A good pair of hiking boots

H

healthvet

Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Messages
56
Good Morning to all.

I am a recent 'returnee' to outdoor/wilderness activities, having lived in a concrete jungle for for the last eighteen years. I am now in the process of relearning the skills of my youth. Specifically, fishing, hunting and hiking. I mention this as I have had 'some' experience, but admittedly rusty.

My father (who is 67) and I will be hiking on the Appalachian trail for 1 week at the end of August. I don't know where. It's one of his 'bucket list' ideas and I am the only son who has shown an interest in going, and am leaving the planning up to him. He has more experience, and probably is in better shape than me. So I wil be the weak link on this trip unless I get my act together over the next 6 months.

My question is, what do I look for in a pair of hiking boots? He said I need a good pair, but what's good? Any brands I should try?

Also, any other equipment (e.g. hiking pants) that may make this trip more enjoyable. I've read multiple threads and visited websites about camping gear, etc., but I've decided that the best solution for me is to get a good pair of hiking boots, use what I have in terms of camp gear and try to find a decent pack to put it in. i was thinking of an Alice pack to hold everything, solely because I won't be going on any more week log hikes for a while, and didn't want to have an expensive pack that I use hardly at all.

Regards,
Healthvet
 
Try the KEEN Targhee II's, Danners, or Vasque boots. I will tell you that the KEEN's will feel too big for your feet in the toe area at first, but if you will walk around a little in the store I think you will find them very comfortable. The toe box is built wide to allow your feet to spread out naturally through the day as you spend time on your feet. As, far as pants, I wear Mountain Khakis. Try the Alpine Utility Pants. They are built with extra material in the knees and rear and can really withstand some serious abuse. Also you might look into getting a Jetboil, because there may be areas you are in that do not aloow campfires. I work in an outdoor store and will be glad to answer any questions or give you honest opinions on any equipment we carry.
 
I use the Wally World brand. They work fine for me and cost @ $30.

It's only going to be a week long trip ,after all.....
 
I've been very happy with my Danners. Had a pair of Merrells a few years ago, but I much prefer a full boot style.
 
harpers ferry said:
I use the Wally World brand. They work fine for me and cost @ $30.

It's only going to be a week long trip ,after all.....
Click to expand...

NEVER EVER skimp on boots!!!!! That is one of the best ways to make backpacking miserable! A week is a pretty long hike, and having uncomfortable hiking shoes for that whole trip is a truly bad experience.

That may just be my opinion, but for goodness sake get a good comfortable pair of boots. It will make your trip much more enjoyable, and a good pair of boots will last you a long time.
 
Danner. I just had my 453s wear out after 3+? years and bought a new pair of 452s. I used to keep 2 pairs to rotate, but not anymore with my income. Well worth the cost though.
 
I really like my Dunham cloud 9 hikers.
I see nothing wrong with an alice pack.
Pack a pair of slip on "camp shoes" to wear in the evening so your hikers can air out/dry overnight and your feet can breathe.
Pack plenty of socks and change them frequently. (like when you stop for lunch)
I picked up some "smartwool" socks at Sam's club last spring when they went on clearance, and they made a world of difference in a pair of boots that would make a hot spot any time i wore them all day.
 
1066vik said:
I picked up some "smartwool" socks at Sam's club last spring when they went on clearance, and they made a world of difference in a pair of boots that would make a hot spot any time i wore them all day.
Click to expand...

I switched to nothing but Smartwool socks some years ago. They are fantastic for wear resistance and comfort. Not very inexpensive initially, but will outlast any other sock by several times for me.:thumbup:
 
Make sure they fit and make sure to break them in good before your trip. Cannot stress this enough. Last time I went hiking with ill fitting boots I ended up losing four toenails. And that was just a long day trip. Extra room in the toe box might feel a bit funny at first but when your feet swell up after hiking for several miles you'll be glad that space is there. The AT looks like a great place for a hike. Be well prepared and I'm sure you will have a great trip. -DT
 
Good info here. I have some Merrill light hikers and like them for bumming around. Plan on looking into some mentioned here. +1 on smart wool.
 
healthvet said:
My question is, what do I look for in a pair of hiking boots? He said I need a good pair, but what's good? Any brands I should try?
Click to expand...

Look for something built on the Munson last. Keens appear to fit the bill, but I haven't checked.

Here's a great reference that will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about what to look for in a boot and how to properly fit it. There is also good information about how to care for your feet on a hike. It's an old study, but the folks who did it were pretty serious about the subject. :D

http://books.google.com/books?id=fr...F5sS_WkFonIM6KxyfsK&cd=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Gordon
 
its been covered and most the brands listed will do you fine. try on a couple pairs and walk around the store in them for a good minute to make sure they don't rub your wrong or anything like that. i have to agree with the person who said you don't want to skimp on your boots or the blisters will be so bad after the first day on the trail you wont want to walk anymore lol.
 
harpers ferry said:
I use the Wally World brand. They work fine for me and cost @ $30.

It's only going to be a week long trip ,after all.....
Click to expand...

No offense, but that is probably the worst peice of advice you could give someone. what happens when at day 3 his boots fall apart? Even worse is that his feet will probably fail.

Always get a good quality brand and wear them in. NEVER EVER EVER wear a fresh pair of boots on a long trip. That is asking for disaster.
 
Danner all the way!!!
My buddy and I started backpacking and we both bought Danners.
That was back in 1989 and I still have them. Look great still and fit perfect!
I've worn them in the winter too.
DON"T SKIMP ON YOUR BOOTS!!!!!!!
You ruin your feet with blisters even hours or days down the trail and your going to have a MISERABLE TIME!
 
osprey packs are light and good.

get a pair of good boots, they don't have to be the best.

above all, get yourself in shape. nothing is worse on a long trip than being out of shape/unfit, IMO. I've seen fit guys scramble around on less than top notch gear but I've not seen unfit guys have that much fun, even if they're using the best gear in the world.
 
+1 for Danners but my personal favorite are Irish Setters. I've tried out a lot for hunting/hiking and I haven't found anything as comfortable as Irish Setters. That being said, everybody's feet are "built" differently so what works for somebody else might not work great for you. I would echo the others who have said to go to a store and take your time trying on boots - make sure you are wearing similar socks to what you'll use on your hike so you'll know how they fit together. I too like smartwool socks and also would suggest trying out some Thorlos. Neither are cheap but they do last a long time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top