Need advise on Hiking Boots

[elchilero53]

Lloydwgilliam has an excellent summary. As a Field Geologist who doesn't go into the field very much anymore, the boots I used were critical. I couldn't work the entire day, transfer my notes and map annotations to my office copy and enjoy supper if I spent the day in poor boots. I used Redwings for many years the tried Vasque boots. They were very comfortable but.... I went through them like a kid in a candy store. They would fall apart within a month and they went back to the store for exchange. After the third pair, I swapped them for a Columbia Shell Parka and bought a pair of Hi-Teks. That was in 1990 and I just gave them a decent burial with full honors. The soles were bald but they were wonderful. Light weight, great support, durable, good protection for my ankles and modestly priced. And this was for hiking in the central New Mexico desert and hills.

Now I am looking for new ones and have been using Hermann Survivors. They aren't too bad but I am still looking.

[afugazifan]

For many years I would only wear Merrell's....until I found Keen. They are the only boot/shoe/sandal I have found to be comfortable from day one and need very little break in time. They hold up extremely well. HIGHLY recommend you at the very least try a pair on.

[KDHfan]

Vasque Sundowners. Best hiking boots made. Well... In my opinion, of course!

[AquaMan]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned, as I haven't read the entire thread, but every pound on your foot is equal to 5 pounds on your back. Just food for thought.

[twdenman]

I bought my first Keen sandal from L.L.Bean, very comfortable!

[CAT-RN]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned, as I haven't read the entire thread, but every pound on your foot is equal to 5 pounds on your back. Just food for thought.

I'm thinking about that ? Are you talking about what the shoe weighs?

Russell

[Nancyc7]

I think he's getting at this:"a 200-pound man will put 300 pounds of pressure on his knees with each step."

I am a woman with wide feet with a few problems. I couldn't even find hiking boots until I got men's Keens. They are quite wonderful, thank goodness. Wool socks even in hot summer. Darn Toughs hold up the best for me. And they dry overnight, you don't need many pairs.

My podiatrist has schooled me good. Very wide toe box, stiff shoes that allow for orthotics or I am in pain. I'm an ER nurse, I've tried everything. According to my eyephone I walk 3-6 miles a day at work. So I know what shoes work for me and what doesn't. There is no fun time shoe shopping for me but I am grateful I have feet.

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by CAT-RN

I'm thinking about that ? Are you talking about what the shoe weighs?

Russell

Yes, what the boot weighs. If boots are 2 lbs total it's like having 10lbs in a pack.