Need boots advice

C

c.m.dalton

Joined
Feb 15, 2014
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5
I'm in need of some advice on purchasing a new pair of boots. Looking for something that I can wear while wandering through the woods here in VA and also to wear on snow days. I like the Danner Mountain light II but am wondering wether or not I need to spend $300 on boots or if there might be something more affordable out there. Any advice on brands or models I should check out? Thanks
 
I use NEOS overboots.. I wear my normal hiking boots then these over top.. They are insulated, lite, water-proof.. I have mine studded as I use them for ice fishing too.. Just a thought but I have used these for the past 3yrs and they work great!! JMO!!! John :)
 
I like red wing myself. Danner is a great choice too. Red wing makes some nice water proof insulated models but they are going to be near 300 as well. Best to try some on if if you can and get something comfortable.
 
My recommendation would be Justin original double comfort workboots. $170 on Amazon. I wear them everywhere. They're lace up and waterproof to probably about the top of your ankle. Good boots, I'm not really versed in hiking boots though.
 
Merrell makes winter/hiking boots that don't break the bank. I've had a pair of their snow boots for 8 years and they are still going strong.
 
Asolo, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Zamberlan are well known brands for hiking boots.

If you are going in some serious snow for a long time (doubt that is the case in VA), Salmon Tundra is worth checking out.
 
Red-wings are nice, but you should get fitted for them.

I like Danner's but the soles never lasted me very long. Red-Wings are holding up pretty well in comparison, but they are much heavier to wear.

-ron
 
I recently bought some Keen boots at Cabelas. They are rather ugly and wide looking but have to be some of the lightest and most comfortable steel toe boots I have ever worn. They were on sale for something like $120. I wear them loosely tightened around the house and town, but when they are tight will give great ankle support for off road trekking. They are waterproof and have 400 grams of thinsulate as well as reinforced toes. I am very pleased with what I got for the money.
 
Another option not the lightest nor the best for long hikes. But the warmest I have ever worn you can get them used or unissued and the price is right.
 
+1 for Keen, that's what I wear at work and hiking. Have never had an issue or been disappointed with them.
 
Check out Terra boots. I have been really impressed with the quality of mine. Bought 2 extra pairs in fact because they are so good.
 
I love my mammut brecon gtx boots. They have a stiff sole and good support for carrying loads (ie backpacking) but are much lighter than many other boots I've owned. They're gortex lined so you don't get wet feet walking through mud, shallow water and snow. I use them for hiking in spring and summer hunting in the fall, snowshoeing in winter, pretty much everything. Three of my hiking/ hunting friends also wear them and love theirs. Whatever you do, get water proof boots if you're anywhere near water or snow; My brecons are my first pair of water proof boots and I'll never go back. I got mine at mec here in canada but it looks like rei and others carry them for around 220 in the US

-mike
 
I bought a pair of Bates Factory Seconds boots for about $35. I couldn't be happier with them for the price, and comfortability.
 
I have several pairs of high quality, american made boots and have discovered there is no single boot that is perfect in every situation. All the brands mentioned make great products and I'm sure most any of them will serve the purpose you'r looking for. My choice would be something american made, resoleable and a more "classic" design. Chippewa makes several models of boots that fit all this criteria, which is what I often wear (I'm somewhat of a bootaholic). They are no better or worse than Danner, Red Wing or most other reputable brands but they tend to be overlooked and a little underrated. I would personally stay away from insulated and just wear wool socks when in the cold, but my feel tend to run hot.
Some other boots to consider that weren't mentioned are Danner Bull Runs, Wood and Stream Roofer (Thorogoods outdoor line), Limmer Lightweights, Merrell Wilderness (Made in Italy) and Alico Summit (another Italian boot).
I hope this was helpful.
 
It depends on the activity you will get into and what your preferences for footwear is as well as your weight. Get a good welted boot if you are on the heavy side and break it in.

Red Wing or Irish Setter are pretty tough. You can look into Vibergs, Nicks, White's or even Wesco if you have the loot.
Alico is a pretty good brand with the Norwegian welt.( it is one of the strongest welts you can get into your footwear)
I have heard good things about Scarpa,Solamon, Salewa and Aku. Do you use crampons at all?

You ought to invest into insoles and wool socks if you want to spend a lot of time on your feet.
 
Go on e-bay and find some Nick's, Wesco's, White's, Viberg's, Hoffman's, or Drew's - the BEST boots $ can buy, all American made, various styles and options- buy them new though because they will form to the feet of whoever wears them, cost around 275- 400 new for above mentioned boots- can get them for close to 1/2 that price

Red Wing and Danner are garbage anymore, don't even compare to the above mentioned brands, ANY of the above mentioned- you will be HAPPY !
 
A couple years ago, I bought a pair of Wolverine hiking boots that have become my go-to winter boots, both for normal daily wear and for cold-weather activities such as hiking, outdoor shooting, etc. I previously had no experience with the Wolverine brand, and obviously you'd have to pick a particular boot that suits your needs, but I have been happy with these and have since bought other Wolverine clothing that have likewise treated me well. The boots are comfortable, warm and (so far) quite durable, and were under $80 as I recall. Combined with good socks, they keep my feet toasty well below zero without being a sweaty mess in spring or fall temps.
 
All American Boot Co model 401.
 
You have to pick a boot that's comfortable for your foot but my advice is buy the best pair you can afford. They'll last so much longer and be much better for your feet. IMHO boots aren't to be skimped on
 
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