recomend me some hiking boots.
hey guys, in the market for a new pair of hiking boots, they'll be used mostly for day hikes and the occasional overnight trip. suggestions?
Merrells used to be good but now not so much. Same for Montrail- soles delaminate too easy. I'd recommend Asolo's. Specifically the FSN GTX-95 series. They are waterproof- and I mean waterproof and the soles are forgiving. Little spendy, but you won't wear them out anytime soon FWIW
Danner.
They have a bunch of options in the hiker style.
452s, 453s, Zig Zags.
Asolo makes some awesome boots. For day hikes I switch between those and Montrail trail running shoes.
Oboz Wind River. Great boot.
I've used Vasque and Keen. Had a great pair of Merrills years ago but their quality has gone down a bit from what I have read. I have a bunion issue with one toe and the Keen boots have a good toe box so that is what I use for hiking now.
A good part of it is going to be what fits you... so if a particular boot or brand doesn't fit you well, it's not "good" regardless of the general consensus.
With that said I'll add to the Asolo FSN95 approvals, they have some other good boots as well.
I've had a few pairs of HiTec boots also that I've mainly worn for casual wear or work, they aren't quite as supportive as the Asolos but held up well.
There's love for Danner out there but they don't seem to fit me at all anymore.
Merrel's are cheap, and very comfortable. They have a very low break in time, but aren't super durable.
Vasques/Keens are a little more pricey, but hardier. However, Vasque is now made in China/Asia, no clue if that will have any impact on their quality (I've heard mixed responses.)
Asolo and Scarpa are both still made in Italy, have a long break in period, but are bomb proof. However, Scarpa's and Asolo's are much "Harder" boots. They're more rugged, but heavier, and less breathable.
So if you want a super breathable and lightweight boot for day hikes in temperate terrain, buy Merrel's, Oboz, or Keens. If you want something that you can use for almost everything, look at Keen's or Vasques, and if you want something to do serrious hiking in cold/wet weather over nasty terrain, look at Scarpa's or Asolo's.
For the record, I have a pair of Scarpa Kailash's that I use for bad weather or longer hikes/ hikes over nasty terrain, and a pair of Montrail trail runners for anything else.
+1 Merrell
Most comfortable practical boot right out of the box I ever bought. I have 3 pair now, summer, winter, and low quarter casual. Just got back from 3 days and two nights of trail riding on a motorcycle, yep Merrells. Used my summer pair, on purpose, no Gortex but fast drying. Good thing too, got my leg soaked to the knee. I simply sat by the fire, dried my sock, boot, and knee, and was ready to go again.
Like teh military, the Vibram is easy on the foot over rocks or pavement, but does not give up ankle or arch support. Unlike the military boots, Merrells are designed to go on and off fast but hold in use.
I bought a pair of Danner's and quite frankly gave them to my son.
Tj
Originally Posted By RC-1136:
Merrel's are cheap, and very comfortable. They have a very low break in time, but aren't super durable.
Vasques/Keens are a little more pricey, but hardier. However, Vasque is now made in China/Asia, no clue if that will have any impact on their quality (I've heard mixed responses.)
Asolo and Scarpa are both still made in Italy, have a long break in period, but are bomb proof. However, Scarpa's and Asolo's are much "Harder" boots. They're more rugged, but heavier, and less breathable.
So if you want a super breathable and lightweight boot for day hikes in temperate terrain, buy Merrel's, Oboz, or Keens. If you want something that you can use for almost everything, look at Keen's or Vasques, and if you want something to do serrious hiking in cold/wet weather over nasty terrain, look at Scarpa's or Asolo's.
For the record, I have a pair of Scarpa Kailash's that I use for bad weather or longer hikes/ hikes over nasty terrain, and a pair of Montrail trail runners for anything else.
I don't have any Scarpa boots but I have a pair of their "hiking shoes" and they've been excellent. I don't know what they use for leather but it's good stuff. My Asolos all say made in Romania by the way.
I've been thinking about a pair of Vasque Summits, I've also read the mixed reviews but I'm still thinking about them. They fit me perfectly which is a hard thing to find.
what are peoples opinions of the current line of columbia boots? the pair i'm replacing are columbia but are several years old.
Haven't dealt with their boots ins a while. Used to be they were a lower end boot but things definitely change. Bottom line, what are you going to be doing with it? And what is your budget?
I like Keens since they fit me well, but you need to go to a store like REI and try some on to see what works for you.
If you are going to be in wet/cold environments often then you may also want to look into Gortex models. In my experience they do make your feet hot in temperate weather. I have a Vasque gortex model but I normally wear the non-Gortex Keens.
I used to only buy Merrels, but I have not bought my last pair I think. I have purchased and put many miles on around 10 different pairs of them. The last three pairs I have purchased always separate from the sole along my left outsole. Same spot for the last three pairs. I know it could be something with how my feet are shaped, or how I walk, but I have just gotten discouraged with the same exact wear related failure on three consecutive pairs of hiking shoes. Not sure what brand I'll go with next, but it won't be merrels.
Anybody have a need for three 60% worn merrel mid's size 10.5? Right shoe only....
Another +1 for Merrell. I've taken a pair of Moab Mid Ventilators right out the box and onto a 5 mile hike under a 35 pound pack...zero hot spots on my feet.
It's been a year since I bought a pair, so I can't speak to claims of recent quality going downhill. Hope it isn't true because I'm hooked.
Asolo FSN 85 or 95.
Sierra Trading Post has good deals on them.
Originally Posted By Wipeout:
I used to only buy Merrels, but I have not bought my last pair I think. I have purchased and put many miles on around 10 different pairs of them. The last three pairs I have purchased always separate from the sole along my left outsole. Same spot for the last three pairs. I know it could be something with how my feet are shaped, or how I walk, but I have just gotten discouraged with the same exact wear related failure on three consecutive pairs of hiking shoes. Not sure what brand I'll go with next, but it won't be merrels.
Anybody have a need for three 60% worn merrel mid's size 10.5? Right shoe only....
Just sent a pair back to REI for the same reason after only two months of mostly inside wear.
Originally Posted By TomJefferson:
+1 Merrell
Most comfortable practical boot right out of the box I ever bought. I have 3 pair now, summer, winter, and low quarter casual. Just got back from 3 days and two nights of trail riding on a motorcycle, yep Merrells. Used my summer pair, on purpose, no Gortex but fast drying. Good thing too, got my leg soaked to the knee. I simply sat by the fire, dried my sock, boot, and knee, and was ready to go again.
Like teh military, the Vibram is easy on the foot over rocks or pavement, but does not give up ankle or arch support. Unlike the military boots, Merrells are designed to go on and off fast but hold in use.
I bought a pair of Danner's and quite frankly gave them to my son.
Tj
Which model boots do you have?
Just got a pair of Danner 'Instigator' hiking boots and I am very pleased with them.
Normally I'm the teched out Scarpa/Asolo/Kayland type of guy.
But, I've found Timberland and Teva to make some of the best boots on the market. (Montrail too)
I want supportive waterproof/breathable boots that are LIGHT. If your boots weigh more than 3 pounds per pair, you had better be wearing ski/mountaineering boots, operating in sub20F temps, or carrying a 100+ pound pack. Otherwise, you are doing it wrong. Light boots mean you move farther and faster. A pound off your feet is like five off your back. My Timberland GTX boots weigh a hair over 2 pounds for the pair and I can do multiday trips with 25-75 pound loads in 25F. The days of needing a 5 pound per pair waffle stomping Danner's is over.
Keen's, I have several pairs. The only problem I have with them is the lack of arch support which is an easy fix.
I really like my Asolo's... they are spendy but they are VERY comfortable, and offer plenty of support.
I've got the Asolo FSN95s, and they are great boots. Mine are around 6-7 years old, and the uppers are in great shape. The Vibram soles are worn down too much to be effective. No cobblers in my area can replace these. Any ideas?
Consider Lowas as well. European made. They were the most supportive light hikers I could find.
Asolo or Danner. I have an all leather pair of Asolo hikers that I have used since about 1980 and they are still going strong.
Once you find yourself a good pair of boots you might want to check out a pair of superfeet insoles. They are not what you might call cheap but well worth it in my opinion. You can get a pair and fit them to your foot/boot or get a custom pair fitted to your foot/boot. I had a pair custom fitted by summit hut in Tucson at about $80.00 (I know expensive but worth it). I am really happy with them and they fit great and they are very comfortable to wear in the boot.
http://www.superfeet.com/Not to hijack, but how are the Asolos for a winter type hiking boot. Looking to pick up a pair for SWAT during the nice long winter we are going to have. The sassalongs look like they should be warm and waterproof.
I haven't tried the Sassalongs but I do ok with FSN95s in the winter with wool socks. I have a pair in wide to give me more room for heavier socks.
Very happy with my latest pair of Keen's.
They fit my wide, high arched feet pretty well.
Asolo Fugitive GTX... Best boots I've ever owned...
