Hiking Boot advice needed

I love my Merrell's. I bought them on closeout at Sierra Trading Post. I've had them for two years and wear them almost everyday. The vibram soles still look like new. I wear them for day hikes and hunting. They are the best shoes I have ever purchased. I've owned Salomons and Keens. The Merrells fit my narrow feet best.
 
Go to a quality store with quality salesman that know how to fit a boot. Do a blind test, don't put any faith in any particular brand and see what fits your particular foot. Every boot will feel different to different people. Walk around the store and make sure to try the incline test to make sure that your feet do not slide forward while going downhill. Downhill is where most people do damage to their feet and that is where a proper fitting boot will really shine. I've owned several over the years from Raichle, Asolo, Keen, and Zamberland. Almost every time I went into the store with a different brand in mind, and after trying on 10 different pairs I bought what felt the best.
 
dewingrm said:
I love my Merrell's. I bought them on closeout at Sierra Trading Post. I've had them for two years and wear them almost everyday. The vibram soles still look like new. I wear them for day hikes and hunting. They are the best shoes I have ever purchased. I've owned Salomons and Keens. The Merrells fit my narrow feet best.
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I'd love to try out a pair of Merrell Wilderness boots. Too bad they're so much more expensive than the similar Danners.

I had a pair of Asolo boots once. Really liked the narrow fit and the sole and arch support, but they were too short in the toes and didn't hold up as well as Danners.

If packing a heavy load frequently, I'd love to have a pair of Vasque Montana boots. I think they're too heavy and stiff for dayhiking or casual overnights. But for maximum support and protection for off-trail hiking with a heavy load, they'd be perfect.
 
dewingrm said:
The Merrells fit my narrow feet best.
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Good point, that's another thing I really like.

I can size up in Merrells to give my toes plenty of space to avoid bruised toenails, but the shoe still fits snugly everywhere else.
 
Made in the USA Danners. I have 3 pairs and all of them have been the most comfortable boots I've ever worn, right out of the box.
 
Having suffered ankle injuries, Planter's fasciitis, blisters, etc. years ago that I mainly attribute to poor footwear decisions I became a bit of a boot junkie in search of comfort and support. Right now I'm rotating some Meindl, Hanwag, Kenetrek and Danner boots which is a pretty good representation of my preferences for German (Meindl, Hanwag, Lowa) Italian (Kenetrek, Zamberlan) and USA (Danner) made boots. I prefer Vibram soles and stitched down construction such as with the Danner Mountain Light boots but many of the cemented boots from better makers hold up pretty good.

I tend to stay away from Chinese made boots these days with the great deals that are out there on Euro & USA made boots from places like Sierra Trading Post but I have owned many in the past and enjoyed some, mostly from Merrell, Salomon and The North Face. Those Columbia boots you referenced may very well be made in the same factory that makes them. If they fit well and are supportive, comfortable and affordable then maybe they will work well for you. I would recommend that you pack some duct tape and a tube of Freesole no matter what boots you buy, use a quality insole such as Superfeet (I like Orange & Green) and quality socks (Smartwool, Darn Tough, Icebreaker).
 
jstn said:
Thanks for the great advice guys! I tried out some Merrells, and even though I hear wonderful things about them, they just don't work for my feet (I've had a pair in the past).

I would really like to try a pair of Salomon boots on, but unfortunately no stores near me carry any. I may have to make a trip somewhere to try some more brands on. I really love the way the Columbia Grant's Pass feel, but I worry they be lower quality.

I'm really surprised on the wool socks for hot weather, but I am going to invest in some. I definitely agree that I need to try on anything BEFORE I buy. Sound advice!
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Do you have any Dicks Sporting Goods around? They carry salomon and Merrill.... Just stopped in today while at the mall and they had more salomons then usual

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I have the top ones in the picture, the GTX mids. Those 4 are all Salomon.

As for Merrill, I always hear good things but personally I'm not a fan of the look/style.... So I wouldn't personally buy any but that's just my preference.
 
I'm partial to Merril Moab ventilators with a Sole heat moldable insert. I don't like the waterproof ones as they just can't pass the water vapor required and my feet end up swampy when it's dry and absolutely water logged when it's wet. Don't overlook socks. For me the Darn Tough and Smartwool PhD are nice in 1/4 length.

Here's what I looked like going through Great Smoky Mtn National Park:

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I have been wearing Zamberlan boots for the last several years and could not be happier. I also love my Danners and wear Bates ICBs at work every day :)
 
Converge said:
Do you have any Dicks Sporting Goods around? They carry salomon and Merrill.... Just stopped in today while at the mall and they had more salomons then usual

2463nmt.jpg


I have the top ones in the picture, the GTX mids. Those 4 are all Salomon.

As for Merrill, I always hear good things but personally I'm not a fan of the look/style.... So I wouldn't personally buy any but that's just my preference.
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I did try Dick's, but strangely no Salomons here in Southern Illinois. I ordered a pair of the GTX mids online, with free returns in case they don't work out. Should be here Monday, and if I like them great, if not I will send them back and try something else. Lots of great recommendations from guys on here. I would definitely like to try out some Danners since so many have recommended them.

Thanks again for all the input guys!
 
I have a couple pairs of Keens and Merrels. Both are super comfortable and will last well. I do find the Keens--with their construction--to be a bit more tough.
 
I really like these Merrill shoes, not as comfortable as vivobarefoot, but they're half the price.
Going to test them out in coloardo shortly.
 
swonut said:
I'm partial to Merril Moab ventilators with a Sole heat moldable insert. I don't like the waterproof ones as they just can't pass the water vapor required and my feet end up swampy when it's dry and absolutely water logged when it's wet.
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Agreed. My feet always end up soaked and peeling in waterproof Moabs.
 
Limmer Boots are made very well and are in the high end price range of others mentioned, Vasque is great on the lower price range...
 
If its short hikes the keens or merrils will do you, but if you're gonna carry weight go for a stiffer sole and foot bed.

heard good things about keen boots, already had the Newport sandals, like them a lot. then I bought a pair of the boots, if I had been walking around a mall all day they would have been fine, I wasn't and they weren't. I'll never buy another pair, my newports had more support.

Vasque makes a fine boot too.

I went with solomons from REI for the last pair, had a pair of asolo renegades before that, had to take them back, the eyelets began to wear holes in the material around them. Hated that, I liked those boots.

buy once cry once, spend the money on the best boot you can afford.
 
The boots in the OP are probably fine, quality-wise. There is no reason to restrict yourself to heavy $200+ boots. One thing to keep in mind is unless you are planning on wading there is no advantage or even benefit to waterproof or GoreTex boots. Keep the leather treated and wear a decent wool hiking sock and you'll be fine.
 
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