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Posted: 3/23/2014 4:36:14 PM EDT
I've been using my 13-year-old, made-in-England, Doc Marten steel-toe industrial boots, but the time has finally come to buy a proper hiking boot.
Can you fine people point me in the direction of some high quality, durable and comfortable hiking boots? I'm going to hike around Flagstaff/Sedona AZ, and my old shit-kickers aren't going to cut it. Thanks in advance. F Obama No beans No pics Cat > dog not guilty, unless cola < peeps 87 eject |
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I have been very happy with Asolo boots . N95's are my current boot. Sierra trading post wold be the first place to look.
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Every boot fits differently. Just go into your nearest outdoor retailer and start trying them on. If you're looking for reliable brand names, just look at REI's online inventory. Keen, Merrill, Salomon, etc.
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Quoted: Every boot fits differently. Just go into your nearest outdoor retailer and start trying them on. If you're looking for reliable brand names, just look at REI's online inventory. Keen, Merrill, Salomon, etc. View Quote I didn't want to pay for another pair of Asolos so I recently got some Salomons. I've been happy so far. |
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probably going to be a what fits you best solution, but ive enjoyed my Asolo Fugitives
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Boots are a very fit related thing and what works for one may not work for another so keep that in mine. I've been happy with my Asolo FSN 95s
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Lowa and Zamberlan. I own two pairs of Lowa boots. The first pair wore out the sole before anything else, but one of the stitch points (on the side near the toe) was just about to give up at the end. Both of my Lowa boots were made in Slovakia. My Zamberlan boots are each largely a single piece of leather, display incredible craftsmanship, feature a very roomy toe box, and are made in Italy. I've owned two pairs of US-made Danner boots as well and I liked them well enough, but always go back to my Lowas.
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If you want top quality, try Meind'ls. They make a great boot.
I had a pare that I got from Cabellas that were bomb proof (just make sure to get the German made ones). I just got a pare of Limmer light weights (made for them by Meindl) they are extremely high quality. The Limmers can be resoled, so you can get many years of use out of them. Although both of these boots are of high quality, I'd still recommend trying any boot on if you can. If they don't fit YOUR feet, the quality won't matter. |
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You need to go to a place like REI and try some different boots. Now days, you can easily buy hikers, buy hybrid technical boots, or technical boots. I've got a nice pair of Keen traditional hiking boots, fit well, wear well, waterproof and comfortable. I have a much more expensive pair of Sportiva hybrid technical boots - weigh about the same as regular hikers, but are stiffer, and tighter fit to your feet. Also waterproof. To me, they are better for challenging hiking scenarios versus the Keens, but feel totally different due to the stiffer footbed. Easier to use with traction aids in cold weather / snow / ice. Haven't tried technical boots yet, other than in a store. Lots of options now days, don't rely solely on the internet to get feedback. Try them on in a store.
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I did the Battan Memorial Death March in a pair of Lowa Zephyrs with no foot problems.
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I wore out my Scarpas. Now using Alicos until my Limmers are ready.
Get a real boot, not a sneaker with gortex. Thank me later. |
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Vasque, end of thread-- mods please lock.
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Same thing I always recommend. Go into a store with a good selection and try on a number in the category and price range of your choosing.
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I'm an avid AZ hiker and I would highly recommend the Merrell Moab boots. These are excellent for day or multi day trips. For longer trips with a heavy pack you'll want something with more support and strength. Light weight on your feet makes a big difference, the thought of what you have been wearing makes my feet hurt while laying down.
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Quoted:
I'm an avid AZ hiker and I would highly recommend the Merrell Moab boots. These are excellent for day or multi day trips. For longer trips with a heavy pack you'll want something with more support and strength. Light weight on your feet makes a big difference, the thought of what you have been wearing makes my feet hurt while laying down. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile View Quote LOL, you said it. But I took pride in hiking in those 2.2 pound (each) boots. |
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Everybody's feet are different and boots that work for me may not work for you. Try many different pairs on.
But, these are the best boots I've ever used. I've hiked many, many miles in them. Salomon Quest 4D GTX |
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I've really enjoyed my Vasques. View Quote Have to second this. Unless you're carrying 40+ loads most of the day, I'd highly recommend a lighter (sub 3 pound) pair of boots like the Vasque Breeze. They are faster and more comfortable, particularly on steep inclines or scree. I have the older Breeze GTX and newer Breeze GTX 2.0 and love them both. Each pair has done Long's Peak and were perfect for it. They were 160 last year. :( http://www.rei.com/product/842457/vasque-breeze-20-mid-gtx-hiking-boots-mens#reviewsTab |
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Quoted:
Every boot fits differently. Just go into your nearest outdoor retailer and start trying them on. If you're looking for reliable brand names, just look at REI's online inventory. Keen, Merrill, Salomon, etc. View Quote There are many good brands now - stick to one of the big ones, and get the ones that fit the best. |
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Quoted:
If you want top quality, try Meind'ls. They make a great boot.I had a pare that I got from Cabellas that were bomb proof (just make sure to get the German made ones). I just got a pare of Limmer light weights (made for them by Meindl) they are extremely high quality. The Limmers can be resoled, so you can get many years of use out of them. Although both of these boots are of high quality, I'd still recommend trying any boot on if you can. If they don't fit YOUR feet, the quality won't matter. View Quote Worse than that. A quality boot will not wear in as easily to accommodate your foot. And if you're the type to use what you buy, no matter if it works well or not, you're in for a long hike of pain since they are a durable boot. |
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I just ordered myself a pair of of lowa renegade gtx about 15minutes ago ive wanted a pair of them forever and amazon had my 15 wide for $178 rather than the $225 they usually run. I've always had decent boots but my size makes it pretty limited I've had some danner stumpdown I really like but they are slick as hell in any kind of frost or moisture don't even think about ice or snow
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If you are not packing heavy, try out some shoes instead of boots. When it is hot out, they make a big difference. If you deal with cactus, disregard and get boots that have a good rand around the bottom. I walked through a bunch of cactus once in my mesh shoes and it was not pleasant.
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I dunno about boots but I'd highly recommend some merino wool socks. Got some for work and must say they are the cats ass. No stinky or soggy feet at the end of a hard day. Keep me warm in the cooler/freezer and don't get too hot on breaks or driving too and from the workplace. Never using cotton or synthetics again.
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You need to try different boots because all of the lasts the boots are built on vary.
They also vary by the task you are doing. I have four pairs of boots depending on casual hiking, heavy packing or mountaineering. I have an old school pair of Asolo cold weather boots with sheepskin liners, Raichle and LaSportiva mountaineering and a pair of Vasque backpacking boots. Pick the right tool for the job. |
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Vasque, on my 3rd pair. They wear a little faster then Id like, but stupidly comfortable and actually water proof.
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Just don't go cheap and you'll end up happy. Try a bunch on...see what fits well.
Merrell and Salomon are two solid brands to start with. Salewa, Vasque some others... If you're spending less than $100 and they're not on a big sale...well.... |
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how appropriate, just got back from a full day of hiking in the whites
seriously not one mention of Asolo? 3 best boot brands: Asolo Vasque Danner to each foot their own..... |
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Another vote for Danner here. Specifically Mountain light II or Light II. I have both.
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I dunno about boots but I'd highly recommend some merino wool socks. Got some for work and must say they are the cats ass. No stinky or soggy feet at the end of a hard day. Keep me warm in the cooler/freezer and don't get too hot on breaks or driving too and from the workplace. Never using cotton or synthetics again. View Quote Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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how appropriate, just got back from a full day of hiking in the whites seriously not one mention of Asolo? 3 best boot brands: Asolo Vasque Danner to each foot their own..... View Quote If we are talking quality, Vasque isn't even a contender for that list. They make decent boots, but far from top three. |
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Actually a thin poly wicking sock with good woolies over them is hard to beat.
It doesn't matter what they are if they don't fit correctly. I have always preferred the smaller, dedicated mountaineering shops compared to EMS or REI. You almost always get a more knowledgeable sales person. Tempted to try a pair of Aku's. |
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Without knowing your needs or what fits, it's all a shot in the dark. I really like my Asolo Fugutive GTX for general purpose boots.
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Salomon discovery. Greatest hikers I've ever used, and I use the fuck out of them, everyday. I wouldn't drop a fucking turd on asolos again.
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I've recommended these many times over the years, Danner 453 GTX boots. Mine are super comfortable.
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Quoted:
I've been using my 13-year-old, made-in-England, Doc Marten steel-toe industrial boots, but the time has finally come to buy a proper hiking boot. Can you fine people point me in the direction of some high quality, durable and comfortable hiking boots? I'm going to hike around Flagstaff/Sedona AZ, and my old shit-kickers aren't going to cut it. Thanks in advance. F Obama No beans No pics Cat > dog not guilty, unless cola < peeps 87 eject View Quote Asolo one option: http://www.rei.com/product/693828/asolo-tps-520-gv-hiking-boots-mens |
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What do you want them for? Short or Long Hiking? Backpacking?
What climates/terrains? (You have desert and mountain, altitude/climbing, winter, summer all in your locale). Do you care how heavy they are? For example, I love my old matterhorn duty boots for cold weather short range stuff, but serious elk hunts up and down thousands of vertical feet every day with them on SUCK. Do you want them to be rebuildable or not? Once you've answered those questions, then it's about FIT. After that it's about FIT. And you can guess what comes next. The best name boot with all the whiz bang features that doesn't fit, SUCKS. |
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Vasque Sundowners (the classic). Last forever, and I'm hard on boots. Resoled my one pair, picked up another for a steal and rotate them out now. I've had my first pair 12 years, second is approaching 4 years.
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