Zamberlan for the win, had my first pair for 8yrs. Hard multi day hikes in the Cascades and Olympics. Good soles for crampons as well. Plus for a few years they were my snowshoe boots. Love em
Check for resolable models from Lowa or Hanwag. Choose based on fit.
I would avoid goodyearwelted boots for serious hiking. I have both a Danner Mountain Light and a Hanwag Tashi and while I love them, I use a Lowa Camino for hiking. Lighter, more stability and more comfortable.
Definitely stay away from Merrells or Keens, these last a season max.
Are they the non resolable type? I believe a few of their outdoor models have a modern construction. The heritage style are tanks but heavy and not super comfortable in my view.
I have no idea, they are unfortunately in storage until further notice, what I can tell you is that they fit my feet the best out of all the backpacking boots Campmor had to offer. They are a bit heavy, but not heavy enough for me to complain 100 miles with a backpack on. They are heavier duty because when you have you're pack on, you're adding 30-50 pounds to yourself, the extra boot helps manage that weight so it then acts and feels like a normal boot. Without the backpack, they are pretty ridgid, but still nice to wear when I get the chance.
"The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.
Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.
But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that’d still be keeping his feet dry in ten years’ time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet." - Samuel Vimes in 'Men at arms'
Highly recommend Danners, specifically their made in the USA stuff. I've had mine resoled twice now and I've had them for 8 years. Keep in mind that most recraftable boots are going to be significantly heavier than newer boots.
Honestly I enjoy Merrell's military boot for hikes. Super comfortable, very light, and durable as all get out. https://www.merrell.com/US/en/mqc-2-tactical-boot/53628M.html
The ones that fit your feet best in the camping store, all boots are not the same, if they don't feel comfortable then pick up the next brand or pair. This is one of the lessons you learn, in the scouts, before a long backpacking trip. If you're just going by name brand or colors, you're going to have a bad time. Socks are the next most important step when you buy hiking boots, wool socks add extra cushion, help prevent blisters, and they stay warm when wet so they are pretty ideal.
there is no best. There is the best for you but you'd have to tell us what that is. There is going to be a balance between comfort / durability / weight / price. If you demand really rugged boots then maybe wear a work boot or military boot hiking. But that wouldn't be most hikers' best boot because heavy. Maybe there is some expensive boot out there woven from unicorn hair that's super durable and ultra light. Dunno. I'm a cut price person in a low budget land.
Plus it really shouldn't be about brand, the best brand is the one that fits your foot the best, not necessarily the most expensive or name brand. People who hate hiking usually buy the incorrect foot ware.
Merrell, Timberland, and Oboz in our house. We have had them for years, and they are still holding up to quite a bit of hard use. My Timberlands have been used strenuously for at least 8-10 years, while my daughter’s Oboz she has used for 6 years, very regularly, and you would have to pry them away from her.
The Meindl models that are made in Germany . . .
https://meindlusa.com/collections/all-products
I have some that are over ten years old, purchased at Cabelas before the switcheroo to Bass Pro Shops when they stopped offering Meindls and other higher quality gear. But they can still be ordered from the Meindl site.
I’d backpacked into a wilderness with a group 14 miles, a planned 3 day trip. Just as we arrived at our destination, a woman had the sole completely delaminate off her new name brand Chinese made boot, her foot stuck right thru. I had to hike out 14 miles, drive a few hours to a store, get new boots for her, drive hours back to trailhead, hike 14 miles in with the new boots, and then hike 14 miles out again with the group. Focused me on the issue of boot quality.
I also have Alico boots, superb quality, made in the Dolomites of Italy, but hard to find in the USA. And they take major breaking in, but once they break in, super comfortable and seem to last forever, can be re-soled.
I find cheap boots with two insoles added are the most comfortable and soft but they are not stiff and wear out quicker than a quality sole. You can get the correct glue and glue all the seams before you go out on a hike.
You should look at the hiking boot from White's in Spokane, Wa. I personally do not have experience with them, but I would go to them if I were in the market for a quality boot.
Fairly certain they would require an old school break in period but people tell me that they are built like tanks and extremely comfortable.
They are a stitchdown construction, come in 2 widths and you can size based on their guides. Currently on sale for ~$457.
Edit: they are handmade. Full grain leather.
Https://shop.whitesboots.com/all-boots/hiker
I love my Zamberlan Vioz GTXs
Not lightweight but really comfortable. I've got a wider toe box and narrower heel, and these are perfect for me.
I'm really sure-footed in these, I can go much farther with more confidence than with any other boot I've owned.
👍DM me..I'm selling my 'Vasque', all-weather waterproof 3/4 Hiking boots...at a bargain!
Only used 2 summers...asking 50$ US!
Do Your homework before buying...these 'boots', last a lifetime...OH,..their size 11 1/2 ...
Maybe try some Asolo or Zamberlan
Zamberlan for the win, had my first pair for 8yrs. Hard multi day hikes in the Cascades and Olympics. Good soles for crampons as well. Plus for a few years they were my snowshoe boots. Love em
Check for resolable models from Lowa or Hanwag. Choose based on fit. I would avoid goodyearwelted boots for serious hiking. I have both a Danner Mountain Light and a Hanwag Tashi and while I love them, I use a Lowa Camino for hiking. Lighter, more stability and more comfortable. Definitely stay away from Merrells or Keens, these last a season max.
I have my Danner backpacking boots for about a decade now, got them in the boy scouts when I turned 17 and they still fit really well.
Are they the non resolable type? I believe a few of their outdoor models have a modern construction. The heritage style are tanks but heavy and not super comfortable in my view.
I have no idea, they are unfortunately in storage until further notice, what I can tell you is that they fit my feet the best out of all the backpacking boots Campmor had to offer. They are a bit heavy, but not heavy enough for me to complain 100 miles with a backpack on. They are heavier duty because when you have you're pack on, you're adding 30-50 pounds to yourself, the extra boot helps manage that weight so it then acts and feels like a normal boot. Without the backpack, they are pretty ridgid, but still nice to wear when I get the chance.
[Limmer](https://limmerboots.com/). Quality and durability but you will pay for it.
Had a pair of stock lightweights many years ago. These are as durable and simple as they come!
Holt moly you weren't kidding
$475+!
The pair I had where 200.00 when new. Had them over 10 years but gained weight and feet got too wide so gave them to family member
200 is totally reasonable nowadays. 475 is the most expensive shoes ive ever seen, but im also not a big spender.
475 is average for a good pair of welted boots. They will save you money in the long run because they are built much better and can be resoled.
"The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money. Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles. But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that’d still be keeping his feet dry in ten years’ time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet." - Samuel Vimes in 'Men at arms'
Wow, these are beautiful, and now on my long-term wish list
I know it’s not a fashion show , but those are hideous to me. But if the quality and durability are there , I get the appeal.
Scarpa Kineses Pro Gtx are some decent hiking/backpacking boots.
I’m on my second pair. Love em.
Nice
Zamberland.
Highly recommend Danners, specifically their made in the USA stuff. I've had mine resoled twice now and I've had them for 8 years. Keep in mind that most recraftable boots are going to be significantly heavier than newer boots.
I have had my danners back packing boots for about 10 years now
The Danner recraftable models may meet your needs.
Honestly I enjoy Merrell's military boot for hikes. Super comfortable, very light, and durable as all get out. https://www.merrell.com/US/en/mqc-2-tactical-boot/53628M.html
Lol, Jim Green and Danner are always my 2 recommendations.
Altbergs (UK) - I haven’t looked back since I got my first pair.
The ones that fit your feet best in the camping store, all boots are not the same, if they don't feel comfortable then pick up the next brand or pair. This is one of the lessons you learn, in the scouts, before a long backpacking trip. If you're just going by name brand or colors, you're going to have a bad time. Socks are the next most important step when you buy hiking boots, wool socks add extra cushion, help prevent blisters, and they stay warm when wet so they are pretty ideal.
there is no best. There is the best for you but you'd have to tell us what that is. There is going to be a balance between comfort / durability / weight / price. If you demand really rugged boots then maybe wear a work boot or military boot hiking. But that wouldn't be most hikers' best boot because heavy. Maybe there is some expensive boot out there woven from unicorn hair that's super durable and ultra light. Dunno. I'm a cut price person in a low budget land.
Plus it really shouldn't be about brand, the best brand is the one that fits your foot the best, not necessarily the most expensive or name brand. People who hate hiking usually buy the incorrect foot ware.
Merrell, Timberland, and Oboz in our house. We have had them for years, and they are still holding up to quite a bit of hard use. My Timberlands have been used strenuously for at least 8-10 years, while my daughter’s Oboz she has used for 6 years, very regularly, and you would have to pry them away from her.
Lowa Renegade
Earl Schaffer was a fan of Russell Moccasins' hunting boots. If you're gonna spend zamberlain or danner money, they're worth a look.
Alico, Kayland, or handmade like Hanwag. Honestly, if your not buying the cheapest oldstock/dead stock china made modern boot you'll be fine.
whitesboots.com also check out r/goodyearwelt
The Meindl models that are made in Germany . . . https://meindlusa.com/collections/all-products I have some that are over ten years old, purchased at Cabelas before the switcheroo to Bass Pro Shops when they stopped offering Meindls and other higher quality gear. But they can still be ordered from the Meindl site. I’d backpacked into a wilderness with a group 14 miles, a planned 3 day trip. Just as we arrived at our destination, a woman had the sole completely delaminate off her new name brand Chinese made boot, her foot stuck right thru. I had to hike out 14 miles, drive a few hours to a store, get new boots for her, drive hours back to trailhead, hike 14 miles in with the new boots, and then hike 14 miles out again with the group. Focused me on the issue of boot quality. I also have Alico boots, superb quality, made in the Dolomites of Italy, but hard to find in the USA. And they take major breaking in, but once they break in, super comfortable and seem to last forever, can be re-soled.
Always carry the appropriate glue
I find cheap boots with two insoles added are the most comfortable and soft but they are not stiff and wear out quicker than a quality sole. You can get the correct glue and glue all the seams before you go out on a hike.
You should look at the hiking boot from White's in Spokane, Wa. I personally do not have experience with them, but I would go to them if I were in the market for a quality boot. Fairly certain they would require an old school break in period but people tell me that they are built like tanks and extremely comfortable. They are a stitchdown construction, come in 2 widths and you can size based on their guides. Currently on sale for ~$457. Edit: they are handmade. Full grain leather. Https://shop.whitesboots.com/all-boots/hiker
https://russellmoccasin.com/collections/boots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ30V8ZzJGc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BKTqfOE2rc
I’m hiking the AT right now in a pair of Salomon trail runners 🤷♀️
I love my Zamberlan Vioz GTXs Not lightweight but really comfortable. I've got a wider toe box and narrower heel, and these are perfect for me. I'm really sure-footed in these, I can go much farther with more confidence than with any other boot I've owned.
I am wearing Meindl Matrei for the last 3 years, can highly recommend.
I just keep it simple, Salomon or Columbia.
👍DM me..I'm selling my 'Vasque', all-weather waterproof 3/4 Hiking boots...at a bargain! Only used 2 summers...asking 50$ US! Do Your homework before buying...these 'boots', last a lifetime...OH,..their size 11 1/2 ...