Terrastride Aro Hiking Shoe

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought these shoes in Rutland, VT at a local retailer to take me the last 500 miles of my Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I actually bought these because the store's selection of trail runners/hiking shoes was limited, and my other shoes had 1000 miles on them (Brooks). I wasn't sure how they would work out, but I was pleasantly surprised. Pros: Very comfortable, the gum-rubber sole has very good traction on rocks, breathable and dry quickly, gusseted tongue gives it a sock-like fit and helps keep debris out, the fit was true-to-size for me and I didn't get any blisters (unlike with my Brooks), they were durable enough to help me finish the AT, and I did get several comments on their style. Cons: Not much lateral support, the shallow lugs are not as good for muddy/sandy trails, and the middle foam part of the sole is very slick on wet roots. I would recommend these for casual and light-hiking wear or if you're doing rock scrambling. I did have to use shoe glue on the toe rands that started to separate from the upper, but I did kick a bunch of rocks. I'm still wearing mine for 2-4 mile runs and around town. For heavier duty hiking/trail running and better overall traction/support, the Columbia Montrail would probably work better.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] These are amazing. I am a floor nurse and have spent literally thousands on OnClouds, Nike, Adidas, etc. I unfortunately have plantar fasciitis and the pain is sometimes excruciating; these really do the trick! I wear them for 12 hours and am pain free. I have normal width feet with really high arches and normally fall between a men's 10.5 and 11 depending on the brand, usually an 11, and these fit absolutely perfect in an 11 - no arch pain, no PF pain. Notably, my husband has somewhat wide and flat feet, especially at the toe, and these really squished his toes in his normal size. The next size up was just too long for him.