Hiker/Camper Boots/Shoes.....?

Fajitas,

I've worn low top hiking shoes for years, backpacking, hiking, rock scrambling, whatever, and I love them. I don't like high top boots because they rub my ankles and my feet slip in them more.

My current shoes are from Merrell, called the Moab Ventilator (http://www.rei.com/product/748515). They're well within your budget, and I find them extremely comfortable. The foot bed is slightly rolled, which gives a better walking motion, while still giving good support on rocks and uneven terrain.

REI and Sportman's Warehouse carry these shoes, and have comparable prices.
 
Like Spyderknut, I got some Asolo boots from Sierra Trading Post. The FSN 85 model runs around $110 but they frequently have 10-20% off specials if you get on their e-mail list. I have the FSN 95, the only difference being Goretex lining, which I don't really need in SoCal (I'll likely get the 85s next time). My hiking buddy is about to do his second resole on his FSN 95s. He has around 4 years of local trails at 20+ miles per week. So that's around 2,000 miles on each of the first sets of soles. He expects to wear out a third set of soles before the uppers are shot, so that will eventually be close to 6,000 miles on the boots.

DancesWithKnives
 
I have a pair of those Wal-Mart Herman Survivors boots (the Commander series). Waterproof, warm, good tread, good treadlife. Right about 30 or 40 bucks. Good boots for the money. Try 'em out.

If you do a lot of trail hiking, I like good old New Balance cross trainers.
 
Agreed. When I don't need a real hiking boot, I go with the New Balance Trail Runners. Well cushioned and available in 4E.

DancesWithKnives
 
from a post I made in 2007:

mckrob said:
I've owned two pairs of Merrells (al leather) that and they are by far the worst boots I've ever owned. My sister worked at an outfitters and got me two pairs at cost. The first pair fell apart after about two weeks of working in them, a real let-down, the second pair sits in storage as I refuse to wear them. I work in hiking boots every day, and they actually get hiked in every day. I will never buy another pair of Merrells or recommend them to anyone.

If you want high quality boots that will last a long time, go for the classic heavy Italian or Swiss hiking boot such as Zamberlan, Raichle, or Asolo, all leather inner and outer (no goretex, no fabric, and no stitching except on welt and heel). They have the best ankle support by far. Zamberlan's are my favorite. Combine them with a good pair of gators like OR Crocs, and you've got boots that will be just as at home in the jungle as in the arctic.

http://www.zamberlan.com

older Zamberlans (Nowegian welt) with gators working in Greenland:

DSC00006.jpg


newer Zamberlans without gators working in Peru:

101_2603_lowres.jpg
Click to expand...

try http://www.mec.ca. A bit more than $100, but one piece of gear that is worth every penny. For me, this is the most important piece of gear in my kit...
 
mckrob said:
If you want high quality boots that will last a long time, go for the classic heavy Italian or Swiss hiking boot such as Zamberlan, Raichle, or Asolo, all leather inner and outer (no goretex, no fabric, and no stitching except on welt and heel). They have the best ankle support by far.
Click to expand...


+1 to Rob. My boots aren't Italian or Swiss (they're German), but they are the type of boot he describes with all leather inner and outer and minimal stitching. They've held up like champs. Mine are Lowa Scouts, which I think you can still find around the Internet, but Lowa now makes the Scout II (they look the same to me). http://www.trailspace.com/gear/lowa/scout-ii/

Since we're showing boot pics, here are mine, which I wore today. They currently need a little Nikwax love. :D

boots.jpg
 
Guyon said:
+1 to Rob. My boots aren't Italian or Swiss (they're German), but they are the type of boot he describes with all leather inner and outer and minimal stitching. They've held up like champs. Mine are Lowa Scouts, which I think you can still find around the Internet, but Lowa now makes the Scout II (they look the same to me). http://www.trailspace.com/gear/lowa/scout-ii/

Since we're showing boot pics, here are mine, which I wore today. They currently need a little Nikwax love. :D

boots.jpg
Click to expand...

I've heard good things about Lowa, I worked with a German guy in Norway that had a pair and he loved them, he was doing the same work as I was so I know they were not getting babied.

I used to swear by Swiss made Raichle, the Moraine model was a classic, they started making them in Romania I believe and the quality went downhill a bit. Asolo's Yukon model same deal (great boots but took a long time to break-in). I am stuck on Zamberlan now, although I may try some Garmont's, I've got a pair of Garmont all leather hiking shoes I've been wearing every day for five years and they are still going strong!

as other posters have mentioned, don't buy them online unless you have no other choice, they really should be properly fitted.
 
Vasque boots wear like iron. Look at the Sundowners.

You can't go wrong with La Sportiva and Asolo.

I recently picked up a pair of Merrells that are the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. We will see how long they last.

If they are still around, Dexter made a great all leather, hiking boot. I've had a couple of pairs and they wear very well.

I blew out a pair or Lowa boots and hiking shows in one year. They just fell apart.

Most of the boots I've seen fit like a box with little to no support. Their insoles are built to get them out the door. Leather seems to have less odor retention than synthetics.

Enjoy!;)
 
Rocky is a good boot, comfortable, durable and available in a variety of styles. Danner, Asolo, Lowa, and Red Wing are also good. It seems different makers use slightly different lasts, so check out many brands at a quality outdoors store, like REI, Cablea's, Bass Pro shop or Sportsmans Warehouse. Once you find a brand that gives your feet good fit, then you can narrow it down to a style you like. These better outdoor stores usually have knowledgable sales people to help you get correct fit, a big plus. Their wide selection give maximum opportunity to try different brands, another plus.
 
Yeah, I've been looking a the NBs since I saw a SF guy wearing them.

OOF, yeah gonna go with the NBs. Thanks guys for the feed back. It really does help.
 
Just got my first pair of Merrels. The most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. They are gortex lined and waterproof. Good soles, washable insoles.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top