Hikers

dsgibbs1

dsgibbs1

Joined
Nov 1, 2005
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325
What is a good brand of hiking boots? I currently use the same boots I work in. Timberland Pros. I want something lighter. Any ideas?
 
Depends on the terrain you hike in, and the weight you pack. If you are overweight and/or carry a heavy pack, or hike in unstable rocky terrain, or tend to roll your ankles alot, look for a stiffer boot with ankle support. If you go light, look at trail shoes/ trail runners.

my preferances-

Boots= Danner
Shoes= Merrell, Salomen, Patagonia drifters...
Sandals= Chaco, trust me. Very nice.

Footwear is very personal to the individual. Try before you buy. I never buy shoes "blindly" unless im familiar with the manufacturer. Evaluate your needs in a shoe or boot, then head out to try on and compare. Also look at your foot mapping, flat footed? High Arch? All these factors come into play.
 
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I've got a pair of Merrells I've had for a few years now, I absolutley love em. I'll definitely be looking into another pair of Merrells when I need some new kicks.
 
I have a pair of Asolo Echos, they're built to take a nuke and look really cool but they feel like wannabe GI Issues with 2lb rubber bricks strapped to the bottom. If you like boulder surfing it's probably the right boot for you but for the money I'm sure you can do better. Check out The North Face Vindicators, nice light durable hikers I've had my eyes set on for some time now.
 
PayetteRucker said:
I have a pair of Asolo Echos, they're built to take a nuke and look really cool but they feel like wannabe GI Issues with 2lb rubber bricks strapped to the bottom. If you like boulder surfing it's probably the right boot for you but for the money I'm sure you can do better. Check out The North Face Vindicators, nice light durable hikers I've had my eyes set on for some time now.
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++ on the Asolo, I just got a pair of fugitives and they are great....well worth the money.........
 
j williams said:
Depends on the terrain you hike in, and the weight you pack. If you are overweight and/or carry a heavy pack, or hike in unstable rocky terrain, or tend to roll your ankles alot, look for a stiffer boot with ankle support. If you go light, look at trail shoes/ trail runners.

my preferances-

Boots= Danner
Shoes= Merrell, Salomen, Patagonia drifters...
Sandals= Chaco, trust me. Very nice.

Footwear is very personal to the individual. Try before you buy. I never buy shoes "blindly" unless im familiar with the manufacturer. Evaluate your needs in a shoe or boot, then head out to try on and compare. Also look at your foot mapping, flat footed? High Arch? All these factors come into play.
Click to expand...

Very good advise.
I just ordered a pair of Asolo Fugitives from Sierra Trading Post for $112. for hiking Colorado 14ers.
Boots among your most important piece of equipment. Yesterday, I did a 14er - Mt. Shavano - 10 hrs in boots. I don't want blisters, wet feet, a sprained ankle or worse.

Go to an REI shop and find an informed boot/shoe clerk for some help. Also, watch the weight of the boots. People newly out of the military tend towards those products but the weight tends to be on the heavy side.
 
There are some Timberland hiking models that are good bang for the buck.

I weigh a ton and carry too much gear so use Meindls - heavy, leather, cork footbeds.
 
Recently I've been researching hiking boots on line. The ones with the most consistently good reviews Ive seen so far have been the LL Bean Cresta hiking boot. Wide range of sizes and apparently quite durable, price point at about $170.00.
 
I've been wearing different Scarpa boots and hiking shoes for years and they simply fit my feet right. Try a lot and find what works for you. It's amazing how one brand can fit so well and others not well at all. It's all about the last or form they build the boot around.

I've been going with lighter boots, because I've been paring down on the weight of my gear and I feel a lot less tired not having to lug around a couple extra pounds every step I take.
 
Thanks for the info. I will be going to the boot store next. Not gonna be doing much walking in the next few days. Having minor surgery tomorrow. Getting the "boys" clipped..:eek: So maybe next week.
 
Another +1 on asolo, I've had my fugitives for mabe three years and have been up probly a dozen real mountains in em, like 9 hour 10+ mile day hikes. they ROCK, extremely durable, great lace system, rubber covers the whole toe area, so they dont get all scuffed up right away, and verrrryyy light.
 
I wear out a lot of hiking boots. I've had good luck with Asolo, on my fifth pair. Currently a pair of FSN 95 GTX are favorites. I used to swear by full grain leather uppers, which are tougher, but a Cordura combo is lighter. Gore-Tex liners are nice, but depends on use, can be warm in the desert. Also, if you wade in streams or sea water, Gore-Tex keeps in water pretty well.

Agree it is all about fit though, go to REI, Campmor, EMS, LL Bean, etc. and try on a few pairs with a good salesperson (not summer help). Not all brands/models come in different widths, which may be important if you don't have standard issue feet.

Good luck with the jewels, it's worth it.
 
Out here in NW Montana almost every thing is up, then down, with very little flat in between. In an environment like that, don't forget to replace the soft factory insoles with hard aftermarket insoles like Superfeet - your feet will seriously thank you on the way back down! :)
 
Cigar said:
It is ALL about FIT!
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This.

I personally wear New Balance. None of the usual suspects fit my feet, which are both very wide and have very high arches and insteps. Fit trumps all.

That said, the boots are well-constructed, though since the trails I hike are rather tame, and I don't tend to roll my ankles (also wide/thick there, another problem fitting boots), I'll probably look into trail shoes when the weather gets warmer and I get off my butt and outside again.
 
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