In July I’m walking the Fish River Canyon.  Serious business.  And I seriously need new hiking shoes.  On the Portuguese Camino my Salomon’s faulted – my mistake.  I thought they were indestructible but the hike from Ponte de Lima to Sao Roque Rubaies broke them.  It nearly broke me.  On the Whale Trail my New Balance footwear needed duct tape and then velcro strips.  On the Fish River hike there will be no second chances.  I need to be prepared.  I need new, good hiking shoes.  My short list of hiking boots include:

• Hi-Tec Equilibrio Bijou Mid boot – they look good and are cheap.
• Adidas Women’s AX2 Mid GTX Boot – I’ve never had Adidas shoes.  Now is a good time.
• K-Way Women’s Edge WP Shoe.  The specs are great and they look as if they will last forever.
• Adidas Terrex Swift R Mid GTX – a good looking shoe recommended by GetAway.  It looks like a new model has replaced this shoe – AX2R.

GetAway also advises to consider the following:

1. Weight: This is my number one consideration.  My Salomons felt like bricks on the Camino and I could not lose them fast enough.  All down to me.  It must have been the wrong Salomons.
2. Comfort: For 90kms my boots are going to be with me every step of the way.  I’m looking for nice padding and support.
3. Waterproofing: I need to check this on the shoes I’ve short listed.  There is one thing I hate more than wet swimming bottoms and that’s a wet shoe.
4. Grip:  My feet needs to be grounded.  Slipping and sliding is no fun down in a canyon.
5. Breathability: Nothing like good ventilation and fresh air.
6. Then, the extras: Anti-microbial linings, toe protection caps and sewn-in bellowed tongues to keep dirt out.  Check bellowed tongues.  I hate wearing gaiters.

The search for my Fish River Canyon boots are on and I shall keep you posted.