@$#%* boots!

“

This is the second time this has happened. I don't know if I should get it fixed again or just get new boots. They're only a couple years old. On the other hand new gear is alway fun.”

“What kind we talkin bout here. Can't tell from the extreme close-up, but they look nice. Have you tried a ligh weigh pair of trail runners or light weight hikers? I receintly switched to a pair of Merrill light weight hikers. Much lighter than the Aslo 535's I was using and I am not blistering as much.”

“I've been looking at some of the Merrell boots. How do you like yours?”

“I had a pair of Merrills that I used for 11 years. They were great, but I should have replaced them after 8 years. After SierraPalooza I went out shopping for new boots. On my third shopping trip I finally ended up getting another pair of Merrills because that was all I could find that would fit. I used them on three hikes so far and they hardly needed any break in.

I hope my new Merrills last like my old ones did. I understand that Merrill is under new ownership since I first bought and it may have changed their quality level.”

“merrill was sold to an outfit that farmed the manufacturing to folks all over the orient...nothing is made like it used to be made prior to the switchover.

IMHO...I believe in Italian made and that the best leathers still come from them. I recently purchased a pair of Montrail Vercors. they are rough out leather, they were rock hard...I initially thought "5 year breakin period"...wrong!!! 2 hikes and the leather was glove soft...I treat em with Biwell wax and nikwax, they shed water like silnylon and are soft as anything.”