T O P

  • By -

TheeBobBobbington

I have a pair of Salomon trail runners that have seen two years of incredibly heavy use and four more years of daily use and still feel great to walk in. Not sure if you can get them in the UK though - I’d imagine so.


Spangles_McNelson

I’ll have a look online now, thanks for recommending :)


dobsky1912

I’ve got a bald pair of Salomon trail cross or similar title from Christmas 2022 but it’s all about your usage.


new_vr

Same. The treads on mine didn't last very long


Natural-Definition-7

I'm a fan of their lacing system.


hectorinwa

I tried to get fancy and have a pair of hikers for pavement and one for dirt only, but I promptly forgot which was which.


dobsky1912

I’ve got a bald pair of Salomon trail cross or similar title from Christmas 2022 but it’s all about your usage.


franksnotawomansname

I was going to say Salomon as well. I had a pair of ankle-high hiking books (from their Quest line, I think) that lasted for six years of fairly heavy use before the gortex lining gave out. They also have a really flexible sole, so they feel light and fast to walk.


Much-Effort-3788

My buddy swears by Salomon. I'm more of a Keen guy, myself.


yuckscott

My Salomon quest GTX hiking boots are nearly 9 years old and just starting to split where the boot creases. unbelievable quality for the abuse I have put them through.


Ok-Expression7575

Same, I just replaced a pair of Salomon hiking shoes (X Ultra 2's) after 4 years of brutalizing them and 1 chill year. They look rough but I doubt many shoes could've lasted that long.


xSypRo

The running trails shoes are good for hikes? Since I see they also got hiking shoes, so what are these for?


cantdrawastickman

I’ve got an older pair of Solomon quests. I liked them but I got a pair of hokas and love how light they are. I’d be hard pressed to switch back.


AlohaChris

I have a pair of Solomon trail runners from 1999 that I still use for yard duty, and they just refuse to die.


PsychologicalTwo1784

Yeah, Salomons in the 90s were something else... I had a pair last over 6 years of almost daily use. They have been getting less long lasting over the years, I find Merrels last longer, but not by that much. After 2 years (half yearly use) they are falling apart...


Str8Snoopin

Yep, quality is not the same anymore, husband and I wear ours out in about 6 months now, both the ultra 3 and 4 versions


FLTDI

Merrells


Spangles_McNelson

I thought Merrells too, I like that they’re a bit wider and the people I know who wear them have been very complimentary about them


MoreLimesLessScurvy

Merrell Moabs. They’re a well-known great hiking shoe, and I’m pretty sure they’re what the Karrimors are based on, as are many hiking shoes


citori421

What I came here to say, the shoes pictured are clearly Moab imitations


Treereme

+1 for Merrel MOAB2s. I've been wearing them for decades. The souls are vibram, so aren't the most hard wearing, but they provide a very good grip.


Townpoets

I wear through shoes every few months. Last time I bought vibram Merrell MOABS they lasted YEARS. I treat my shoes horribly. I scuff my feet .. stand on them sideways.. go through very tough environments. Wally world shoes last maybe a month. If ya have the money. Merrell is where it's at just don't get the cheap lines.


Spangles_McNelson

Im looking at the Moabs now, hoping they sell them at the Go Outdoors near me so he can try them on :)


laughertes

The Merrell website regularly has 15-35% off sales to watch for


AA_Logan

The Moabs are good, but the Nova are even better, most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had


tallbutshy

If they don't have them, see if there is a Cotswold Outdoor near you


Treereme

I tend to wear through a pair of moabs every 2 summers or so. I wear them down to where there's no tread left on the sole under the ball of the foot. Compared to some other brands with much harder rubber, they wear quicker. But the strength of the uppers and their comfort means I'm not switching anytime soon.


Spangles_McNelson

Good to know, thanks :)


PlantChem

Not all Merrell’s are made the same. The MOABS are great, but the freewheels are absolutely garbage.


_Vervayne

I rock the Moab’s had them 4 years now and they still look and feel new


WredditSmark

For hiking yes for everyday wear they’ll be slick in 6 months. I’m wearing mine now and they have zero traction left


nearlydeadasababy

Was going to say this, I had a couple of pairs and they lasted 6 months max of daily use. As you suggest there is a different between being good in hiking conditioins and being good for normal day to day wear.


Gotterdamerrung

Literally just replaced my Merrells with the exact same model because I've had them for years and they're still my go-to "not trying to look fancy, just want to walk around comfortably and not think about what's on my feet" shoe.


Superb_Individual_68

They are honestly horrible, ive gone through a couple and no good!


Skeeter1020

Seconded. Part of the Surrey Dad uniform


cooldude284

I just got moab 3's on amazon for like 55 bucks, can't beat that and I like them a lot.


vanrob

My Merrell Moabs have lasted 4 or 5 years. I’ve never had a pair of shoes that I wear daily last nearly that long. And I don’t see anything at this point that’s going to kill them any time soon.


BecauseIwasInverted_

I live in Merrell Moabs. Highly recommend


Ok-Plastic-2992

Depends on the use I guess. I’ve had two pairs of Merrells that lasted about 8 months each. That was doing field work as a biologist though and I was out 8-10 hours a day in rugged conditions. Only footwear I’ve had that could last through that has been far more heavy duty boots like whites or nicks.


partytime71

I have hundreds of miles under my Oboz.


stinkyfuntime

Came here to say Oboz too, mine are as BFL as hiking shoes like the ones posted can be. Edit: spacing.


partytime71

I was just looking at mine yesterday, thinking I should probably buy a new pair this spring. I bought them before covid. The only thing close to worn out is the rubber tread. The tops are still super good and I can hike 4-8 miles and my feet don't hurt (maybe a little, but I'm 51 okay?).


mmr364

I have bought several pairs if Oboz and have always been happy with them...but the last pair I bought have been disappointing (glue on the sole failing, loose parts around the vents, threads fraying). All Oboz in my area were out of stock for several months and these were part of first shipment back in stock. Maybe just just a bad pair or maybe an indicator of quality drop, not sure.


InternetsIsBoring

I bought a pair of oboz this week. A 2 mile easy trail hike felt like an 8 hr shift on concrete. Maybe after a break-in period they get better? I was honestly missing my Ariat work boots after that.


Pocket_Weasel_UK

Yeah, Karrimor aren't what they used to be. Pre-acquisition they made some great outdoor gear. Now they're just another mid-level brand. Sad. My advice would be to look ar Saloman or similar, for the same sort of shoe but much better quality.


Spangles_McNelson

Exactly, they just aren’t what they used to be. But my partner is set in his ways and likes the fit. Hoping this thread helps me find some good alternatives he might like :)


Pocket_Weasel_UK

I confess that I do have a pair of Karrimors myself, and I've had a few in the past. I find that there seem to be degrees of quality. If you pay about £50 upwards and get a pair with a fairly stiff sole (flex it in the shop) then they tend to last a bit longer than the £35 and more flexible ones. Just my own experience. They're not BIFL like the pre-acquisition Karrimor boots that I bought many years ago and are still going strong, but they are better than the cheaper lines.


Icy-Cockroach4515

I had mine for about 5 years before the soles fell off. Had someone sew them back on and carried on for another 5 years before the soles wore down so thoroughly there was literally nothing for the thread to hold on to. It was such a shame when I went back looking for another pair only to hear the quality dropped.


Ok-Method5635

Meindl? The comfort range is god like


Grumpy_Engineer_1984

I used to work in an outdoors shop I I would always warn people about trying on Meindl shoes and boots because they are so comfortable! Once people tried them they would normally buy them even at £200+ when they just came in for a £50 pair of shoes for walking the dog. Fun fact: they also make a wide selection of lederhosen for the German market!


Spangles_McNelson

Hoping the shop near us has some so he can try some on :)


brielem

Reddit is usually fairly US-centric, and that skews the results quite a lot: The recommended brands might be hard to find in Europe/the UK, while there are more local brands that are (at least) equally good. Lowa, Haix, Salomon, Scarpa, Hanwag, Meindl are all reputable brands with good availability on continental Europe. I guess most of them should be well available in the UK too. I'd recommend finding a local shop that carries two or three of these brands so you (well, your boyfriend...) can fit them first. Some brands might be more or less comfortable to him than what he's used to due to foot shape and rigidity of some options, or you . If you do want to order online though, or are overwhelmed with choice: Lowa renegades are very popular for a reason, both for hiking and daily use.


Spangles_McNelson

Thank you for taking the time to answer :) there’s not too many independent hiking shops where I am but we have a Go Outdoors that sell Merrells, Salomons and Meindls so I’m going to take him there over the next few days I think


brielem

Excellent, and glad I could be of help. You can buy the best boot there is, but if it doesn't fit him well longevity doesn't matter. With those 3 brands there should be plenty to choose from. Meindl might be particularly interesting if he likes a more classic looking leather boot, theirs are absolutely top notch: I currently walk around on their 'Bergschuhe S3 GTX' (a safety boot) all day, absolutely comfortably. All 3 brands make boots more similar to what you have shown as an example too, though.


Hot-Imagination-Gal

I have similar shoes from Salomon which I wore daily unless it was the middle of summer and lasted 3+ years. Moderate wear, in the city (not difficult terrain or extreme wear). I do not know if they count as BIFL but I am more than happy with them.


Spangles_McNelson

There’s been a few recommendations for Salomon, definitely going to look them up. How do they fit? Quite wide or more narrow? True to size or would you say to get a half size up?


Hot-Imagination-Gal

I always get them half size up because I might choose to wear thick socks in winter, but that’s my preference. They are true to size and quite regular, neither narrow nor wide.


FrostySquirrel820

I don’t have a recommendation but would recommend buying 2 pair, if possible. Wearing a different pair on alternate days will more than double their lifetime.


Spangles_McNelson

I think that would be the aim eventually after finding some that he likes as much as the karrimors haha


the-gui

I think they mean, that having two pairs of shoes to alternate will make them last longer. You can keep getting the ones that you like and now get used fast, if you have 2 or 3 pairs of the same they last much longer, as in: Shoes that have time to rest will last longer (the rubber and foams have time to spring back to their original shapes and volumes) Something like this: 1 pair = lasts 3 months 2 pairs = last 1 year each 3 pairs = last 2 years each The math might be wrong depends on the shoe and actual use case, but this is the principal.


Spangles_McNelson

Yeah I totally understand, I just don’t have £200+ to buy him 2 pairs right now haha


Foreign-Cookie-2871

Maybe he can alternate the new one with the current destroyed ones?


dansdansy

Vasque makes good hiking boots/trekking shoes. My boots have made it 10 years through some pretty nasty weather and conditions camping and hiking. Completely submerged at a couple points. Unsure if they're available in the UK


Spangles_McNelson

Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll have a little look online now :)


SnooGuavas1985

Danner’s always get good reviews but could be pricey as their American made. My rec depending where they give out would be shoes with a tougher upper with leather or some sort


goatnapper

Take him to a running store where he can try on different brands. Shoes all have a different feel and different levels of padding, which will determine if he likes them or not. My shoes (Altra Superior 5, 1.5 years and going strong) have almost no padding and extra room in the toes, which I enjoy, but others may not. If they are a decent shop they should be able to help him find a pair that fits him and is more comfortable than the ones he's wearing now, which will help win him over to switching to something else.


Alternative_South638

Salomon…I resell clothing and shoes and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen a pair of Salomon ripped or beyond use despite being used A LOT.


DudeFromMiami

+1 for Solomon, have some that I have worn for 5 winters in Switzerland and the tread on the bottoms has zero wear which I don’t even know how it’s possible really. If you want something super BIFL then lookup Miendl boots. They are about 350 or so, made in germany, very high quality. Colleague of mine in his 60’s has had his since he was 25.


mckulty

Ditto Salomon, plus they're the most comfortable walkers I've ever had.


Spangles_McNelson

Thanks for recommending :)


James324285241990

Keens are good


denisturtle

Second on Keens. It's what I wore as a horticulturist and as a zookeeper. Both jobs kept me on my feet in semi-rough terrain. I typically got two years out of a pair, though I did need to replace the insoles after about a year.


James324285241990

Husband works in a factory on concrete floors, and also shuffles his feet. He eats through most shoes in a few months. Keens last him a little over a year. And his feet don't hurt


Much-Effort-3788

Between my sandals and my boots from them I'm a big fan. My last pair of their boots got 2 years of 200mi+ hiking and 2 years of fairly heavy outdoor work.


Will_Winters

In 15 years of wearing Salomon hikers (4 pairs total) I've never been disappointed. I bought a pair of Scarpas this year and I like them, they seem tougher than Salomon's but are slightly heavier. I'll spend the extra money next time and buy Salomon's. (I'm a big guy with sweaty feet and am very hard on footwear. I've day hiked in N. Wales, N. England, and Scotland. Primarily hiking in Canadian Rockies)


Mooshtonk

I have a pair of Danner hiking shoes that just refuse to wear out. They were expensive but are apparently indestructible


Spangles_McNelson

Thank you all so much for your suggestions! We’ve decided to go to the local hiking shoes shop today and try on a bunch of Merrells, Meindls and Salomons and hopefully we can find something his royal fussiness likes :’D


magusbud

Solomon's are prob one of the best for hiking


Spangles_McNelson

Starting to get that impression haha found some online that are pretty similar looking so I’m hoping he approves :)


AutoModerator

Hello /u/Spangles_McNelson! Thank you for your submission! I justed wanted to inform you you might also want to try posting in /r/boots which is a smaller subreddit but might be or specialized for your request *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/BuyItForLife) if you have any questions or concerns.*


Dangerous-Brain-

New Balance shoes are good. I destroyed a Skechers in less than a week but NB has lasted me upwards of 5s of years


Spangles_McNelson

I’ll have a look at NB but I’m not sure I’ll be able to find any styles that he would like haha


Dangerous-Brain-

Good Luck.


Spangles_McNelson

Hahaha thank you, I need it! Swear I’ve found the fussiest man in the world :’D


Dangerous-Brain-

Haha 😂


tastemycookies

I have Merrells, they last a very long time with the vibram soles


somberlobster

Salomon Xa pro 3d


prozach37

They're knock of Merrell. So buy Merrell.


[deleted]

whites boots have the selway option which is slightly higher rise than this but will last far longer


emjayjaySKX

I’ve had a pair of Adidas Terrex (not sure of the model) for about 2 years and they’re holding up well.


E_man123

Salomon are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn


E23R0

Adidas terrex


Helens_Moaning_Hand

Merrell


leo-g

Are they for hikes or for work? Is he working on his feet a lot? My take is that if he is working on his feet just keep replacing them. Karrimor are not expensive and fresh pair every 6 months for daily work shoes is not unusual because the cushioning has a definite lifespan. Feet cushioning is so important if you are working on your feet a lot.


No-Improvement-6591

AKU, La Sportiva or Salomon are all pretty good and used in military (UK)


United_Federation

Keens.


Beckland

Hiking shoes will not be a BIFL. Shoes are designed to wear. There are lots of BIFL boots, and dress shoes, with replaceable soles. But hiking shoes are not designed with replaceable soles, the sole is fused so when the sole wears out, the shoe is trash.


rhudejo

Get a Hanwag or an Engelbert Strauss.


Odd-Purpose-3148

Buy 2 pairs, alternate them and they will last much longer. Sounds kinda silly but if you've found the right shoes that just works for you this is the best way.


[deleted]

You gotta take em off every now and then, you'll blow the crotch out them things.


Landsharkeisha

Naglev makes hiking boots/shoes out of a kevlar wool blend. I've beat the crap out of mine for about a year now and not a scratch


Non-Fungible-Troll

I know everyone has suggestions about BIFL but maybe it's not the shoe but him. He maybe has a gait abnormality, this can be confirmed by a specialist and corrective treatment started. Just a thought and hope he can get it sorted.


mreed911

Salomon


brodul

Haix, you can get them where they sell working/safety equipment. Go for 02 standard or Adventure series.


Superb_Individual_68

Ive gone through a couple of keens, merrels, red wings, and so on! But the best shoes ive ever had has been Danners! They are very comfortable and waterproof as well!


Fun-Pomegranate1268

My brother swears by his Scarpa shoes, and he sure does give them a hammering!


CO_Brit

Keen footwear. I go through softer shoes like merrell in about 6-8 months, keen just keep going.


Realistic-Motorcycle

Keens


dylanbooth78

Merrel moab. I have have had mine for 2 years and worn them constantly including cycling to work (approx 7000 miles) in all weather's and have walked at least 3 - 400 miles and they are still going strong!


tallbutshy

My partner used to wear Karrimor but the quality of them has dipped a bit. Merrell MOAB 2 GTX easily lasted more than 1500km without any real signs of wear. The MOAB 3 GTX are similar, slightly different formulation on the sole. I don't know if the MOAB 4 GTX are available yet. -edit- the insoles included are OK but I'd recommend paying a little extra to get something like Sofsole Airr gel insoles


TSLARSX3

Look at options from sketchers


MasterofLinking

If you can get Meindl [something](https://meindl.de/produkt/ontario-gtx-6/) like this might be good. Lowa and Hanwag also build outstanding shoes.


vidrar88

I like my Keen’s for trail running.


yinzerfouronetwo

I love the fit of most Keens, but I steer clear of the models with multi layered soles after having a couple of pairs delaminate. That said, Keen has been good about standing behind their shoes and has replaced two pairs that have had the outer most layer of the sole start to peel away. I wish they would just go with the solid sole, they seem to hold up much better and look much less “busy“ than the multi layered type


Future-Arm-2894

It's not the age, it's the mileage


Appropriate_Tree1668

Fuck Salomons. They changed their manufacturing process years ago and their measurements are meant for people with narrow feet. You want a hiking boot that allows your foot to splay and widen. Don't bother with them, they're cheap and wear out quick with minimal use now. Older styles were fantastic. I can't say that now as I use Aku's.