For those that know, buying hiking boots is like buying a car. You need to do your research on reliability, maintenance, consumer reviews, and ultimately take it for a test drive (or hike). It’s not an easy decision to make and the consequences of a bad shoe for your feet can be brutal.
In August of 2014, the month before I moved to the PNW, I made that hard decision and my Cinderella feet chose that year’s model of the Merrell Moab hiking boot. These faithful shoes stood by my side for 6 years until they couldn’t take anymore halfway through this summer.
Like all lives, these shoes had stages. The first was the infancy, the growing, and adjusting stage. This was in the first year or two when I was really starting to grow into my own as a hiker. The hikes were shorter, dryer, and flatter. My faithful boots and I were getting a lay of the land (pun intended).
The next was the clingy stage. This was when I discovered that hiking boots were the most versatile, all be it dorky, shoes in rainy Seattle weather. I wore them every day and everywhere (a couple times to college house parties…I know…). I was one of “those” people that always dressed like they were ready to storm up a mountain. Not that there is anything wrong with that! It’s still an occasional go-to look for me but I have grown out of the hiking boots every day stage.
The final and longest stage of my boots life was the stage of maturity and experience. We went on full day thru hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, and walked through many rivers and streams. They provided me with support and confidence to cross boulder fields and summit long scrambles. With them, I truly came into my own as an outdoor enthusiast.
Their working life came to an end this summer when no amount of moleskin and double-lined socks could save my feet from blisters and water easily crept in at every stream crossing or rainy day hike. It was a tragic end to an era but they will continue to have a place in my shoe rack for the day that I might need them. I’m not one to hold on to items after their use is complete but these bad boys will have to stick around a little longer.
Like I said in the beginning, buying hiking boots is a chore and can cause stress, but when you find your perfect boot it’s all worth it. Check back to hear what boots I have now and the journey to picking the right boot!
*This was not a sponsored post about Merrell’s hiking boots, but I just thought my readers ought to know they were some damn good boots.
Claire in Fresh Air 