Hiking Boots

L

Locust

Joined
Sep 30, 2008
Messages
539
As the title suggests I need some hiking boots. I live in Western NY and am involved in a volunteer search and rescue boots. They have to be water proof. The climate and terrain vary greatly here. I will likely encounter hot weather, cold, swamps, rain, woodland forests, scrub, and fields. There is also a possibility of the Adirondacks. Insulation is not desired as I already have a pair of boots with 1200g Thinsulate for extreme cold. I will on my feet wearing a medium weight pack.
So far I am thinking of the Asolo TPS 520 GV backpacking boots. The thing is that for years I have been hiking in 8" tactical boots and the shorter height of the hikers feels strange and gives me the feeling of not enough ankle support. Because of this I have also been looking at the Danner Pronghorn II. It's a hunting boot but the height is more along the lines of what I'm used to. However I have read some reviews saying that the boots start to leak after not too much time. Also the Asolo has a Vibram sole while the Pronghorns don't and I have been told that Vibrams rubber tends to last longer than most other brands. Is there any truth to this?
I'm looking for any suggestions you may have. Am I on the right track? Is one much better than the other? Should I be looking elsewhere?
 
I have a pr of the Asolos you mention, and love them! I use them for winter boots, back-packing, and the mud slogs that most of our Spring Scout camp outs turn into.
Do know that the 520 is a fairly stout backpacking boot, and is fairly rigid when properly laced. They are heavy enough to carry a fully loaded 65 lb+ pack.
I have filled them with water once in the cooling tent at the 100th Anniv Boy Scout Parade in DC, oooops. They have never leaked, even in ankle deep running streams or mud/muck.
My lady also has a pr of the lady's version, and loves hers as well. I wear custom orthotics in mine, so I can't attest to the comfort of the provided insoles.
DaddyDett
 
Thanks. How long have you had them? Some reviewers have complained of the soles coming apart. Also I have read that some find it provides no traction on wet rock or other slick surfaces. I have never had an all leather Gor-tex boot before. Are they acceptably breathable in warm weather?
 
Do they make a hiking specific boot? What I'm reading is intriguing but I am not aware of local places to try on their gear.
 
They are definitely appealing but the fact that my feet are less than standard makes me reluctant to try getting hiking boots online. Thanks for the suggestion though.
 
The key to hiking boots is to find the pair and brand that fits you best, there are quality brands that just don't ever fit me well such as Asolo(very nice boots, wish I could wear them), I honestly don't know why this is the case. Getting properly fitted by an expert is a huge plus, maybe an independent backpacking shop near you, or taking a shot at REI. I will never buy online as it is "hit or miss" for this reason. Vasque is the brand that works well for me across the board as the models they offer. Good luck.
 
I think it heavily depends on your feet. I have wide feet and use a pair of Lowa's for about ten years now. A friend of mine started with a pair of Meindl's, but they turned out to be a bit too small for his feet, he's wearing Lowa's too. I know of more stories where people changed shoes a few times just to find out which shoes fit best. So I would recommend to visit an outdoor store where people really know about shoes and can help you to find what fits your needs best.
 
I have visited many stores, and I'm starting to lean away from my first choice due to their narrow toebox. My biggest issue is that at the widest part of my foot I'm a size 9 but my toes are short and lengthwise I'm closer to an 8.
 
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