Hiking/backpacking/work boots: what styles/brands do you use?

I love my bates 8" side zip ultralights but they're not waterproof :( I've had nothing but issues with their waterproof counterpart the GX-8. I think I'm going to switch to 511s so I get the built in knife sheath ;-)
 
I tried on multiple pairs of Danners when I went to the store: I liked the designs but my feet just didn't fit 'em well.
 
KingMC said:
I tried on multiple pairs of Danners when I went to the store: I liked the designs but my feet just didn't fit 'em well.
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Well just like with a lot of things. It doesn't matter how high the quality, if it doesn't fit you won't be happy. Try Salomon? I have two pair and a lot of AT hikers swear by them. But they aren't cheap.
 
I've always liked military surplus boots for heavy duty stuff, Merrells for dedicated hikers and my Doc Martens Industrials as the jack of all trades?
 
I'm a minimalist in a lot of ways. Even hiking rough terrain I wear my Vibram Fivefingers. In fact ESPECIALLY in ouch terrain as I like to feel a connected to the ground as possible. I've even hiked in snow in my (now discontinued) bormeo models. Those are great for light snowfall or well packed snow.

If in heavy snow, I break out the LL Bean branded Sorrels. I love those bad boys. Nothing gets through them.
 
I got to used to wearing steel toe/plate work boots, in the sense that I am accustomed to the weight and that I am conditioned to kick things and step on sharp stuff with impunity. I'm always building stuff and I always pick up sheets of OSB or plywood and then drop them on my (steel) toes so that I have space to grab the bottom. If I ever switched to normal foot wear my habits would leave me with broken toes within the hour. Until recently when I caught the bug for nice knives, foot wear was the only item I would spend more on for a quality product. Feet are important, man, mine hurt all the time like crazy so I'll do what I can to reduce that.
 
Merrells are what I use, the Outland mid or Moab Ventilator when in the farm,
Chameleon 2 or Waterpro Maipo for urban use or light hikes.
 
Leather Vasques with a heavy pack.
LaCrosse rubber boots when carrying under 30 lbs.

And good socks!
the socks are way more important than the boots*

*..except on ice.
 
I have had a pair of whites loggers for 4 years. They are the most comfortable work boots I've ever had. They are worth every penny.

For hiking boots I wear danners.
 
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