*Your BOOTS*

On maintained trails I love my Merrell Moab Ventilators, on rougher stuff I wear my Danner USMC hot weather boots and in cold and wet (rare for me) Danner Acadias.
 
I wear a pair of Timberlands with Goretex lining. Damn comfiest boots I've worn yet. I had a pair of Vasques previously that rubbed the heck out of my heels and large toes. Picked up the Timberlands last November, and haven't looked back.

I hope the Vasques have a good home in that Soles for Souls charity that was going around earlier this year :)
 
I have previously worn Asolo GTX, Chaco boots(short run) and other various models of boots. I had to get wildland boots this summer and dropped the coin on Whites Smokejumpers. They were hell to break in but I am amazed at how comfortable they are now. I am usually on my feet 12 hours a day in these boots. Wet/mud and snow soon enough. I have soaked them non stop in Obenhaufs boot oil and sno seal. They stay mostly dry now. They are just thick ass leather. Leather soles molded to your feet are amazing. You can rebuild them for life. I think I am going to order a pair of the hunters this fall for my main work boots and leave the smokejumpers for there intended purpose. They should last the rest of my life for that.
I have heard alot of good things about La Sportiva Glacier Boots as well.

Zach
 
I'll throw a pair of Vasque Sundowners into the conversation. I've tried several different boots, but seem to come back to the Vasques. I'm also a huge Danner fan.

That being said, the most important thing is to find a pair of boots that fit your feet.
 
I bought a pair of Danner Ft. Lewis boots about a year ago. They are THE best boots I have ever owned. Comfort of a running shoe with the support of a good boot.

I have, in the past taken work boots hiking. The problem with work boots though is that they are damned heavy. After 10 miles - I could feel the effets of this on my knees.
 
The whites look like amazing boots! I like the looks of the vintage, for 400 bones I better start saving and loose the girlfriend!
 
I just bought a pair of Zamberlan Vioz that I'm still breaking in. Very solid boot. Aside from the Zamberlans I usually wear Oboz Yellowstone Hiker II. Those boots are super comfortable and waterproof.

Zamberlan Vioz:
http://www.zamberlanstore.com/productpages/996_vioz.html


Oboz Yellowstone:
http://www.obozfootwear.com/site/oboz-mens-yellowstone-ii.html

One thing I've learned about boots is that you can take other peoples opinions only so far. Every foot is different so you really have to try them on.
 
Getahl said:
I wear a pair of Timberlands with Goretex lining. Damn comfiest boots I've worn yet.
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Same here; zero break in time. I've had mine for a year with no leaks. My only complaint is the soles are made of a soft material and will wear out quick if you log alot of street time with them. I could use a new pair.

I also have worn Danners and Redwings in the past. Both are quality boots.
 
Retired the Converse assault boots this fall for some Asolo Echos (Took a while to break in, though exceptionally durable, GoreTex but nowhere near waterproof, and the Vibram soles leave alot to be desired...), though I have a pair of HS Trask full height mocs on order :)
 
Mannlicher said:
I have all but given up on boots. The only ones I wear these days are a pair of knee high Rocky Snake Boots when I am in certain areas.
The rest of the time I am in Merrill or Danner low hiking shoes. Or Keens.
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Merrills turn out to work well for me. There are many fine boots ... you have to find the ones that are best for your tender tootsies.:)
 
I tend to buy redhead boots and have had good luck. I stay away from their cheaper boots though. My carolina boots have also lasted for awhile but are starting to become treadless with 9ish months of wear time.
 
I am not a big fan of fabric or goretex boots, I generally stick to the Italian or Swiss all-leather boots as the seem to be the most durable. In my experience the best design has little or no stitching on the uppers. When I am working I really make an effort to look after my boots and coat with Dubbin almost daily.

My Raichle Morraines in Murlough Bay, Northern Ireland last month.

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Older pair of Asolo Yukons on the rocks in Greenland a few years back

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I also quite like my Zamberlan Baffins, pictured here in Peru when they were still new!

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I have a pair of Wolverine Clearwaters.

I haven't really put them through much. They're ok so far, I guess. They don't fit as well as they could, but they don't give me blisters either.

My big problem is that I have horrible mutant feet that don't really fit shoes well. Or at least not both of them at the same time. And narrow too. I can often find a pair that fits my left food well, but almost never the right foot. It's tremendously frustrating.
 
LL.Bean Cresta Hikers. ive got 10 years on my frist pair and just got a second pair this year. still wear the 10 year old pair.
 
newknife said:
I just bought a pair of Zamberlan Vioz that I'm still breaking in. Very solid boot.

Zamberlan Vioz:
http://www.zamberlanstore.com/productpages/996_vioz.html

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: +1 I put up a link to these boots earlier in the thread. I love them... comfortable, not heavy IMO, waterproof, roomy toebox and narrower in the heel, easy to break in, great warranty and customer service--I've used it. They replaced my Asolo FSN 99 boots.

The Zamberlan Skill GT boots are right behind the Vioz in comfort. They are cut lower and the upper is one piece of leather that wraps nicely around the foot. Same roomy toebox and secure heel, less aggressive tread, a bit less cushion.
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I've been wearing Red Wing boots at work for over 30 years. I suggest you look at them if there is a dealer near you. The store has a machine that measures your foot for the propper fit and many styles of boots to choose from. My favorite boots are White's because they were custom made for my feet; they can be "rebuilt" so in the long run they will last you many years. My pair is 12 years old and hve been rebuilt one time so far.
I have also owned Vasque, Asolo and Meindl's and they are all excellent hiking boots.
What ever brand you decide on be sure to get the propper fit for your feet.
 
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