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Genitalmen

Need some advice for a quality hiking boot. I’m young enough that I’ve always been able to strap anything to my feet and deal with it. This past year as I approach 40 I’ve had two stress fractures as a result of cheap worn out boots and an active lifestyle

What I need is a quality waterproof boot that is good on uneven surfaces, comfortable AND durable. Use would be scouting/hiking and shed hunting. I may wear them to my heated blinds in cold but insulated is not a requirement. I’ve got bunny boots for the real cold stuff up here


Not sure if Merrells or keen are any good...they look like junk but I’m no expert.

Price is no concern. Fwiw my feet are a 13ee so pretty big and wide

Almost forgot...nothing Chinese

Crispi makes very good boots. Not cheap though, $350 plus. I’m hard on boots but have used the Crispi GTX Colorado for several years. I’ve tried most of the major brands. These work the best for my feet.

this last pair of merrels i have are not as good as the set i got about 5-7 years ago. but i would at least check them out. make sure that there is a tongue gusset all the way. this pair does not have it and they leak. hard to believe they would make "waterproof" hiking boots without one.

Here's some good advice on boots.
Don't start your post with a pair of Merrels in your mouth

Don’t get it

I've been partial to Lowa Renegades for the past few years. Not a stiff boot but a good hiking boot and very comfortable. Good durability and water repellency, and a good price point.

I just got my son a pair of Crispis and they look like good boots, he likes them a lot.

You misspelled gentlemen.

I have some Keen hiking boots I forget which model it might be the the Durand? That have been good.

I wear a 13 EE to EEEE also and they have been comfortable over a lot of miles and a few years. There not truly waterproof, I where my Lacrosse Alpha Burleys for that but they’re water resistant enough that wet grass, mud, and minor puddles have never made my feet wet. I try to buy American or at least non Chinese. I remember them being “built in America” but probably have parts sourced from China. They look more boot like but the interior is lined and almost more shoe like. They’ve been durable and comfortable over a lot of use I’ll probably buy another pair when they wear out and would recommend them.

How supportive of the ankles are the Crispi boots in rough and rocky areas? I'm boot shopping too.

I texted my son to ask, I'll let you know what he says.

Kennetrek Hardscramble

😄

Are you sure?

I went through the same thing last year while I was preparing for a NM elk hunt. The best advice I received was to contact Lathrop and sons. They will do custom insoles for you, BUT whether you do them or not they are a wealth of knowledge. Long story short, I ended up with 2 pairs of boots. 1 pair of lathrop and sons mountain hunters and 1 pair of Lowa Caminos. Both were expensive but both are outstanding boots. I also have a pair of made in USA Danners. Also outstanding boots. I don't buy Chinese or Japanese or anything from the "Pacific rim" if I can avoid it either!!!

Jim,

What are your requirements?

Ie.
Can the benefits of a more supportive pair outweigh that of lightweights and goretex?

Not all gentlemen are genitalmen. I'm a breast man, myself.

Crap...I misread the title and thought it was "boat advice". It's spring here.

Are you a dick?

Yes...I am. When it comes to norway rats I'm a total vag LOL