A lot of the focus has been on footwear, and rightly so – that’s the most important thing you’ll need for hiking!
I have been using Asolo Stynger boots for hiking and backpacking. Marlene saw the review, as well as other people’s reviews, and got concerned about how well the boots can handle slippery surfaces
Check out my answer to Marlene’s question, are Asolo Stynger boots good for slippery surfaces?
I still wear the Vibrams now and then, but not in bad weather. I’ve had some cheaper boots that do a much better job both at work and in nature. But, I’m with you. Unless I move to a desert, no more Vibrams for me.
I have the same problem with Vibram. It’s even worse in the woods and on wet rocks. I have normal boots not made for hiking that have a better grip. If rocks get wet, Vibram is very slippery. I’ll never buy Vibram again.
I’m looking forward to hearing how it works out for you!
Thank you. I’ll try them. It’s funny you say that you have been ok with the Vibram soles in hiking situations because that is a concern for me. Having problems with my boots on concrete and other hard surfaces, I was worried that the next time I take a hike in the woods, I’d be slipping all over the place. I think I’ll get a pair with the Salomon sole to see how they do for work. And, I’ll bring both pair with me on my next outing on the trail to see the difference there. I appreciate your thoughtful answer.
Hi Denise,
Great question! I’m sorry to hear you slip on concrete in the rain! We must fix this ASAP. I personally have not had any issues with my Vibram soled Asolos, and I have depended on them in the rain, snow, and mud. I just haven’t tried them on concrete in the rain yet, so I might have the same issue too?
What I do know is that most hiking boots are made with Vibram soles, especially the better ones. Another option is to try the brand Salomon – they use what they call “contragrip” soles on many of their shoes and boots, which is softer than Vibram, and is known to be very sticky. Here’s an example of a pair of Salomon boots with Contragrip.
Best of luck, and have fun in the rain!
I prefer the feel of hiking boots over running shoes at work but I have my third pair of hiking boots and they all had slippery soles. I’m wearing Asolo boots with a Vibram sole right now and I slip on concrete if it rains. I’m afraid of my shoes. Is there a reason hiking boots are made this way? Should I be looking at another all-season type of boot?