Which Boots?

jefroman

jefroman

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Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
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I'm researching info on some new boots. These boots will be used for hiking, backpacking, etc. The terrain wil be fairly rocky and steep. I will be backpacking/hiking in the Sierras.
I would like to keep the price under $160.00
These are some models that I'm considering.

-Danner Radical 45 GTX #38000 or #43300(can't tell the difference?)*
-Danner Polaris #39000

*What's the difference between the Danner Radical 45 GTX #38000 and the Radical #43300??? I've looked at both models on Danner's website and I can't tell a difference except how they look. You can see them here:
http://www.danner.com/categories.asp?catid=15

Thanks!

Jeff

P.S. Feel free to recommend other boots, too!
 
Jeff,I do alot of rock hoppin and the boots I wear are the danner acadia.I dont have the strongest ankles so I like to have support 8 inch high,plus I got the ones with the 200 gram insulate,keeps the feet warm in the cold and they dont get hot in the summer plus there water proof.
just a suggestion,good luck,also you have chosen a good brand of boot danners are my favorite.
 
Asolo 95 FSN GTX, http://www.asolo-usa.com/ I have been through 6 pairs of boots in the last two years till I got a pair of these. Thay are awesome lite weight, incredable support and I am constantly rock hopping on granite. These boots also won the Backpackers Editors choice award. I paid $159 and loved them so much a month later I went back and bought a second pair and stashed them in the closet. they also have really good traction when wet, important to me in streams alot. Nodadhiker

PS, If your humpin a heavy pack do youself a favor and get a set of "Super Feet" insoles, the will make you pack feel ten pounds lighter!:D
 
I picked up a set of Montrail Morains... Pretty sweet if you ask me. Definitely worth a look. Last year's model sells for something like $189 where the most recent model comes out to something like $230.

Go to a store, talk to the resident "boot guru." Once you find a pair that you like, have them put a weighted pack on your back and kick around the shop with it on for an hour or so. That might give you a better feel for what the boot is really like.

Enjoy!:)
 
All I wear is Danners. After ten years in the military and way too much weight on my back my flat feet can only have Danner support. the models you mentioned are a new line made in China, so make sure you know what you're getting. I've seen them in the discount mags. the leather Danners are never on sale, but they sure are worth it!
 
I've worn many different kinds of boots over the years because I have problematic feet, and i generally carry a lot of weight. Some of it on my back :)
Danners are excellent boots. There are several really good models. Personally, I shy away from goretex becuase an excellent leather properly treated is quite waterproof and breathes better. And goretex fails when really dirty. But to each his own.
The boot that I have used the most is the Scarpa SL which is fairly light and, for my foot, needs a good insole. Scarpa has a bunch of new models which are probably outstanding too. I never had a problem with water leakage in mine and I'm sure they saved my life a few times on a few rocky sides. A heavier and stiffer but better boot, after breakin, Norweigan welt and metal stabilized midsole is the Fabiano Rio, and if you can find an Edwardo or other randed boot you might love them too. But they [the Fabianos] are fairly heavy and no longer easy to find. I got my Rios for $140 a few years ago when they were discontinued.
But overall, my favourite boots have to be the Limmers. There are several factory models made by Meindle of Germany: ultralight, lightweight and standard. I have a lightweight and if you like a pronounced rocker, this boot is superb. The prices are quite good.
After 4 years of waiting [I kid you not] I am finally getting my custom Limmers made by Peter Limmer Jr. and I hope never to have to break in another pair after that. Unless you have troublesome feet like me, you probably don't need to go to that extreme.
I prefer stiffer and stronger because they feel just right when carrying a heavy load. But if you won't be carrying much, the lighter boots or even approach shoes or trailrunners might work better.
 
Awesome boots given their 2lb 13oz per pair weight. I bought mine to extend the life of my old vibram soled one piece leather Merrel Leathers. The idea was to use the Asolos three season trail hikes and use the Merrel's for off trail and winter use. Well I've used the Asolos for everything including snowshoeing and don't know if/when I'll use the Merrell's again. I agree with the Backpacker Magazine Editor who said "I'd rate the torsional stiffness and ankle support of the Fusion right where it needs to be for full-on backpacking. No, the Fusion won't hold the edge or buttress the ankle quite like a mountaineering boot, but for everything shy of the most crushing loads on the most brutal terrain, it's all the boot this backpacker needs."
2001 Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Award
 
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