Boots?

[JDMiller]

Boots cheap, Boots expensive, Boots that suck , Boots that fit good, Boots leak, Cheap quality boots, expensive boots that suck....

Tried to do a search on Boots

What Boots do you like now days

 

[willythekid]

Not sure what kind of boots you are looking for but here's a list of boots I currently own/use...

Winter boots are the Sorel Glacier boots... great for super cold days ice fishing or snowmobiling.
Work / Outside boots are Irish Setter Loggers... have had good luck with these and much cheaper than Red Wings.
Hiking Boots are Garmont Zenith Mid... just ordered these, no comment yet
Wet boots are Muck Wetland boots... use these for dry-footing in the Boundary Waters or anyplace mucky like riverbanks...

I also have a pair of casual Timberland cold weather boots that I can't remember the model name and a pair of Old Burtons from back in the day when I used to eat/sleep/breath snowboarding...

 

[Brisket]

For what intended purpose are the boots you are seeking? Any specific features such as pull-on, lacers, high, low, waterproof, insulated, etc.?

 

[Converge]

Check out Salomon boots. I have the pair below and they're the best pair of hiking/daily boots I've ever had/tried by a LONG shot. They're not cheap though. Mine were $160. That sounds like a lot but these things feel so nice that I feel they're totally worth it. I tried on a bunch... under armor, bates, magnum, Columbia, timberland, these Salomons blew them all away.

They fit perfectly, very snug and tight and comfortable, but not to the point that they ever hurt to wear, even after many hours. i can't say more good things, although they are expensive I can honestly say I've never had any type of boot/shoe/sneaker that were as nice as these in any way.

These are water resistant with goretex, amongst other things. They have high tops/medium top etc. check the site out. I wear steel toe boots at work by requirement so I don't need to wear these boots during the week but on the weekends I always wear them no matter what I am doing. They're great for just walking around the area but I would also wear them hiking etc. Hell, I'd wear these if it was the end of the world and I'd sure as hell wanna wear them if I had to go to war or raid a North Korean nuclear power plant. Very likely, of course.

I got mine at Dicks. If you have any of those around you check there. And just a heads up I got a pair that were 1/2 size smaller then I normally wear and that's what fit me right.

 

[JDMiller]

For what intended purpose are the boots you are seeking? Any specific features such as pull-on, lacers, high, low, waterproof, insulated, etc.?

Oh sorry,,,, Referring to Hiking/ Hunting boots, Uninsulated, mid height, leather or tuff - to keep out foxtails and sharp stick'em things.

I Have Danner Pronghorns that I like the feel except the leak water walking in wet alfala big time, and been wearing Hytek Altitudes, like the fit and comfort just not super quality materials

I decided to get a more quality boot. Tryed Mendel hikers and light hikers on. Didnt like the high heal on the hikers, but liked the light hikers. Ended up getting some Vasque Mt Elias. They are made of quality materials rugged and well made , but they just dont feel right, they just feel not very stable and awkward to hike in. Ive read reviews complaints that they are a narrower foot bed than the old model. Something about the fit and foot feel sucks.

After wearing the St Elias for 4 -5 months, I got another pair of cheaper Hytecs and wow , these feel more stable and easy to hike in. You feel like running or jugging , jumping around on rocks and uneven ground is easy. The Vasque you almost feel like your wearing ice skates or something. You dont want to move to fast on uneven ground with them. I dont know what it is ,,,they,,, just suck, Maybe the foot bed design is just to narrow and they feel awkward. I dont have wide feet either , just a regular size 11.





Danner Pronghorns

Hi-Tec Altitude IV

Vasque Mt Elias

 

[cricketdave]

I'm really fond of Danner's the acadia and mountain hikers are my favorites while my daughter prefers the lighter gortex lined boots. I also really like belleville mountain combat hikers. Tough and very supportive and water proof.

If you don't already belong to Danner's break room you should sign up for their email notifications. We got the daughter 3 pair of combat boots for 25 bucks each. hitthebreakroom.com is the link and they have really good sales fairly often.

 

[Brisket]

Oh sorry,,,, Referring to Hiking/ Hunting boots, Uninsulated, mid height, leather or tuff - to keep out foxtails and sharp stick'em things.

I Have Danner Pronghorns that I like the feel except the leak water walking in wet alfala big time, and been wearing Hytek Altitudes, like the fit and comfort just not super quality materials

I decided to get a more quality boot. Tryed Mendel hikers and light hikers on. Didnt like the high heal on the hikers, but liked the light hikers. Ended up getting some Vasque Mt Elias. They are made of quality materials rugged and well made , but they just dont feel right, they just feel not very stable and awkward to hike in. Ive read reviews complaints that they are a narrower foot bed than the old model. Something about the fit and foot feel sucks.

After wearing the St Elias for 4 -5 months, I got another pair of cheaper Hytecs and wow , these feel more stable and easy to hike in. You feel like running or jugging , jumping around on rocks and uneven ground is easy. The Vasque you almost feel like your wearing ice skates or something. You dont want to move to fast on uneven ground with them. I dont know what it is they,,, just suck, Maybe the foot bed design is just to narrow and they feel awkward. I dont have wide feet either , just a regular size 11.

In mid height uninsulated hiking/hunting boots my best experiences seem to be with Meindl, Kenetrek, Hanwag and USA made Danner. I'm not sure which Meindl boots you tried before but the Meindl/Cabelas Denali has very little heel lift and is an outstanding boot. This time of year I am wearing my Kenetrek Desert Guide hikers a lot which is an outstanding and rugged boot but does not have a waterproof/breathable membrane if that is something important to you. I've also been wearing the lightweight but rugged Hanwag Yellowstone GTX hikers but I believe those are now a discontinued model.

As far as Danner boots go, I have had the best experiences with the USA made stitchdown sole models. The Mountain Light is a great boot and you may appreciate the flatter Kletterlift sole, but I wish it was a little higher cut to afford more ankle support. The Light II shares the same Kletterlift outsole and has a little higher cut than the Mountain Light. The Light II is a much lighter boot and extremely comfortable but not as rugged. Although discontinued, the Montana Hunter and Expedition were the best non-USA made Danner hikers that I have owned and there may still be some out there.

Some other good brands to consider are Lowa, Asolo, Alico and Crispi. I never really like the fit of Vasque boots myself but some folks really like them. I know many of these boots are pricey but as with many things the "you get what you pay for" rule can certainly apply to footwear. I used to think that higher priced boots were an unnecessary self-indulgence just like some people think that all the knives one could ever need can be found at the local big box store. Then after suffering through planters fasciitis, ankle sprains and boots with soles that become unglued, blown out stitching, crumbling rubber and other ailments I started to pay attention to fit, materials and construction. I took my interest in footwear seriously enough to get a job in the footwear industry for a company that was a wholesaler and later for a large manufacturer. I've seen a lot of makers products decline in terms of quality by moving production of hiking & hunting boots to China where they pump out boots that resemble glorified sneakers more than boots. I don't think it is a coincidence that most of my boot failures involved those made in China. As a result I have developed a preference for boots made in the USA, Germany and Italy as well as Vibram soles.

You don't necessarily have to pay high prices for higher priced boots. Sierra Trading Post usually has great discounts on Lowa, Asolo, Hanwag, Danner and Alico another well made boot. Sign up for the discount codes mailers which are substantial savings. As mentioned the The Breakroom is another path to savings on Danner boots.

Just a few thought on warranties. I am less concerned about warranties than I am quality construction as a warranty does me little good if my boots fail me miles away from camp or truck. I have found warranties to be more about marketing than they are about quality control and have had failed boots with lifetime warranties sent back to me unrepaired along with a form letter stating the issue fell outside the limits of the warranty. In other cases I have received new replacement boots which I appreciated but would have preferred the boot not fail in the first place. I always pack some duct tape and a tube of McNett Freesole on longer hikes. I used to carry spare laces but recently have been switching out my laces with Rhino laces which are pretty indestructible.

 

[Sprayman]

Well, let's see...

For work I swear by my steel-toed Red Wings. I've beaten the heck out of those and they keep asking for more.

I also like my HH Browns--you've seen them, the black, square-toed boots with the round buckle on the sides. A lot of bikers wear them.

For hiking I am a fan of Vasque boots. I've got a heavy leather pair for long, rugged backpacking trips and a pair of light hikers for everyday wear and shorter, easier hikes.

My snow boots are North Face, and they're awesome.

 

[leghog]

Vasque. But their lasts are different. Many models just too narrow for my feet and don't come in W widths. On Monday I bought a pair of Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Gortex. Liking them much.

The last two pair of boots I bought were Merrell Moab Mids. They're now worn out and relegated to yard work duties, but there's a lot of miles on them.

 

[jonnyt16]

My works boots are the Bates M8 in sage:

For backpacking and most of my outdoor adventures I have the North Face Storm mid boots. I really like these.

 

[OldNavy]

+1 Vote for Salomon's, Mine are the Quest 4D GTX

I'm prone to nerve pain in my feet due to early symptoms of Diabetes, and these are the only boots that I have found that i can keep on more than 20 min. last month at Lassen Park I averaged about 6
miles of trail hikes a day

 

[JDMiller]

Lowa renegade might have possibilities ???

Also like the newer mid height Danner Pronghorn except pronghorns are not water proof at all, they absorb water, they are so bad, walk on wet grass and your socks will be soaking wet

 

[Converge]

+1 Vote for Salomon's, Mine are the Quest 4D GTX

I'm prone to nerve pain in my feet due to early symptoms of Diabetes, and these are the only boots that I have found that i can keep on more than 20 min. last month at Lassen Park I averaged about 6
miles of trail hikes a day

Yes, awesome. I want to get a pair since I like my 2's so much. I feel like it would be the perfect combo, the 2's for day to day life walking around urban areas but still having the ability to hike onto unstable surfaces if necessary, and add the 4's for when you absolutely know you're going to be going into areas where you want the extra support, hiking, backpacking, etc.

 

[The Zieg]

What I'm wearing to work these days. Three-buckle 1940 cavalry boots made in Mexico for SM Wholesale and also sold through What Price Glory. Easy to get on and off and comfortable through a full day of working horses and giving lessons. Highly water resistant, leather soles, and look great with jeans tucked in. Got them last year and have worn them almost every day since then. They don't look this good now, but they clean up easily and they aren't hard to get back into parade condition. And yes, they are the same boots, same manufacturer, as the ones worn by War Daddy in "Fury." But I had mine first!

Zieg

 

[PatrickKnight]

Wesco, Drews, or Nicks nothing else compares to these.

 

[druid189]

Bates Paratrooper Boots 2184

 

[The Zieg]

Bates Paratrooper Boots 2184

Great boot!

Zieg

 

[lazy otter]

Garmont combat boots and belville mini mils love them both!

 

[abbydaddy]

What I'm wearing to work these days. Three-buckle 1940 cavalry boots made in Mexico for SM Wholesale and also sold through What Price Glory. Easy to get on and off and comfortable through a full day of working horses and giving lessons. Highly water resistant, leather soles, and look great with jeans tucked in. Got them last year and have worn them almost every day since then. They don't look this good now, but they clean up easily and they aren't hard to get back into parade condition. And yes, they are the same boots, same manufacturer, as the ones worn by War Daddy in "Fury." But I had mine first!

Zieg

Them's some slick looking boots. Though as a large bearded man with a penchant for plaid I would look like a particularly unsightly hipster were I to wear them

On the subject of boots, I own a couple dozen pairs, but most of those pairs are cowboy boots, and honestly, I don't wear most of them. I might be a bit of a shoe collector... I do actually own more pairs of footwear than knives. Actually, I own more pairs of boots than knives.

But I have to say that out of all the Western boots I own, the ones that get worn the most, and then replaced when they wear out, are my Ariat Heritage Ropers. I own boots that cost multiples of the cost of a pair or these boots, but I just find them to be the most versatile style I've tried.

On the subject of hiking boots, I don't collect hiking boots, but I do wear them and use them. I'm in a bit of a bind right now because my absolute favorite hiking boots of all time (and just about my favorite footwear of all time) are discontinued. The Timberland Lite Trace boots. Waterproof, super light, affordable. Some pairs were a little hard on the big toe, and they didn't last forever, but they've been my go-tos for work and play for a couple pairs. I should have stocked up when I found out they were being discontinued. I can't find anything really comparable being made any more. They were more than trail runners, but not the big clunkers that other hiking boots feel like in comparison.

If money were no object for me right now, the boots I would be most interested in trying are the Arc'Teryx Bora 2 Mids. But money is an object, and I have never gotten to even see the things in person. But I really like them in theory.

So for now it looks like I am just going to wear my Lite Traces until they fall off of my feet. Sadly, that will probably be not too far in the future. My last pair is showing major wear, and already have some holes. I just can't find anything better, even with holes.

 

[The Zieg]

Been through many pairs of Ariats! Great boots! Mine have been low paddock boots, but the guts are often the same as the western boots. Yeah, wearing these Patton-style boots anywhere but working is a bit much, even for me. I reserve them for when there are horses around.

Though they do look good with my BMW R75/6.

Zieg