Hiking Boots?

#2
#2
Whatever you get, make sure they fit right -- that's the biggest source of problems IMHO
 
#3
#3
volinbham said:
Whatever you get, make sure they fit right -- that's the biggest source of problems IMHO
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I have a pair of Garmont hiking shoes that I would definitely recommend. They don't give the ankle support that some more advanced hikes may/do require, but they have been great for any hike I have been on in the SM.

And as volinbham said, you will want a tight fit. I normally wear 11.5-12, but was sized at Little River for an 11 in this shoe, and that I am thankful. I wore an 11.5 for hiking boot before then, and my upper heal (I don't know what it is called) would be constantly worn, all because it was just a little big for hiking. The fact that the Garmont I have is low top does prevent this type of wear, but I do believe a tight fit is still important.
 
#5
#5
There is a wide variety to choose from, most of them pretty decent. Just make sure to get a tight fit and make sure that they are 100% water proof.
 
#7
#7
What kind of hiking do you plan to do? What kind of load do you expect to be carrying? Socks are a huge factor in the comfort of your hikes. It's not a wise move to buy your boots online, in case you had that in mind. Just asked my dad, who used to be a regular hiker, for some advice, all he said was get great socks and when you go to try on boots use an incline and walk back and forth on it to make sure you are not sliding forward or anywhere for that matter in your boot.


L.L. Bean's leather/fabric boots are nice ones to consider
 
#8
#8
Btw.. I don't remember the specific name for them, but buy pads for the occasional blisters that may pop up.
 
#10
#10
A good tight fit is especially important if you suffer an ankle type injury, lace it up tight and keep the boot on to act as a splint.
 
#13
#13
Having done over 75% of the AT as well as several years of outdoor retail experience; take the time to got to an good store to get fitted. The problem a lot of people have is the fit. Second you need to determing what type of hiking you will be doing- Day hikes? weekend backpacking? Extended backpacking? All of these will play a role in the type of boot or shoe you choose. take the time to try several brands to make sure you are comfortable with your decision. And for pete's sake don't buy it mail order unless you have tried them in person!!!!
 
#16
#16
JTrainDavis said:
Bump, looking for something good and breathable, without breaking the bank, either
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I like the Keen products - I have a wide foot and they fit great compared to traditional hiking boots. For non-waterproof I go with a low top (can't remember the name). For waterproof, I have a mid-height Keen Targhee II

Keen Men's Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot

Some of the negative reviews on these were that they were too lightweight but I use them for day hiking (no heavy pack) and they've been great and super comfortable. Never had a blister. Of course I'm only doing less than 2 hours on the trail at a time.


Slydell said:
This is a good boot for under $100. Men's Merrell Moab Ventilator

Amazon.com: Men's Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Wide Width: Sports & Outdoors
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Have had low tops of these for years (on third pair). Great every day shoe and light hiking shoe.
 
#18
#18
Thanks for the leads, I'll have to take a ride up to Dick's and see what they've got.

I'm not really in need of anything super heavy duty, as I'm rarely out for more than say 4 hours, and any overnights are in good weather with just a light bedroll, and some pogey bait, dog food, and water, so I won't be humping a whole lot of weight.
 
#20
#20
volinbham said:
this is the non-waterproof Keen I use. It's my everyday and summer hiking shoe.

Keen Men's Voyageur Hiking Shoe Black Olive/ Inca Gold 8
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I have more of the trail running/low cut shoes that hiking boots. Keen makes a great product. I like the lighter weight trail shoes better in most cases. I have a good variety of Keen, La Sportiva, LaFuma, Go Lite and Teva. I wear lightweight merino wool socks, too. I have some pair going on four years. Long lasting, never had a blister, cool and comfortable and wick moisture like crazy.
 
#21
#21
JTrainDavis said:
Thanks for the leads, I'll have to take a ride up to Dick's and see what they've got.

I'm not really in need of anything super heavy duty, as I'm rarely out for more than say 4 hours, and any overnights are in good weather with just a light bedroll, and some pogey bait, dog food, and water, so I won't be humping a whole lot of weight.
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Haven't been in one in a few years, but they used to carry some of the better brands. Merrell, Keen, Go Lite, etc. I think you'll be able to find something good between $80-$120. If you find something there, go online and search for a better price. Might be able save a few bucks somewhere.
 
#22
#22
Zappos has everything Dick's does and more and if you order today it will be there tomorrow.

If Dicks doesn't have the size or color you want hit up Zappos
 
#23
#23
Slydell said:
Haven't been in one in a few years, but they used to carry some of the better brands. Merrell, Keen, Go Lite, etc. I think you'll be able to find something good between $80-$120. If you find something there, go online and search for a better price. Might be able save a few bucks somewhere.
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That's my plan for now, I just want to try them on, I read all kinds of contradictory things regarding sizing for the same models, so the only way will be to throw a pair on.
 
#24
#24
Slydell said:
I wear lightweight merino wool socks, too. I have some pair going on four years. Long lasting, never had a blister, cool and comfortable and wick moisture like crazy.
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I have some of those Smartwool and some other brand that appear to be synthetic wool. Both types work great.
 
#25
#25
JTrainDavis said:
That's my plan for now, I just want to try them on, I read all kinds of contradictory things regarding sizing for the same models, so the only way will be to throw a pair on.
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You're right about the sizing. In all my boots and trail shoes, I have everything between size 10-1/2-12. They all fit. Different manufacturers sizes run a bit odd. Some are sold by European sizes, too.
 
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