What do you think is a better boot?

[bushcraft]

Hi guys
What do you think is a better boot? for a hot dry rocky/sandy desert aria?
Altama
Tan Desert 6" Hoplite® Boot
6" tan desert Cordura® and suede leather hot-weather combat boots with coated aluminum speedlace system.

* Height - 6"
* Sole Pattern - San Shark Lug
* Upper - Tan Desert Cordura® and Suede
* Outsole - Slip, Oil and Acid Resistant, Non Marking, High Performance Rubber
* Midsole - Shock Absorbing Polyurethane
* Protective Foam Impact Pods
* Removable Innersole - Dual Density Polyurethane with TPU support cradle
* High Frequency Molded Instep Air Portal
* Coated Aluminum Speedhook/Eyelet Lacing System
140$

or

Danner® Desert Acadia $229.99

 

[ROCK6]

I prefer the shorter Bates desert boots to the Altimas, but Altimas are still a good boot; and I like the 6" size. I have the Danner Acadia's and they are great boots, but pretty heavy for their size. It's it's a hot desert, stick with the lighter, shorter boots...if you're in a high desert during the winter, the Acadia's would be prefered.

ROCK6

 

[bushcraft]

Thanks Rock, Are altamas durable?

 

[LostViking]

Danners. Made in the U.S.A. Can be rebuilt.

 

[pimpnugget]

this might help http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr0rBP8M0IQ

 

[hlee]

I will never buy a pair of boots with a speed lace "system." Danners for me as well. I have a pair of danner acadias in need of rebuilding after > 10 years of pretty hard use.

 

[eisman]

I wear the Danner Arcadia's every day. The Altama's shown (and others with the same sole type) do not last as long, and are vulnerable to rocky ground. Get the ones with the light (not heavy) Gore-Tex.

 

[hlee]

Stitch-down construction allows the boot to be resoled in the event that the sole is worn out. This is apparently not possible with the glued soles.

 

[banana-clip]

I owned a pair of Altama boots years ago I bought at military clothing and sales. They were different than the ones pictured and they lasted 3 years and i wore them almost every day and 12 months in Iraq. Great boot for the money, still in good shape, but I think they shrunk a little bit from getting wet all the time.

Danner makes a great boot too. Those danners look insulated.

 

[C_Kyle]

My choices would be Garmont T8's:

or Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid's:

These (especially the Merrell's) were the top choices from folks who spent a lot of time walking in A-Stan.

 

[bushcraft]

The Garmont T8's are 220$ , same price as the danners. Would you pick them over the danners.

 

[C_Kyle]

$220? I googled them and found them at $119.

I've never worn either, but I would probably go with the T8 over the Danner. The T8 was recommended to me and the Danner/Belleville/Matterhorn/Corcoran was not. I've worn Matterhorns for a while, and they are tough as nails; but, the mid-sole becomes stiff and uncomfortable after 10 years. I would think the Danners would be similar.

I like the look of the T8, but would choose the Merrells. I have the Moab GTX Lows and they are very comfortable right out of the box and very durable.

 

[333rm]

Both the Danner and Altama are great boots. The Danners are built great and made to last. They can be rebuilt but they are a little on the heavy side. The Altamas are lighter, but will not hold up to the punishment (rocks / heat) nearly as well as the Danners will. You would most likely have to replace the Altamas within a year. I've never been disapointed with my Danners, and I know you won't be either, they are well worth the money!

 

[DavG]

I'm surprised no one has asked what the purpose is. That seems paramount to me.

Are these just for day hikes?
Weekend backpacking?
Week long backpacking?

 

[RyanW]

Someone asked this question a month or so ago. I echo the No Speed lace system I tend to bend them out and they no long hold the laces (Maybe that is my problem not the boots) I wear Danners and have done so for the last 10 years. well worth the extra cash in my book.

Edit: DavG would you wear different boots for each of those situations?

 

[C_Kyle]

What are you guys doing to speed lace grommets? I've never had any problem with them, other than trying to run the fat Corcoran laces or 550 cord. The thicker laces don't pull as smooth through the grommets, but I like them better.

A lot of people use the same boots for day hikes/backpacking/long backpacking. I think the boot should be sturdy enough and able to handle your max load over a sustained time frame. Other than that, the boot should be comfortable, which is where the more shoe-like boots shine.