I think I need new boots

C

CaptInsano

Joined
Apr 11, 2007
Messages
1,337
DSCN0272.jpg


My Rocky's have served me well for a long time. They are so busted that they are probably about a size and a half too small, but my foot still fits in. Its not the first 5 miles that gets rough on the feet, but the second. I guess my only requirements are a nice waterproof boot with an outdoor tread and about a 6 in top. My budget is around $100. I'm looking at Merrel and Hi Tec.
 
hi techs are good but if you get some stay away from the kind where the sole is molded on not sewn they have a tendancy to sepparate. +1 on merrels as well i love mine
 
gnw1209 said:
hi techs are good but if you get some stay away from the kind where the sole is molded on not sewn they have a tendancy to sepparate. +1 on merrels as well i love mine
Click to expand...

yep troof in those words.. my Teva's have not held up well at all. I need to glue them again. :grumpy:
 
I'v heard good things about Merrels, Hi-techs too, but I'v always been partial to Red Wings. You can't beat 'em.
 
If you have tried on a set of boots and like them, they can often be had for a good price from www.sierratradingpost.com. I've ordered several pair of Asolos from them with good results. The Asolo FSN 95 is a great boot and Sierra often offers new customers 20-30% off coupons if you sign up for their e-mail newsletter. That would bring the Asolos down around $100.

DancesWithKnives
 
I really like the Rocky Alpha Force 8. They are waterproof, and are under $80 directly from Rocky.
 
I'm trying out some new Keen Targhee 2's next week backpacking. Will let you know how they do.

I find that on all the newer light hikers the glued on soles or gore tex fails within a year or so in the rocky terrain I like to hike in.

On the other hand the leather boots are definately more waterproof, but they are also hotter and keep your foot wetter so more blisters unless you stop often and air your feet out.

I like the fit on Merrils a lot.
 
I don't want these to fail for at least a year or so. That might be a couple hundred miles. My Rocky's utilize goretex, and they are still 100% waterproof after 10 years. They use an all leather up too. I need the waterproofing because there are a lot of water crossings, swamps, lowlands, and mud in this region. How can I tell if the sole is glued on or stitched on unless its obvious like with my Rocky's or a regular leather boot?
 
10years ... Geez the shock absorb material and level of comfort the boots once provided has been seriously depleted .. that is alot of miles and with a break down like that and continue to wear causes all sorts of pain,shin splints..back issues... etc ..
 
texastonydobbs said:
10years ... Geez the shock absorb material and level of comfort the boots once provided has been seriously depleted .. that is alot of miles and with a break down like that and continue to wear causes all sorts of pain,shin splints..back issues... etc ..
Click to expand...

Its all true. :grumpy:
 
I've just got a pair of Salomon and they feel awesome so far, very light and with a Goretex lining !

They cost me $150 CD so maybe a little over your budget.

Merrels are good but their soles are usually a very soft compound and wear out pretty quickly !!!!
 
I have such a problem trying to find good boots to wear. I have really wide flat feet and a narrow heal. I wish I could actually get a pair of good boots to wear. I have never had any to be honest. I think Im gonna try Redwings next.
 
www.whitesboots.com White's can make a mold of your foot and build custom boots for you. About $100 more than I paid for my Meindl winter hunting boots but you get a custom fit. I know of some forestry guys who have these and they swear by the fit and the ability to rebuild them. Over about 15 years they say the White's end up costing about what you would have spent on several pairs of cheaper boots that weren't as readily rebuildable.

Or if you hit the lottery, try www.hikingbootshandcrafted.com . These are in a whole different price class. But hey, I know women who have paid more for shoes and/or handbags that weren't even custom made for them.

DancesWithKnives
 
No problem. If you speak with the custom boot guys at White's, in addition to providing measurements it goes without saying that you should carefully explain the problems you normally encounter with factory boots and what you want to achieve with customs. They say they have tackled some pretty tough fit problems over the years and managed to solve them.

Just as a humorous aside, when I was a kid my father used to order footwear for his hard-to-fit feet from a custom shop in Hong Kong run by a Mr. Ki (which he pronounced "Kee") and Mr. Li (which he pronounced "Lee") who would come over to CA twice a year to take measurements and orders. They made a nice product but we always laughed about the name they selected for their business: The Li Ki Boot Company! My late father loved saying "I've got LeeKee boots!"

DancesWithKnives
 
Well it probably isn't going to meet your budgetary requirements...but I'm a long term Danner user and couldn't be any more delighted. However, this year for summer wear I've ditched the Danner Acadia Desert Boots for a pair of 5.11 Desert boots. WOW is an understatement. They are not Gore Tex but they are light and are broke in the minute you slip them on. They are lined with Coolmax and this is the first summer my feet are not soaking wet from sweat, my feet don't stink, and no blisters or tired/sore feet. The best summer boot I've ever wore - better than Merrells or Danners. I may save my pennys and try a pair of their Gore Tex lined winter boots later this fall.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top