Why do so many hiking shoes (not boots) have such thick fucking soles? Come on, I’m not hiking over lava, just walking on a dry trail. I don’t need lifts!
What the hell is up with that?
Why do so many hiking shoes (not boots) have such thick fucking soles? Come on, I’m not hiking over lava, just walking on a dry trail. I don’t need lifts!
What the hell is up with that?
Could probably explain more if you linked to a specific model you found weird, but I’d guess you’re looking at trail running inspired hiking shoes, which tend to have a lot of shock absorbtion built in
It’s not a specific one; it seems to be all of those designated for hiking (not trail running) over the past few years that have increased sole thickness by an inch or more. I like these, but the sole is too thick.
It’s nearly all hiking shoes that have done this. I think it’s more a fashion trend than for any ergonomic reason. I suspect in a few years there will be a transition back to less chunky soles like during the early 2000s.
Yup, these are trail running inspired. Some years ago ultralight hikers started using trail running shoes instead of boots because the extra lightness + shock absorbtion meant less sore feet at the end of the day, and the features have started percolating in regular hiking shoes.
If you’re looking for skinnier soles, try approach shoes instead – you can’t do the soft fat sole in those since they also need to climb well. Just don’t go for the super smooth sole ones (strictly for the desert, imo) or anything where the reviews says they edge well (those will sacrifice walking performance for better climbing ability, and more comfort when standing in aiders all day) – terms you’re looking for, beyond hiking comfort, would be good smearing performance (since that means a flexible midsole)
Thanks for the tips. I found some Oboz ones I am interested in trying.
I yearn for a simpler time, when hiking shoes could not also double as stilts.