What's your favorite outdoor boot?

TattooBlade

TattooBlade

Joined
Apr 4, 2009
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I've been looking for some new boots for hiking, kicking around in the woods, etc and I'm just trying to get some opinions on what you guys own and like. Let me know! Thanks
 
I like a stiff leather boot, that is mostly one pice of leather. This summer I bought the new Scarpa Feugos and wore them on an 8 day sheep hunt (after breaking them in of course). So far they are great. I find that good boots are expensive, but also last longer than cheap ones.

Bruce
 
I only wear boots in bad terrain or if I need to keep my feet dry, like trying to fish on a rip rap bank or hiking through snow . My only pair are Irish Settlers with 200 grain thinsulate. They are pretty nice. most of the time I wear Nike running shoes.
 
I'm a huge fan of stiff leather, after there broken in there great. I used to love gortex boots but I learned over the years and many long distance backpacking trips that gortex isn't for me. Gortex is great until you step in water over the top of your boot and it fills with water. They keep water out well but once there wet they stay wet and are really hard to dry out when on the trail. there not cheap but a good pair of Scarpa leather boots and then put some spray on waterproofing and your foot will be happy.
 
mil surp Altama combat boots with the panama sole (not the vibram or ripple sole)
relatively inexpensive, durable, good traction, sheds mud, great ankle support.
Add some good insoles and you're set.
 
Currently, Lowa's Banff model boots, best I've ever worn (my wife has Lowa Scouts, also superb boots). I've also had good luck with Merrill boots. The latest edition of The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher has an excellent section on boots and footwear in general.
 
I wear Bates Military Durashocks U.S.M.C.-spec boots with quality insoles. Lightweight and durable. I use to wear the standard gortex hiking boots. I discovered the waterproof feature in hiking boots makes my feet sweat heavily.

The higher boot top helps keep debris out.

I do not hike in wet weather so this works for me.
 
There's so many options, and weather you want leather, synthetic, lightweight, or heavy duty, there's something that will fit your feet and needs. I have backpacking boots that are a synthetic outer w/ some nubuk leather, and they are Gore-Tex Asolo's. It's not what I wanted, but they fit me better than anything else, and they are so light I use less engergy on the trail.
Heavy leather boots are more durable, will last longer, and offer more support. If woods bumming, easy camping, or even backpacking with less gear, I'd prefer stiff leather.
Asolo, Lowa, Scarpa, and even Merrell make some higher end all leather boots. I had a pair of Italian made Merrells for over a decade. The soles dried up and fell off, so I got the Asolos.
Redwings, I had a pair of their work boots, used them for over 5 years. Irish Setters, Carolina Boot, Danner, are also good, and look at sites like US Calvary for modern versions of military boots, lots of choices in materials and colors.
 
Danner pronghorn non insulated with gortex. $130 - $180. Last about 3 years and have had 3 sets. Made it through elk hunts in Wyoming, muledeer in New Mexico, Alaska hikes, all over TX and reasonably priced. Fit in stirrups and great overall. Little to no breakin time as they are cordua and leather. I immediately replace the laces in every boot I own with paracord and they always fit better. If you planning on serious hunts in the mountains then defintley go for Mendel, Aoslo or other higher end all leather mountaineering boot as stated above. For kick arounds I love the pronghorn.
 
I have always worn Dr Martens. Owned 3 different pair in the past 12-13 years and still wear all 3. (Last forever)
For short hikes and/or steep terrain, I wear mud-cleats that I kept from high-school football...ha.
 
I think I might be the "odd man out" here. I love my Aigle Parcours Vario. Its a natural rubber boot with a very nice fit and a great sole. It's not like your usual rubber boot - it is very comfortable even for longer hikes, it doesn't give you sweaty feet and they will always be completely dry.

Edit: For pure alpine hiking I used to have Hanwag shoes similar to the model "alaska gtx". They lasted for about 10 years until finally the soles just fell off - I tell you it was a hard way down without soles :(. Hard in the truest sense of the word. But these shoes owed me nothing - they lasted a long time and fit my feet from day 1 without a single blister.:thumbup:

Best regards,

l.
 
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For general woods bumming: L.L.Bean 12" Maine Hunting Shoes

For barn work/extreme mud and wet: Servus Outdoor Comfort Series Hi Boot (made by the same folks that make Muck boots)
 
Check out the post I did on the danner mountain light II
 
USMC hot weather combat boots with vibram tread. Had them for 6 years now and they not any worse for wear. If I'm not at work or don't need me be in sneakers I'm usually in these boots.
 
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