Hiking boot reviews for the Rogue River Trail

A good broken in pair of hiking boots or shoes is crucial to a good hiking experience on the Rogue River Trail, or anywhere. The unique nature of the Rogue River trail lends itself to some specific shoe characteristics. Things like Gore-Tex in your shoes are much more important for spring and fall season in the canyon as the weather can be unpredictable in May or October and hiking with wet feet is nobody's idea of a good time. Here are some highly reviewed hiking shoes to consider before planning your Rogue River Trail hike. Whether you let Rogue Journeys carry your overnight stuff on the raft or you choose to carry it yourself you will want a good pair of broken in shoes to help you navigate the steep and un-even parts of this 40 mile adventure.

Keen Targhee II Mid $130MSRP
These midweight water proof wonders from Keen won "best reviewed" by Consumer Search for waterproof shoes. The combination of lightweight versatility with a little ankle support and what is claimed to be more breathable waterproofing than Gore-Tex sets these shoes up to be an ideal Rogue River hiking shoe. Great support for the un-even and rocky sections around Mule Creek Canyon and breathable waterproofing for those inevitable beautifully wet Oregon days.
1. Backpacker MagazineDetails/Subscribe "This backpacking magazine tests more hiking boots than any other publication we've found, putting dozens of models through rigorous field testing (for a total of 5,000 miles in all). For two years running, the Keen Targhee II Mid hiking shoe has been recommended as an excellent value."

Review: 2007 and 2008 Gear Guides, Editors and field testers, Mar. 2007 and 2008

Anhu Lodi WB Est. $95 you can find in the $70's
If you want "waterproof" shoes at a value these have great reviews. Waterproofing seams reasonably effective while maintaining good breathability. These would be a good Rogue River Trail shoe for the person planning on this being their big trip of the year. If you plan on using these shoes for multiple big hikes throughout the season and the Rogue River Trail is not going to be your one big adventure you might look at something else. Reviews from those who own them seems to be they love them, but are concerned about durability.


High-Tec V-lite Radar II e-vent low est. $105
This was a top reviewed pick of backpacker magazine and has great reviews as a mid weight light hiking shoe. Backpacker suggests day hikes or hikes with no more than 25 pounds, which is perfect for a raft assisted trip on the Rogue River Trail when all you carry is your day time bag. Excellent waterproofing and good breathability made these a favorite in user tests from light snow to late spring heat.

There are plenty of other great shoe options out there. Always check online for customer reviews and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS go and try them on. Different brands fit different feet. Just because 100 people love a specific shoe does not mean it is the best shoe for your foot. Go to a shop where they spend time with you and try on at least 3 different pairs before committing to one. After I buy a pair I always wear them around the house for a while. Go home and vacuum to keep you on your feet. If you have not worn them outside most places will return or exchange if you find that after an hour on your feet they hurt. Good luck and plan ahead, you don't want to be 2 days in on the Rogue River Trail with a pair of shoes that is destroying your feet.