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Post by hikerjer on Dec 19, 2023 10:06:56 GMT -8
So, I’m in the market for some new hiking boots- not trail shoes but medium weight boots suitable for off trail use through rough scree and talus and good in snow. Assuming all other things are equal - fit, style, etc. - in your expert opinion what are the most durable brands out there. I’d prefer all leather, no fabric. While I won’t say price is no object, I am willing to pay for them.
Thanks much.
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,928 
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Post by ErnieW on Dec 19, 2023 20:24:57 GMT -8
No Goretex? That's my preference. Goretex boots seems to leak eventually. Full grain leather treated with bee's wax is always waterproof for my Asolo 535's.
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Post by downriver on Dec 19, 2023 20:41:09 GMT -8
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 19, 2023 22:37:47 GMT -8
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,995
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Post by driftwoody on Dec 20, 2023 3:46:39 GMT -8
I'm very happy with my Crispi Thor 2 goretex boots. I haven't worn them long enough to attest to durability, but Crispi is a highly regarded Italian maker of hunting boots. The Thor 2 has a stiff sole and is among their lightest boots.
There is always a tradeoff between weight and rugged durability. I wanted higher ankle support and a stiff sole, whereas some people are fine backpacking in trail runners.
If you're comfortable in trail runners, durability is not an issue because you can just buy a new pair every year. They cost less than sturdy boots which are harder to break in, and if it turns out the fit just isn't right after putting in some miles you won't have wasted an expensive investment. When you find a pair that are great for your feet, buy some backups when they're on sale.
Heavy boots, especially for hikers past middle age, can be fatiguing and reduce your miles. Comfort and fit are paramount. I feel the need for more support around the ankle and underfoot, but YMMV.
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daveg
Trail Wise!
Michigan
Posts: 565
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Post by daveg on Dec 21, 2023 9:01:34 GMT -8
I recently purchased a pair of lnov-8 Rocfly G 390 GTX boots for winter and shoulder season hiking. They are not leather but may meet your other criteria so I thought I would mention them. The boot is marketed as having a "GRAPHENE-GRIP™ rubber [outsole that] ensures the world’s toughest traction over all types of ground, and a durable rip-stop upper, which is combined with a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, keeps feet dry and comfortable." The claim is that the Graphene infused outsole doubles its life but at the cost of some loss of stickiness on wet rock. I haven't used them long enough to know whether the durability claims are true. The boot is light (17.3 oz each for my size 14, which is only 4.6 oz heavier than my NB Hierro v7 trail runners), well cushioned, and provides a good grip (except the outsole clogs in mud). The toe box is nice and wide and the boot seems to handle various types of terrain well. I have an older pair of Inov-8 Roclite trail runners and have been happy with them, so I expect I will also be happy with the Rocfly G 390s. That said, I am curious about how well the uppers will hold up. The uppers are stiffer and have a slicker texture than I am used to and there is always the question of when the GTX will fail.  |
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Post by downriver on Dec 22, 2023 8:47:34 GMT -8
Those Limmer boots are beautiful, High Sierra Fan. Exceptional quality and beautiful craftsmanship. I really like the look of the black leather and Vibram soles. Years ago I was going to buy a pair when I lived in Montana.
Happy Trails,
DR
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 22, 2023 18:45:22 GMT -8
Those Limmer boots are beautiful, High Sierra Fan. Exceptional quality and beautiful craftsmanship. I really like the look of the black leather and Vibram soles. Years ago I was going to buy a pair when I lived in Montana. Happy Trails, DR they’re on my list for my next visit to North Conway. For off trail rocks in the Sierra I need the thicker sole, had to give up my beloved Pivetta Muir Trails because of that. |
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 22, 2023 19:35:11 GMT -8
Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. Much to think about. I’ve been aware of Limmers for a long time and they seem pretty dang attractive even at their price.
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Post by oldbill on Jan 2, 2024 11:47:00 GMT -8
Please post when you do decide and have a chance to test them out. I'm always in search for new footwear it seems! I will add to driftwoody comment that Crispi's have high praise from hunters who do a lot of serious off trail hiking. The Graphene sole material was interesting as it came up in my last boot search. But I was seeking something more secure on wet rocks, particularly after the comfortable, but slippery grip of Salomon Quests. Having to cross a wet talus field or descend a steep, wet ledge requires some dependable grip. |
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Post by leadbelly on Jan 4, 2024 10:49:15 GMT -8
I'll second (third?) Limmer boots if you want/need all leather. I've worn two pair, the Standard and the Lightweight, since 2005 and 2007, respectively. I had the Standards resoled a while back, I wear them more often. The standard is a really stiff and kind of heavy boot that feels great after breaking it in, but it's not a forgiving boot. The lightweight is still robust and easier to break in. Both of mine were made in Germany, the off-the-shelf models, not custom. Both boots have a solid midsole, effectively no cushioning, which tends to leave my feet tired at the end of a long day. Part of the price I've paid for getting older, I guess. I wear them mostly for day hikes now. If you're willing to stray from a full leather boot, Salomon's Quest 4 is a great option. Plenty of support and foot protection, a fair bit less break-in, and quite durable. They feel lighter and have a more flexible midsole than leather boots. When I hiked the Presidential traverse in the White Mountains a few summers ago & was in the Adirondacks last summer, this is what I wore - they work better with my custom orthotics, and my old-ish feet feel better after a long day in these than they do in full leather boots. I have (hopefully) included links to my reviews of each on Trailspace, where I'm part of the gear review team. I highly recommend reviews on the site. Outdoorgearlab.com does a nice job with reviews too if you're doing homework and looking for reviews/opinions. Limmer Lightweight: Limmer LightweightLimmer Standard: Limmer StandardSalomon Quest 4 GTX: Salomon Quest 4 GTX |
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Post by oldbill on Mar 2, 2024 6:19:28 GMT -8
I’ve been aware of Limmers for a long time and they seem pretty dang attractive even at their price. Be interested in knowing what you wind up with. Guess fit will be deciding factor. Just exchanged my Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite for their Rapace. That has a big following amongst hunters and off-trail backpackers. Salewa is for narrow feet though. Had to give up weight for a firmer boot with more durable upper. The Mtn Trainer Lite had superb traction but the GTX failed after only ~150 miles. Have had great luck with Lowa (Ranger, Camino) and Scarpa (Kailash, Zodiac+) backpacking boots as well. |
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Post by downriver on Mar 8, 2024 12:04:27 GMT -8
Hikerjer, Not sure if you’ve purchased boots yet, but I want to throw this model out as I really like their low model. Do you remember Raichle boot? Well, Mammut bought them. These are really nice. I like the sturdy build on this model. Very comfortable insoles with an excellent sticky grip on the outsoles. GTX boots for a good price. Double-layer mesh on the outside. Might be worth a look at the $135 price. I really like the sapphire blue color. I would order 1/2 size up if you decide to try them. They also have them in a mid-level boot www.mammut.com/us/en/outlet/products/3030-03471-50293/ducan-high-gtx-menHappy Trails, DR |
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