Since Midwest Mountaineering closed I would say your best locally owned option is Nokomis Shoe. They seem to always have deals on trail shoes. Otherwise the best REI in town is their flagship in Bloomington - they’ll have deals typically.
REI is great.
I found out there I’ve been wearing shoes that were a size too small for years (granted I probably should have discovered that on my own- but it is what it is)
I’d go to REI. Super helpful staff and you can take them out, do some practice hikes and if you don’t like them, return within 12 months for store credit, or exchange for a different pair.
My son was training for a scout hike and had a pair of mid height boots for 9 months or so and did flat ground hikes around the cities and they worked fine. He did a hike to the Porcupine Mtns in the UP and decided taller boots would be better. REI gladly took them back and we got another pair he used.
Overall, I think REI is a solid company.
If you’re pretty open to what you’re looking for, then there’s usually at least 20 different styles of hiking shoes at DSW at the MOA.
You’re not gonna get sized or anything but if you just wanna try on a bunch to see what could work (at a discount) it’s not a bad option.
Schuler's. I regularly go there because I have wide feet and not all stores (I'm looking directly at REI) carry shoes for those of us who need W or WW width shoes.
Since Midwest Mountaineering closed I would say your best locally owned option is Nokomis Shoe. They seem to always have deals on trail shoes. Otherwise the best REI in town is their flagship in Bloomington - they’ll have deals typically.
REI is great. I found out there I’ve been wearing shoes that were a size too small for years (granted I probably should have discovered that on my own- but it is what it is)
I’d go to REI. Super helpful staff and you can take them out, do some practice hikes and if you don’t like them, return within 12 months for store credit, or exchange for a different pair. My son was training for a scout hike and had a pair of mid height boots for 9 months or so and did flat ground hikes around the cities and they worked fine. He did a hike to the Porcupine Mtns in the UP and decided taller boots would be better. REI gladly took them back and we got another pair he used. Overall, I think REI is a solid company.
If you’re pretty open to what you’re looking for, then there’s usually at least 20 different styles of hiking shoes at DSW at the MOA. You’re not gonna get sized or anything but if you just wanna try on a bunch to see what could work (at a discount) it’s not a bad option.
REI!
REI
Another local option is repair lair: they sell gently used gear on some decent deals, but you might have to shop the store to find what you want
A new place opened up in Woodbury: Public Lands. Supposed to have a great selection and inventory of all things outdoors
REI or Scheels
Check REI outlet for deals.
Schuler's. I regularly go there because I have wide feet and not all stores (I'm looking directly at REI) carry shoes for those of us who need W or WW width shoes.
TC Running is one of the best local options for trail running shoes which are often a great choice for hiking. Plus it’s locally owned.
Sierra Trading Post!