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Post by trekkahubba on Jun 6, 2023 19:38:57 GMT -8
hey,
I've spent the past few month putting together a pretty comprehensive list of the very best hiking boots available this year. I've tried to include a boot for every kind of setting, but lets be honest, if it is comfy, waterproof and durable as heck, most of us are pretty happy with that, right?
I've also put together some pretty good articles (I think) for a number of topics around the subject of footwear. I'd really value peoples feedback on my site - its still in development so don't be too harsh with your judgement. Were all just hikers at the end of the day. I hope it's ok to share the link as , although there is an area that links to some products on the site, it is much more than that.
as time goes on I will be looking to do similar blogs and reviews of all kinds of essential outdoor gear.
anyway, like i said i hope sharing this link is ok: Link removed by Mods as advertising is not allowed. It is our hope that the poster will return to participate more, and then can include a link to the blog in the signature area.
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zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886
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Post by zeke on Jun 7, 2023 3:38:01 GMT -8
There are plenty of opinions on which footwear is best, but ultimately it always comes down to fit, fit, and then fit. There aren't many cases where heavy boots are a popular choice unless we are talking about long stretches of scree and boulders. For instance, I swapped over to low cut Oboz about 15 years ago and have never looked back. I also benefit from having a foot that is easy to find a good fitting shoe. Footwear that is comfortable right out of the box for me is not always good for others. Finding the right footwear has no shortcuts. It is just being able to spend the time trying on as many shoes as it takes to find a comfortable fit.
Edited to add: I just noticed the OP has a UK email addy. What is available there is likely to be much different from what is available in the States.
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Post by oldbill on Jun 7, 2023 4:32:54 GMT -8
Finding the right footwear has no shortcuts. Certainly have been down that trail! Still on it. My Brannock measurement is 10B with an 11 arch and a right foot with less volume than left. 10.5's (or EU 44/10.5+) feel good but don't provide enough toe room on long, steep downhills regardless of how they are tightened. 11's result in having to double heavy-sock the right & add lamb's wool to take up extra volume or otherwise modify heel cup. Only European models offer anything suitable in narrower lasts. Besides the critical fit, traction performance is a big factor for me. Want to trust my traction if I have to descend steep wet rock or get around an occasional class 3 crux. One reason I don't use Salomon's - just can't trust the traction on wet rock. Still use GTX mid's as I like the extra warmth on frosty mornings in the alpine and the protection for off trail sections. Besides, the lamb's wool modification only works in boots, not shoes.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 15,000
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Post by driftwoody on Jun 7, 2023 9:01:41 GMT -8
trekkahubba, upon joining our little online community a good first step is to intruduce yourself in the Trailhead Register. You will be asked for your personal insights and/or preferences on important matters such as kilts and brussel sprouts.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 15,000
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Post by driftwoody on Jun 7, 2023 9:19:52 GMT -8
Regarding hiking footwear, I don't think you'll find universal agreement on "waterproof and durable as heck."
FIT is of course the universally required first metric, but lightweight and breathable are next on the list for many veteran backpackers. Waterproof diminishes breathability, and durability is relative. Even the most well constructed trail runners or light hikers will not be as durable as full grain leather boots, but they're less expensive and buying a new pair every year is totally acceptable to those who place a high value on light weight.
For me, there is no such thing as a do-it-all footwear product. I have a pair of breathable trail runners for warm weather day hikes; mid-weight waterproof boots for cooler weather and rugged dayhikes; and waterproof boots with more support for backpacking in rocky terrain.
As always, HYOH and YMMV.
I will dive into the link in the OP after questions on kilts and such are answered.
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,935
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Post by ErnieW on Jun 8, 2023 4:07:06 GMT -8
I'm waiting for a second or more post from the OP. I don't think I should post anymore of a reply. I think I am too cranky from all the smoke here in the NYC area.
Cough, cough ...rules... cough, cough
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Post by oldbill on Jun 8, 2023 7:11:35 GMT -8
For me, there is no such thing as a do-it-all footwear product. I have a pair of breathable trail runners for warm weather day hikes; mid-weight waterproof boots for cooler weather and rugged dayhikes; and waterproof boots with more support for backpacking in rocky terrain. Happy to see I'm not alone in that strategy! Still looking for the perfect stream-crossing shoe (less than 8z/pr, packable with full protection). I am too cranky from all the smoke here in the NYC area. Can relate to that. Ain't fun hiding inside here in CT.
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Post by cweston on Jun 8, 2023 9:01:29 GMT -8
oldbill, My camp/crossing shoes are rubber, like a cross between Crocs and fisherman's sandals. I bought them years ago for almost nothing at Walmart. I rarely seem to see anything like them, though.
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Post by oldbill on Jun 8, 2023 11:57:58 GMT -8
Thanks! Looks great. I check Walmart occasionally but options seem kinda heavy. My Crocs are coming in at 14 oz. A couple of folks have suggested just tightening laces on GTX boots and crossing w/o socks & inserts. Naturally, I'm a bit hesitant to test that on a multiday trip in colder weather.
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,935
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Post by ErnieW on Jun 8, 2023 12:51:10 GMT -8
You can use bread bags or storage bags (not ziplock) over dry socks in the wet boots after crossing. I haven't done that in ages so I won't vouch for if it works well. With my east coast hikes there is usually some way over the streams unlike out west.
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Post by oldbill on Jun 8, 2023 13:12:34 GMT -8
ErnieW - That worked well for me last year. My brand new GTX boots failed on an all day rain hike in. My nephew's 6 year old GTX boots were fine. Feet were numb by the time we made camp. I have Raynaud's so that didn't help. Tried drying by the fire but no go. Used produce bags for the next 2 days. Surprised they got that bad with just sustained light rain. Can only guess what a drenching with a water crossing would do. Can't find non-GTX in a boot that fits me well and still has what I want in terms of performance.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jun 8, 2023 13:27:08 GMT -8
Okay: hiking boots.
Let’s see a full resume of your hiking history, routes, duration, conditions encountered.
All the things that could, could, add up to a basis for something about “ best” boots remotely founded in reality.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 15,000
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Post by driftwoody on Jun 8, 2023 13:46:16 GMT -8
OP still has a total of 1 post.
Looks like a hit & run, so I still haven't clicked on the link. Trust needs to be earned.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jun 8, 2023 16:34:27 GMT -8
OP still has a total of 1 post. Looks like a hit & run, so I still haven't clicked on the link. Trust needs to be earned. My take is expertise needs to be demonstrated not asserted.
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,685
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 8, 2023 16:59:49 GMT -8
OP still has a total of 1 post. Looks like a hit & run, so I still haven't clicked on the link. Trust needs to be earned. Mods removed the link as advertising. So you needn’t worry about the temptation to click. And as the OP hasn’t been back nor responded to the explanation (PM) of what was done, i think we can take it that the spammer hit and run. As for boots, we all have our opinions, and can discuss it endlessly, since it all depends on a) your foot and b) the type of hiking you do. My boot won’t be your boot.
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