Hiking Boots

“It's not a good idea to mail-order boots - unless you tried them on at a real store and are pretty confident they fit.”

“As others have suggested, I would say type of boots is relative to terrain/duration/load.

I can wear trail runners for a day hike that I would not use with a more substantial backpacking load. I, too, need ankle support and for the most part, opt for a synthetic-based boot, non-gtx with an EVA midsole (like a running shoe) for anything where water/snow isn't going to be an issue.

I also have a more burley pair of boots with a WB liner and higher ankle support for more extended treks, where the likelihood of moisture is certain or where the terrain is really gnarly (cross-country) and I want the support.

My recommendation is for two pair: One for lighter hikes and one for more ballistic hikes.

P.S. If you plan on hiking on granite, the trails in granite areas tend to have lots of rocks/boulders/decomposed granite on the trail. It tears my feet up if I wear trail runners on these types of trails.
last edited: 8/27/07 7:26:38 AM”

“I have a pair of Asolos for about 10 years now... the Vibram soles are indestructable. Amazingly, I haven't hiked in a few years now, so they're relegated to weekend wear for mowing, fishing, and other activities that I can trust these boots for... I've left them outside over the winter, and they've taken beatings. I'd waterproofed them a few times, but again, that was at least 4 or 5 years ago.

Had them fitted at Campmor.”

“Merrells. Anyone had a pair of Merrells before? I got them over the net cause they were cheap and I have heard they have a roomy toebox, which I need since I am not really a wide but has baby toes that sorta stick out.

Anyway, anyone have experience with Merrells?

http://www.bootbay.com/bootbay/product.asp?path=Search&path=Merrell+Men+Hiking&search_handle=A%3dMerrell+Men+Hiking%7eB%3dMerrell+Men+Hiking%7eD%3d33%7eK%3d4%7eL%3d1%7eM%3d1%7e&scid=SearchResults&pf_id=PAAAAAKNKBNPMMDO&spoffset=2&s_id=0&mscssid=7XF1BK3GR7LS8J27S8BE3XWXML6TDX5B”

“I think jerbear has a pair, he might be able to help.”

“I've actually found Merrell's to have a too-narrow toe box (and my feet aren't super wide). My favorite two brands of hiking boots/shoes are Salomon and Asolo. Super roomy for my toes.”

“I hike in Merrell's. I like em a lot. I have since bought some Keen Targhee's since I like lowtops. Both are great for me. The Keen has some models with wide toeboxes, but the Targhees aren't on of them. Still, Merrells, and Keens are tops for me personally.”

“I am on my third pair of Vasque Rangers. First two pair broke in at about 5 miles and fit like a moccasin.

Current pair is made a little different and has about 35 miles on them now. They are breaking in but still not like the last two pair. No complaints and after another hike or two I might find them to be the same. But, I am suspicious as to whether they will ever be like the old ones.”

“The lady at REI told me over the phone that Merrells tend to run wider than the Asolos, which seemed pretty wide to me but pinched my toes just enough so I knew they wouldn't work. It bites because Tecnicas are really my shoe (that last was made for me) but no one sells them anymore.

Anyway, I'm gonna give these Merrells a shot...

Thanks all.”

“i love my merrells, they do have a wider toe box, which i absolutely adore. i need a new pair, but i haven't found anything as good as these yet.”

“go to trailrunners and never go back..Vasque”

“My opinion or my two cents worth is Montrail is the boot for me they have a wide toe box an I will never buy boots over the internet if they are available at REI I took back 5 pair before they got it right. They took them back with a smile. I took them back and walked out the door with a new pair the same day now that is impossible over the internet. Now that is my 2 cents worth.”

“I agree, GNM. The last several trips I have taken have been in my trailrunners (Salomon). They're so much more comfy than my hiking shoes and boots. Five days of rocky/rooty terrain on Isle Royale and my feet still felt great.”

“Trail runners are OK and I sometimes wear them on day hikes, but I really feel it after a day rockhopping and on a trail of West Coast granite, especially under load. Personally, I need a stiffer/more supportive and protective sole, and better lateral support.

Yup, it's hard to find boots that you like. My wife is lucky in that she is one of those rare people where whatever they try on seems to fit great.”

“re: Merrell boots. I wear them, when I don't wear trail runners. I like em - and i need a roomier toe box as well. They've held up well too. No idea what model they are.”

“hehehe i just noticed that when i posted this morning, i hadn't logged nc out. so, three posts above... that was me!”

“First and foremost take into consideration your feet are they wide, narrow, high arch, low arch. Second what type of terrain and weather conditions are you going to be hiking in Hot/dry, Hot/humid, Cold/wet cross country or trail bound only all play a factor in to what type of boots to buy. The four main things to look for in my opinion are of boots to buy Is: (1) buy German or Italian made boots hand made preferred. (2) Gore-Tex or no Gore-tex personal choice but one to heavily consider upon. (3) VIABRAM SOLES AN ABSOLUTE MUST!!! (4) High top or mid top boot which depends upon how much weight are are willing to carry. Now my personal choice is LOWA hiking boots hand made in Germany very well made top quality materials and life time warranty on boots(read warranty guide lines) The break in time on these boots are very fast I broke mine in on a 7 mile hike no blisters an no sore feet. Last Wool outer sock with a polypropylene liner sock KEEP THESE FEET DRY!!! I hope this helps have fun on the trail.”

“I bought some boots over the weekend. I was pretty constrained by $$, so I couldn't get the top o' the line or anything.

I decided on these (although I didn't buy them here):
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0017873811832a.shtml
I got them on sale for $79.99. I'm not sure what to think about them yet as I'm wearing them for the first time (besides the store) at work. Having worn a low-top shoe for so long, having something around my ankle is taking some getting used to. Anyway, comments? Good deal?”

“I took a look at those. I didn't try them on, however. They look like they would come broken in for the most part and look pretty flexi and lightweight. I am sure they will last a good while. A lot of stitching which means they may blow out at the toe flex crease eventually.”

“Merrel's are a very good brand you should also check out www.sierratradingpost.com periodically for really good deals. You won't always find your size so thats why I say check back often also www.campmor.com has good deals too. The shoes you showed in the link are really good for day hiking or just every day use. If you are going to do some Backpacking I would lean towards full grain leather high top boots”

“just get a pair of timberlands and ull be happy”

“Looks like a good deal to me. Those are very lightweight boots and are closer to trail runners than heavy backpacking boots. I need a little more boot myself. I'd be afraid of feeling rocks through the sole and twisting an ankle.

But it doesn't matter what we think - you have to wear them. Get them out on the trail and see what you think.”

“Just found these on sierratradingpost.com http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,83118_Scarpa-Trek-II-Backpacking-Boots-Cambrelle-For-Men.html
$89.95 Clearance with 5 star rating based on three reviews.”

“I had a pair of Merrel winter boots that I had purchased back in 1990...I wanted to buy a high top to replace them but couldn't find anything until Keen came out with the Snoqualmie:



They don't make them in womens but, since I want them when wearing thick, winter socks and knowing Keen run small I thought a men's size would work...they came today and I really like the way they feel...but then, I almost only wear Keen's...here's the link:

http://www.rei.com/product/756415”

“meangreen has cabelas boots but i don't know which model. he seems pleased with them.”

“Cabela's boot are probably the best deal you'll get for the money... anywhere
(Just don't get the vibram gumlite soles... but that goes for any brand)”

“I bought these over the summer for the original price. http://www.rei.com/product/747958 Best boots I have ever bought very very little break in time if any at all. Granted these are for heavy load long backpacking treks. In the past I have had gore-tex boots from Vasque and my feet would sweat and the moisture would not dissipate fast enough out of the boot. On these lowa boots they designed them to pull the moisture out so your feet stay dry. After using these on a 64 mile 10 day trek through the John Muir Wilderness I AM SOLD!!! :)”

“What kind of Timberlands do you have? Are they good boots?”

“OK. Update on the Merrells. They kick azz, at least from a fit perspective. An 11.5 fits me perfectly. The Switchbacks have a stiff, supportive sole that is taking some breaking in (have been wearing them around the office all week). The leather is nice 2 mm and if conforming nicely to my feet. There is a little issue with some of the stitching in a very small spot near the top of the liner, but nothing that can't be fixed if it ever becomes a problem. Will be taking them out into the backcountry snowshoeing this weekend.

I'm just happy I found a brand that fits my feet well. Thinking about getting the old school, stitchdown, full leather model for mountaineering.”

“OK. I went hiking (no pack) with the Merrells and they seem like really good boots. Lightweight and couldn't feel any rocks (was hiking in a pretty rocky area).

The only problem I have is with the toe. When I tried the boots on, I tried to follow all the suggestions: wear the socks you hike in, go at the end of the day, wear them around the store for awhile, walk up and down the ramp. No problems. Still plenty of room in the toe. I went out hiking with them and they were good for awhile, but as soon as I started down some steep switchbacks, I could feel my toes planted firmly against the front of the boot. Luckily, it wasn't to far, so it didn't cause any harm. However, I plan to do more hiking/backpacking and am worried about my piggies.

I have heard that there might be a lacing technique to help with this problem. Anyone know where I might find that?”

“Dave,

I hate to say it but you may not have enough room in your boots. Feet swell when you hike.

Barring that, yes, there are lacing techniques you can use. The main could be doing a few crosses (as you would when tying a shoe but not making the "bow") right after the rise on your foot (basically at the joint where the top of your foot meets the ankle), typically on a boot wher the laces are finished crossing and go out to the eye hooks. Also, you can double up at the eye hooks at the top of the boot. This will provide extra support on your ankle to keep your heel locked at the back of he boot.

Does this make sense?”

“Dave, you may have too much room. you should take them back and find a shoe that holds the heal and has a larger toe box. The Asolo f95 is such a boot. Narrow heal wide footbox. Also the REI Spirit. Otherwise Buy Lowas cuz they are the best”

“Do places take boots back after they've been worn on the trail? I always just assumed for boots that once you wear them on the trail, they're yours.”

“Dave, they are yours. Try the lacing techniqes on a downhill and see where it gets you.”