New hiking boots

[719BR]

I had those same Salomon boots for about a year and a half before the soles started falling apart. Got maybe 400 miles out of them. I loved them a lot while I had them, super light weight and comfy. Maybe I just got a bad pair? I'd probably give them another shot as they were great summer hiking boots. Even though they were Goretex boots I didn't find them to be all that waterproof...

that's probably about what i get out of mine. to be honest, for me, it's a tradeoff. they're super light and super comfy, and cheaper than a lot of the (sometimes inferior) options. i probably do stuff in them i shouldn't (i eventually wind up off trail even when i say i'm not going to) but for me they're just cheap enough it justifies me buying them a little more frequently.

[two lunches]

i have so many comments here and i'm sure no one cares, but i really like a lot of your thoughts, Conor.

I'll throw a shout out for a non-popular 14 er dot com alternative - danner. I wear their boots every day for work (10 hour days) and I own a pair of their arctic 600 for winter peaks that I got out on a short walk this year.

i *love* my Danner boots. the tread outlasted every other pair of footwear i have pretty much ever owned. i purchased them after my first couple 14ers- sprained my ankle on the top of evans and decided maybe trail runners weren't for me (i'll come back to this). they are wildly comfortable in the ankle no matter how tight or loosely they are tied and i have used them for everything from rainy walks around my neighborhood to snowshoeing, summer 14ers, and hunting. can't say i notice a weight difference on my hikes for heavy boots v. shoes, but apparently i'm an odd duck because everyone else points it out.

I think the idea of ankle support is a myth. I can slightly understand the desire for some ankle protection. But, if you need support around your ankles, fix the problem with muscles.

couldn't agree with you more. i have rolled my ankle in heavy Danner boots, as well as lightweight trail runners, and even a few times while wearing my coveted LaSpo boots. i've injured my right ankle so many times that my sports med doctor informed me a few years back that one of the tendons on the top of my right ankle has disintegrated. if you NEED ankle support that you can't accomplish through PT/yoga/stability & strengthening exercises, you NEED a brace, not a boot. period. if you like wearing boots because it feels like giving your ankle a hug, then wear boots... but don't assume that simply donning a boot will solve your instability issues.

There will need to be some trial and error to find what works FOR YOU. A brick and mortar store is good for this. Anytime I got shoe shopping I buy from a B&M until I figure out what I like.

a few years back i did something similar and purchased a handful of shoes/boots from different brands i found through Steep & Cheap/Sierra. my only mistake in this practice was that i kept a pair of Hokas that i can't stand, just because the internet said they were great. long story long, make your own choices through trial and error.

[Rollie Free]

Oboz?? There's a reason those are an anagram of Bozo. Total clown shoes. Stay away.

Might you explain why? I have a pair and they have done better than what I've had. The Merrills were comfortable but they slid around like ice skates. The Oboz were much better but that's about all I know.

[Hiking_TheRockies]

I had the raptors and they are too narrow for my feet. Not sure if LS is offering wider shoes as they seem to be doing in their boots nowadays, but I wore the raptors for one little hike (S and N arapahoe) and ended up giving them away.

The LS Ultra Raptors boot version have a wide option, but it doesn't look like the standard trail running version does.

[Been_Jammin]

Keen Targhee III... best boot imo.

A lot of people reppin the Mutants for a trail runner option... I bought the largest size last fall and they weren't even close to fitting. If you are a sasquatch stay away. I am rockin the Saucony Peregrine as my trail runner now and I am in love.

For Summer scrambles, I am definitely in the trail runner camp.

[Barnold41]

Nothing but great things to say about the Danner Crag Rats. I was looking for something with decent ankle support, solid sole, GoreTex, leather, and not heavy af. These fit the bill perfectly. They aren't the cheapest boots on the market but so far they are worth the investment. Even though they have GoreTex, they aren't crazy hot. That being said, I'm not using them in lower elevations and hot conditions. They are great for what I do and they didn't have much break in time. Also have a wide toe box to accommodate my wide ass feet. I think they have a wide option but I was fine with the standard sizing.

[12ersRule]

Oboz?? There's a reason those are an anagram of Bozo. Total clown shoes. Stay away.

Might you explain why? I have a pair and they have done better than what I've had. The Merrills were comfortable but they slid around like ice skates. The Oboz were much better but that's about all I know.

Durability of the soles. I shredded those on a C3/4 route the 2nd time I used them.

Note: I am very hard on shoes.

[highpilgrim]

As it relates to Oboz, I had a problem with the way the soles were rounded. I found them promoting more frequent ankle rolling, which sucked.

They were one of a very small number of things I have ever returned to REI after they were used.

[jibler]

this tale should be told....because it reinforces my long held belief that cheaper boots can go the distance and be awesome.


I have been shopping at Big 5 for hiking boots for a while - and the last time i did was spring 2020 - got the Merrell Homme model

and they just died last weekend! and they died an honorable hard death too. just peeled the sole off the one like a banana peel before i chucked em in the dumpster Valhalla style.

and yes I say big vote of confidence for the Merrell brand - which isn't that respected by y'all i hear??

those boots were like $25-35.


but i may get nuts now and actually swing by a Sierra sporting goods - they have these end of season markdowns including merrells - so I may begin next journey there??


and i still fondly recall these Coleman boots i got at discount store in dillon mid 2010s - those were like $25 and lasted several years too.

but I have hit some strikes too - a few inbetween boots have only lasted like 2-3 years.


will upload pics of the old boots too - pretty epic.

[Wildernessjane]

At the risk of sounding too obvious, how long your boots last will also depend largely on how many miles you are putting on. Because of some issues I have with an old ankle injury, I switch out more often than most because I need the extra ankle support. I’ve probably tried every brand out there (except Coleman) and I would not say Merrell stands out for their durability. My default has become Salewa, which has the best customer service if something goes wrong. Shop around and you can find good deals. I’m always watching Sierra and I buy when I find a good price versus waiting until I need them.

[jibler]

Oh these boots saw the business. Enough over the years to call this epic run.


But I must say now - I have actually 'never stepped foot into a Sierra before - and the sign on the door said "Part of the TJ Max, Marshalls etc" family

and that prepared for the the rather random eisle scene. i maybe shoula held out for the later visit to Big 5 - haphazard motley collection of boots there.

but i feel naked without a pair of boots

so I plunked down $35 for a pair of Northsides ?? Manufacturer China.

Something tells me they may not take the same haul as the Merrells but at least I'm balling this fall and beyond. Plus these aren't not boots. they seem fairly sturdy. Curious how they can hang.

[jibler]

well the boot is on the other foot it would seem


these new boots may be heavier than last pair - but not by much? I mean really - couldn 't be that much of a weight difference.




but after two gentle hikes to break em in a bit - I took a foothill hike and really tore it up a bit - banged around like 5 miles and did some intense terrain a bit there too.


Well - my legs got all achy! WTF. i had old boots for like 5 years - had my whole body become attuned to that exact weight of boot?