Hiking Boots?
- Thread starter ET16
- Start date
Enlist in the army, they give you the boots for free, and if they fall apart then they will replace them for free.
Look for boots that are stitched, not glued. They are usually more expensive if you can find them but will usually last a VERY long time.
Goodyear welt construction is durable. Eddie Bauer K6.
Recommending boots is going to be tough because a lot of what makes a boot good for you is the fit. I've pretty much switched to wearing trail runners for hiking (Brooks Cascadia 16), but I do have a pair of Salomon Quest gore-tex boots that I wear for winter hiking.
I really like Oboz,
I have bought many brands over the years.. i walk alot in the woods and trails and hike. For the money Ozark Trail from Walmart. $40 for the hiking boots and $25 for the hiking shoes. I buy 2 pair at a time and they easily last a year or two each pair. By the time i am tired with them they have released a new shoe and i do the process over again.
I use one pair for wet days and the other for dry days. I have been totally satisfied with them so far.
I use one pair for wet days and the other for dry days. I have been totally satisfied with them so far.
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2011
- Messages
- 5,443
I am a big fan of LaSportiva. Fine Italian craftsmanship for enduring season after season in the rocky world of White Mt's NH and Green Mts VT. Not a wide manufacturer, but not narrow end like a Nike sneaker usually is. Fit is the most important part of finding the right hiker. I also like Saloman, Lowa, Vasque a lot.
https://www.rei.com/product/165426/...-_-148854-_-184698-_-NA&avad=184698_d24cc1c25
https://www.rei.com/product/165426/...-_-148854-_-184698-_-NA&avad=184698_d24cc1c25
I like Hanwag boots.
If springing fir a Goodyear welt make sure it's a 360 and not just a 270 degree welt. Water resistance will be better. I'd also look for a split welt because it looks more neat. You may also want a Thomas heel that offers better arch support than a straight-cut heel.
They have everything from trail runners, casual shoes, and traditional boots. As others said, the big thing is going to be individual fit. Some will say that traditional stitched construction is more durable and repairable, but I've had cobblers tell me that modern glued soles are actually easier to replace with the right equipment.
I hope mine last. I have been using them alot the past year and a half without any problems.
I hike 4-5 miles most days. Been through several pairs of Eddie Bauer Cairn mids and the low-cut shoe version. One of my regular hikes has a shallow stream crossing and my feet have never gotten wet. The outer soles and insoles seem to wear at about the same rate. They may not last as long as the “burly” boots, but I like that they are soft and comfortable.
Not saying they’re the best out there but they’ve worked for me. I am definitely open to others if people have suggestions.
Not saying they’re the best out there but they’ve worked for me. I am definitely open to others if people have suggestions.
What's the duty though? I've had everything from heavyweight leather to lightweight boots that looked almost like basketball high-tops. It really depends. There is no one size fits all, and in many cases they're really more or less wear items like tires. I've tried different brands and models including The North Face, Merrell, Nike, and Five Ten.
There's always something new, and if you're on a budget trying a closeout model or one on sale isn't always a bad thing.
There's always something new, and if you're on a budget trying a closeout model or one on sale isn't always a bad thing.
You get what you pay for, generally. If you want to keep it cost effective look at keen or merrell. Otherwise I can vouch for danner crater tomorrow and Alico summit.
