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Post by cweston on Aug 14, 2015 12:45:05 GMT -8
I've been wearing Vasque Sundowners (GTX)--traditional leather boots--for several seasons and liked them, but the current pair is ready to be retired, and I'm wanting to try something lighter.
Requirements:
1) "waterproof" and/or GTX lined. Most of my hiking is in the high mountain country in summer--plenty of creek crossings and snow travel is involved, and heat is not really an issue (except sometimes on approach/exit days.)
2) must be a very aggressive tread. I do a lot of scrambling on steep terrain, off-trail travel, etc. I can't be slipping and falling, especially since I have some back trouble and violent, twisting motions (like when one falls unexpectedly) are the worst.
3) Can't be made out of doilies. I hike hard and put hard miles on my boots.
4) Must be mid height boots--no low shoes.
I'm going to have to do some research and try a lot of things on, of course, but am happy to receive the wisdom of you wise people as a starting point.
Thanks!
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reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,141 
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Post by reuben on Aug 14, 2015 13:34:52 GMT -8
We all have our preferences, but for something that I'd look at Asolo. I have a pair that I use in some situations, but mine aren't waterproof. Anything with a "G" in the name is probably Goretex/waterproof, but check the specs to be sure. |
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Post by ecocentric on Aug 14, 2015 15:02:32 GMT -8
I've worn out a couple of pairs of Sundowners. I've got some Garmonts now that fit my high volume foot very well and are very comfortable, and very waterproof, though heavier then the Sundowners. Having just checked the wear on them, I plan on taking them to the store where I bought them about some breakdown in that cushy midsole between the boot and the sole. It might be a simple repair or signs of impending blow out. I lost a sole on a pair of Galibier Vercours in Palisade Basin, a long ways from a trailhead and was lucky that I didn't get hurt worse then I did. It sucks when your stove fails or you rip your tent, but you have to have boots to walk out. Those boots are older than some forum members and I still have them, but I don't trust them when I walk far away from the car. I walk off trail a lot, and even hikes from home involve lots of rocky stream crossings.
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Post by hikerjer on Aug 16, 2015 18:00:23 GMT -8
I have a pair of LL Bean Cresta Hikers - the all leather model - which have become my favorite boots. They've held up well and are extremely comfortable. And remember, Bean's has an iron proof return policy if they don't work out. I seldom use them much anymore though since I find trail shoes genrally fit my needs, but when off trail in the scree, talus and rocks, like you, I prefer my Crestas. You might look at them.
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geosp
Trail Wise!
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Post by geosp on Aug 17, 2015 14:19:38 GMT -8
Another vote here for Asolo. I find the boots are comfortable right out of the box. I use Asolo TPS 535 and they've served many comfortable miles over various terrains. Not sure if you can get gortex lining with them - mine have a cambrelle lining which is a similar equivalent. Apparently cooler than gortex and 'wicks' moisture from your foot. Manufacturers of the lining reckon it will absorb three and a half times its weight in moisture. They seem to dry out pretty quick once your sock is wrung, even after prolonged creek immersion.
I once tried Garmont, which is a similar looking boot to the Asolo but found them uncomfortable, for my feet anyhow.
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Post by OddBall on Aug 18, 2015 19:42:23 GMT -8
As someone who has struggled to get the right pair of hiking boots for almost two decades, I can finally say I've found the right pair of boots. Like others, I started with a pair of Vasque Sundowner's years ago and still have them in relatively good condition but they were always to small for my feet and fatiguing because they don't have a lot of cushion. I've used Danner combats for my military uniform for nearly a decade and found them to be very comfortable but when I purchased a pair of their American Made hiking boots I ended up with a size that was to small and could only manage sock liners to accommodate a thick insole for cushion on my heels (this was one of the more expensive misfires for purchases I've made). This Spring I was determined to end my quest for a good boot once and for all. I happened to be looking at REI's line of Keene boots and was pleasantly surprised to find they were American made and reasonably priced at about $180. I happened to have my 20% member coupon that weekend and picked them up for $144 plus tax. There are some reviews where people say you can't put a custom foot liner in but I found that not to be true. I've taken out the stock liner and put in a pair of gel liners and it's like I'm walking in tennis shoes. They are of course water proof, high ankle support and aggressively lugged for traction. |
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Post by Dynteryx on Aug 21, 2015 16:37:53 GMT -8
One brand of boot fits one guy and another fits someone else. For you, the vasque seem to work. If it ain't broke.... don't fix it.
I would get another pair of Sundowners.
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Post by tallgrass on Aug 29, 2015 18:41:39 GMT -8
One brand of boot fits one guy and another fits someone else. For you, the vasque seem to work. If it ain't broke.... don't fix it. I would get another pair of Sundowners. I just had a pair of Vasque boots that I've dearly loved. Worn them for quite a few years and have been terrific boots. Spent quite a bit of time at REI and could not find a new pair that fit to save my life. They were all too narrow for me. Not a good fit. I was really quite disappointed. |
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Post by WoodChuck on Aug 31, 2015 12:25:38 GMT -8
I really like my Salomon Quest 4D II GTX Hiking Boots but that is just my personal preference.
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Post by jhaveman on Sept 11, 2015 4:45:29 GMT -8
It might not be hard-core enough for you, but I love my Merrell All-Out Blaze boots. Light, waterproof and mid-height. Just got back from two weeks in RMNP and GTNP and they worked flawlessly. Comfortable as hell too.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Sept 11, 2015 7:23:33 GMT -8
It might not be hard-core enough for you, but I love my Merrell All-Out Blaze boots. Light, waterproof and mid-height. Just got back from two weeks in RMNP and GTNP and they worked flawlessly. Comfortable as hell too. ive also headed more in that direction: La Sportiva Synthesis. Served very well on trail and off for a recent ten day Sierra trip. Comfortable enough for daily wear on day trips. Coupled with Darn Tough socks worked out just fine. I wouldn't choose them for snow routes but that's about my only reservation. |
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BlueBear
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@GoBlueHiker
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Post by BlueBear on Sept 11, 2015 8:46:22 GMT -8
I've got some Garmonts now that fit my high volume foot very well and are very comfortable, and very waterproof, though heavier then the Sundowners. Having just checked the wear on them, I plan on taking them to the store where I bought them about some breakdown in that cushy midsole between the boot and the sole. It might be a simple repair or signs of impending blow out. The store's not going to be able to do anything about that. The comfy EVA foam that goes into 90% of shoes and boots breaks down very quickly, and those aren't "replaceable soles" (which themselves are a dying breed). That foam is almost always the first thing to go on such boots, and once it's destroyed, they're landfill material; doesn't matter what the boots cost to begin with. It's the "throw away" society we live in... very few manufacturers even make boots that last 5 years or more anymore, they're all 1-3 years with even light-to-moderate wear and to the junkpile they go. Unfortunately, because of the midsoles, these boots won't necessarily last any longer than these shoes do, given equal wear. Some manufacturers still make their boots out of the tried-and-true Polyurethane (PU) rubber (Asolo comes to mind as one), but you have to look for them. - Mike |
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Sept 11, 2015 8:49:49 GMT -8
Cweston, as I'm certain you're aware, fit is everything. Everyone's favorite boots might not fit you for anything, so individual suggestions here can be taken with a grain of salt. I assume you're just looking for potentially good leads to try on in the store yourself.
I don't have much to suggest. I haven't bought more than ankle-high hiking shoes in years (excepting a couple pairs of 6-lb heavy pac boots for Greenland, but that's another story). Best of luck in the search!
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