Sweatshop-free hiking boots?

“Hello.

I'm in the market for some hiking boots. I'd like to buy a pair made in a country with some labor laws. Can anyone either points me towards some resources on all these companies or recommend a particular brand that fits that criteria? I'm willing to spend around $100 or possibly a little more. I plan on doing day hikes and weekenders with lighter loads. Thanks!”

“any decent boots that will meet your criteria under $100.00. That price range is what you will find from china, or the slavik countries. Myself, I buy Italian made. The current boots that I wear are Montrail Vercors. Italian craftmanship all the way. Very little glue involved in the making. Lots of hand stitching.

Alico is a good brand. Check out sierra trading post for great deals.

Good luck.”

“Thanks for the reply! Are all the Montrail models made in Italy then? There is a bit on their website about the fact that they monitor their factories but they don't say where those factories are.”

“Russell Moccasin Co. hand makes boots to fit custom your feet right here in the good ol' USA. Cost is about $200 to $400 per pair. They are the best fitting boots you can get, and last a long time. They will make them any height or way you want.

Their site is: http://www.russellmoccasin.com/

The site is a little slow. Look at the Safari boots for hiking.”

“Check with Danner, I have a nearly 10 year old pair of mtn lites that are in great shape. What size are you looking for? I ask because I am getting rid of my danners ( I dont wear boots anymore) and will part with em for a small fee. They were just resoled ($60 ,vibrams of course). They are size 10.”

“Danner has wide too!

Think I'll have to check them out when my Montrail's fall apart.”

“Some Montrail boots are made in China. The Torre GTX being one of them.”

“I've got the Torre Wide GTXs, and they're great, other than they are supporting so many wrong things ...

This is a good idea for a thread. Thanks nate. I've got to be less lazy and shop around for products that are more "people-friendly".”

“made in Italy...all Alico's are though and that is a great boot. Danner, once german...not oriental. phhhhhttttt.

shop and do the research.”

“My Asolo TPS 520 gtx boots were made in Romania? Anyone know about their record? This post made me think about my boots...”

“heheh Yeah I'm trying to do the research but you'd be amazed at how these companies obscure where their products are actually made. I very much wish these retail sites would state where the product is made. I was excited about buying a pair of boots because I was under the assumption that there were still American companies that made boots.

So far the "big" companies I've been able to identify as fitting my criteria are Danner, Lowa and Asolo. Interestingly enough it seems that the entry level (ie: in my price range) boots that some of these companies make are NOT made in the same places as their mid and high price range boots.

I'm probably going to save for a bit more and go into the $150 price range, hopefully that will give me a few more choices. Still looking for recommendations though, every idea is welcome. Thanks for the replies.

PS: For what it's worth, on the Montrail website they do claim to monitor the conditions and wages in all of their factories.”

“Here's a little piece I found about Romania when I was looking at Asolo's: http://www.cleanclothes.org/publications/easteuroma.htm

I'm still reading, if I find any other Romanian specific information I will pass them along if you like.
last edited: 6/26/05 10:56:37 PM”

“If anyone has a pair of Asolo Echo's could you please check the tag for me and see where they're made? Cheers.”

“Cabela's All-Leather Mountain Hiker boots are $150.

I prefer all leather so's they can be waxed and effectively water-proofed.

My pair was made in Italy but the pair I bought for my kid recently was made in Romania, Italian design(they say).

They break in fast and come in narrow and wide.
The 13 B fits me great and my kid.
Ha ha, I can wear his!!”

“I just ordered a pair of ll bean Cresta Hikers. They are made in Italy. They get a great write up inthe new backpacker mag.”

“Vasque fit my feet the best. Sorry.







I but FTC coffee and chocolate exclusivly!”