Best......Boots/Shoes for Wilderness Travel

raylaconico said:
The best boots are the ones that fit your feet the best. Everyone's feet are different. You have to try to find the ones that fit you the best. The best pair I've ever owned were Zamberlan Civettas that I bought in 1999. I still have them and they're still in good shape but for some strange reason they now fit me tight. I think my feet grew but isn't that impossible since I'm 35 yrs old? I now have a pair of Asolo Fugitives
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I agree - find a pair that fit you and you'll be happy. Plan to spend some time at the store trying on a lot of shoes and walking around in them.

Ray - it's funny you mention it, I was just talking about how my Merrels were a perfect fit for about a year and now, all of the sudden, feel like they are too short. I'm 31 so I'd be surprised if my feet grew at all.
 
I have a pair of Chiruca Torcaz - super comfortable and waterproof.Very good quality and reasonable price.Made in Spain ;)
 
Dannyboy Leather said:
Though I own some boots with Gortex lining, I don't like 'em. My feet get wetter in Gortex lined boots, from sweat, than they do if I'm walking barefoot through a puddle. Not for me.
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Sort of my problem with rain gear. In the summer, hiking, sweating , if it rains I get almost as wet from the sweat condensing on the inside of the rain jacket:rolleyes:
 
Face it guy's, ear hair and longer feet seem to come with age. I wore 10-1/2 to 11 and now I'm a solid 12. I don't know about arches since I've had fully flat feet all my life so if they dropped I must be going into negative numbers.

I have a pair of Vasque hikers that are great for me, one hot spot at first but never blistered, and hardly any wear after more than 100 miles of rough going.

I'm convinced all you can do is select the top end from several manufacturers (unless custom) and keep trying them in different sizes until you find a "last" that is right for you. Each company will build their product around different lasts some with narrow or wide heels, soles and height.

The leading brands are probably comparable but everyones foot demands different fits. I must have spent at least two hours climbing on REI's little "mountain" with different brands, sizes and socks before I found the right boots.
 

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My favorite to date are Danner Elk Hunters from Cabelas. I have the uninsulated and insulated. Outstanding on rocky terrain especially walking on the AT.
Scott
 
myright said:
I agree - find a pair that fit you and you'll be happy. Plan to spend some time at the store trying on a lot of shoes and walking around in them.

Ray - it's funny you mention it, I was just talking about how my Merrels were a perfect fit for about a year and now, all of the sudden, feel like they are too short. I'm 31 so I'd be surprised if my feet grew at all.
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Your feet dont grow the bones flatten out as you get older lengthening your foot.

I have gone up nearly 2 sizes since I was 19. Very normal.

Skam
 
Wow - was not expecting such a great response.
Thanks for all the great advice - I will try to find a local dealer and try them on.
 
So, this thread makes me wonder: how advisable is it to buy a top of the line boot that lasts 15-25 years, if your arches are going to fall over time, thereby making the boots too small?
 
XMP said:
So, this thread makes me wonder: how advisable is it to buy a top of the line boot that lasts 15-25 years, if your arches are going to fall over time, thereby making the boots too small?
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I think it would be very advisable.

I would rather spend more to buy another pair of good solid boots because my feet grew out of them then keep buying uncomfortable economy models because they fall apart.
 
totaleclipse02, You're not saying wilderness travel whereabouts but Meindl and Hanwag are absolutely first class although pricey manufacturers with models for all kinds of climates and uses...just don't buy shoes from internet.
 
PatriotDan said:
...just don't buy shoes from internet.
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Best advice ever. You need to try them on and try a lot of them. And please, do so at the end of a warm day... You will ensure you feet are fully swollen and you won't end up buying small sized shoes. Feet sweel along the day, more in warm weather.
Mikel
 
Zappos has free shipping both ways so you can try them without risk. Not always the best prices, but it's an option for those who don't live in an area with a decent boot store.
 
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