er, gear to try out.

+1 Peter the quality of montrail has taken a trip to the depths of the chum privy since columbia got a hold of the company. I knew it wouldn't take long before Columbia put an end to the quality which the Montrail name once stood for. I understood the ramifications of the change in ownership immediately and am currently employing one pair each of the pre Columbia torre boots, hardrocks, and hurricane ridge shoes from the glory days of Montrail. All are in good shape. I also have one brand new reserve pair of both the hardrocks and the hurricane ridgez hanging out in the closet for a rainy day. After I wear all those stocked up Montrails out I will probably switch to Lowa as long as they don't sell and head into the depths of the chum privy along with Montrail. Why must my favorite companies sell out to the industry giants that then proceed to compromise the quality of what was a well made durable product that did what is was supposed to do? Argh frustration! I knew it was to good to be true. I had found the shoes that fit like gloves and wore like boots and poof the "Columbians" seized control of Montrail. ARGH argh ArGh aRgH ugh. Okay I am done whining now.

Edited by frankenfeet on 04/20/2010 19:50:53 MDT.

You can possibly find the old style on sale somewhere. I bought a few extra pairs because I haven't found any hiking shoe as comfortable as these.