Hiking Boots?

#27
#27
Vasque makes a great hiking boot
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#29
#29
utvolpj said:
I have the same pair I got in 93. On my 3rd sole but the rest is solid. I'd get a new pair but they don't make the color anymore
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Had a pair back in college and they were very comfortable and durable
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#30
#30
San Diego Vol said:
Vasque makes a great hiking boot
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I had the classic Sundowner. Great boot and great for carrying a big pack. The problem I had with Vasque (and Asolo and Garmont and etc. etc.) is they tend to be too narrow up front for my fat foot.

Since I don't need heavy duty anymore the Keen shape is perfect for my foot (wide in the front, narrow in the back)

The Sundowner

vasque_sundowner.jpg
 
#31
#31
I have a pair of vasque's. Paid close to $200 for them. I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing the same boot when I'm 80. If I live that long. Great boots. If they are fitted properly, your feet will not get wet, nor cold, I promise you.
 
#32
#32
They GOTTA fit above all else. If you don't have that it's bad from the get go.

I've got a pair of German made Meindls that I like a lot but they aren't particularly cheap.

Lots of people like Danner products but with a caveat; check to see if what you're buying is made in China vs the US. Apparently the Chinese versions don't live up to the quality people associate with the name.

Don't forget good socks...it matters.
 
#33
#33
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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I thought you liked em' big? That's what bearcat said.
 
#35
#35
if you are looking for affordability i have had great success with montrail. i am a diehard garmont fan. i rock my garmont dragontails everywhere i go if it is not chaco season. but it all depends on what you are doing. if you have no backpack weight you really don't need to emphasize an ankle covering shoe that is unless you have severe balance issues and fall over a lot. with that said if you are just walking through the woods you should consider the general terrain you are hiking. i go approach type shoes, because it is a hybrid shoe that gives me solid stability, durability, and the best grip available no matter the conditions. i don't want to come off as a know it all, but just want to share what brands i prefer. i look at garmont, asolo, and la sportiva first. some of these brands are the higher end, but like vasque, lowa and others they will last a very long time. but again if you are just doing light hiking and want a sharp looking shoe you can also wear around town then look into approach shoes. approach shoes are a mix between alpine boot, light hiker, and climbing shoes all in one. all of the best traits in one shoe. but the key is doing your research and getting a proper fit no matter boot or shoe. if you are going to wear heavy socks with whatever shoe you decide than take that into account in your sizing, also.
 
#36
#36
Since your trips are fairly short, consider a pair of trail runners. They're light weight, can handle the terrain and aren't as expensive as boots. Good socks are just as important. Also try a hammock, best sleep you'll ever have on the trail.
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#38
#38
JTrain, if you're still watching this thread, check out these guys. They have a "Chat Now" link in the upper right hand corner. They carry a good range of boots and trail running shoes. As Blupotato said, don't overlook the trail running shoes. I have two pair of good hiking boots and about 8 pair of trail runners. Anyway, the guys on chat know their stuff. Some of them work during the summer as trail guides, hiking guides and rafting guides in Southern Utah. They wear and use this stuff. If it's on their website, they usually can go look at it and give you info or other details you might need.
Backcountry.com: The North Face, Mountain Hardwear and Arc'teryx Skiing, Camping, Hiking and Backpacking Gear
 
#39
#39
I've had 2 pair of Merrills and loved them both. Only reason I got a 2nd pair was one time my brother and I were hiking a trail frequented by llamas. Trilliam Gap in the Smokies I think. The trail the llamas use to deliver mail and laundry up to the Lecont Lodge.

Well, there were a few spots where they let the llamas rest and those sections of the trail tended to be covered in llama poop. We thought we'd done a good job dodging llama poo, but realized we were wrong when we got in the truck to go back to camp and were wondering what the smell was.

I loved those shoes. Waterproof, breathable, durable, and light. They stayed in the truck bed for the rest of the trip. I bought shampoo and deodorizer, but they never smelled the same after that.

Used them for a few more trips the next couple of years, but bought another pair of Merrill's with a gift card for my birthday last year.
 
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#40
#40
Another vote for the Sundowners. Make sure you try them on and they fit right. Also make sure they are made in Italy. They moved production to Asia for a few years and they had a ton of problems with them. Whatever you buy though make sure they are they proper boot for what you will be doing. A lot of people like to buy too much or not enough boot.

Danner, Asolo and Raichle(if you can find them) are also great boots.
 
#41
#41
These are the ones I have, and they are awesome. I've been in knee high snow for over and hour, hiking up a mountain, and my feet felt great. My feet never got cold or wet. Kind of pricey, but they will last you forever. I've owned mine for about 5-6 years now.


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#42
#42
These are similar to the ones I have of the La Sportiva. It has the gore tex lining that is waterproof and very breathable. They're good summer or winter. I tried them out in a shallow stream on the first hike to make sure they actually were waterproof.
la-sportiva-mens-boots-41StRgGR888BL.jpg
 
#45
#45
TEX_VOLFAN said:
That's a nice looking boot too sly. Only thing I don't like is that mesh on the side.
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I was curious about it, too. That's why the water test when I first got them. The boot breathes through there but no water get in through the mesh. I've had them on some pretty rough trails with no snags at the mesh.
 
#46
#46
Slydell said:
I was curious about it, too. That's why the water test when I first got them. The boot breathes through there but no water get in through the mesh. I've had them on some pretty rough trails with no snags at the mesh.
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I would worry about brush or a stick poking thru it.
 
#48
#48
oh hell yeah, bad news if your out in the middle of nowhere and no cell service. Might as well lay down chew up some peyote and die a happy man! lulz
 
#49
#49
TEX_VOLFAN said:
oh hell yeah, bad news if your out in the middle of nowhere and no cell service. Might as well lay down chew up some peyote and die a happy man! lulz
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That's why everyone should have a little "something" when they go hiking. Out here, it's rattlesnakes and scorpions down south and grizzlies up north.
 
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