Boots

[HT Finley]

In all the photo forums, I don't recall any discussions on boots. Like in the kind you wear. Mighty dadgum important subject for those of us who trudge out with cameras (or chainsaws for that matter). I've been thinking of a new pair of Timberlands, and I've got an old pair already that are still usable. Great boots, but they sure do pack with mud on the soles. Problem is when the mud dries, it shrinks and you've got big clumps of hard clay all over the house. Ive heard about a brand that is just as good and has just as much "4x4 monster truck tread", but don't pack with the big clumps. But otherwise are just as rugged and lasting.
I've had army boots, but honestly they were foot killers. I'm talking about a medium-top super rugged boot that has some amount of comfort to them. Any ideas? thank you.
Edit. It's too much to ask for water resistant ones on top of all my other specifications. I can tell you that 2 pairs of socks do indeed get wet in Timberlands. Not sopping wet, but they sure ain't dry.

[Willie]

Cabela's and hunting shops will have a good slection to choose from that should solve the problem.

For deep winter I go with the old white military "Bunny Boots" - the air inflated boots that keep feet warm on frozen ice and lakes at 40 below. You may not get that chilly and be happy with regular boots.

[Chuck Pere]

Here's one old boot thread: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?118824-Hiking-Boots-for-Plantar-Fasciitis&highlight=boots

[Peter Collins]

Like the OP, my experience with membrane-lined boots is that they don't perform very well at getting moisture OUT of the boot. Hence the socks come out quite wet. Sopping wet in the summer.

I, and some others who work(ed) outdoors find (found) that wool socks, even in the summer, perform better at keeping feet comfortable than does cotton, perhaps because feet are a little more cushioned in damp (wet) wool socks than damp or wet cotton socks. Something we talked about during breaks. Also, when a misstep produces 'water over the gunwales' and you have a 'soaker,' pulling off the boot, wringing out the WOOL sock, and re-assembling always worked better for me than did cotton. For years and years. Just my experience.

[f9likethekey]

Cabela's and hunting shops will have a good slection to choose from that should solve the problem.

Agree with the above, also REI will have a good selection (and a 1 year return policy for members). If you want the most stout boot look at limmerboot.com . I have had a pair of their standard and it takes about 6 months to break in. Currently I have a very nice pair of Zamberlan mountaneering boots (waterproof, don't cake mud, should last for a long time), and a pair of lighter Asolo hiking boots. I can recommend all of those, and also Merrell has some great ones.

[Bob Salomon]

Anybody still have Greb boots? I still wear a pair of waterproof ones that I bought in the late 60s! They just need a polish to look new again!

[John Kasaian]

Redwing Irish Setters (the real ones) Alico Summits and Sorels handle all my walking around boot requirements. No complaints.
Irish Setters with the white "prairie" soles won't track in mud----I got a lot of use from them working on our small farm and my bride never complained about me tracking in mud

[Drew Wiley]

I have very painful somewhat deformed feet, but obviously have been a lifelong hiker. Ironically, flat surfaces like roads cause my feet to hurt terribly, while
rough irregular terrain does not. In the high country I have to avoid walking downhill or level on long sections of unrelieved smooth granite slab, but do OK
on relatively steep uphill sections. I wear real US mfg Redwing boots for ordinary day use. Only they seem to have the necessary wide sizing and quality. Can't wear ordinary shoes; need constant ample ankle support. For serious hiking or carrying a pack, I wear expensive custom-made Essatto mtn boots with Vibram soles and highly water-resistant quality leather. My wife it a city gal, so tracking mud into this house is a felony, even though the cats stink it up on a regular
basis. Babysitting one of em right now, who had her leg amputated at UC Davis Vet campus last wk due to a tumor. But she's sound asleep, so think I'll sneak out to the darkroom for a brief film dev session, then do some weeding in the yard this afternoon. Hike tomorrow.... But the first thing I tell a potential backpacking apprentice is - no REI-esque "glorified tennis shoes" or Goretex-topped boots if you want to travel with me in the mtns, esp above timberline.
Too risky. A few inches of snow and you're stuck and in trouble. Might be fine for our local trails or casual hiking at lower altitudes, but skimping on footwear
can be downright fatal in serious mtn and desert terrain. Good boots are one of the most important pieces of equipment you can buy!

[CreationBear]

Vibram soles

I was wondering, did you go with the Kletterlift soles or the softer rubber option? I just put in my order to Alex for Kletterlift's, but there are a lot of walks/wades around here where I could use a bit more "tackiness".

[Two23]

This depends on what you are using the boots for, and what conditions. I live on the Northern Plains and have three pairs of boots, depending on conditions. When it's pretty cold (-20 to -50F) I wear a pair of Baffin Boots designed for polar expeditions. Extremely warm but difficult to drive in. My standard winter boot is the Danner hunting boot with air bob soles (great traction in snow!) and 400 grams Thinsulate insulation, GoreTex waterproof. Danner is a great boot. My three season boot is Danner Vitals. These are uninsulated and by no stretch are they a winter boot, at least not for temps colder than ~25F. They are VERY lightweight and waterproof. I've hunted pheasants in them all day long and they are extremely light and comfortable. I may be replacing my Danner winter boots as after 18 years they are nearly worn out (sole is coming unglued.) I will probably replace them with a pair of Cabelas winter hunting boots with 800gm Thinsulate, waterproof, and air bob soles (best type for snow.)
https://www.cabelas.com/product/home/shop-all-boots-for-the-family/mens-boots/mens-hunting-boots/pc/105625080/c/1512670680/sc/963641880/i/104826780/cabelas-mens-gram-all-leather-iron-ridge-hunting-boots-with-gore-tex-reg/748572.uts?slotId=0

For summer hiking I don't wear boots unless I'm hiking on glaciers
. I either wear a pair of Merrill trail shoes (heavy, GoreTex) or Merrill lightweight shoes that are like tennis shoes with aggressive soles.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-adventure-lace-waterproof/29196M.html?dwvar_29196M_color=J91825#cgid=men-footwear-view-all&start=1

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-ventilator-wide-width/27948M.html?dwvar_27948M_color=J06015W#cgid=men-footwear-hiking&start=1

Another good brand of boot I've had in the past are Rocky boots. A good value.

Probably the boot I wear most are the Danner winter hunting boots, but I'm more active outdoors in winter than summer.

Danner Vital (love these!)
https://www.cabelas.com/product/DANNER-VITAL-UNINS/2498610.uts?slotId=0

I am an "all around" outdoorsman--hunting, cut fire wood, hiking, etc. I also travel a lot to places like Yellowstone, Jasper Ice Fields, Iceland, Mt. Ranier NP, etc.


Kent in SD

[Two23]

A lot of farms have something like this right outside the back door:
https://www.cabelas.com/product/YakTrax-Boot-Scrubber/1622622.uts?slotId=2


Kent in SD

[Drew Wiley]

Danners are too narrow a fit for me, and might be OK for trail use in the woods, but are way too light duty for sustained rough off-trail mtn travel, esp if ice
axes etc are involved. My best pair of boots ever was a pair of REAL Swiss Raiche leather double boots long before the era of such companies whoring their reputation to cheap imports from the other direction of the globe. I could post-hole and kick steps in deep snow all day long without those things soaking through. But they were miserably heavy and a nightmare to break-in. I'm not as ambitious as my younger days, so my lighter Essatto boots work quite well even for extended off trail travel. But now they offer a heavier version too, more akin to real mountaineering boots. Eastern-style hunting boots don't work too well when things get steep and you have to negotiate narrow ledges etc. And soft shallow-lug rock-climbing soles would simply wear out quick. The other priority for me is that boots have to be capable of being repeatedly resoled. You can go out and buy a $200 pair of boots that aren't, and end up paying ten times as much in the long run - say over a 20 yr period - replacing so-so boots per se versus spending $800 right up front for a really good pair that lasts and genuinely fits. My previous pair of custom boots (which I just wore in the garden) lasted 20 yrs and eight sole replacements before they became unrepairable. When I first bought them they cost only 250 bucks - a lot to pay in that era, but a bargain in the long run.

[Alan Gales]

In all the photo forums, I don't recall any discussions on boots. Like in the kind you wear. Mighty dadgum important subject for those of us who trudge out with cameras (or chainsaws for that matter). I've been thinking of a new pair of Timberlands, and I've got an old pair already that are still usable. Great boots, but they sure do pack with mud on the soles. Problem is when the mud dries, it shrinks and you've got big clumps of hard clay all over the house. Ive heard about a brand that is just as good and has just as much "4x4 monster truck tread", but don't pack with the big clumps. But otherwise are just as rugged and lasting.
I've had army boots, but honestly they were foot killers. I'm talking about a medium-top super rugged boot that has some amount of comfort to them. Any ideas? thank you.
Edit. It's too much to ask for water resistant ones on top of all my other specifications. I can tell you that 2 pairs of socks do indeed get wet in Timberlands. Not sopping wet, but they sure ain't dry.

When I started working as a Tinner my feet would sweat when I was moving around and when I had to stand in one place to work then my feet would get cold. I tried wearing two pair of cotton socks and I just ended up with two pair of wet socks. One of the Journeymen told me to try wool socks. I did and I never had any trouble with my feet getting cold again and that was without wearing insulated boots. Of course that is here in St. Louis where it rarely gets below 0 degrees fahrenheit.

If wearing regular boots in wet areas there are products that you can apply to help seal your boots. I owned a separate pair of water proof boots for those times.

[John Kasaian]

Fun discussion.
One issue is where to get good boots.
Unless you live near the source, brick and mortar stores that can fit you are rare (like Drew mentioned, I find REIs lacking when it comes to the kinds of boots that work for me)
That leaves the internet.
My advice is to find an e-tailer who takes their customers seriously, and order well before you'll actually need boots. It may take several returns to nail the fit if you have to DIY. European boot widths are almost always too narrow for most Americans.

[Old_Dick]

As some people have mentioned, good boots are part of the hiking solution. Socks come next. You want to look into a "liner sock", it wicks moister away from you skin. Next a good wool sock. Remember, "cotton kills", this has more to do in cold weather. Wicking, is a good thing for your body in general, tops, bottoms and feet.

[Alan Gales]

Fun discussion.
One issue is where to get good boots.
Unless you live near the source, brick and mortar stores that can fit you are rare (like Drew mentioned, I find REIs lacking when it comes to the kinds of boots that work for me)
That leaves the internet.
My advice is to find an e-tailer who takes their customers seriously, and order well before you'll actually need boots. It may take several returns to nail the fit if you have to DIY. European boot widths are almost always too narrow for most Americans.

You said it, John! It's hard to buy shoes online. I usually end up sending them back. I have wide feet with tall arches. I do better with boots but it is really hard for me to find athletic shoes. I can wear Converse basketball shoes but with running shoes I have to try on pair after pair after pair. I don't know how people can wear Nike's. I can't even get some of them on my feet! ;)

[Two23]

Fortunately, where I live there are lots of outdoor/hunting outfitters with a great selection of boots. I too wear Smart Wool socks in the warmer months, and heavy wool blend socks in winter. I never wear cotton socks for hunting/hiking. The problem is the socks will get wet from perspiration and dramatically increase the chance you'll get blisters.


Kent in SD

[mmerig]

A few years ago I bought the mid-weight Limmer's, out of New Hampshire. The non-custom made ones (like mine) are made in Austria. But you still send in an outline of your feet for correct sizing. I had a question about them and spoke with Mr. Limmer and he was very helpful. They have a Norwegian welt with a Vibram sole and one-piece leather uppers. They remind me of the Fabiano Rias from the 1970's. I've used all kinds of shoes and boots, and will spare the details, but my main reason for getting the Limmers was economy (see Drew Wiley's post #12) and having a boot that was heavy enough for off-trail hiking on steep terrain with a 30-pound pack, but not a full-blown, stiff mountaineering boot like a Galibier Super Guide, or a modern plastic-shelled mountaineering boot. The Limmer's took awhile to break in, but they are worth the trouble. I would not use them for trail hiking unless you need a lot of support or are in muddy, wet conditions often. Limmer still makes custom boots, but the waiting period is quite long and they are expensive.

[HT Finley]

Down here in NC, cotton socks are cheap and do very nicely in most cases. I found that wearing 2 pairs is OK. It's rare to be in a condition where you could get a dangerous frostbite. I should have reckoned I'd get some extreme responses, given the widespread nature of the internet. I believe I was just fishing for someone who knew the brand of boots like Timberland (work boots), but don't clog up so bad. People up North have a whole different situation. I have an idea that up there and Canada that some serious Battle-of-the-Bulge or North Korea style outdoorsmanship can really be a matter of freezing your toes dead. I promise you if it's below about 43 degrees I'll just not go out with my chainsaw or camera. We don't get a whole lot of sub freezing days all day long. Maybe a 10 day stretch or 2 weeks but none of that stuff they get up north.

[Torlief]

My two pairs of non custom Limmers are the only boots that I have ever truly loved and been happy with. Yes they take a while to break in, especially my mid-weight, but they are absolutely worth it. The are waterproof without goretex so long as you keep them sealed. And as far as I know they are the only leather boot maker that created the entire boot (minus the tongue) out of one single piece of leather. There is one seam on the inside of the foot in the most protected place. Truly wonderful boots. I dont know what they cost these days because Ive had mine for over 10 years, but whatever it is, its worth the price.

[John Kasaian]

Down here in NC, cotton socks are cheap and do very nicely in most cases. I found that wearing 2 pairs is OK. It's rare to be in a condition where you could get a dangerous frostbite. I should have reckoned I'd get some extreme responses, given the widespread nature of the internet. I believe I was just fishing for someone who knew the brand of boots like Timberland (work boots), but don't clog up so bad. People up North have a whole different situation. I have an idea that up there and Canada that some serious Battle-of-the-Bulge or North Korea style outdoorsmanship can really be a matter of freezing your toes dead. I promise you if it's below about 43 degrees I'll just not go out with my chainsaw or camera. We don't get a whole lot of sub freezing days all day long. Maybe a 10 day stretch or 2 weeks but none of that stuff they get up north.

Look for Irish Setters with prairie soles if you don't want to track mud.
I originally bought mine for the desert ---uninsulated, but they make an insulated version as well.

[Peter De Smidt]

I've had good luck with Asolo hiking boots.

[Two23]

My work boots are Catepillars, with steel toes. Mostly only use them around the farm though--the steel toes get cold in winter. For work boots I'd suggest going to your local farm & ranch store. They'll have a good selection and what they stock will be quality. The newer boots with a lot of Cordura nylon are turning out to wear better than the all leather ones I have. As for brand, my philosophy is to try them on. If they feel good, they are good. Still don't like cotton socks though. They just get wet and stay wet.

Here's a list of the work boots that Bomgaars carries in my regional farm & ranch store, to give you an idea:
http://www.bomgaars.com/departments/footwear/


Kent in SD

[William Whitaker]

Had a chance yesterday to use my Vasque Talus Trek Ultradry boots I purchased last summer from REI in Greensboro. Footwear is, I think, a very personal item. One man's steak is another man's boiled beets. Both have nutritional value, but the gustatory experience is vastly different.

I have always been very difficult to fit for shoes and recall painful trips with my mom to the shoe store as a very young child. I don't think I could ever buy online for that reason.
But, as mentioned above, REI has a very generous return policy for members which was the final straw in getting me to part with my hard-earned cash.

Yesterday's outing at Hanging Rock SP was mild by any standard. A very short loop (0.3 miles, I believe, one-way). The boots proved splendid. It was my legs, knees, lungs and back that were the limiting factor, by far. Now, I never went as far as splashing about in the water, so can't speak to water repellency. But the boots and my feet were never part of my discomfort.
Or, perhaps, the rest of me was in enough pain and discomfort to mask any discomfort from the feet. But I am diabetic and deal daily with the associated neuropathy in my feet. I think I found a great pair of boots (for me). YMMV.

[Corran]

Perhaps not "work" boots, but I have both low- and mid-cut Merrill Moab 2 hiking shoes and plan on getting the high-cut boots next. I've actually switched all of my shoes to Merrills - I LOVE the Moabs.

[Two23]

I have a pair of the all leather Moabs and mostly wear those for summer hikes. They are very sturdy. I call them my "adventure shoes."


Kent in SD

[pchaplo]

+1 For Catepillars, after years of wearing Wolverines. Got my Catepillars at Academy Sports. Also, even after going to Redwing store (and being dissapointed), I went with Catepillars and also wear Sketchers. Again Academy has lots (here).


My work boots are Catepillars, with steel toes. Mostly only use them around the farm though--the steel toes get cold in winter. For work boots I'd suggest going to your local farm & ranch store. They'll have a good selection and what they stock will be quality. The newer boots with a lot of Cordura nylon are turning out to wear better than the all leather ones I have. As for brand, my philosophy is to try them on. If they feel good, they are good. Still don't like cotton socks though. They just get wet and stay wet.

Here's a list of the work boots that Bomgaars carries in my regional farm & ranch store, to give you an idea:
http://www.bomgaars.com/departments/footwear/


Kent in SD

[Jac@stafford.net]

Red Wing boots made in Red Wing, Minnesota.
(Not their foreign mades.)

Lifetime rebuilds. Great fit.
.

[MrFujicaman]

My work boots are Catepillars, with steel toes. Mostly only use them around the farm though--the steel toes get cold in winter. For work boots I'd suggest going to your local farm & ranch store. They'll have a good selection and what they stock will be quality. The newer boots with a lot of Cordura nylon are turning out to wear better than the all leather ones I have. As for brand, my philosophy is to try them on. If they feel good, they are good. Still don't like cotton socks though. They just get wet and stay wet.

Here's a list of the work boots that Bomgaars carries in my regional farm & ranch store, to give you an idea:
http://www.bomgaars.com/departments/footwear/


Kent in SD

If you look around some places have work boots with "composite" safety toes. I don't know if they are carbon fiber or fiberglass or what, but some protection beats no protection.

[John Kasaian]

Here you go:
http://www.redwingshoes.com/leather-boots
I refer to them as Irish Setter. My bad.
My pair are over 25 years old and I'll send them in for resoling and restoration before too long.

[Drew Wiley]

Look like the Redwings I wear in lieu of shoes, or for simple walks on graded trails. Certainly not for real hiking with a heavy pack. Our local Redwing store is in a bad part of Oakland. They keep the door locked and you have to ring the doorbell to get in; but they have all the good stuff in stock. The Chinese clones, even sold by Redwing, don't last 10% as long, and can't be resoled either.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Red Wing is close to my heart because they are just a bit North of me on the Mississippi River. I did their first electronic catalog and employee training manual, too, long ago. I'm set for boots for the rest of my life. :)

[HT Finley]

I just found out the Timberlands that I have on now, that served me so well through those winters of wood cutting for my very survival those 4 years, are made in the Dominican Republic. As I look down, they look awful, but are nowhere near worn out. But they sure do trample in with mud clumps that shrink out of the tread overnight and end up as little clods all over the house next day. Thanks for all the tips.

[Alan Gales]

But they sure do trample in with mud clumps that shrink out of the tread overnight and end up as little clods all over the house next day. Thanks for all the tips.

You must not be married. :) My wife insists that I take my shoes off upon entering the house. I admit that it does keep the house a lot cleaner. Keep the boots and buy a comfortable pair of slippers for inside!

[Jac@stafford.net]

But they sure do trample in with mud clumps that shrink out of the tread overnight and end up as little clods all over the house next day. Thanks for all the tips.

:) That's why a proper rural home has a mud room and utility sink to wash off the boots. A shower would be a plus. Ours had that and a clothes washer and dryer, and a small fridge for beer.

[Alan Gales]

:) That's why a proper rural home has a mud room and utility sink to wash off the boots. A shower would be a plus. Ours had that and a clothes washer and dryer, and a small fridge for beer.

Gotta have the beer! ;)

[Paul Ron]

Vasque Summit... heavy backpackers for the mountains. Northface gortex low hikers for in town hikes.

[esearing]

Keen Targhee II or Merrill Moab - waterproof hightop for general hiking.
I have slightly wider flat feet so these brands are comfortable to me.

Korkers boots with swappable soles for fly fishing and wading, comfortable for short hikes to/in streams. Can be worn over waders or neoprene socks.