Thread 2843610

can anyone recommend a good pair of hiking boots? price doesn't really matter, i'm just trying to get a decent pair of boots that won't bust a hole straight through the bottom like my last pair (my walking posture is fine)

>>2843610 (OP)
Most boots by reputable companies out there are fine for what they do. The important thing is that the boot fits the shape of your foot. So go to a shop and try some on, then check the internet what the reputation of the company is.

>>2843610 (OP)
First question: Do you really need boots? Unless you're hiking in cold and wet weather, trail runners or approach shoes with merino wool socks are most likely the better option.

If you do need them, see: >>2843624

>>2843610 (OP)
Haix combat boots, in the tropical version for humid conditions.
They are quite sturdy, a fellow mate drove his SUV over my foot once, I didn't even got any bruises. And easy to maintain, while keeping your feet dry.
Got them from a surplus store for 70 bucks in new condition.

I've been using Merril Moab boots (I think Moabs, if not another line. It's confusing because there are shoe and boot Moabs, I'm talking about the boot) since I was a kid. I'm sure there are better boots but after some harrowingly bad experiences with blisters popping up 4 miles and 3000ft in I'm done playing around. (I also carry leukotape now.)
I use trail runners often though. I recommend committing: with my waterproof boots I wear tall waterproof gaiters, and with my runners I NEVER buy waterproof because the idea is accepting you'll get wet and letting them vent out after. Once your waterproof footwear gets wet inside you are kinda fucked, so something like a shoe is just asking for problems.

>>2843645
Even in cold and wet weather sometimes a breathable shoe wins. I'm always surprised how quick I warm up with wool socks after stepping in the creek. If you're camping you'll want to carry a dry pair of course.

>>2843645
>Muh ankle support

>>2843610 (OP)
>high heel
Why? Who thought it's a good idea to fuck up the feet?

>>2843701
>I'm always surprised how quick I warm up with wool socks after stepping in the creek
Yes, they are incredible. If it wasn't for the squishing noise you wouldn't even know your feet are soaking wet.
By cold I meant winter-ish conditions. You definitely DO want dry feet then. Some people even wear neoprene socks.

>>2843806
How is having wet feet better than having dry feet when hiking?

>>2843610 (OP)
>Picrel
I've worn and used original jungle boots (with the steel plates), they are ridiculously heavy and the heel lead to me nearly rolling my ankle in the woods twice, which is my biggest problem with "ankle-support" boots, they do support the ankle, but also make it easier to roll them, I've since switched to much lighter timberland graydon's, they're a sort of sneaker boot, a mix of real and fake leather, flat bottom, but still supports ankle, I even do my daily runs in them, so that's my recommendation.

>>2843684
+1 for Haix. I have a pair and they're neat.

>>2843809
those guys who swear by sneakers for have never been hunting sheds in the rockies. sneakers might work if you stay on a trail but off trail you will be laughed at by all the critters in the woods for your retardation

I just wear crocs or trailrunners with wool socks.

I've hiked 2000+ miles.

Come at me /out/

Please use the generals for these kinds of simple questions. We don't want to endlessly repeat the same answers, or have a hundred pointless threads.

I like my Hanwag Tatras, but you should really go to a store, try some on and find one that fits you perfectly.

>>2843809
The answer is really dependent on environment and weather. WP works both ways so the question is how wet is the area and how wet will your shoe get. Grass land, mud, damp areas, snow and wind: WP shoe does really well. Warmer temps, clear trails, limited stream crossing are more common for most places and a breathable shoe will be dry and dry out when occasionally wet. This is often preferable even in rain, since if it stops raining the shoe will dry out but the WP boot will take an effort. In many 3 season areas, WP ends up keeping your feet hot and moist unnecessarily, like wearing a rain jacket without it actually raining.

>>2843957
i live in the northern rockies. its almost always cold and wet.

>>2843934
seriously. you aint walking thru a field of prickly pear in sneakers

>>2843934
New Zealand spotted
Speargrass will put a hole in your hand without even flinching, god it hurts

Just make sure the soles are not glued on. I was a mog and got a pair with that shit, lasted 2 years with maintenance. Theese are way better with soles meltet to the boot. Pic related is Alfa M77

>>2843957
this is retarded. Your feet will never get as wet inside a dry wp boot as it would getting soaked in sneakers. truly retarded premise.

>>2843610 (OP)
If you want a "forever" boot, spend $400 on a pair of all-leather Lowas that have replaceable soles.

>>2843976
Prickly pear are weak ass bitches. Cholla on the other hand...

>>2844154
They were the bane of Lewis and Clark...but they were in sneakers

>>2843610 (OP)
ive been using these for 3 years, they are fantastic.
no longer being made, gl finding your size.
i paid just over $100 on a 60% off sale

Usually Jim Greens barefoot african troopers if I *have* to, that is - during snowy or very wet and cold enviorment. Other than that Ive used my old vivobarefoot trackers as daily footwear during these cold times. But when they eventually break ill likely get a pair of jim green barefoot african rangers. Other than that I usually just wear thin sandals or go barefoot. I mostly hike in norway.

>>2843820
I grew up in Louisiana and there was a lot of black locust and osage in the woods behind our house, Jungle boots with the steel plates were absolutely worth it to avoid those 3" long needles going through your foot.

>>2843610 (OP)
You dont need boots you obese retard trail runners to much more better

i also need boots, though on a terrible budget. last year i got the cheaper line of these >>2844129 but they were like two sizes too large so i'm reconsidering doubling down on that but it feels bad to repurchase a questionable product
>you don't NEED boots
it's for the elements, not for my feet. i'm not going to dress up in gaiters or water-resistant trousers every time there's a chance i'll have to walk through snow or whatever.

i also need boots, though on a terrible budget. last year i got the cheaper line of these >>2844129 but they were like two sizes too large so i'm considering doubling down on that but it feels bad to repurchase a questionable product
>you don't NEED boots
it's for the elements, not for my feet. i'm not going to dress up in gaiters or water-resistant trousers every time there's a chance i'll have to walk through snow or whatever.

>>2843610 (OP)
Keene makes good stuff, my wife wears them, I wear Morrel.

>>2845863
Goodwills in northern states always have cheap used Sorel boots.

>>2844630
Why do newfags keep bringing up this tired old debate? Trail runners and boots are both ideal for different terrain and trail types. Trail runners are for literal trails. Boots are for more rugged terrain where you might actually encounter something other than a well maintained gravel trail.

>>2845863
When it comes to boots you really get what you pay for. Expensive leather boots will pay for themselves down the line, and I don't necessarily mean you have to go out and buy a $1k pair of whites. I hike in Red Wings Blacksmiths which are like $300, but I'm on year three with them and they still look good as new after their b-annual clean and polish. Anyone who claims heritage leather boots are uncomfortable to hike in has never taken the time to properly break them in, or is a dainty city boy with soft feet.

>>2845863
>but they were like two sizes too large
More pairs of socks is your friend. Wool before you ask.