I enjoy camping during the spring and summer months. I take trips each year with the goal to see new things, relax, play in a stream, and take a hike or two. For the past few years, I’ve been relying on my waterproof Keen sandals to provide enough traction and support for easy to moderate day hikes. But if I want to really get serious about hiking longer distances, or hikes that require more of an incline and rise in elevation, I need to buy better shoes; preferably hiking boots.
When it comes to shoes, I wear a standard size 6 and a half, so I don’t necessarily have to go into a store to try on boots. If anything, trying them on would just help determine comfort. My typical feet save me money by choosing brick and mortar stores or online sites. And, if I find a pair of boots online for the right price, I might be able try them on at a local retail store (until they start matching online prices, they lose out on a sale!)
A few retailers near me offer a large variety of hiking boots, but they seem to be a more seasonal item. The camping and hiking gear sales usually happen in mid-August, and since I’ve missed out on some of the best selection and sales prices, shopping online will offer me more choices and lower prices.
Purchasing clothing and shoes online is a bit more difficult which is why I’m a big fan of online reviews, especially reviews that thoroughly describe the pros and cons of items. One such retailer that offers product reviews is Timberland, known for their outdoor performance gear. Timberland offers a nice variety of hiking boots; the traditional mid-ankle, solid toe boots to a more mesh-like sneaker with a lower ankle support. The customer reviews are very detailed. They list the pros and cons of the shoe and describe the fit. Two shoes I’m torn between have raving reviews; a traditional hiking boot and a mesh-like sneaker that’s more attractive (though when choosing a hiking boot, attractive shouldn’t be a quality that matters.)
But of course, the two shoes I like aren’t on sale. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t get them for less. Using Timberland coupon codes I can save 15% off my order, reducing the cost of the shoe by $20! Now I just have to decide which shoe would perform better for moderate to difficult hikes. Decisions, decisions!
Do you hunt down coupon codes before purchasing items online? Are customer reviews important to you?
18 Comments
I purchased my hiking boots online from Cabela’s, with two iterations. I have wide feet, and the fit the first time around wasn’t great. Second time was fine. I know timber
LOL, “.. I know timber…”. Hit the submit button too soon.
I know Timberland are good boots. They might be first on the list if I get another pair.
@101 Centavos – I haven’t owned a real pair of hiking boots in a long time, but it’s just about time to upgrade from my sandals. I’d like to start getting more serious about hiking like when I was in my 20’s ;).
I don’t like to shop, but I like to shop online. I think I like it because of the shopping bots. I use them to find the lowest prices. It makes it more of a game. If I can find coupons or discount codes, it is a bonus.
@Krantcents – I always try to hunt down a promo code before checking out online. I recently purchased books online and used a 15% discount code that saved me the shipping!
I wear Keen type sandals for 9 months of the year. I’m sure I have 4 pairs, rotating an any one time. My boots of choice are Blundstones, but I would try Timberland if the deal was really good.
@Hunter – I love my Keen sandals and also own 2 pair (my first pair got tossed last year.) My husband gets tired of seeing them on my feet, I wear them so much ;). But they are soooo comfortable! I haven’t heard of Blundstones. I’ll check those out too. Thanks!
I usually prefer Zappos but will definitely check this out. Thanks for the tip!
@Money Cone – I haven’t heard of Zappos. I’ll have to check this out. Thanks!
I’ve never purchased hiking boots before. I’ve only gone hiking a few times, and each time my feet get really sore.
@Tony – Hiking boots are suppose to help provide support and relieve some strain off your feet. If you’re going to pursue hiking, I’d definitely recommend looking into some hiking boots. My Keen sandals are great for day hikes, but they don’t really provide support for more strenuous hikes.
If I’m ever in the market for hiking boots, I now know where to look. Did you ever decide which pair you’re going with? I’m thinking comfort trumps looks when purchasing hiking boots. Good luck!
@Buck Inspire – I definitely think comfort should be picked over aesthetic design. I haven’t made a decision yet, but I think I’m going to go with the more traditional hiking boots!
I read your blog quite a bit but don’t post very regularly. When I saw this post, I felt I had to chime in. I wouldn’t say I’m too intense of a hiker, but I definitely enjoy hiking regularly in the summer and good boots are a must. I think you should go with the boots instead of the mesh shoes. The keens probably cover similar needs as the mesh shoes do, therefore don’t really provide you with increased support and durability that true hiking boots do. I also have a pair of keens, mostly for water sports, but I wouldn’t give up my hiking boots for anything!
@Joanna – Thanks for your comment. It was really helpful; you’re right that the mesh shoes would probably be equivalent to my Keens. My next move is just deciding on which hiking boot is most comfortable. It’s great to know I have regular readers!
Your comment: “And, if I find a pair of boots online for the right price, I might be able try them on at a local retail store (until they start matching online prices, they lose out on a sale!)” is disturbing to me. This generation feels no ethical guilt to exploit a store owner who pays to stock shoes, provide rent for a store, and salaries for employees so you can try on shoes and then cheat him/her out of the sale by then buying the shoes online. For me, the only thing that feels ethical is to purchase the item from the store if I tried it on. You lost my respect.
@Richard – Once stores begin price-matching online stores, I’ll happily purchase them in the store. I’m not going to spend a 10 to 20% more on something in the store.
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