Hiking boot recommondations

[robthehiker]

I used to wear fairly heavy leather boots but in the last few years I've worn lightweight trail running shoes. Most of my hikes are dayhikes, with some multi-day backpack affairs. I never miss the boots, even on those days when my feet get wet.

Salomon and La Sportiva make some nice ones.

Oh, and *** on good socks.

[sanddog28]

I would agree with Tobus whole heartedly, most of the light trail trainer type of shoes are great for all but the most rugged treks. The lighter weight will really be something you will come to love. Stick with the 3/4 or over the ankle build if you are thinking some loose surface terrain is in the mix, because there is nothing worse than limping back to the car on a turned ankle. So if at all possible find yourself a local retail spot if not a couple of them and go through what are the best contenders... Merrell, Soloman, Keen, North Face, Asolo, or Columbia are all good places to start and if the retailer is used to selling hiking shoes/boots it would be no problem to walk around in them for say 10-15 minutes, a little stiff but comfortable is your best bet. Good shopping

[vmac3205]

Can't beat a good pair of Danners - from Portland OR, USA

[Drac]

Thanks for the recommendations.

Will go with this (most likely if feels good) - http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Merrell-M...5121908&sr=8-1

I need something that breaths well. Same issue with sweat, Gore-Tex and other waterproof ones will kill my feet. Same issue I had with the polish military boots. By the time you got them glossy you lost all the benefits of the leather.

On the height, not a big deal if it goes to the ankle for me, my ankles are plenty strong enough to take any twisting. I ran cross country and I learned to lock or collapse. Keeps the ankle from twisting.

Amy, stubborn one she is, doesn't like high ankle items but as mentioned we will either be on road (city) or trails so shouldn't be a big issue. The trails in our near future will be the Bahamas from a cruise. I doubt the tour will be anything rugged.

Jim

[Brett]

for light hikers I really tried to like Merrell boots, but after 3 pairs I've decided I don't. The just don't seem to fit me well or stand up to tough weather. The last pair was the last straw as I got drenched in a downpour hiking in Costa Rica. After letting them dry out for two days, they literally shrunk a size and I could not get them on my feet. Straight in the garbage they went.

Since that time I've had fantastic luck with two pair of solomon's. They seem to be an excellent product and are really comfortable to walk in. I've also done two Canadian winters in a pair of Columbia hikers that have been as warm as winter boots, waterproof and almost as light as running shoes.

While I'm not a serious hiker, I put a minimum of an 1 1/2 hours per day walking my dog through trails and through the neighbourhood.

[CamelCody]

If you're in the military and have a current ID you might try www.usstandardissue.com
They are discounted for military personnel and I've had good experiences with Oakley both in garrison and on deployment.

[Silent Raven]

these are my hikers, from LL Bean (highly recommend Beans!!) super comfy, pretty good at keeping the water, out, unless you really submerge your self in puddle every chance you get. (i always add water proofing spray to all my boots anyways) and i think they look pretty good with a kilt! ive got some pictures of me, and them and my kilt in another thread

[Tobus]

Thanks for the recommendations.

Will go with this (most likely if feels good) - http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Merrell-M...5121908&sr=8-1

I need something that breaths well. Same issue with sweat, Gore-Tex and other waterproof ones will kill my feet. Same issue I had with the polish military boots. By the time you got them glossy you lost all the benefits of the leather.

On the height, not a big deal if it goes to the ankle for me, my ankles are plenty strong enough to take any twisting. I ran cross country and I learned to lock or collapse. Keeps the ankle from twisting.

Amy, stubborn one she is, doesn't like high ankle items but as mentioned we will either be on road (city) or trails so shouldn't be a big issue. The trails in our near future will be the Bahamas from a cruise. I doubt the tour will be anything rugged.

Jim

Sounds like a good choice for your purposes. The Moab Ventilators are the most breathable shoes I could find, without going straight to a hiking sandal (which I did consider). Sandals wouldn't work for me because of the loose gravel and thorny terrain I hike through. But you might consider at least looking at some sandals too, while you're at the store.

Keen makes some pretty cool hiking sandals, such as the Arroyo II model. Sandal hiking is all the rage these days for certain types of hikers, and I can see why it has such appeal. I own a pair of their Newport sandals, and I sometimes use them for regular walking on dirt roads and well-defined paths. But if I were going to take up sandal hiking, the Arroyo II would be my choice. And I'd probably wear them with socks, dorky though it may be.

[thescot]

I don't think the make amounts to much as long as the boots are well made and fit!

I don't hike much anymore--creeping decrepitude, aging knees, etc.--but the following are the criteria you should probably consider, in order. (If you're not into any sort of trail, rugged hiking, almost anything will work!)

1. Fit: if the boot doesn't fit you properly, you'll regret wearing it.
2. Very good socks: and an extra pair or two in the pack. A fresh pair of dry socks can refresh your feet during a long hike.
3. Sole: a good, sturdy sole is important if you do anything off-road with rocks and stones. Many of us city types don't appreciate this until it's too late.
4. Ankle support: again, for off-road hiking it's more important than you think. A turned ankle makes for a very long walk back! therefore, I always opt for ankle height.
5. Inner sole: can make a tremendous difference in the long term comfort, but don't get cheap, fit-all inner soles that can slip and wad up under your foot.

Style is not important. Or, if it is important, one should probably stick to the track around the local football field. I see some very stylish folks out walking in town wearing pretty shoes, but there is little chance of a turned ankle or slding down a rocky surface in that venue. They are mostly females who look pretty good in whatever they wear.

Personally, I have found that a good pair of combat boots makes a very serviceable footwear item for the long haul. I still own a pair of USMC issue boots from well over 30 years ago, and I can wear them all day with good socks whether hiking or doing labor in the yard or around the house.

Be sure to show us a photo of whatever you choose.

[Drac]

Sounds like a good choice for your purposes. The Moab Ventilators are the most breathable shoes I could find, without going straight to a hiking sandal (which I did consider). Sandals wouldn't work for me because of the loose gravel and thorny terrain I hike through. But you might consider at least looking at some sandals too, while you're at the store.

Keen makes some pretty cool hiking sandals, such as the Arroyo II model. Sandal hiking is all the rage these days for certain types of hikers, and I can see why it has such appeal. I own a pair of their Newport sandals, and I sometimes use them for regular walking on dirt roads and well-defined paths. But if I were going to take up sandal hiking, the Arroyo II would be my choice. And I'd probably wear them with socks, dorky though it may be.

Fasion police has spoken, no sandles. With socks invokes the "Oh shoot me now" clause in our marriage

As for military boots, they have changed quite a bit over the years. My current ones are made for the desert not the streets. I don't like these all that much. Granted the brushed are better than the polish but I would take my old boondockers over these. Also I need to keep the ones I have for military duty. The unit won't be happy with me if I wore them out before going on an excersise.

Jim