Boot suggestions

[drift_g35]

Last summer I went to REI to pick out some good hiking boots. I went to REI because I am a member and if the boots turned out to be shit, i could take them back at any time. I purchased a pair of Lowa zephyr GTX mids. I tried on some asolos and the lowa's just felt more comfortable. After a few hikes and range trips I noticed there was a gash in the leather. It was such a perfect cut in the leather I thought I had done it with maybe a target that got hit on the side. So i went to REI and exchanged them for the same pair. These are the boots I had. http://www.usoutdoor.com/lowa/lowa-zephyr-gtx-mid-boots/?gclid=CJuqyP-y77wCFYZcMgodwE4A6A

This exchange was about 2 months ago, so you can image what kind of hiking I have been doing in them. With it being winter they turned into my snowboots. I have worn them maybe 5 times. The last time i wore them i noticed the SAME gash in the leather. To make a long story short, I want to know what boots you all suggest that will last more than 5 miles before the leather tears.

I prefer mid size as I have shitty ankles, waterproof, a sole that will last or can be replaced.

I know a few of you did some of the Competition Dynamics races, I want boots that can hold up to that.

Thanks everyone.

[Rucker61]

How stiff do you want them? I'm pretty happy with my Kenetrek Hardscrabbles, but they're pretty darn stiff boots.

[drift_g35]

How stiff do you want them? I'm pretty happy with my Kenetrek Hardscrabbles, but they're pretty darn stiff boots.

The lowas were somewhat stiff. I couldnt bend it in half. I couldnt tell you if that meant it was very stiff, or a little stiff.

[Teufelhund]

I have a pair of insulated Danners for hunting season and trips to the range during the colder months. They're heavy and a bit expensive, but also warm and indestructible.

[275RLTW]

I've been running Keens for a few years now and they have held up to several overseas trips plus the teaching & training/hiking/running/everyday use I do here. I always go with mid weight (<600 gm insulated) even in summer as lightweight boots just don't seem to hold up at all and I can beef up socks when needed in the winter.

[Tim K]

I went through 6 pairs of boots training for the SAC. I ended up with the Rocky S2V. Compared to the typical stuff at REI (I returned 3 pairs to them), they are very flexible. Compared to the Asolo's I was trying to like, they are like wearing a running shoe. I was certain they were not going to work, but Hoser convinced me to try them.

I took them out of the box, put them on, and did a 20 mile ruck in the hills with a 55# pack. Not one blister. They are the best boots I've ever owned.

If the Asolo's fit you, they were very durable for me. I returned a pair to REI with probably 250 miles on them and they looked new except for some dust. They were fine unloaded, but with a pack they were blister factories.

[drift_g35]

I have a pair of insulated Danners for hunting season and trips to the range during the colder months. They're heavy and a bit expensive, but also warm and indestructible.

I will mostly be wearing these in the summer, Just used them for snow since they were waterproof. I saw some danners at Centennial Gun Club that werent leather, and they looked really nice, but they were only $130 i think. I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for and that seemed like it was on the low side.

[275RLTW]

I will mostly be wearing these in the summer, Just used them for snow since they were waterproof. I saw some danners at Centennial Gun Club that werent leather, and they looked really nice, but they were only $130 i think. I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for and that seemed like it was on the low side.

When it comes to boots (or any gear) this is a good guideline to follow. There are always exceptions but footwear is not the area to be cheap.

[Ah Pook]

I would not recommend Lowas. I wore out a pair of their boots and a pair of cross trainers in less then a year. Stitching failed. Split leather. The heel support fell apart.

Wore out two pair of Keen shoes. One lasted 8 months and the other 1.5 years.

I recently picked up a pair of Asolos (don't know the style name). These are similar to the Stynger or Flame design. These boots will last a while. Stiff sole and ankle support. All day comfort. No leaks yet and I have stood in water over the laces.

Ya can't go wrong with Vasque or Sportiva.

[BPTactical]

La Sportiva Makalu.
Raichle G2

Great boots, fairly light for what they are and warm.

[kawiracer14]

I don't think an online forum can tell you which boot is best for your foot. Each person's foot is so different the Lowas may work great for me but maybe you have no arch in your foot and you hate them. REI is really the way to go. Hell, you have a YEAR to decide you don't like a boot before you can't return it any more.

That being said, I'm on my second set of Lowas - the first one has gone up 25 or so 14ers before it wore out and now I just use it on my motorcycle when I go to and from work.

[Rucker61]

The lowas were somewhat stiff. I couldnt bend it in half. I couldnt tell you if that meant it was very stiff, or a little stiff.
Kenetreks are stiffer than the Lowas I've tried.

[Pike10]

I go back and forth between the Asolo Fugitive GTX's which are stiffer and offer more support on uneven or rock ground and Danner GTX/TFX's which are softer and have more of a running shoe feel.

I have found myself wearing the Asolo's every day....just plain awesome and comfortable. I bought them at REI, originally bought a half size to small and returned them right after 6 months. No questions asked - swapped out for new ones in the right size and haven't looked back.

[drift_g35]

I don't think an online forum can tell you which boot is best for your foot. Each person's foot is so different the Lowas may work great for me but maybe you have no arch in your foot and you hate them. REI is really the way to go. Hell, you have a YEAR to decide you don't like a boot before you can't return it any more.

That being said, I'm on my second set of Lowas - the first one has gone up 25 or so 14ers before it wore out and now I just use it on my motorcycle when I go to and from work.

It is more of a question on quality of boot, not what one fits me better.

[Zombie Steve]

Asolo makes a nice boot, but they don't fit my foot. Too tight in the toe box, too loose in the heel. Same with Vasque.

I'm hiking in Salomon Quest 4D GTX. Not the stiffest sole ever, but very comfortable and have held up for a few years now... Not rated as waterproof, but I've tromped around in knee deep snow for hours without getting my feet wet. I consider them just about perfect for day hikes, maybe a little light for real serious backpacking.

[Teufelhund]

I will mostly be wearing these in the summer, Just used them for snow since they were waterproof. I saw some danners at Centennial Gun Club that werent leather, and they looked really nice, but they were only $130 i think. I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for and that seemed like it was on the low side.

I totally agree you get what you pay for in boots. The Danners I'm talking about are all leather, waterproof, and I paid a little over $200 for them on sale. I went with that brand because I was issued a pair of cold-weather Danners in the Corps, and they held up really well over a variety of terrain.

I've heard good things about Underarmor's speed freak boots for lightweight hikers, but I've never owned a pair.

[hatidua]

It is more of a question on quality of boot, not what one fits me better.

If it's simply about quality, get a pair of Limmer's and you're all set.

http://www.limmerboot.com

[Brian]

I love my Keen Targhees. They are the most comfortable hiking boots I've ever worn, even right out of the box. But they wear very fast IMHO.

[wadero]

I don't think an online forum can tell you which boot is best for your foot. Each person's foot is so different the Lowas may work great for me but maybe you have no arch in your foot and you hate them. REI is really the way to go. Hell, you have a YEAR to decide you don't like a boot before you can't return it any more.

That being said, I'm on my second set of Lowas - the first one has gone up 25 or so 14ers before it wore out and now I just use it on my motorcycle when I go to and from work.

Well said, everyone's choice of comparability will be different. REI member myself and have found Asolo's to be my choice. May I recommend a trip to a Red Wing boot store. They take special care to measure all aspects of your feet and will clue you in with more information about your feet then you ever knew!

[Rabid]

Asolo and AKU are my go to hiking boot brands.

[mcjhr]

Asolo and AKU are my go to hiking boot brands.

+1 on Aku. Wore them through a fall winter and early spring of tree work, which is asking alot. Never failed. Lots of the older guys (veteran workers) wore asolo. I currently wear some salomons. Not in tree work anymore though. I've found the Ukraine and italy made stuff lasts longer than Chinese made.