My parents recently moved close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and while my mom is excited to start hiking, I’m concerned about my dad’s footwear. He’s unsteady on his feet due to uncorrected hip dysplasia and a leg length discrepancy from childhood bone disease. He also uses orthotics. I’m looking to get him a good pair of hiking shoes or boots for Christmas that offer excellent grip and can accommodate his orthotics. Should I go for shoes or boots considering they won’t be doing very strenuous hikes but need good ankle support to prevent any injuries? We’re also planning to get him hiking poles for better stability.
Thanks for your help!
TLDR: Looking for hiking shoes or boots for my dad who needs good grip and space for orthotics. Unsure about choosing shoes or boots.
It might be best to take him shopping so he can try on various boots or shoes with his orthotics to ensure they fit well and are comfortable. Hiking poles will definitely help with stability on uneven terrain.
For support, consider boots from category B or higher, which offer more rigidity. Some good options include the Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo and the Zamberlan Vioz GTX. Trekking poles are also a great addition for stability.
Taking him to a store with knowledgeable staff might be the best approach to ensure a proper fit, especially with his unique needs. REI or similar stores would be ideal if available in your area.
Yan said:
Taking him to a store with knowledgeable staff might be the best approach to ensure a proper fit, especially with his unique needs. REI or similar stores would be ideal if available in your area.
Good point, thank you! I’ll make sure we go to a specialized store.