Boot Advice

[Dennis1993]

So I need new hiking boots but I could use some suggestions on whats good out there right now... Im looking for a mid boot... one boot that apeals to me is the Salewa Men's Alp Trainer Mid GTX but it seems to be Out of Stock everywhere.

Any suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks

[catz]

I'm very pleased with my Lowas.

I would avoid Vasque--they used to be excellent but their quality has suffered greatly in recent years.

[Casa Grande]

I'm very pleased with my Lowas.

I would avoid Vasque--they used to be excellent but their quality has suffered greatly in recent years.

Absolutely concur with everything you just said!

[Sotol Vista]

Last week I tried on the Lowas and they felt great. Casa grande recommended these to me and I liked them. They are going to be a b-day gift so I done have them yet.

I did have a pair of Vasque that did me well for several years ...but my feet began to get over heated real quick in theses. Plus the leaked in water from from very shalow pools of water. I'm talking like 1/8 of an inch or less

James

[WL2]

I have hiked in Vasque boots for several years now and I can say that they last a limited amount of time before the soles come apart.  However, for whatever reason they fit my feet perfectly.  I never have to break them in and no blisters.  So I just plan on replacing them every few years and I am good to go.  I should mention I have a terrible time finding boots that fit.

[Dennis1993]

thanks a lot... only problem with Lowas is that I live in Canada and Im pretty sure they aren't sold here... or at least in the area im in.

Good to know about the Vasques tho

[Verduretiger]

I have always liked Asolo.  I am now trying some lightweight Merrills that probably will not be heavy duty enough for BIBE put work pretty well in Alabama. 

[Al]

If we are talking hiking the desert, definitely go with at least medium weight boots.  Light weight boots will not protect your feet or be reliable particularly if you hike off trail in my limited experience.  If you stick to the trails and don't carry a full pack a light weight boot may do. 

I have always had good luck with Cabelas boots which is not to say they are state-of-the-art but they have not failed on the trail.  Knock on wood.

Fit is everything. Make sure what ever boot you pick fits and doesn't hurt your toes, particularly when going down hill with a load. If you blister your heel you can usually deal with it using mole skin or adhesive tape.

Who was it with the "cut your toenails" sig?  Excellent advice.

Al

[chisos muse]

Like Al said, fit is everything. I would suggest going to your closest big box outdoor retailer and trying a few on. It depends on the shape of your feet, cut of the boot and features that fit your hiking style as well. Some brands are cut wider, like Keen. You have to put the boot on and go "ahhhh" from the get go. Take the socks you'll be wearing when hiking to try on with, or buy a pair there. Make sure the boot has a good support system and a beefy outsole if you're going to be carrying a heavy pack. You don't need a super heavy trekking boot for light hiking. Many boots today are lighter in weight but still provide good support.
After you lace the boot, make sure you have enough room for swelling in the toe box area. Most people make the mistake of buying boots that are too small. If you need more cush or arch support, get an insert. Try a few of these on if you need to also. Good luck! 

[mule ears]

Dennis1993 everything Musey says is right on (always  ).  It would help to know what kind of hiking, weather, pack weight etc. you do.  I find that one boot or shoe does not do it all.  The Salewa Goretex boot you mentioned is probably good for your Canadian conditions especially snow.  I find goretex too hot for the summer or desert conditions and once it gets wet (and it will) it takes forever to dryout.

If that height boot works for you look at the Asolos or if you need a wide toe box the Keens are also good.  I have been wearing Keens for the desert and a goretex lined Asolo or Salomon for snow.  For warm wet conditions I use a well drained non-gortex shoe that will dry fast.  I mostly use low and light shoes but I carry a light pack too.

[catz]

 

thanks a lot... only problem with Lowas is that I live in Canada and Im pretty sure they aren't sold here... or at least in the area im in.

Good to know about the Vasques tho

There's a Canadian outfitter (Altitude Sports) that says they carry Lowas and offer free shipping anywhere in Canada.  I think they have physical outlets, too, but their site doesn't list locations.  See http://www.altitude-sports.com/eng/brands/lowa

[ambersdad]

Our local Backwoods is having their summer sale right now.  I went in 2 weeks ago looking to find a nice pair of mids.  They had one pair of Keen Targhee 2's marked 75% off that just happened to be my size.  Walked out of the store with a pair of $120.00 shoes for less than $34.00.   

Took me about one day to break them in.  Heading to the Rockies next week so I'll find out how they do.

I do a lot of hiking in the Wichitas and I know they will be great for that type of rough arid landscape.

[Dennis1993]

Thanks a lot for all the replies!

I ended up getting a pair of Garmont Zenith Hike GTX's

they seem pretty solid and should do the trick

[Al]

Looks like an excellent boot. 

To the side, the history of the Vibram sole is incredible in that, after all these years, it is still the sole choice on premium boots.

http://www.vibram.com/index.php/us/VIBRAM/About-Us/The-History

Al

[Casa Grande]

Looks like an excellent boot. 

To the side, the history of the Vibram sole is incredible in that, after all these years, it is still the sole choice on premium boots.

http://www.vibram.com/index.php/us/VIBRAM/About-Us/The-History

Al

And for a good reason!  I've had vibram on my soles for nearly 20 years, since I was pounding concrete as a corrections officer.  I haven't purchased another boot without it.