Two adventure posts in one month. I must be doing something right. We are enjoying a false spring here in New Mexico with temperatures in the low sixties, even at 7,000 feet. Toward the southern end of the state, temps are nearing ninety degrees. This feels great but it’s not. We are bone dry, and in this part of the world, winter snows are essential for crops, lakes, rivers, fire prevention, etc. Doesn’t bode well for the coming summer.
Compared to some people, I buy a lot of shoes.
However, I have many hobbies, so the shoes I buy get used extensively. Some of my favorite shoes are my dressier sets, some of which I’ve had for over a decade. Most are made from leather and can easily be resoled. I also wear a lot of outdoor shoes. Run, trail, hike, bike, etc. I go through these shoes much quicker because they typically aren’t designed for long usage. Replacing trail shoes after 300 miles is common. Run on pavement, and you can swap out shoes even sooner. I’m famous, at least in my family, for keeping my trail shoes for far longer than I should. Shoes are expensive so I try to wear them until the very end.
Over the past few years, I’ve been wearing a different brand but two years ago I began to see a decline in quality. And at over $140-$160 per pair, and rising, I went looking for something else. In stepped Topo. Topos are zero-drop shoes, something I’m now committed to, and something that suits my feet. Wide toe box, zero-drop, good sole. Specifically, the Pursuit 2. This is a $140 shoe, but after checking prices, it’s $40 cheaper than the shoe I originally intended to buy. And this shoe is a doozy.
Superlight, has a great cushion, a bomber sole that is WAY better than my last brand, and is the most ventilated shoe I’ve ever had. I’d had these in my closet for months, thinking I would keep them under wraps until my old shoes disintegrated from my feet. Hip pain has been part of my life since Lyme Disease, a very common residue of this illness, and I have become semi-used to being in chronic pain. I have no memory of living before chronic pain. I’m not a doctor but that’s probably not a good thing.
My first use of the Topos was a simple, six-mile jaunt through rolling high desert. Easy. Upon return to the house, something felt off. Couldn’t quite put my finger on it, until I realized I didn’t have hip pain. I’m not telling you to buy these shoes, nor am I writing this post to get into an argument about Hoka, Altra or any other brand that you love. Whatever you love is good with me. I’m writing this to say “These work for me.”
The grip is crazy good. The vents are essential in these parts, and far superior to what I was wearing prior. The shoes are also gaiter compatible, another nice addition for running and hiking where I go. We have lots of tall grass, thorns, cactus, and rock. A hike in low-rise shoes often means several stops to dump out the debris. And when you are as fast and professional as I am, well, that’s just not good enough. (Vastly overhyping my skill and professionalism.)
But wait, there’s more. Why buy one pair of shoes when you can buy two? I’ve never been known as a stylish person. I have super stylish friends, but I’ve always fallen flat in this regard. My old bud Kent from Blurb is famous for his look and style. Women would ask me if I could convince Kent to consult on their fashion. He refused to enter Foot Locker, any Foot Locker. Having said this, there were times when I traded comfort for how something looked. Mosty on work trips. But I’m 56 now, and all bets are off. F%$# fashion. I’m in pain goddamnit.
In steps Arc’teryx. The brand I have never been able to pronounce. Until I bought the Kopec Mid GTX I had never owned anything from this brand. Just typing these model names makes me feel like a total whore, but I’m doing it anyway. Maybe it helps one of you make a decision. Living where I do, having one pair of waterproof shoes is semi-mandatory once the snow begins to fly. I’ve hiked in non-waterproof and allowed my feet to get soaked through. It’s not the end of the world, but not the most pleasant experience, and drying shoes in the winter takes a while.
I needed a semi-cool-looking, comfortable, waterproof boot for work. Work is trade shows, events, meetings, etc. You know, professional shit. But in places like Seattle, Berlin, London, and Siberia. (Where most of us will get sent when we cross our new government.) I bought these after doing a bit of research and talking to a friend who has worn nothing but Arc’teryx shoes for as long as I’ve known him. He’s prone to profanity, so when I asked him about these boots he said, “Oh fu%4 me, these are the best fuc^%$# shoes you will ever fu^%&*& have.” That felt like an endorsement.
They are incredibly, comically light, so much more than I imagined. I would guess 1/4 of the weight of my leather boots. They also have a Vibram sole, which has a mega grip factor that feels so good underfoot. I like the mid style, and the orange has my name all over it. Anyone who has ventured to my photo walks knows I’m prone to orange. Safety first I say. These boots have completely changed my packing list for my upcoming trips. Out are the leather anything, and in are these babies. This means I can now fit a small, portable, thermal printer for making my journals. And yes, I’m still taking my mesh, high-rise skinny jeans. Also in orange. These boots are expensive. But according to my friend, they last a long, long time. Years. The boots I’m replacing are $180, and these new boots are built WAY better.
If you don’t run or hike then this post probably won’t mean a lot, but if you are prone to being out you know how important good shoes are. Oh, I forget to mention. One of my favorite lines from No Country for Old Men is when the Josh Brolin character says “I’m fixing to go do something dumber than Hell, but I’m going to go do it anyway.” I was asked to be a part of an upcoming misadventure of epic proportions. Participating would be dumber than Hell, but I might do it anyway. The other two people are accomplished. One is a special operations soldier and the other is an Ironman triathlete. I am the weak link, the odd man out, and the most likely to fail. No matter my training, I will be unprepared. At the very least, however, I’ll know what shoes to wear.
Comments 24
I’m glad that you continue to be active in your “old age”! All the better to maintain your health and have you continue to produce your blog articles. 🙂
Author
OH ya. Just getting started. (He says this while writhing with back pain.)
Daniel-san: woohoo! I own the orange Pursuit 2s. Best shoes ever, IMHO. I’ve worked from home for 20+ years, and I go barefoot every day. Even in the winter. I hate wearing shoes and socks indoors. My feet have splayed out so much over the years that wide toe box shoes are my only option.
Speaking of zero drop, you might check out Lems (if you haven’t already). They’re based in Boulder. Very comfy as well…
Author
OH ya, been wearing Lems for years. Love them too. Glad to find another Pursuit person.
Hi,
I use Meindl shooes for almost everything since they combine outdoor shoe and repairability you can send them back to the factory for overhaul or re soling, however the quality is not the same anymore so iam always interested in something new. I need however a much more sturdy shoe in touch stony deserts and on construction sites. The last Meindl I had lastet 10 years of almost daily abuse with 3-4 new soles and 2 overhauls then I got the same model and after 1.5 years it is already falling apart from day one I knew they did not use the same leather … what can you do its the same everywhere now I wish I had bought 3 pairs 10 years ago
all the best from BGH
frank
Author
Just like cars. Everything is mostly shitty now.
I own some Arcteryx clothes (pants, shirt, jacket, …). They are very expensive compared to other outdoor brands. They are worth it, but I suspect part of the high price is also a marketing/brand name. Never tried the shoes because no local store have any and I always prefer to try shoes on before buying. But good to know their shoes are good and comfortable.
Author
They are more expensive here too. Always known for good packs and clothing.
All food for thought. I used to go through shoes like there was no tomorrow when training for Ironman. As they broke down I’d relegate them to shorter runs and eventually yard slippers. I’m just now looking at replacing the shoes I wore for most hikes in Newfoundland. The rock there chewed up the soles something fierce, but the uppers still look like new. And a pair of ankle boots I’ve had forever but my feet aren’t happy in them anymore. Thinking I need something waterproof for camera walks, since I’ve driven home with wet feet a few times. And that Ironman thing. Yes, there’s a certain element of fitness involved to complete the course, but the most important thing is having the mental disciple to keep going. You don’t have to be fast to finish under the time limit, just determined. Of course, once you get down into sub 12 hour territory, there is serious fitness involved.
Author
This ain’t no triathlon. This is worse. Way worse. I’m hoping I avoid it. And most likely will because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone else.
I’m looking for a shoe that makes me look like a triathlete/rucker/trail runner but is actually a slipper since I don’t like to leave the house. It should have a faux worn used look. Authenticity matters.
Author
Just buy anything On Running. It’s the wealthy person’s foot gadget of choice.
I don’t know what happened to my last comment (it said it was sent) but…
I switched from Salomon to Altra last year. Altra were difficult to get hold of here a few years ago but that’s changed. My winter go-to boots though are a pair of leather Aussie Redbacks. People have walked across Australia in them and having no laces is a godsend in Japan.
Author
I found that the “old” Altra were fantastic. Still have my original pair. But the “new”Altra were not made the same and don’t last like the old. But that can be said about just about everything in our world.
I suspect that Arc’teryx and Salomon share the same product manager. It doesn’t mean the same shoes, but a higher likelihood of of similar corners cut, same factory (which will come under heavy strain with tariffs). So jumping from one to the other may not be a great strategy. Personally I think brands depend heavily on their lasts, so Merril has always been strong for me, for now, They’ll change at some point, but so far so good.
I worked for a year (as a sub) for Decker Outdoor, which at the time owned Simple Shoes, Teva, and Uggs. At that time the Simples and Tevas were great, within a year none of them fit well. And within a year Simple was toast. Now they’re flying high with Hoka (which I think are insanely ugly) , and the Teva’s still suck. But I think the important thing to know is that if you find something you really like, when it starts to wear out, dig into their corporate parents and find sister brands to increase your odds of having a great shoe experience. Small brands are harder to track, so if you find some you love, reorder another pair asap so you get the life you want
Author
I do the reeorder. Find something good, better get it now.
I need budget friendly running shoes. I would love to have a pair of Topos, though.
Author
REI used has some good deals.
I’m trying Altras for the first time. Both as an everyday walk/hike and trail runner. I also have a pair ON road shoes and some Xero’s for those lifting days. So yes, why stop at one?
Would love to try Topos one day but not until I’ve destroyed the Alrras.
Author
New Altras don’t last like old Altras. That was my experience. I still have my original pair, but all subsequent pairs felt much….different. And didn’t last. But let me know!
Spike Lee hipped me to that. Hes got a huge sneaks collection. Multiple dupes. Smart guy.
Author
He’s all in.
Danielsan, Everyone I know, that has ever been or had an emotional moment, or felt the need to communicate and express their feelings in some deep and meaningful way…Use profanity liberally. And quite frankly, I don’t trust those who don’t or find it offensive.
On another note, I didn’t know what “zero-drop” meant, so I researched it a-bit. Thanks to that info, I can find a shoe to better fit my needs. Thanks for the side-kick to the head.
Author
Jeff, this might be the first day of the rest of your feet life. Zero drop is a good thing.