Hiking/fishing boots what do you like?

[Justin]

Hey Gang,
With me ALMOST getting my foot back I am in the market for some new Hiking/fishing boots. My question is what boots do you guy’s like to hike in. I figure they should be fairly light weight but have enough support. I used to like the low top versions but now with the ankle recovering I am thinking on probably a ¾ top to a full high top. Any thoughts or particular brands you like? I already have wading boots so I’m not really thinking of that, although I have seen guy’s wear the Simms socks under there wading boots. I have heard Korkers are a great option as they have several different soles, any thoughts?? I of course don’t want to spend a bucket load of money but I don’t really think bottom of the line is what am after either. Thanks for you input.

Justin

[rkfiske]

Hey Justin,
I just bought some cloudveil 8x grippy shoes. I know they're wading boots but the guys over at Marriotts say they do a good amount of hiking in them. I'm not sure if you're looking for like a boot to wet wade in also or what but once I get some time in them I'll let you know. I had to get some real wading boots after I finally had enough of eating it in the river in my trailrunners. I have a pretty nasty bump on my shin from a decent spill on my last fishing trip.

[rayfound]

For hiking (backpacking) get a real hiking boot, and spend decent money on it (around $100 seems to be a sweet spot in my mind where you can get decent quality without breaking the bank).

Can't recommend a brand or model(though my Timberland pair has help up well), but everyone's feet are different, so find one that fits you right. I will say a few things:

Lighter is better - When Hiking, weight is weight. On the down side, Lighter is more expensive, and may cost you durability or waterproofing. (It doesn't have to though)

Ankle Support - there is some debate as to whether higher ankle support actually helps prevent ankle injuries. I Say it does, so I like a 3/4 or full height boot.


Waterproof - My hiking boots aren't. When backpacking, I am so envious of those in my party who can go through 3-4" of water without getting wet feet.... I have been forced to improve my long-jumping skills, but really, waterproof boots are a HUGE plus.


A final Note about cheap boots: When fishing the locals, I used to use felt-soled boots. When those wore out, I started wearing a pair of cheapo hiking boots (OP Brand from Big-5) that I had received as a gift or something. starting with the first time out, the sole felt funny when walking, like wearing someone else's broken in sandals. It progressively got worse, until I finally decided to yank out the insoles and see if I could fix the problem.... well, no, not exactly. You see, these Low-end hiking boots actually have some cardboard used (in my case, under the insole) which once wet, start to deteriorate quickly.

Ultimately, I was basically using the boots as wading boots, which they are not designed for... However, Last season, I used my Newbalance trail runners almost exclusively for the same purpose, and they held up remarkably well.

[rkfiske]

Not to hijack but you don't have problems with ur new balance trailrunners ray? Mine make me slip and slide around quite a bit. If you are looking for good hiking boots, I do love my keen targhee 2 mids. They're pretty * light and comfy and don't really have much of a break in period. They're waterproof, though to be honest I havne't really given them a very good workout in that department. Only splashed through a few little puddles.

[Gary C.]

I have a pair of Montrail hiking boots that have been great. From what I have read you need to have a narrow foot to fit most of there models correctly tho.

You mentioned Korkers and here is a very good price on some. I started to order a pair but I would rather get the ones that are partialy felt soled.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/m ... x?a=546748

[Autodave]

For hiking I have a pair of Montrail's also( Torre GTX /Gore -Tex)which I like,can go thru ankle high water keeping your feet dry.I recommend Gore Tex& Vibram soles on any boot.Got mine at Campmor.com- last years model -1/2 price-80.00 bucks.I wanna get these:http://www.rei.com/product/776844?cm_mmc=vl_scarpa-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:referralID=d400c6f3-7b26-11de-989b-000423bb4e79

[briansII]

One more Montrail Torre GTX owner here. I had to buy the wide model. I must say, for as much(close to zero) water crossing I do, I think I shoulda bought the non GTX(non Gortex). These boots get warm to hike in.

FWIW, I think getting brands is a good starting point, but trying at least a dozen pairs of boots is the way to go. It's an investment in your outdoor enjoyment.

briansII

[planettrout]

Justin,

These are , hands down, the best boot I have ever put on my feet. They are sold at REI and A-16. Next to the custom boot I wore in the service- Chippewa, specifically designed for the 10th SFG (ABN) -the Baffin Pro is light years ahead in design and comfort. It is a backpacking/trekking boot. Check out some of the hikers, go to one of the stores and try them out...

http://www.lowaboots.com/home/?CFID=19432867&CFTOKEN=83992386

PT/TB

[Justin]

Thanks for the info guy's!
I got a quick question and it might seem dumb but I am wondering
How a boot would be if fully submerged, Mostlikely I will be wet wading and If a boot is waterproof up to four inches how will it be after being totally submerged? Will that eventually ruin the boot? I do have a wide foot so I'm wondring how the Montrail woud be? i found some on sale for $119 seem like a good price? Did you guy's say they offered a "Wide" option for there boot?

Hey PT I checked out your link but I'm not sure which boot you are refreing to, Looks like a lot of options.
Thankls for helping me out!!

Justin

[rayfound]

How a boot would be if fully submerged, Mostlikely I will be wet wading and If a boot is waterproof up to four inches how will it be after being totally submerged? Will that eventually ruin the boot?

Justin, this is why I think it is crucial to separate the "Boots for Backpacking" and "Boots for fishing".

For backpacking the sierras, the 4" waterproof is perfect for marshy areas, stream crossings with partially submerged rocks, etc...

Go over the 4" and your feet are going to get wet and stay wet. I don't think It would do any harm to your boot really, but you're feet wouldn't be happy.

If wet wading, I would go for a pair of actual wading boots or non-waterproof hiking boots, water-in, water-out so to speak.

[1mocast]

Justin,
If the boot is waterproof, guess what, it is just a container to keep water in... Pretty much what Ray said...sloshing feet all day long...
How do I know? Trial and error. I tried drilling holes on the inside and outside of the arch to let the water out...works pretty good.

I am not partial to any brand. My main criteria is how the sole performs on trail and on wet slippery rocks. How does it wear, grip on slippery rocks, etc. Whether waterproof or not...

The one thing that Ray mention is so true. Look at the cheaper boots and pull out the insert to see if the material is cardboard. It will break down in no time. Always go for a composite sole base.

[briansII]

Thanks for the info guy's!
I got a quick question and it might seem dumb but I am wondering
How a boot would be if fully submerged, Mostlikely I will be wet wading and If a boot is waterproof up to four inches how will it be after being totally submerged? Will that eventually ruin the boot? I do have a wide foot so I'm wondring how the Montrail woud be? i found some on sale for $119 seem like a good price? Did you guy's say they offered a "Wide" option for there boot?

Hey PT I checked out your link but I'm not sure which boot you are refreing to, Looks like a lot of options.
Thankls for helping me out!!

Justin

Like the others, I don't think wading in hiking boots is a good idea.

First off, I have a very hard time finding boots that are conmfortable. Short of flip flips, just about all footwear cannot be bought unless I try them on.

Montrail offers it's Torre boot in regular, or wide. Oddly, there are not a lot of hiking boots out there, that have that option. By the way, I have no problems finding wide enough wading boots. After trying on dozens of boots, I settled on the wide, Montrails. They were the most comfortable. There were others close, but they all were snug in the toe box. One thing that popped up with the Montrails is, the tongue didn't have enough padding for my feet. My instep started to ache after wearing them. I supplemented with makeshift padding, but in the end, I just wore them till my FEET broke in to the boots. I also went with Super Feet insoles to solve another minor problem. Did I mention my feet are hard to please. Salomon is another company that has a wider fit, than other brands. They aren't listed as wide, but they just fit that way. I found one model of Lowa to fit wide, but strangely enough, I found out it was a women's model. LL Bean lists wide models, but they are still too narrow for me. I tried a LOT of boots. I'm not welcome in some outdoor shops.

briansII

[anacrime]

the only thing good about boots is ankle support (and i even think they're overrated in that regard)

trail runners are lighter, dry faster, breath better, less expensive, and imo more comfortable. i think i've worn/wrecked around 6-7 pairs of "top of the line" trail runners in the last year. good thing is i usually wreck em before the warranty is up. soo... brand new pair of shoes for free

[planettrout]

Justin,

Here is a good link to information on boots, this site is geared towards people who HAVE to be serious about their footwear:

http://www.militarymorons.com/equipment/footwear.html

I have worn my Lowas for wet wading but do not REC it. Even with the Vibram sole, they slip like crazy on slime covered rock and it takes about three days for them to air dry completely. In the service, we used to break our mountain boots in by standing in a bathtub with them on for an hour then wearing them till they dried out. THAT was a pain but it broke them in quickly.

For wet wading, there are a lot of boots out there. I am kinda' partial to the lightweight ones offered by the company that is in Bozeman, MT. Take care of your feet and they will take care of you...

PT/TB