Looking for hiking boots

winniethepooh · 07-27-2014, 01:28 PM

Hi all, quick question here (and a cursory search of old threads didn't turn up anything). I'm looking to hike Mt. Washington within the next week with my girlfriend and her sister, but unfortunately, her sister doesn't have any dedicated hiking boots. Is there anywhere I can rent a pair, or any Goodwills/Salvation Army stores in the area I can peruse for some? I'd lend her a pair of my own, but I doubt she'd fit into them. Thanks!

RLW · 07-27-2014, 01:36 PM

winniethepooh, While browsing I noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

Thanks for posting and I'm sure you will get some good suggestions as to where to purchase your boots.

Chaselady · 07-27-2014, 04:53 PM

You could try a consignment shop. The Etcetera Shop in Center Harbor ha quite a few used shoes the last time I was in.

Formula · 07-27-2014, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winniethepooh

Hi all, quick question here (and a cursory search of old threads didn't turn up anything). I'm looking to hike Mt. Washington within the next week with my girlfriend and her sister, but unfortunately, her sister doesn't have any dedicated hiking boots. Is there anywhere I can rent a pair, or any Goodwills/Salvation Army stores in the area I can peruse for some? I'd lend her a pair of my own, but I doubt she'd fit into them. Thanks!

Based on the fact that your GF sister does not have hiking boots, I would assume that she has not hiked before/recently. I would be very concerned about hiking Mt. Washington. It is a long haul!

tis · 07-27-2014, 05:20 PM

I believe there is a Goodwill/Salvation Army store in downtown Laconia, isn't there? Where is fll when we need him?

RLW · 07-27-2014, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

I believe there is a Goodwill/Salvation Army store in downtown Laconia, isn't there? Where is fll when we need him?

I think there is a store I believe it is Gilford or right on the Laconia/Gilford line. It is between the Union Diner and McDonald's same side of the street.

ghfromaltonbay · 07-28-2014, 11:21 AM

The thrift shop is St. Vincent DePaul and it is on Union Ave. near the McDonalds. My friend donated the contents of her late mother's summer camp last spring and I helped her with the boxes. It looked like they have all types of items there.

tis · 07-28-2014, 12:09 PM

I thought there was also one right in downtown-maybe it's not there anymore.

Winnisquamguy · 07-28-2014, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

I thought there was also one right in downtown-maybe it's not there anymore.

RLW Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

I believe there is a Goodwill/Salvation Army store in downtown Laconia, isn't there? Where is fll when we need him?

Quote:

I think there is a store I believe it is Gilford or right on the Laconia/Gilford line. It is between the Union Diner and McDonald's same side of the street.

There is a Salvation Army in between Rt 106 and Rt 11A on Rt3 almost right across the street from CVS, going North on Rt3 in would be right after the hospital entrance. The Goodwill is on Pleasant St

Coolbreeze · 07-28-2014, 07:16 PM

Do your feet a favor, buy a pair of hikers of your/her own. You need not spend 2-300 dollars but get a pair so you can enjoy the hike and avoid carrying the person out with sore or blistered feet. I have taken day hikes with Merrill shoes with vibram soles and they weren't expensive and I love the shoes. Llbean also has great options...
Don't buy second hand shoes for hiking mt washington...could become a blistering mistake.

winniethepooh · 07-28-2014, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Formula

Based on the fact that your GF sister does not have hiking boots, I would assume that she has not hiked before/recently. I would be very concerned about hiking Mt. Washington. It is a long haul!

We're definitely mulling over our game plan with that in mind. Throw in some of the lovely weather we had today, and my alarm bells are going off! We'll be taking it as nice and easy as we can.

HellRaZoR004 · 07-29-2014, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winniethepooh

We're definitely mulling over our game plan with that in mind. Throw in some of the lovely weather we had today, and my alarm bells are going off! We'll be taking it as nice and easy as we can.

Why not start smaller, like Mt. Monadnock or Mt. Major?

Mt. Washington isn't necessarily the easiest hike.

Flylady · 07-30-2014, 10:57 AM

I agree, Merrill footware (Moeb) for hiking is not that expensive and a good investment. I have two pair (one on each coast) and am looking at buying another (high top) for better ankle support.

Dave M · 08-01-2014, 01:45 PM

Doesn't buying a new pair of hiking shoes require breaking in. I'd make
sure that shoe is a good fit.

Dave M

Long Pine · 08-06-2014, 08:44 AM

It wasn't clear from your initial comments whether you had hiked Mount Washington before. If you have not, you may not be as familiar with how different the weather can be on the summit. Just a tip to check http://www.mountwashington.org within 24 hours of your trip. Go the the "Weather" tab and check "Higher Summits Forecast". For example, it says tomorrow will be in the upper 40s with winds of 15-30 mph. Good to know ahead of time so you can pack the appropriate gear. Enjoy and be safe.

fatlazyless · 08-06-2014, 04:22 PM

For about twenty five dollars the Plymouth Walmart should have hiking boots; both above and below the ankle styles, that are incredibly good for just 25-bucks ... plus you can walk em all around the store to see if they are right....or go to Plymouth Ski & Sports on Main St for some real nice Merrill's for $125.

The Walmart brand name for hiking boots/shoes is Ozark Trail and for 25-30-dollars they are real nice, plus u get to wear them all around the store before paying to make sure they is a good fit before ascending the super-steep Sphinx Trail up Mt Adams or someplace like that ......the Laughing Lion Trail over on the Royces in Grafton Notch ......ugh!

MikeF-NH · 08-06-2014, 04:26 PM

I would caution against climbing Mt Washington in "rented" or low cost footware. That mountain has claimed lives from unprepared and inexperienced hikers and is a large pill to be swallowed for the casual hiker. The least you can expect from your experience there is blisters and other foot related ailments. If you must summit that beast, do it by driving up the auto road or taking the Cog Railway.

Better options would be:
1.) Mt Monadnock: a 4-5 hour round trip with great views that most can handle even with sneakers.
2.) Mt Major: a much shorter hike (less than an hour up) and great for beginners.
3.) Mt Cardigan: a very nice and more remote mountain. Great views and nice hiking trails.

A lot of bad decisions have been made related to Mt Washington. I would plan carefully and make sure you leave information with friends/relatives about when you are leaving, when you should be back (and that you will call them when you are) and the route you will be taking.

BroadHopper · 08-06-2014, 08:07 PM

Dauabb's Cobbler Shop formerly Labelle's Shoe Repair is now offering USA made shoes and boots. Check it out!

glennsteely · 08-11-2014, 06:27 PM

....but, breaking in a pair of hiking boots can be an adventure all of its own. I have done some pretty tough hiking in my days, my boots have lots of miles on them, and imo I would say, a good break in is just as important as the brand you choose. I always break my boots in wet, meaning that I put them on, tie them up and walk into the water and soak them, then I wear them, soaked all day. I keep wetting them and by the time I take them off, they are almost dry. I do this for a few days before I dry them out completely, and basically, then they are ready for some short treks, say 1 to 5 milers. The wetting and drying on your feet kind of molds the boots to your feet, this is how I do mine.....just my opinion.

SIKSUKR · 08-12-2014, 09:15 AM

I'll have to try that with my ski boots.

glennsteely · 08-14-2014, 03:37 AM

I dont think that would work with ski boots......LOL!!!

07-27-2014, 01:28 PM	#1
winniethepooh Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 2 Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Looking for hiking boots Hi all, quick question here (and a cursory search of old threads didn't turn up anything). I'm looking to hike Mt. Washington within the next week with my girlfriend and her sister, but unfortunately, her sister doesn't have any dedicated hiking boots. Is there anywhere I can rent a pair, or any Goodwills/Salvation Army stores in the area I can peruse for some? I'd lend her a pair of my own, but I doubt she'd fit into them. Thanks!

07-27-2014, 01:36 PM	#2
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	*winniethepooh,* While browsing I noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends. Thanks for posting and I'm sure you will get some good suggestions as to where to purchase your boots. __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

07-28-2014, 11:21 AM	#7
ghfromaltonbay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay Posts: 823 Thanks: 252 Thanked 224 Times in 130 Posts	St Vincent DePaul The thrift shop is St. Vincent DePaul and it is on Union Ave. near the McDonalds. My friend donated the contents of her late mother's summer camp last spring and I helped her with the boxes. It looked like they have all types of items there.

07-30-2014, 10:57 AM	#13
Flylady Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: So. California & Lakes Region Posts: 256 Thanks: 225 Thanked 106 Times in 61 Posts	Protect ur Feet I agree, Merrill footware (Moeb) for hiking is not that expensive and a good investment. I have two pair (one on each coast) and am looking at buying another (high top) for better ankle support.

08-01-2014, 01:45 PM	#14
Dave M Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 395 Thanks: 4 Thanked 26 Times in 24 Posts	On the other hand Doesn't buying a new pair of hiking shoes require breaking in. I'd make sure that shoe is a good fit. Dave M

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winniethepooh (07-28-2014)

07-27-2014, 04:53 PM	#3
Chaselady Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Melvin Village Posts: 309 Thanks: 150 Thanked 105 Times in 73 Posts	You could try a consignment shop. The Etcetera Shop in Center Harbor ha quite a few used shoes the last time I was in.

The Following User Says Thank You to Chaselady For This Useful Post:
winniethepooh (07-28-2014)

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aquabones (09-08-2014), camp guy (07-27-2014), Electric man (07-31-2014), secondcurve (07-28-2014), Tomt (07-28-2014), winniethepooh (07-28-2014)

07-27-2014, 05:20 PM	#5
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,654 Thanks: 747 Thanked 1,440 Times in 1,001 Posts	I believe there is a Goodwill/Salvation Army store in downtown Laconia, isn't there? Where is fll when we need him?

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winniethepooh (07-28-2014)

07-28-2014, 12:09 PM	#8
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,654 Thanks: 747 Thanked 1,440 Times in 1,001 Posts	I thought there was also one right in downtown-maybe it's not there anymore.

07-28-2014, 07:16 PM	#10
Coolbreeze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 332 Thanks: 0 Thanked 51 Times in 26 Posts	Do your feet a favor, buy a pair of hikers of your/her own. You need not spend 2-300 dollars but get a pair so you can enjoy the hike and avoid carrying the person out with sore or blistered feet. I have taken day hikes with Merrill shoes with vibram soles and they weren't expensive and I love the shoes. Llbean also has great options... Don't buy second hand shoes for hiking mt washington...could become a blistering mistake.

The Following User Says Thank You to Coolbreeze For This Useful Post:
Electric man (07-31-2014)

08-06-2014, 08:44 AM	#15
Long Pine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 93 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 12 Posts	Check the weather It wasn't clear from your initial comments whether you had hiked Mount Washington before. If you have not, you may not be as familiar with how different the weather can be on the summit. Just a tip to check http://www.mountwashington.org within 24 hours of your trip. Go the the "Weather" tab and check "Higher Summits Forecast". For example, it says tomorrow will be in the upper 40s with winds of 15-30 mph. Good to know ahead of time so you can pack the appropriate gear. Enjoy and be safe.

08-06-2014, 04:22 PM	#16
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,706 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 993 Times in 724 Posts	...hiking Ply Wmt For about twenty five dollars the Plymouth Walmart should have hiking boots; both above and below the ankle styles, that are incredibly good for just 25-bucks ... plus you can walk em all around the store to see if they are right....or go to Plymouth Ski & Sports on Main St for some real nice Merrill's for $125. The Walmart brand name for hiking boots/shoes is Ozark Trail and for 25-30-dollars they are real nice, plus u get to wear them all around the store before paying to make sure they is a good fit before ascending the super-steep Sphinx Trail up Mt Adams or someplace like that ......the Laughing Lion Trail over on the Royces in Grafton Notch ......ugh! __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! Last edited by fatlazyless; 08-07-2014 at 01:17 PM.

08-06-2014, 04:26 PM	#17
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 317 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	I would caution against climbing Mt Washington in "rented" or low cost footware. That mountain has claimed lives from unprepared and inexperienced hikers and is a large pill to be swallowed for the casual hiker. The least you can expect from your experience there is blisters and other foot related ailments. If you must summit that beast, do it by driving up the auto road or taking the Cog Railway. Better options would be: 1.) Mt Monadnock: a 4-5 hour round trip with great views that most can handle even with sneakers. 2.) Mt Major: a much shorter hike (less than an hour up) and great for beginners. 3.) Mt Cardigan: a very nice and more remote mountain. Great views and nice hiking trails. A lot of bad decisions have been made related to Mt Washington. I would plan carefully and make sure you leave information with friends/relatives about when you are leaving, when you should be back (and that you will call them when you are) and the route you will be taking.

The Following User Says Thank You to MikeF-NH For This Useful Post:
GBGX2 (08-06-2014)

08-06-2014, 08:07 PM	#18
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,562 Thanks: 3,180 Thanked 1,098 Times in 791 Posts	American made shoes and boots Dauabb's Cobbler Shop formerly Labelle's Shoe Repair is now offering USA made shoes and boots. Check it out! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

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08-11-2014, 06:27 PM	#19
glennsteely Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mantua, N.J. Posts: 472 Thanks: 90 Thanked 111 Times in 38 Posts	All good advice.... ....but, breaking in a pair of hiking boots can be an adventure all of its own. I have done some pretty tough hiking in my days, my boots have lots of miles on them, and imo I would say, a good break in is just as important as the brand you choose. I always break my boots in wet, meaning that I put them on, tie them up and walk into the water and soak them, then I wear them, soaked all day. I keep wetting them and by the time I take them off, they are almost dry. I do this for a few days before I dry them out completely, and basically, then they are ready for some short treks, say 1 to 5 milers. The wetting and drying on your feet kind of molds the boots to your feet, this is how I do mine.....just my opinion. __________________ You have to go out on a limb sometimes, cause that is where the fruit is. You can't get to the fruit from that nice safe spot, clinging to the trunk of the tree...... Last edited by glennsteely; 08-11-2014 at 06:28 PM. Reason: spelling

08-12-2014, 09:15 AM	#20
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	I'll have to try that with my ski boots. __________________ SIKSUKR

08-14-2014, 03:37 AM	#21
glennsteely Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mantua, N.J. Posts: 472 Thanks: 90 Thanked 111 Times in 38 Posts	Sickster.... I dont think that would work with ski boots......LOL!!! __________________ You have to go out on a limb sometimes, cause that is where the fruit is. You can't get to the fruit from that nice safe spot, clinging to the trunk of the tree......