/out/ - Outdoors » Thread #88797

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Anonymous Wed 17 Apr 2013 03:47:35 No.88797 View View Reply Original Report

'Sup, /out/.
Was wondering what the best qualities of some good hiking boots would be, in your opinion?
Also, specifically for myself, looking for some ladyboots.
Wouldn't care to buy mens, but anyone recommend a specific brand that carry some good quality (none of that wow here's some cute patterns and pretty colors, want the boots for use, style is a plus though) women's hiking boots.
Also, boots/footgear general !

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 17 Apr 2013 03:52:21 No.88806 Report

Quoted By:

>>88797

Salomon has never let me down. Their boots always fit me perfectly.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 17 Apr 2013 09:51:48 No.88955 Report

Quoted By:

I love my Scarpa Kailash GTX. COMFY!

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 17 Apr 2013 10:06:28 No.88960 Report

Quoted By:

A stiff sole which won't bend in your hands when you push the toes & heel together.

Gore tex is a gimmick in boots
>inb4 controversy

Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 17 Apr 2013 10:08:50 No.88961 Report

Quoted By: >>88963 >>88965

Got these a few weeks ago. Non GoreTex version. Very comfortable.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 17 Apr 2013 10:10:31 No.88963 Report

Quoted By:

>>88961
and it has a women's version

Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 17 Apr 2013 10:11:14 No.88965 Report

Quoted By: >>89918

>>88961
>not getting the Badile

REI Guy

REI Guy Thu 18 Apr 2013 02:24:13 No.89717 Report

Quoted By: >>89896

>>88797
Help me help you, OP. Give a little more info.

What kind of hiking do you? Day hikes, weekend backpack, extended backpack? On trail/off trail.

What's the area/climate like where you normally hike?

How much pack weight do you typically carry when you're out (rough estimate) and how frequently would you be using the boots?

What's your budget and how long are you hoping/expecting the boots to last?

Also, is there anything specific about your feet? (wide, narrow, long arch, high instep, bunion, neuroma, etc)

A $130 pair of keens and a $350 pair of Zamberlans are both good boots, but for different people.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 05:34:08 No.89856 Report

Quoted By: >>89887

>>88797
only hiking boots i found in my size (14wide) were the merrell MOAB's and so far thet've been pretty nice the goretex has held up well but the heel fabric ripped on the left one after about 8 months of almost every day wearing.

REI Guy

View Same Google ImgOps iqdb SauceNAO Lowa Renegade WS Dark Grey Navy.jpg, 13KiB, 338x290

REI Guy Thu 18 Apr 2013 06:18:40 No.89887 Report

Quoted By:

>>89856
Have you tried the Lowa Renegade? It's usually available in a 14 Wide, and will last longer than a Moab. The biggest reasons being leather and polyurethane rather than EVA foam mid-sole.

Don't get me wrong, I love the moab for what is, but it really is just a modified running shoe. We needled our Merrell rep one morning about how long a pair of moabs are really expected to last and after a lot of dodging he finally admitted that the original design specs were only for 120 miles.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 06:46:25 No.89896 Report

Quoted By: >>90327

>>89717
Actually looking to get into Hiking. I'm more into biking as of late, but hiking has always interested me.
I suppose this should tie into the budget, before I know I'm in love with hiking, I guess I should not invest tons of cash into boots.
I live in Kentucky, it's usually 70F~90F during the summer. Very humid. Lots of rain. There's ton's of trails, parks, and forests, though.
I actually plan to not carry much with me (have weak back), So I've stopped carrying a bag/backpack with me lately.
Like I said earlier, I would love to use them more than 2~ times a week if possible, right now my schedule is pretty free, but I am new to hiking.
Feet are slightly wide, I'm tall so wear about 8 in mens, but it varies from the shoes.
Thanks for the help!

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 08:08:07 No.89918 Report

Quoted By: >>89932

>>88965
Did I dun goofed, anon?

I dunno, the Borneo was way more comfortable, and not as heavy...

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 08:20:58 No.89923 Report

Quoted By: >>89951

Not OP, but can fellow scouts list their top 3 brands for boots manufacturers?

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 09:03:54 No.89931 Report

Quoted By: >>90327

> 2013
> Not buying trailrunners

ISHYGDDT

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 09:11:53 No.89932 Report

Quoted By:

>>89918
No, I just love traditionally welted shoes.
The weight is an issue, yes.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 10:39:15 No.89949 Report

Quoted By:

I have a pair of Timberland boots and I really like them. Now.

Took me almost a year to really break them in and the only reason I didn't throw them in the trash a long time ago was that I was too lazy/cheap to buy new ones.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 10:44:28 No.89951 Report

Quoted By:

>>89923

For me it would be:

>Salomon
>Vasque
>Keen

For average hiking use, you can't go wrong with any of those brands.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 11:08:06 No.89960 Report

Quoted By: >>89962 >>89963 >>90058 >>90345

is Merrell ok?

I iz a fatass

I iz a fatass Thu 18 Apr 2013 11:16:17 No.89962 Report

Quoted By: >>90359

>>89960
I've heard (but do not yet own) great things about Merrell MOABs all over from /out/, /k/ (when they're not into tacticool) and disaster preparation people.

Side question: Since /out/ has a low opinion of gore-tex boots, what about gore-tex socks?

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 11:18:29 No.89963 Report

Quoted By:

>>89960

Merrell definitely has plenty of supporters. For general hiking/backpacking use, any of the well known brands should hold up well for you. And by general use, I mean the average person's weekend and occasional multiday trips. If that description fits you, then I see no reason to get a $300 pair of boots.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 11:36:26 No.89966 Report

Quoted By:

http://www.outnorth.se/lundhags/bielne-ws-high.php

I iz a fatass

I iz a fatass Thu 18 Apr 2013 11:44:46 No.89972 Report

Quoted By: >>89976 >>90335

How about boots that'll last? I hump over the city (asphalt, concrete mostly) between 20-30 miles a week and need something that's not going to break down in six months or less.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 11:52:14 No.89976 Report

Quoted By: >>89977

>>89972
All boots die. The only difference is how much money you've wasted on them.

I iz a fatass

I iz a fatass Thu 18 Apr 2013 11:57:10 No.89977 Report

Quoted By: >>89994

>>89976
I'm expecting them to die, just looking to not burn through multiple pairs a year.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 12:00:29 No.89979 Report

Quoted By:

since we're on the topic of boots dying

How long do vibram fivefingers normally last? I've got the KSO and a bit of the rubber-cloth adhesive edges are already giving out due to natural flexing, it's been just a week since i got them

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 12:34:02 No.89994 Report

Quoted By: >>90005 >>90007

>>89977
I just get cheap $30 ones. Spending $60/year on shoes beats $300/2 years.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 12:52:58 No.90005 Report

Quoted By:

>>89994
My track record is closer to $250/ 8 years, so far.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 12:59:44 No.90007 Report

Quoted By:

>>89994
if you're having to replace $300 boots every 2 years you don't know how to look after your kit

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 14:33:16 No.90058 Report

Quoted By: >>90070

>>89960
No. They use EPO in their boots which gives out in less than a year.

Go with a more expensive brand that will last longer. Most other brands you can get resoled for a fraction of the price.

Anonymous

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Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 14:36:20 No.90059 Report

Quoted By:

I really liked my Mammut boots. I used them one summer and the seams on the side started to come undone (I think I should have half-sized down). Sent them an email with pictures and they sent me a brand new pair for free.

Love the company, so just because of that I'll continue to buy their boots.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 14:46:17 No.90070 Report

Quoted By: >>90072

>>90058
color me stupid but what the fuck is EPO? i only recall EPO the doping substance for athletes

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 14:47:53 No.90072 Report

Quoted By: >>90076 >>90080

>>90070
Fuck, I'm stupid. It's EVA.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene-vinyl_acetate

It's that bullshit in running shoes that kills our shins.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 14:55:05 No.90076 Report

Quoted By:

>>90072
ah, that makes more sense

i never researched it before i got my merrells, though they're collecting dust now since i've gotten vibrams

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 14:58:18 No.90080 Report

Quoted By:

>>90072
That a man can't buy a pair of shoes without having to research such budget cut bullshit...

REI Guy

REI Guy Thu 18 Apr 2013 19:44:50 No.90327 Report

Quoted By:

>>89896

Yeah, you definitely don't need to drop $300 on a pair big, stiff, heavy boots if you're just getting in to it and/or not carrying a 40+ lbs pack for a week straight.

You should be able to get something decent in the $100-$150 range that will last you long enough to decide if you want to invest in a more expensive, more durable pair of boots.

If you've got a wider foot I'd look at Keen, Garmont or Salomon. Keens and Garmonts tend to run a little wider just be design. I sell a lot of Salomon for women because unlike other companies, most of their shoes are built on a unisex last (the mold they build the shoe around) so they're a little higher volume than most women's boots. Vasque also offers most of their models in wide options as well.

Like >>89931 says, trail runners are pretty popular option for day hiking as well. They're good for biking as well because they have a little better range of motion than stiffer trail shoes. But they're still mostly running shoes and will break down faster the more you use them.

As for waterproof, it's kind of a double-edged sword. A membrane like Gore-Tex or eVent will keep water from getting in to your boots, but it will also make them hotter, which makes your foot sweat more. Gore-tex is really popular here in the Northwest because it's wet, but it isn't very hot. It hotter climates more people tend gravitate towards something that's going to breathe well and dry faster.

Boots that have more leather are typically going to be more durable, but they'll be heavier and warmer. Boots that have fabric panels are going be lighter and more breathable, but you sacrifice a little durability with that.

At any rate, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a boot that works. Day hikers are the largest segment of the market and there's tons of the options on the market.

REI Guy

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REI Guy Thu 18 Apr 2013 19:56:08 No.90335 Report

Quoted By: >>91501

>>89972
>I hump over the city (asphalt, concrete mostly) between 20-30 miles a week

I would not recommend hiking boots in that situation.

Hiking boots, even really well made ones, break down really quickly with regular urban use. Particularly the soles, which are usually a soft sticky rubber that grabs well on dirt and rocks but wears down very quickly on concrete. I only wear my trail footwear in the city occasionally.

What I would suggest for you, fatass (can I call you fatass?), is a dedicated urban shoe or boot. Something with harder rubber and flatter tread that's not going to wear down as fast on sidewalks and roads. Work boots/shoes are usually designed more with this kind of use in mind (standing and walking on hard surfaces all day). Companies like Merrell, Keen and Ecco also make good, sturdy urban shoes as well (pictured is the Merrell World Rambler).

REI Guy

REI Guy Thu 18 Apr 2013 20:18:07 No.90345 Report

Quoted By: >>90512

>>89960
For Average Joe Weekender: yes, most of their stuff is fine. As mentioned before, the Moab is a ridiculously popular boot for people who just want a basic hiker.

But here's my own personal view on it. Merrell is a big company, that makes a lot of different products. Hiking shoes, urban shoes, clothing, bags, fitness stuff. Especially in the last few years, they've started becoming an "everything to everyone" company, and every year hiking makes up a little less of their offerings.

So Merrell does a lot of things OK, but very few things really well.

In the same price range that you find most Merrells, you'll also find offerings from companies like Vasque and Garmont who ONLY make trail footwear. They don't make yoga pants or messenger bags, just shoes and boots for the outdoors.

The opposite of Merrell is, in my mind, the Montana-based company Oboz (Oh-Bohz, short for "Out of Boseman") which was founded about 5 years ago by industry veteran John Connelly after leaving Montrail, which had recently been purchased by Columbia sports.

Oboz has a clearly defined mission of making lightweight, sturdy, affordable hiking footwear. And IMO their flagship boot, the Yellowstone II, is probably one of the best options you can get in the $100-$200 range. So they're more of a "do one thing and do it well" company, which I tend to prefer.

REI Guy

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REI Guy Thu 18 Apr 2013 20:35:43 No.90359 Report

Quoted By:

>>89962

Also, here's my thing on Gore-tex socks.

They are un-fucking-comfortable.

For the uninitiated, a Gore-tex membrane is a laminated sandwich of nylon, micro-perforated PTFE (polytetrafluoroethelyne, also known as teflon) and a few other materials that allows evaporated water to pass through, but not liquid water. Hence why it is both "waterproof" and "breathable".

It's awesome in jackets and rain gear.

It's 50/50 in boots (it keeps water out, but it keeps heat in).

It kinda sucks in socks. For one, it doesn't stretch and move very well with your foot, it's basically a gore-tex bag. For two, it traps a LOT of heat around your foot.

The only people I really sell gore-tex socks to are back-country skiers and people who stand/wade in water for prolonged periods.

For hiking and backpacking, they're pretty miserable.

If you don't want to have Gore-Tex (or a similar membrane) buy boots that are solid leather, be diligent with your boot care and wear wool socks.

Anonymous

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Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 21:40:25 No.90418 Report

Quoted By: >>90578

Now that we're talking about hiking, I have a (stupid) question.

Are there any websites that show hiking paths? (In Europe)
I don't want to start a thread about something that I think is pretty obvious to you guys but I really need to know in order to plan out my route.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 18 Apr 2013 23:15:20 No.90512 Report

Quoted By:

>>90345

This is the logic I generally follow although I am partial to Salomon for boots. For example, I switched from Nike to Brooks a few years back and have been very happy with them. Running shoes are what Brooks does. I like a company that focuses on one specialty.

Anonymous

Anonymous Fri 19 Apr 2013 00:10:30 No.90578 Report

Quoted By:

>>90418

Here you go man, http://www.traildino.com/trace/continents-Europe/countries-European_Trails

Hoping to do E6 in reverse from Sep this year until whenever.

I iz a fatass

I iz a fatass Sat 20 Apr 2013 01:08:39 No.91501 Report

Quoted By: >>91652

>>90335
>What I would suggest for you, fatass (can I call you fatass?)

Well, that is my namefag, so sure.

>dedicated urban shoe or boot

So, look for something comfortable with a vibram sole?

Anonymous

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Anonymous Sat 20 Apr 2013 04:02:56 No.91622 Report

Quoted By: >>91662

Okay, so I tend to be one of those people who way, way over thinks my problems, and this is a great example. I work in the summers as a canoe guide, and as per company policies / common sense, we wet-foot portage all the time. In other words, I have to hop out of my canoe and into knee to waste deep water 3, 4, 5 times a day. water-proof boots turn into foot-shaped buckets that don't dry out, water-proof socks don't work, basically I just have to accept that my feet are going to get wet every day and go from there.

So, last summer I wore these guys, formerly OTB now New Balance Tactical's Abyss boots. They provide great ankel support on what are often really treacherous portage trails (over which we usually carry ~90 lbs at a time), the soles are ported and drain water in a few seconds, and the uppers don't absorbe water at all, so they're always dry in the morning. More over, unlike most of the jungle boots I see out there they hold up to serious abuse. Most boots I see today just aren't designed to be immersed in water over and over and over, then walked in while they're wet; they just fall appart. My only real complaint is that, while these faired better than most boots people or even guides used, they're still pretty done after one summer, and at $120 I'm not excited to buy a new pair.

Anybody have similar water management needs?

Anonymous

View Same Google ImgOps iqdb SauceNAO images.jpg, 5KiB, 240x210

Anonymous Sat 20 Apr 2013 04:06:27 No.91624 Report

Quoted By:

got me some terras,
gotta break them before they really get good though

REI Guy

REI Guy Sat 20 Apr 2013 04:43:48 No.91652 Report

Quoted By:

>>91501
Yeah, Vibram basically has three categories of soles work (hard rubber), hiking (softer rubber) and climbing (super soft sticky). I'd look for something with one of the work soles on it.

I'd stay away from EVA foam as well, it compresses too much if you're wearing shoes day-in-day-out. Look for a denser rubber like polyurethane.

Chippewa and Thorogood both make some decent, stylish stuff work stuff.

Anonymous

Anonymous Sat 20 Apr 2013 04:58:34 No.91662 Report

Quoted By:

>>91622
I think we may have worked for the same company. Did they try and make the staff all buy welcos?

And I am also interested, I need a good comfy pair of quick drying boots.

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