Posted: 1/10/2014 4:58:00 AM EDT
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Hi all;
What boots do you wear and like? Looking for a combination of hiking some, survival more. Wanted durability and comfort. Should it be waterproof? Should it be insulated as I live in Southeast. I assume some leather upper. If you could offer recommendation and where you think is best place to get one. Also, do you think the ones you suggest are sized slightly small or slightly large? Thanks Mark |
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Been wearing these since March. I've put a scuff or two on them, but they're holding up great. I typically wear an 8.5 EEE, but these are only available in standard & wide. I picked up the wide and they're not too bad. The steel-toe box is one of the roomiest & most comfortable I've ever worn.
btw, the folks at American Made Boots are great to deal with, and this is my second pair of boots I've ordered from them. If you have questions about sizing (or anything else) on anything they carry, just shoot them an email and they'll be glad to help out. |
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I'm also in the Southeast and would avoid insulated or "water-proof" boots. Depending on your activities, your boots will get wet. Quality leather boots can be maintained with beeswax, Sno-Seal and it will be plenty waterproof. The problem with waterproof boots is that if they get soaked, they take much longer to dry out. Packing an extra pair or two of good wool socks will help with wet boots. Humidity is what affects waterproof boots down here and unless you can stick to decent trails and little puddles, I would rather have faster-drying boots and an extra pair of wool socks to rotate.
ROCK6 |
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I'll got out on a limb and say that there is no such thing as a truly good boot for less than about $200. Good quality leather and workmanship simply can't be had for less.
Unless you're riding a horse, go for low (or no) heels and thin soles. Your boots will be lighter, and being closer to the ground will improving your balance. One of my pet peeves is Goretex waterproofing liners. They keep your feet relatively dry in wet weather, but conversely they also keep your feet damp ALL the time. You wouldn't wear rain gear even when it wasn't raining, would you? "Double vamp" or "triple vamp" (a vamp is the piece of leather that goes around your foot) moccasin-construction boots will be very water-resistant but still breathable. (If you go with a single vamp or welt construction, water will come through the needle holes.) I also tend to prefer uninsulated boots. Insulation in the form of socks is much easier to regulate, clean, dry and air. Really good boots, like $500 custom boots, aren't expensive, they're a bargain. I wish I'd started wearing them decades ago. They last much, much longer than lesser boots (not only are the materials and construction superior, but you'll take better care of them, too). They're a joy to wear. One pair of great boots that will last a decade are a much better value than five pairs of cheaper boots that only last a couple years. And you'll only have to break them in once. My two favorite pairs of boots are both made by Russell Moccasin, and they're both of kangaroo leather, which is very light, flexible, water-resistant and tough. I have Chippewa and Filson boots that I hardly ever wear any longer, because they feel like casts in comparison. |
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I wear different boots, depending upon the climate and task at hand. A single type of boot can no more fit all duties than a single firearm can fulfill all defensive and hunting needs.
Leather boots are more durable and when properly made and treated water resistant. Non-leather boots are lighter. Stitch-down sole boots are heavier than glue-down sole boots, but easier to re-sole, and will not spontaneously become un-glued, sometimes at very non-opportune moments. As a result, I tend not to trust glue-down boots on long hikes once they are well worn. This is a problem since boots generally become more comfortable with wear. Gore tex lined boots keep water out, but as discussed above do not breath well, and therefore create a damp boot due to sweat. So, I only wear them in cooler weather. Very cold weather requires a separate pair of insulated boots. If you get boots which are large enough to accommodate very heavy socks for warmth, they will fit too loose when you wear thinner socks. A stitch down high quality all leather boot is a good start and what I wear the most. Mine are Alico and I got them at STP http://www.sierratradingpost.com/alico-tahoe-hiking-boots-for-men~p~63669/?filterString=s~alico%2F&colorFamily=32 . Coupons for STP are generally available. Other quality manufacturers include Merrel, Danner and Asolo. |
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Quoted:
My two favorite pairs of boots are both made by Russell Moccasin One of my hunting buddies has a couple pair of Russell boot. They are beautifully built boots. IIRC he's said something to the effect of "I'll give up all my guns before I'd part with these boots!" And he has a lot of guns. I need to bite the bullet and send in a tracing. 
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My favorite pair of winter boots is Danner Arcadia 400 GTX. they are in the $280 range. I got em surplus for $70. But they are waterproof and have 400 grams of thinsulate. My favorite pair of summer boots are Bates RAT boots. LA police Gear had USMC rejects for $39 last year and mine have been great. http://www.lapolicegear.com/co-bates-29502-usmc-rat.html sizes are limited, but I wanted you to see the link incase you want to search for them elsewhere. Sign up here for great deals. https://www.hitthebreakroom.com/customer/account/login/ |
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Just picked up a pair of Rocky Mobilite non steel toe boots locally. Price started at $163, on sale for $137, and could trade in an old pair for the homeless and get another $20 back. Most comfortable out of the box boot ive ever worn. Largest toe box in the industry, waterproof, and 400grams of insulation. Have had them on all week and my feet are happy.
On amazon http://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Mens-WProof-Non-Steel-Mobilite/dp/B00830C2S2/ref=sr_1_8?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1389464279&sr=1-8&keywords=rocky+mobilite |