Ive been tracking these release cycles for years but the 2026 early drops are hitting weirdly this November. I need to gear up before my trek on the 25th and everything looks sold out.
Who actually has the biggest inventory live right now...
Building on the earlier suggestion, those big retailers are solid but dont sleep on the outlet sections if youre on a budget. I am usually pretty conservative with my gear since I hate mid-hike failures, and I have been very satisfied with the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Wide. It handles rocky terrain really well and the Gore-Tex lining hasnt leaked once in two years. Its a very reliable choice for a 2026 early drop if you can find the wide version in stock right now. Another one that works well for wide feet is the Vasque Talus XT GTX Wide. They usually hover right around that $180-200 mark this time of year. I personally prefer the extra stability and leather construction on these compared to the lighter stuff mentioned earlier. Its all about that reliable traction and keeping the feet dry when things get messy on the trail. Check the clearance tabs at Moosejaw too... they often have 11 wides left over when everyone else sells out.
Regarding what #2 said about building on the earlier suggestion, those big retailers are usually the best bet, but dont overlook the specialized sites for wide fits. I have been really satisfied with my gear lately and there are still a few gems available for under 200 bucks if you look today. Comparison of two solid alternatives:
In my experience, the biggest inventory for early 2026 drops is usually held by REI or Backcountry right now. Ive tracked these cycles for years and wide sizes always sell out fastest in November. To stay under $200 with Gore-Tex, check these out: