Hiking Boots

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Lets hear what your fav. boots for hiking are. Mine are all really hunting boots. I love my chipewah slip on snake and waterproof to my knees but they are insulated so no good in the summer. I am looking for a good summer hiking boot probably needs to be waterproof since I'll often be in swampy areas.

[Sam]

Lets hear what your fav. boots for hiking are. Mine are all really hunting boots. I love my chipewah slip on snake and waterproof to my knees but they are insulated so no good in the summer. I am looking for a good summer hiking boot probably needs to be waterproof since I'll often be in swampy areas.

I wore them in plenty of warm places and put lots of miles on them.
-Sam

[doren]

Check military surplus stores. I get my USMC issues for $20 new. They are the ones with the mesh sides and back.

[Tony uk]

The best ones ive seen up here are made by Altberg, there awsome boots, supportive, waterproof and comfy. And, if you can find time to go down to their factory in england they'll custom make a pair for you.

[Rick]

Vasque Sundowners. Like having gloves on your feet. I've had a pair in Alaskan rivers completely submerged and my feet stayed nice and warm. The gortex lining keeps you feet dry. I don't think they'd be my boot of choice for an Alaskan winter but they did well. I wear them ALL the time. If I don't have some kind of sandal on I generally have my boots on.

[crashdive123]

Gosh, there are so many to choose from. I always am on the lookout for bargains, but with boots I may not always be as frugal as with some other items. Right now my boot of choice are Timberlands. I've got some military jungle boots and desert boots as well. I've had Kastingers that were great. A lot of it is going to boil down to personal preference, intended use, climate and budget.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Looks like Vasque has in recent years has moved to China. I found reports of quality issues. There are alot of womens vintage pairs on Ebay.

[crashdive123]

There are alot of womens vintage pairs on Ebay.

Probably some elegant footwear.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Thanks for the suggestions all I have my eyes on a couple of pairs on ebay. I know it would be best to try them on and all but for this price I am willing to risk it. Besides I hate shopping!

[crashdive123]

CS - I know you said you hate to shop, but if you're ever up to it - head to the fancy footwear store where they've got all the brands and sizes that you might want. Try em on - write down what works. Then when you go shopping in the internet thingy you'll now brand, style and size. I recently did that with golf shoes and saved 70%.

[Rick]

I have an older pair of Vasque and a new pair. I can't tell the difference. Show me a pair of shoes or boots that aren't made overseas today.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

I know your right Rick, it is all in China. Beleive me I know, my job could be next. I was just passin' on the info I found. However I did like the looks of the sundowners, looks like they are very comfy. Weren't any in bigfoots size.

[pgvoutdoors]

My favorite backpacking boots are the Asolo 520. My foot size is an 11 D or slightly narrower. I've used many brands of boots but this one fits the best. I wear Vasgue Sundowners as a everyday shoe, very comfortable and dependable. Danner is another favorite of mine.

http://www.asolo.com/eng/prod_det.ph...id=5&itemid=26

http://www.danner.com/

http://www.vasque.com/

It's hard to recommend a single shoe style becuase each comforms to a piticular foot size and shape. You must try them on to be sure.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Thanks, PGV

Due to the nature of my day to day adult life I have really never had a pair of hiking boots as an adult, so all your response has been appreciated. For me every workday it is steel toe metal tarsal usually Redwings, or wolverine durashocks. Any other time it is usually cowboy boots. Beleive it or not there is really good reasons for the cowboy boot when your constantly around horses. My first inclination would have been to look for a hiking boot made by wolverine or red wing maybe even chippewah or durango. I was surprised that noone recommended any of them, which also confirmed my need to ask. While I spend plenty of time in the woods my mode of travel is usually boat or even on horseback. There isn't alot of hiking to be done close by as the undergrowth is pretty thick here. I think it is something I want to try though so, I am starting to aquire the gear I need. Thinking of going upstate or maybe NC. Thanks

[oldsoldier]

my favs are the current issue army desert boots light weight and comfy. I wear them most of the time for woods work etc. around $30 new at local surplus.

[Rick]

Cowboy, I think you'll find that boots, like tools, are often task specific. A good hiking boot is constructed for just that. It provides good arch and ankle support and gives you the ability to tie it in different configurations, which is important depending on the terrain you are in. Most are a bit more light weight than military style boots but both serve the same function. I wore redwings and wellingtons when I worked outside but I wouldn't want to hike very far in them. They are just too stiff and heavy to accommodate a lot of walking. IMHO.

[Ken]

Cowboy, I think you'll find that boots, like tools, are often task specific. A good hiking boot is constructed for just that. It provides good arch and ankle support and gives you the ability to tie it in different configurations, which is important depending on the terrain you are in. Most are a bit more light weight than military style boots but both serve the same function. I wore redwings and wellingtons when I worked outside but I wouldn't want to hike very far in them. They are just too stiff and heavy to accommodate a lot of walking. IMHO.

That's true. Most of my business hours are spent in dress shoes, which aren't good for much except looking elegant. However, after taking a few diggers on ice this past winter, I picked up a couple of pairs of these:

http://www.scoutgear.com/shopbybrand-yaktrax.html

They fold down and take up very little room in a pack or a pocket. Could be the difference between safe passage down an icy path or a trip to the emergency room. Thinking about getting a bunch as Christmas gifts this year.......

[Rick]

Find a GOOD quality outdoor store. See what they have to offer. Try some on and see how they feel then go home and check the reviews. Once you find a pair that you like, fit well, feel comfortable and are highly rated you'll have found the boots for you.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Good advice Rick, I am going to do just that. I was after some brand names that were associated with hiking as I realized most brands I wear and know are to heavy for hiking.

[pgvoutdoors]

I believe Red Wing still owns Vasque. They also have a hunting boot line under the Irish Setter brand. Very Good Boots!