Lightweight, economical hiking boots

[John Harper]

Looking for some new hiking boots for backpacking and dayhikes, stream crossing likely. Only planning on maybe a 20 lb. pack at the very extreme. Usually get cheapos and toss, but maybe some of you experts have some ideas. I use wool socks and never had a blister problem with any boots so far. Maybe $100 price range, I've never paid that for any shoe.

John

[beachbum]

I really like my Merrells. The goretex models are great. Sometimes you can find deals on them too.

[RichardCullip]

I recently picked up a pair of lightweight Inov-8 Roclite 295's ($110) - http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&L=27&P=5050973003

I found them very comfortable and they gripped both dry rock and wet stream bed remarkably well. They immediately became my favorite pair of backpacking/stream crossing/wet wading shoes I have ever used. I paired them with Vermont Darn Tough 1/4 cushion wool socks and enjoyed using them on a three day/two night backpacking/fishing trip last week end. My feet got wet during multiple stream crossings and while fishing but the shoes dried quickly and my wool socks were warm and comfortable even when wet. So much easier to hike in these lightweight trail runners (21 oz for the pair) instead of my old, much heavier, hiking boots or my Simms Rivershed wading boots.

[John Harper]

Richard,

I think I saw your recommendation on that "other" site. That's what got me interested. I'll check them out for sure, I know you've done some gnarly hoofing up some steeps in the last year.

John

[John Harper]

Any particular model of Merrells, I see a boatload of different styles on REI, GoreTex and GTX, not sure if the same?

John

[beachbum]

Any particular model of Merrells, I see a boatload of different styles on REI, GoreTex and GTX, not sure if the same?

John

Well, the model I found to be the greatest (for me) were the Chameleon Ventilator high-tops, but they were the big ticket item several years ago. I thought they were so great that I ended up buying four pairs of them at REI online. Merrell boots (again, for me) fit perfectly right out of the box. They're like sliding your feet into little pillows. I've never picked up a hot spot or blister in these things. In fairness, I have no idea what the latest Merrell models are like. But I cant imagine them being anything different than the high quality products they've made in the past.

Every pair of Merrells I have ever bought (all size 12) has fit me perfectly. I am a bit of a fanatic, and have at least 6 pairs.

this is the one I use for light hiking now:
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product ... Waterproof

I wore out a pair of these:

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product ... mensions=0

Those are two of my favorites. REI and Sierra Trading Post both have sales where you can get them at a better price, but sometimes it's worth the money to have good support and comfortable feet.

[WanderingBlues]

Ditto on Merrells. Take the time to try some models on to see what feels right. If you can, pony up for Goretex. It really makes a difference.

[rayfound]

cheapo boots are terrible if they get wet. Many even have pieces inside which are carboard/hardboard like material which disintegrates.

Carry a pair of knock-off crocs for your stream crossings and keep your feet dry. I have had merell's and timberland boots, both have served well.

[johnnhoj]

Try Sierra Trading Post, they are a discount mail order catalogue. I have been purchasing stuff from them for years and haven't been disapointed yet. I will usually find a boot that I like that they offer, then find it in a local retailer like REI and try it on there so that I can get the correct size. You may also want to check out a shoe Co. called Five Ten. They were originally a rock climbing shoe Co. but have ventured out from there. I have had a pair of thier Guide Tennies for years and they are great. I will probably buy a pair of their hiking boots next time I need boots. They use a sticky rubber similiar to what is on thier climbing shoes and I love them. They are located in Redlands and they used to sell stuff out of their office at a discount. I've gotten a couple pairs of climbing shoes from them llike that. Haven't been there in years though so I don't know if they still do that. Good luck and let us know what you get.