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02/12/2010 07:33:29 AM · #26 |
As  JimiRose noted, the most important part about buying boots is evaluating what your usage will be. The second most important thing is finding a boot that actually fits your foot well. Different companies have boots that fit different types of feet, and the last used in the boot can vary in fit significantly even from model to model. The type of arch you have, your pronation/supination, the width of your foot, and the volume of your foot all effect which will work for you, so always try on as many as you can. Merrell's are decent mid-grade boots, though I believe they're a bit overpriced for what they are. For the cost of some of Merrell's products you can get better made boots from many of the other companies. This is not to say they do not perform, however.
Personally, I use Scarpa for how they fit my foot and their exceptional quality/craftmanship. Asolo, Vasque, La Sportiva, and Lowa all also make quality products for those who are looking for something burlier.
The second part of the equation is to make sure you have decent socks. Quality wool socks go a long way, and you don't need to spend $20 a pair on them. Places like Sam's Club periodically have decent wool socks at low prices (at least in Colorado they do). If you suffer from blisters, consider using a liner sock in addition.
Lastly, if you get a pair of boots and find they are torturing your feet and you can't return them, consider putting third party insoles in them. Many boots come with subpar insoles, which can brutalize your feet. Superfeet are one of the most common insole manufacturers, though there are many others that are worth looking into instead of taking a complete loss on a pair of boots.
ETA: The question of what boot for what activity is a discussion that's gone through all the time on mountaineering forums. Think of it like the "Which camera should I get?" thread.
Message edited by author 2010-02-12 07:35:04. |
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02/12/2010 07:45:30 AM · #27 |
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
... The second part of the equation is to make sure you have decent socks. Quality wool socks go a long way, and you don't need to spend $20 a pair on them. Places like Sam's Club periodically have decent wool socks at low prices (at least in Colorado they do). If you suffer from blisters, consider using a liner sock in addition. ... |
Great post Derek! Supination, pronation, etc...you're either an athlete or work in the footwear industry. :-)
I pulled out the socks part of your quote...it's SO true. Nothing worse than blisters! Last fall I was looking for some new wool socks and found some at Dick's Sporting Goods that came with the liner sock as well. Great combo! |
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02/12/2010 08:06:06 AM · #28 |
| A silly thing for me to point out, But if you do get the wool socks, depending on the thickness , make sure you have them on when you try boots |
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02/12/2010 08:16:07 AM · #29 |
| I have hiked thousands of miles in Colorado Mountains with full 70+ lb pack in Converse low-cut basketball shoes. They dry fast and you have natural ankle movement. Just two pare of socks so no blisters. To me expensive hiking boots are a myth. I have gone that route before, just to heavy, hot & sweaty for me. Have never sprained an ankle yet. |
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02/12/2010 08:55:57 AM · #30 |
Vasques are great. Asolo is my favorite. 50+ pound packs with great cushioning in the Asolo Powermatic 200 GV Gore tex (they double as my motorcycling boots) and light hiking in Asolo Fusion 95. They roll along great.
La Sportiva Trango's are very good too.
Smartest thing to do is go to (REI, my choice) and put them on and walk around in them awhile. and as mentioned, they will take returns on everything if they don't work out.
Vrtuan is just a nutjob and must have the feet of a Neanderthal to tolerate Converse. :-) Surprised he's not barefoot. hehehe
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02/12/2010 10:19:34 AM · #31 |
| I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru in Vasque Mica GTX ... they were AMAZING ... gave me all the support I needed and I'll probably never need another pair of hiking boots ... can't recommend them enough ... |
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02/12/2010 11:24:46 AM · #32 |
im a rock climber and typically use hiking boots for steep, often scrambling approaches. i do not need LOADS of support since my pack is <50 pounds. with that in mind, my recommendation for comfortable and durable approaches shoes/boots would be either Lasportiva or Vasque. both are known for excellence. i have found that vasque typically offers more ankle support in case greater load bearing is required. try the breeze low GTX. recently i picked up a pair of lasportiva wildcat GTXs @ backcountry on sale for like 90 bucks and they might be my favorite approach shoe thus far. VERY comfortable, VERY breathable, low cut but with a stiff wide supportive base, and nicely textured and grippy sole (what one would expect from a climbing shoe company). heres links to the two.
//www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Vasque-Breeze-Low-VST-GTX-Hiking-Shoe-Mens/VSQ0130M.html
//www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/La-Sportiva-Wildcat-Trail-Running-Shoe-Mens/LSP0117M.html
-Max
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02/12/2010 11:27:34 AM · #33 |
Originally posted by vtruan:
I have hiked thousands of miles in Colorado Mountains with full 70+ lb pack in Converse low-cut basketball shoes. |
Well, my usual sneakers is what I have been using to this point, and I've not been feeling very secure in them when walking across rocky terrain and hills. Some of what I saw at the store last night looked very much like sneakers and I guess wold really be hiking shoes, not boots.
I also learned the difference between hiking and trekking, when I saw socks labeled as one or the other. Trekking is the nerds who do sci-fi conventions and wear costumes heavier duty, longer distance, and the socks had heavier padding in different areas. |
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02/13/2010 12:11:53 AM · #34 |
I wasn't technical climbing, but I crossed many boulder fields, and loose gravel. Of course I was between 12 and 30 at the time, now I might think vibram soles for traction. I had a pair of early Vasques and wore them out in one season and went back to my old stand by Converses. They didn't like to be wet all the time even with Mink oil & other water proofers. The were wet from the inside out, just to hot even at 12,000 ft. Good old canvas would dry between stream crossings. They were a lot cheeper by far.
Message edited by author 2010-02-13 00:12:27. |
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02/13/2010 01:03:50 AM · #35 |
Boots are overrated. I hike hundreds of miles a year and gave up on boots years ago. I prefer trail running shoes. Lighter and more range of motion. I know hikers that think I'm crazy, but there are a few of us that do it. I've even used them on snow hikes.
However, you need to figure out what you are doing and what is comfortable for you. Boots one person loves, you may hate. If you are prone to ankle sprains a boot may be a good choice, but most really don't offer that much support, and the sense of security, added weight, and lost range of motion could actually cause an injury as much as it could prevent one (based on my experience).
So basically, find what you feel comfortable and safe in with a good grippy sole, and go with it. But don't think it has to be a boot. |
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