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-z...FYZcMgodwE4A6A

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.