Posted: 4/7/2014 8:26:42 PM EDT
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I'm getting into hiking and am starting to get into some rougher terrain and am in need of new boots. My first question is why are most hiking boots only 6" tall? It would seem that 8" boots would provide greater ankle support. Is it to save weight? My second question is what boot would you recommend that has these features: All leather, preferably black, welt/Norwegian sewn so they can be resoled, vibram style soles 6 or 8 inch height. Last but not least around 300.00. Thanks for reading this rambling post.
ERic |
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Go find an REI and try some on.
ETA what works for one person may not work for you. You gotta try em to know what fits and works for you. Sorry im not gonna tell ya this brand is the shiznit cause its popular. You gotta find what works for you. That means you gotta try em on in a store. |
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LaSportiva Makalu Replace the stock liners with green superfeet. You can get them resoled. Nuff said. Um... I have nothing to add. Might be the best out there if they work for your feet. Mine have taken me through some crazy and way stupid shit. I don't bust them out for day hikes but multi-day with a pack they are the go to boot. Be sure and allow decent break in time around town, wear liner socks and so on. Last I checked there were the only boot spec'd for NOL's students. |
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FWIW- I have been a fan of Zameberlans. Well constructed. 20 years no complaints...wet weather, rough terrain , they will take abuse and keep going. Zamberlans can be resoled. I also like ASOLO also no complaints but do not have nearly as much experience with them. Good Luck
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Quoted:
Um... I have nothing to add. Might be the best out there if they work for your feet. Mine have taken me through some crazy and way stupid shit. I don't bust them out for day hikes but multi-day with a pack they are the go to boot. Be sure and allow decent break in time around town, wear liner socks and so on. Last I checked there were the only boot spec'd for NOL's students. Quoted:
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LaSportiva Makalu Replace the stock liners with green superfeet. You can get them resoled. Nuff said. Um... I have nothing to add. Might be the best out there if they work for your feet. Mine have taken me through some crazy and way stupid shit. I don't bust them out for day hikes but multi-day with a pack they are the go to boot. Be sure and allow decent break in time around town, wear liner socks and so on. Last I checked there were the only boot spec'd for NOL's students. It's the only boot in the world, once broken in, you can hump 15 miles of 60 pound loads with AND then climb easy Grade 4 ice in with certain step-in crampons... The Makalu breaks YOUR foot in. Remember that. 
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This boot doesnt fit your bill, but I have a feeling that if you tried it, you would have no complaints. They are my hiking/General purpose boot of choice. Light, breathable, durable. Recommend to all my friends and noone has ever had a complaint that I know of.
Garmont T4. |
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Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'm planning on going to rei and the danner factory store to try on several pairs of boots. What type of socks do most of you use? ERic I would echo the REI or similar advice. Danner may be just fine for you but it's much better to try different brands. They all fit differently. I tried lots of them until I realized that Asolos fit me like they were made to my foot. |
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I have a lot of miles on a pair of Asolo boots. While nice, I now prefer trail runners to boots. I use Asolo boots also but they don't sound like what the OP is looking for. 90% of the time I use a trail runner like you or a hiking shoe since I've gone semi-ultralight. It's much more enjoyable to me that way. ETA: I use Fox River or Smartwool socks mostly although I do have a couple pair of Red Head from Bass Pro that are just as good IMO. |
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Try them on, buy them at a place with a good return/exchange policy (think REI), and go hike with them. Give them a few hikes before you pass judgment on them.
As for socks, wool. Smartwool makes great ones, from thin summer socks to expedition-weight socks. I buy those and the REI house brand when I'm buying socks. Don't skimp on good socks, and be sure to get something other than cotton. |
| ALL of the Appalachian Trail through hikers I saw on the trail had keen or merrell hiking shoes like the Moab ventilator. The lighter weight will reduce fatigue that will reduce the chance of injury. Couple them with hiking poles an you are good to go. Hiking long distances in 8" combat boots SUCKS |
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And spend a couple minute reading through this thread to expand your boot knowledge
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1609811_The_Martial_Art_of_Foot_Soldiering.html |
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I have a lot of miles on a pair of Asolo boots. While nice, I now prefer trail runners to boots. I have a few pairs of Asolos I use for backpacking. I love them. For hiking I use well worn pair of Merrel mids. ETA some tips for OP: 1. Have the boots fitted by someone knowledgeable. 2. Try them out (with a load if using them for packing) 3. Remember they will have a break in period 4. Learn how to lace them properly 5. Try out different socks. 6. Trim your toenails before hitting the trails.
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Also, I think part of the choice you have to make is dependent on terrain, length of time on the trail, your tolerance for heavy footwear, etc. etc.
All these folks recommending trailrunners are breaking my Colorado brain, but it might make sense where they often hike. Out here, I won't go on long hikes without at least some ankle support, because it'd be dumb and dangerous to do otherwise. Sure, some lower elevation trails that aren't as rocky I will wear lower profile shoes, but not for summit attempts or long backpacking trips. |
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Quoted:
I have a few pairs of Asolos I use for backpacking. I love them. For hiking I use well worn pair of Merrel mids. ETA some tips for OP: 1. Have the boots fitted by someone knowledgeable. 2. Try them out (with a load if using them for packing) 3. Remember they will have a break in period 4. Learn how to lace them properly 5. Try out different socks. 6. Trim your toenails before hitting the trails. Quoted:
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I have a lot of miles on a pair of Asolo boots. While nice, I now prefer trail runners to boots. I have a few pairs of Asolos I use for backpacking. I love them. For hiking I use well worn pair of Merrel mids. ETA some tips for OP: 1. Have the boots fitted by someone knowledgeable. 2. Try them out (with a load if using them for packing) 3. Remember they will have a break in period 4. Learn how to lace them properly 5. Try out different socks. 6. Trim your toenails before hitting the trails. All of both of these. And unless you're packing, you don't need that much weight on your feet. A good set of trail runners is fine for an 8 pound day pack hike. Asolos are probably the most comfortable boot I've owned (520 gtx) but they can't be resoled, afaik. Socks: Get poly pro liners and smart wool or thorlo overs. |
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If you are backpacking, then Lowa Baffin Pro is your boot:
http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/baffin-pro/2104354037/2 |
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Go low...as in low top.
Unless you're doing some serious mountaineering where you'll be donning crampons and doing some front pointing, you do not need an over-the-ankle boot. I started out many moons ago with those big ol' clod hoppers, and now just use low top leather shoes. I routinely carry up to 50 pounds and have done some pretty stout off-trail backcountry. I recommend these: The Lowa Renegade Low 
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Personally, I have phased out most of my hiking socks for Darn Tough socks. They are super comfortable and guaranteed for life (what more could you want?) I recommend them to all my buddies.
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All of both of these. And unless you're packing, you don't need that much weight on your feet. A good set of trail runners is fine for an 8 pound day pack hike. Asolos are probably the most comfortable boot I've owned (520 gtx) but they can't be resoled, afaik. Socks: Get poly pro liners and smart wool or thorlo overs. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have a lot of miles on a pair of Asolo boots. While nice, I now prefer trail runners to boots. I have a few pairs of Asolos I use for backpacking. I love them. For hiking I use well worn pair of Merrel mids. ETA some tips for OP: 1. Have the boots fitted by someone knowledgeable. 2. Try them out (with a load if using them for packing) 3. Remember they will have a break in period 4. Learn how to lace them properly 5. Try out different socks. 6. Trim your toenails before hitting the trails. All of both of these. And unless you're packing, you don't need that much weight on your feet. A good set of trail runners is fine for an 8 pound day pack hike. Asolos are probably the most comfortable boot I've owned (520 gtx) but they can't be resoled, afaik. Socks: Get poly pro liners and smart wool or thorlo overs. Can't add much to these posts. I stick with Asolo boots. The GoreTex model with leather and mesh are a lot more comfortable, and breath better than the all leather ones. 8" boots are too tall for me, they tend to pinch my calves and leave my ankles too loose. If you're just doing day-hiking with a snack-pack, trail-runners can't be beat. I wear merino wool socks year round ... WigWam, Smartwool, Darn Tough, Fox river |
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SmartWool. pretty sure they come in different weights. i wear a light polypropylene liner sock underneath for less friction/more wicking.
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Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'm planning on going to rei and the danner factory store to try on several pairs of boots. What type of socks do most of you use? ERic |
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If you are backpacking, then Lowa Baffin Pro is your boot: http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/baffin-pro/2104354037/2 Those look like the modern version of the Lowas I got in High School and lasted until my son was in Scouts. Although the middle years didn't get a lot of use but I did wear the original soles out and they were replaceable. Probably too much boot for most guys these days. |
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Quoted: Go low...as in low top. Unless you're doing some serious mountaineering where you'll be donning crampons and doing some front pointing, you do not need an over-the-ankle boot. I started out many moons ago with those big ol' clod hoppers, and now just use low top leather shoes. I routinely carry up to 50 pounds and have done some pretty stout off-trail backcountry I agree, for the most part. If you are fit, strong, and not carrying a heavy load, go low tops. |
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Personally, I have phased out most of my hiking socks for Darn Tough socks. They are super comfortable and guaranteed for life (what more could you want?) I recommend them to all my buddies. +1. Darn Tough must be Wizards/Shamans/Something because the couple pairs I have are perfect. They fit snug, keep my feet very warm, and best of all don't bunch up in my boots like Keen socks would. The $17 price tag is hard to swallow at first, but you'll see its well worth it. EDIT: Only problem is finding XL-sized ones in stock.  If you can buy local then that's great. I ordered from Socks Addict and despite bad reviews, they delivered on time. Most bad reviews are butthurt folks upset that a small outfit couldn't get them their orders immediately during the holidays. Check the timestamp on them you'll see i'm right.
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Who cares what model here people like? 8 inch Norwegian welt all black leather for hiking at about $300. Good luck with that. I'm asking because I don't have a lot of experience with hiking boots. Why even post in this thread if you don't have anything to offer. Good luck with your sour attitude. ERic |