I was thinking maybe a solution to the problem would be to add a stiff orthotic insert into a shoe with a normal bottom. Much like framing a backpack. Foot levelers makes a good one.

It's a cool idea. But it's already tough enuff to find shoes with sufficient space inside to accommodate my prescription orthotics and my foot. Something thin would work, like 16-gauge steel, but it would be pretty darn heavy.

I just saw these at Marshall's for 29 bucks in my size. I'm gonna have to go back and get them. Wide toe box, nice heel lift, fairly thick and stiff sole, and, yes, waterproof, BUT...they're eVent. Not sure how much of a difference that'll make but for that price who cares. They're pretty cheap online as well as may be worth a peek.

I'm probably going to get laughed out of the site for even suggesting this, but...

Have you thought about the Vietnam-style GI jungle boot? Very stiff sole (most of 'em have a steel plate in there), great tread, very breathable upper, drainable footbed. Heavy as sin, and probably too much ankle support, but...

Anyway, it's a thought.

"Very stiff sole (most of 'em have a steel plate in there)"

Most of the time we don't worry about punji stakes anymore.

--B.G.--

Vasque breeze and Scree

Garmont Zenith

all have no GTX and come with stiffer shanks.

> Something thin would work, like 16-gauge steel, but it would be pretty darn heavy.
0.8 mm Ti 6Al4V !

Cheers

Jack,

cue the singing angels...

The shoe you need to check out is the Salomon Tech Amphibian. This is one of my all time favorite shoes and I have about 5 pair in my closet as we speak (or as i write, LOL). I think they are up to version 3 now, but IMO the original is still the best, although it may be hard to find. Be that as it may, version 2 is good and available as well.




Because it's a water shoe, the upper is mesh and drains quickly and then dries out fast as well. And because it's also a land shoe (hence the name), the sole is very stiff, supportive and well lugged. It's also very light weight.

I usually wear a Superfeet or gel insole OTC orthotic in mine depending on what I'm doing and haven't had any problem. So your custom orthotics should be okay, but you may need to go up one-half size like any shoe.

I wear mine for a variety of activities, international touring, light runs, biking, day-hiking and backpacking.

Check them out!

singing angels fade out....

Edited by veganaloha on 05/06/2012 02:20:33 MDT.

WOW.

Susan, the shoes look great. Thanks for posting the picture.
I need to replace my ratty-looking fivefinger sprints so I just ordered a pair.

Hey, Other Jack, have you found anything yet? The input here has been great!

The comments here have indeed been great. And I thank everyone for their contributions. Now I have a list of candidates.

Have not gone shopping, yet, deeply buried in some serious work on my 1984 VW Westfalia pop-top camper van (replacing the radiator, pulling the dash to service the heater box, etc.) and that's taking precedence because my son and I have a car camping trip scheduled for next weekend. But the weekend after that will be the first backpacking trip of the season and shoe hunting will start in earnest. If the rumors are true that REI will be issuing a 20% off coupon for members on May 18 then I might hold of an actual purchase until then.

REI has a perfect shoe for me: very stiff sole, breathable, fast-drying. The "Newport H2" by Keen. Priced at $99, the fellow said it would be going on sale for $69 shortly, showed me the as-yet-unmailed flyer. I said, "Darn, I'm going on a hike this weekend!" He said, "No problem. Buy the shoe now and when it's on sale bring back the receipt and we'll refund the difference."

Score!

http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/ss12/shoes/men/waterfront/newport%20h

My husband is having similar problems finding a boot. Everyone has waterproof and gortex lined boots. Today we found a boot that we think will meet his need. He wears a 10 1/2 wide and these do not come in wide but the 11 seems to fit well. He has not field tested it yet; but has been wearing around the house and yard and so far is happy. Her is the link to the shoe and it's reviews. I hope this helps. We will update after some field testing. It is the Merrell Sawtooth boot. http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/7987M/0/Mens/Sawtooth

The Vasque Velocity 2.0 has a mesh upper and a light Vibram sole. It comes in D and EE widths. Not for you, but there is also a GTX model. The footbed is not very padded so a gel type insole may be helpful.

I also like the Vasque Catalyst (discontinued) for talus & scree. It has a sticky rubber sole. I haven't seen it in person, but the Vasque Scree sure looks like a replacement for the Catalyst. It comes in low and mid models. There is a "water proof" version, too.