Hiking Boots?
 

The Work boot thread got me wondering about the collective wisdom on Hikers. I need a new pair of hiking boots. Currently have some Garmont boots with low top / no ankle support. Best boots I have ever had other than they are about 1/4 size too small and are not waterproof. Someone called them an "approach boot" when I bought them. Whatever that means.

What I want: something that is fit for our soggy Oregon climate meaning gore-tex or similar. I won't be doing much (if any) backpacking. Mostly just day hikes and boy scout related stuff. I don't know about the height of the boots. I have had ankle high boots in the past and I don't see a big benefit from them. Am I missing something here? Not really concerned about snakes or abrasions.

It seems like there are two camps in the boots. Lightweight that are closer to beefy running shoes and then serious backpacking boots. My current boots are right in the middle.

Thank you in advance,
Larry

If cost is a concern, check out Big 5 Sporting Goods store. mucho boots.

ankle high boots give feedback when you start to turn your ankle & if leather, give some add'l support

they are good for rough terrain; off-trail

go over to REI and try a few pair of various boots

I am currently working in Oregon and just bought some hiking boots from REI. They seem very helpful at REI and you want to try on several pairs. I bought these and am very happy with them.

I do a lot of hiking/rucking for work and wear Asolos. Most specifically the Asolo fugitives. I'm pretty rough on them and they last through a deployment. I've hiked through desert, farmlands, mountains, streams/rivers, cities, snow, etc. sometimes with 100lbs of gear. They are a great all around boot. Not to mention they look nice for normal wear.

Check out the Adidas Terrex line...

Mot likely my next day hike shoes will be a pair....

I second Asolo. Great product. Find one that fits your purpose and do not over buy your hiking boots for extra protection and all the BS. Lugging more weight is no fun when you are beat tired. If you just doing general trail walking then any ankle high gore-tex boot will be fine because there is a little flex in the sole for comfort. A stiffer sold for X country or off trail. I like a mid weight leather boot with a slightly stiffer sole with just enough flex for comfort. REI is a great place to start.

Excellent. I guess I should have said that I sort of have a "boot date" with the Missus to REI. Thanks for the input. The Asolo's and Vasque are exactly what I have been thinking. Have to check out the Addidas.

Larry

Salomon makes some good stuff. I buy their trail running shoes & would use them for hiking as well. They are very sturdy & durable. They also make hiking boots.

I love my Asolo boots from REI.

http://www.rei.com/media/oo/093ce4ac...d76b8519d4.jpg

Damn. The boots that ate Chicago! :eek:

I refuse buying the made in China stuff. You can get great boots from Meindl (made in Germany) that are not much more. Cabelas has the best price, because they have them made under their Cabela's name and therefore this guarantees them for life. This includes if you are not happy with them a few months and hikes into it.

Cabela's: Search Results

+1 I have a pair of Cabela's brand hikers made by Meindl. -J

+4 on the Asolo boots. Another good thing is they need very little or no break in. I'm not up on boots as much as I used to be. If you need them to be water resistant, you can always treat them. Asolos are pretty water resistant to start with. My first pair of actual hiking boots (other than combat boots) cost $25.95.

A new pair of gore-tex boots will be water tight. You can walk through wet grass or even a shallow stream keeping dry feet. I would buy nothing else, unless you expect no wet weather whatsoever.

G

For decades, the boot to have was Vasque Sundowners. Italian made, amazingly durable and comfortable. They shifted production to China about 5 years ago. Now they're pure dog schit. :(

Too bad, my Vasque boots are totally beat.

Don't buy shoes made in China if you can help it. Much easier said than done.

All the top name footwear , Vasque, Merrel etc... ( and clothing in general) have gone to shyte, ever since "outdoors wear" became "fashionable and trendy".

Expensive, but there are some high quality US made boots available:

Danner - Explorer

I've been pretty happy with my last pair of Scarpas... No clue where they were made....