Need boots suggestions.

[Cheech]

It occurred to me as I was shoveling my driveway in my Chuck's that I don't have a good pair of boots. Since I know there are some outdoorsy peoples out here, what's a good hiking/all purpose boot?

[Gump]

This is like a what gun question.

I like my Redwing 1262's or my Muck boots but those aren't really what I think of as hiking boots. I relate those to above ankle boots. The Muck boots are simple but awfully convienent and comfortable. I always start off with they must be waterproof.

[2talltim]

i have a pair of these i picked up in the bagain cave in dundee about 7 years ago and i have beat the shit out of them and the are still in great shape. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Rimrock-GORE-TEX174-Hiker-150-Nubuck-Leather/749046.uts?WTz_l=DirectLoad%3Bcat104383080

Only negative i would give them is they are not insulated so i have to wear wool socks in the winter, but they are nice a cool in the summer.

[BadTrainDriver]

Nissan GTR.

Wait...wrong thread...

I like Redwings.

American made with American leather.

There is a difference.

[alansz400]

Muck boots. Bought my son a pair 3 or 4 years ago. He beat the crap out of them and they held up great. Just bought him a new pair for xmas only because he out grew the first pair. I have a pair a bought 2 years ago and they are great. Bought the last pair at a Amish boot shop north of Danville on St. Rt. 205 best price I could find.

[Pokey]

Muck boots or any of the comparative boots, they are just awesome. Easy on and kick them off when you are done. Muck boots brands are the very best, but Cabela's, LaCrosse, Irish setter, Under Armor.....etc are also hard to go wrong with. They last a very long time, are comfortable, come in many different insulated levels and are 110% waterproof.

[jagr]

$100 Merrells

http://m.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3652399

[Cheech]

$100 Merrells

http://m.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3652399

They had these at DSW in Easton, that's kinda what kicked this whole thing off. I wasn't willing to drop a hundo on a unknown (to me) brand without at least doing a little due diligence.

[MidgetTodd]

Ugg's

Boots wit da fur.

/thread

You're welcome.

[Bad324]

Redwings are excellent

[OsuMj]

I grabbed a pair of Columbia waterproof boots with omni heat, and in 30 degrees, i don't even have to wear special socks. I tromp through ankle deep water, snow, mud, everything with these boots, and my feet are always dry and warm. They have excellent traction too.

Most notably, I spent several days in Yellowstone last winter and my feet were the only things that weren't cold after a long day of snowmobiliting and hiking. Mine are obviously women's (columbia bugaboot plus), but here are the men's Bugaboot

I got mine for around $70... so if you look hard, you can probably find a better price.

[jagr]

They had these at DSW in Easton, that's kinda what kicked this whole thing off. I wasn't willing to drop a hundo on a unknown (to me) brand without at least doing a little due diligence.

Cant go wrong with Merrells.

At Easton eh? I may go have a look.

[OsuMj]

Merrell is a great outdoor brand too... so you should go around and see what fits better. A big problem I find with boots is that the front is too stiff and it hurts my shins after walking around for a bit, so I always look for boots with extra cush there.

[Pokey]

I just re-read your original post, didn't see the hiking boot or similar comment. The muck boot is perfect for quick on and off and deep snow/water/mud/warmth/ but not ideal for walking around all day. I would have to agree with the Redwing boots comment, there is just no better leather boots made IMHO. Keep them oiled and they last FOR YEARS, but you are gonna pay. You do get what you pay for with them, and they are guaranteed to fit. For hiking boot I agree with the Columbia or Merrel, but I love my Hi-Tec boots. They are one of the pioneers for the whole hiking boot thing, might be worth looking into. http://www.hi-tec.com/us/mens/hiking-boots.html

[jagr]

Merrell is a great outdoor brand too... so you should go around and see what fits better. A big problem I find with boots is that the front is too stiff and it hurts my shins after walking around for a bit, so I always look for boots with extra cush there.

You should look at Tevas MJ.

http://m.teva.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-TEVA-US-Site/default/mSearch-Show?cgid=women-boots

I like the Teva Chair5 for some of the reasons MJ listed.

It's 250g thinsulate and no hard upper structure. More like a moc.

http://m.teva.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-TEVA-US-Site/default/mProduct-Show?pid=1001468&dwvar_1001468_color=BLK&start=1&cgid=men-boots

[OsuMj]

hmmm, never heard of them! I like that their boots are kinda stylish and yet have some good ground grip.

[jagr]

More know for their sandals and flops.

[jblosser]

I have a pair of Vasque leather hiking boots (we called 'em 'freak boots' back in the day) that are quite old. Sno-seal each winter keeps 'em waterproof and they look as good as when my Pop bought 'em for me. Re-soled once, a couple of pair of boot laces. Take care of leather boots and they'll last.

here's a sample of their latest insulated boots, "snow junkie ultra dry" $130 online (click for link to Zappo's):

http://www.amazon.com/Vasque-Snow-Junkie-Hiking-Pepper/dp/B006Z62GNW/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1356893272&sr=8-32&keywords=vasque+boots

Edited December 30, 2012 by jblosser

[ohiomike]

Irish Setter's by Redwing. 1000 gm's of thinsulate, gortex....warm and dry boots

[max power]

Nissan GTR.

Wait...wrong thread...

I like Redwings.

American made with American leather.

There is a difference.

Very few Redwings are American made anymore thanks to EPA regulations on glues. unless it has a sewn on sole, they are made in China where there are nano regulations. On anything.

I have had many pairs of the Redwing hikers and the sole always splits before the leather wears out (less than a year). Unfortunately they are unbelievably comfortable.

Looking at the Merrill's with Vibram soles next. After I get my Wings back since I took them in for the sole split this time.

[Mojoe]

I have a pair Danners that I've been pretty happy with. They are light, keep my feet warm and have last forever with no issues.

Columbia make a good boot, as MJ said. Sorels, Maderhorns, and tactical research are all worth looking into as well.

Good luck

[speedytriple]

I have a pair of these great boots with a good pair of socks down to the mid twenties.

http://www.rei.com/product/713179/columbia-bugabootoo-boots-mens

[BadTrainDriver]

Very few Redwings are American made anymore thanks to EPA regulations on glues. unless it has a sewn on sole, they are made in China where there are nano regulations. On anything.

I have had many pairs of the Redwing hikers and the sole always splits before the leather wears out (less than a year). Unfortunately they are unbelievably comfortable.

Looking at the Merrill's with Vibram soles next. After I get my Wings back since I took them in for the sole split this time.

http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe-finder

Go to the country of origin and you can choose made in the USA with American materials.

Style 2404 is what I've used for the last six years (same pair, resoled once).

Edited December 31, 2012 by BadTrainDriver

[fizzer]

Can't go wrong with a pair of Merrells with the vibram soles. My pair has taken me into and back out of the grand canyon and all over southern Utah and are still all day comfortable and capable. As with any boots fit is critical. Go to a good store and talk for a while about your intended uses and try on several sizes to make sure you find the ones that fit properly.

[Revelstoker]

It occurred to me as I was shoveling my driveway in my Chuck's that I don't have a good pair of boots. Since I know there are some outdoorsy peoples out here, what's a good hiking/all purpose boot?

Like anything, what do you want to do in the boots? Check out the links below and see the different categories for Hiking vs Snow boots.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mens-winter-and-snow-boots~d~458/

http://www.rei.com/category/4500006_Men%27s+Footwear/q/Men%27s+Boots

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Boots/1937/subcat.html

Sorel, Danner, Salomon are brands that have treated me well. If you spend more for a really good pair, it will be the last pair you ever buy.

If you want a pair of boots to slog around in play in the snow and mud, go sledding and such, you are going to want waterproof, insulated and for them to be tall. Can't knock a pair of Sorels. http://www.rei.com/product/674940/sorel-caribou-boots-mens or something like this http://www.rei.com/product/821240/bogs-classic-ultra-high-rain-boots-mens

Hiking boots come in all shapes and sizes depending on the terrain and if you are going to be carrying heavy loads. Then it is personal preference.

I like a boot that has a firm, rubber sole as I find they give better traction and stability. http://www.danner.com/boots/danner-light-80th.html or http://www.zappos.com/la-sportiva-trango-extreme-evo-light-gtx-silver-black?ef_id=UOEsEgAAEQ0l5imk:20121231060922:s Also, many can be re-soled and hence, last a lifetime.

The molded rubber soles (like on the bugaboot) will eventually fail and the boot is trashed. http://www.rei.com/product/667406/asolo-fsn-95-gtx-hiking-boots-mens,-light-brown/sand?preferredSku=6674060139&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-pla-_-product-_-6674060139&mr:referralID=b6b3c223-5310-11e2-97b3-001b2166becc But, we are talking decades for this to happen not years.

In short, a good pair of field boots and a pair of light hikers would probably suffice most of your boot needs. For all around use, I avoid insulated and prefer to add a pair of wool socks. Goretex (waterproof) is worth the money and can even double as a riding boot. http://www.altrec.com/danner-boots/mens-grouse-8-in-hunting-boots?sku_id=2141265&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Google+PLA-_-Danner%20Boots-_-165561-2141265&mr:trackingCode=C817A8EA-9429-E211-ACC7-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=18027139617&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=21201823497&origin=pla&gclid=CK-I5OyCxLQCFQVgMgod-WYAug would be my choice for an all purpose boot.