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

Boat advice...dont buy one. Trust me...i live on a lake

Good advice. I'm in one almost every day.

Kennetreck Mountain Extremes are absolutely with out a doubt the best thing I've ever had on my feet.
From Arizona to Idaho and the coastal mountains, nothing has felt or performed better in a boot.

https://kenetrek.com/collections/mountain-boots

Thorogood. Best boots I've ever owned.

I wear a size 11 EEE is I can find them that wide. I recently have been dealing with plantar fasciitis and am wearing some arch support and insoles that made my Danners fit too tight, even after being stretched. So I want a roomy boot and one that works well in elk country. Waterproof would be great and I don't mind a little extra weight that comes with leather boots like Danners. Right now I'm thinking having boots made to fit me might work best.

Asolo brand works for me. Every time I try something else I always regret it. Salomon work pretty well for me too, but I like my Asolo boots better.

Sal,

do they make a 6" boot?

I like when they feel good and are genital on my feet .

i have Kenetreks and zamberlins. Both are good boots and will buy them again. I've tried keens and didn't like them at all. It all depends on what is comfortable to you.

Yep. I like hiking shoes myself. Nothing above the ankle.

Crispi makes a great boot and yes they have a 6” boot.

I have something like 8 different pairs of boots, all for different uses.

For mostly dry hiking, White's Smokejumpers are freaking awesome, especially for odd shaped feet (they're custom made base on measurements of your foot). They're all leather, so they require maintenance, and will never be truly waterproof. They will last a lifetime, being fully rebuildable, and are made in Spokane, WA.

For in-between general hiking, I have a pair of Zamberlain GTX's. They're uber comfortable, somewhat waterproof, and great for rough terrain. They're a molded sole, and won't last as long as great handmade leather.

For cold work, I have a pair of Keen Philadelphia's with 800 gr thinsulate and non-metallic safety toe... awesome ice traction, mostly waterproof, and warm enough for -40 snowshoeing in Alaska (I have to snowshoe into communications sites often in the winter).

For coldest use- bunnys... you know them.

For summer to mild cold water/mud- XtraTuffs. Great traction on wet surfaces, obviously waterproof, and durable enough for 3-5 years a pair (still not as good as the old made in USA ones)- I've hiked in excess of 10 miles at a time in them, not great, but not horrible.

I have several more pairs of Whites for general daily wear and work, but the above are most apropos to your question.

I've suffered for years with crappy military boots killing my feet, so I don't screw around with boots anymore.

Merrells are crap. Went through a pair every 6-12 months for a few years before breaking down and spending money for decent boots.

I wear your size, but 10.5 sometimes fits based on brand. My wide feet always made boot fit tricky too.

There's lots of good choices, but it takes so much time and money for trial/ error. If you have a cobbler or orthopedics guy that really knows his stuff, the extra $ might be worth it. (?)
I have lightweight goretex low cut wolverines for warm season low mileage, good but nothing too special.
For rough terrain, little or no snow, medium mileage I always prefer designated high quality hiking boots with a polypropylene or silk liner and wool socks. After going through the standard name brands that I only got some basic mileage worth before they became work boots. Then my favorite became Alico full leather uppers with full lug grippie Vibram soles. They are sewn on and replaceable soles if they ever wear out.
Priced better than other high end boots when on sale.

Italian made
Calf skin leather liners
Stable on rough trails, but not so high to restrict movement or add unnecessary weight. Just above the ankles a couple inches.
4 row Brass D eyelets with quick lace topside.
Not waterproof, so they breath well. However, repellency it varies on boot conditioner used.
My Alicos are far superior to some high end Peter Limmers, which have an excellent reputation too.
Not bragging, just found an excellent comfortable hiker that offers enough support when carrying a meat pack.

I wear 11EEE dress shoes. These 10.5 mediums fit surprisingly perfect with normal weight socks. YMMV.
It must be getting late because I'm rambling.
Anyhow, everyone's feet are different. If you remind me, I'll post it tomorrow.

Best on your search and challenge,

HC

Anything outweighs Goretex in my opinion. All Goretex has done for me is make me feel like wearing a plastic bread bag over my feet while still not being truly waterproof.

Surprised no one mentioned Hoffman boots out of Idaho.







Take care, Willie

If money isnt an issue, get a pair of custom Limmers and never look back. Made in the USA too. I've worn out just about every brand out there over the years guiding. Bought a pair of Limmer's about 10-years ago and they still go to the mountains every fall.

It limits my wolverines usefulness too.
Low mileage or stand use is all I find it good for too. Feet sweat and boots get wet. Everything is give and take. I ike merino wool socks and leather. Feet are comfortable and the boots eventually dry or at least breath until you get home.

Is there such a thing as "not made in China" anymore?

I am convinced that a person's gait, or strut, or whatever you want to call in addition to how their feet/ankles/legs are built are all unique. That is why some otherwise quality boots fall apart easily for some, but not others. I won't touch any model Kennetrek as they won't last a single season for me. Others feel the same way about Lowa, which are the only brand I have tried that will last me more than one season. They have the ankle support I need and stand up to the basalt rocks of Idaho's chukar country. I guess that is my way of saying: you have to try them all to really figure out what works best for you.

HANWAG!!! all day long every day!! Great boots

Crispis are okay also

Yer damn tootin'. USA all the way. Having worked outdoors, construction, logging, my whole life...work boots ARE hiking boots and Thorogoods are worth every penny. Break in? Lace 'em up and go to work, done deal. Unlike these brand name plastic pussy boots, Thorogoods are rebuildable by the factory. As far as I am concerned, these 'special' hiking boots, hunting boots is a total yuppie crock of schidt.

+1

If you are really going to be hiking back, go with the best boot you can buy.

For me, it’s Crispi.

Just ordered a pair of Kenetrek's new Corrie to try out. $275.00 My Lowa Renegades died a hard death, Still have my Tibet GTX's and Sheep Hunters.

having not heard of this crispi brand i just checked out their website. A little too flat brim and newly bearded bro for me. Reminds me of the fly fishing D bags that have taken over that sport.

Any idea where these things are made? Actually made in italy?

For Field Grade Charlie......................



Stihl.

Not knocking the crispis...but just curious if the juice is worth the squeeze as they say. They are not cheap

Not knocking them either, but if you're going to pay +$400 for boots, they better be re-buildable.

Lots of custom boots that are great, once you've gone through the trouble of getting the first pair (measurements and all), it's easier to stay with the same brand, since you can just buy more (if wanted), and they have your information on file.

White's

Nick's

Wesco's

Russell's,

etc.

lots of great boots out there.

Yes. Hardscrabbles is the model

Here’s how I settled on Crispi’s.. In the ensuing 17 months, I’ve been nothing but thrilled with them. I dunno about the models on their website these days, but the boots are definitely the real deal. Some of the hardest-core hunters on this forum use them.

Now it may well be that you don’t need something this high-end for what you’re looking to do. It only makes sense to match the equipment to the job at hand.

In my case, I bought them with an eye on a future sheep hunt. It’s possible I’ll wear these out before I’m able to actually get around to it. If that happens, I’ll replace ‘em with the same boots.

Whatever you choose, get all of your contenders on your feet, so you can choose wisely.

FC

The Keen is the worst, worst, boot I've ever owned. They will be a high priced fire.

My son has Crispi Nevadas. He says the ankle support is very good.

Hoka Kaja Goretex

If you are looking for a Merrel/Keen style boot, I highly recommend Oboz. Scheels is the place I get mine. They cost slightly more, but are really comfortable.

Take a look at Salewa. I have the MS Crow GTX. A firm but very comfortable boot. Mine are only 2 years old but they have worn very well.

https://www.salewa.com/en-us/f/men-mountain-footwear

https://www.salewa.com/en-us/ms-crow-gtx-00-0000061328?c=1518271

Another endorsement for Asolo; been wearing then for 25-30 years.

My favorites are Lathrop & Sons Mountain Hunter, and Hanwag Alaskan GTX. With both I use Lathrop & Sons insoles, which are great. These are my primary hunting boots.

I have two pairs of White’s custom Packers, the newest of which is 33 years old and going strong. They are also good in tough country, especially horseback hunting. While a bit dated and heavy, they are hell for stout and have great support.

Friends whose opinions are rooted in heavy experience who I trust are happy with Kennetreks; I’ve not had any.

I do not like insulated boots, unless I’m mostly inactive in single digit cold and snow. For this, I use Danner Canadians.

I put lots of miles on my Salomon Quest hiking boots, all kinds of terrain, dry feet every time.

Hoffmans Explorer hands down. Didn't like Crispis, Kenetreks were ok.

my advice to you: buy another one

Tag

That's a lousy reason to not try them. If they fit and are comfortable, who the $#@^ cares if the flat brim bro's are wearing them. Crispi makes a great boot, as do many others.

I'm a huge fan of their American heritage series which are marketed as work boots. I buy them even though they are made by American union members who probably vote democrat. I wear the 8 inch plain toe/wedge sole model and would hike anywhere around here in them. They are NOT lined, NOT waterproof, but very breathable which works well for me in our moderate to hot as hell climate. I believe they do make waterproof versions.

Not all Thorogood boots are American made. They also sell "plastic pussy boots" that are imported.

Antiperspirant spray is your best friend... use it early and often leading up to heavy boot use times. It makes a huge difference for most people.

Surprised nobody has said Schnees. I have tried a bunch of boots and use them hard (elk, mule deer, antelope, whitetail, pheasant hunting). Schnees are built to last and mine have performed fantastic. Six of my friends have bought them after they have seen mine and they all love them too. Great customer service as well.