Need recommendations for comfortable/durable all weather hiking shoes/boots.
Thanks in advance for replies.
Thanks in advance for replies.
Best/most comfortable boots for hiking
- Thread starter DaytonRickster
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I use Merrel. Come in wide sizes with Vibram soles. Wear them hiking in Wyoming and most of the winter walking to work in Illinois.
Vasque makes nice Gore-Tex hikers in different weights and materials.
Merrill is a good choice too. Depending on type of hiking and price point, Scarpa and Danner also make wonderful boots for trekking and backpacking.
Merrill is a good choice too. Depending on type of hiking and price point, Scarpa and Danner also make wonderful boots for trekking and backpacking.
I have some Columbia waterproof mid hikers and love their Omni Grip soles . They grip better than vibram on all surfaces. For bigger hikes I have the Salomon standard water proof hiking boots. I wore the Columbias in Iceland this past week and never fearEd slipping on Ice, snow, wet rocks etc. They are also very comfortable. I would also recommend Seal Skinz waterproof socks if you are going to be crossing streams or are in very wet terrain. I have a pair and they keep your feet dry no matter what and are extremely comfortable.
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Couple of questions for ya: What type of terrain and what distances will you be covering? How are your ankles (will help determine shoes vs. boots)? What size shoe do you typically wear? Will you be carrying a pack? When you say all weather, do you mean waterproof?
I have a lot of hiking/backpacking experience, and will do my best to help you out.
I’ve done some research and for hiking boots where you won’t always have a trail (hunting in Rocky Mountains), I bought Crispi brand. They have different models depending on your specific desires. For walking on improved trails in PA, I wear Keen low tops. I also wear them for business casual at work until they get broken in.
Whatever you eventually decide, be sure to look into quality insoles: https://sectionhiker.com/do-need-insoles-for-hiking-boots-and-trail-runners/
Also, if you have an REI near you, get your shoes there, if possible, since they give you a year to return them. I always get my hiking shoes/boots at REI because rarely does a shoe/boot feel as good on the trail as it does in the store.
Also, if you have an REI near you, get your shoes there, if possible, since they give you a year to return them. I always get my hiking shoes/boots at REI because rarely does a shoe/boot feel as good on the trail as it does in the store.
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I wear Lacrosse boots for hunting in PA snow. These are heavy, heavy duty boots.
I wore Merrell hiking shoes for many years, doing lots of hikes in Arizona and Michigan. The last couple years I get blisters whenever I wear Merrell. So I bought a pair of lighter weight Columbia hiking shoes that are suiting me well.
I wore Merrell hiking shoes for many years, doing lots of hikes in Arizona and Michigan. The last couple years I get blisters whenever I wear Merrell. So I bought a pair of lighter weight Columbia hiking shoes that are suiting me well.
Everybody’s feet are different, so try them on. Merrill, Vasque, Danner, Salomon are some top brands but have many models. Probably style is more important than brand. REI is probably the best retailer.
I don't think you provided enough info to allow us to make good recommendations. Will you be doing multi-day backpacking or just day hiking? What type terrain will you be covering (rocky? steep?). Any history of ankle issues?
Most backpackers these days are hiking in trail runners like Lone Peak Altras. They are lightweight, comfortable with a zero heel drop that helps reduce likelihood of ankle sprains. They are not waterproof but they dry quickly. Durability on trail runners will be less than that of a leather boot. Foot protection will also be less than that offered by a boot. If you are hiking on steep rocky terrain in trail runners, be prepared to lose some toe nails.
I hiked all of the Appalachian Trail and many other trails wearing Asolo 520 leather boots. These are expensive, premium boots. Super durable, provide great foot protection from rocks, etc. and the high tops help minimize the likelihood and/or severity of ankle sprains. They are not waterproof but can be treated with a waterproofing spray/lotion (like Nikwax) before each trip. Once wet, they will take longer to dry than a trail runner. Traction for boots is generally better than that for trail runners. The downside of boots is they are considerably heavier than trail runners.
Hiking footwear preferences vary greatly from person to person. You will need to try some shoes on and see what feels comfortable to you. When trying on shoes, make sure you wear the same type socks you will be wearing for hiking. Also keep in mind that your feet will grow while hiking (at least 1/2 size if doing multi-day trips) so leave a little room for that.
I agree with recommendations above to check out REI - they have a good selection of both trail runners and boots.
Most backpackers these days are hiking in trail runners like Lone Peak Altras. They are lightweight, comfortable with a zero heel drop that helps reduce likelihood of ankle sprains. They are not waterproof but they dry quickly. Durability on trail runners will be less than that of a leather boot. Foot protection will also be less than that offered by a boot. If you are hiking on steep rocky terrain in trail runners, be prepared to lose some toe nails.
I hiked all of the Appalachian Trail and many other trails wearing Asolo 520 leather boots. These are expensive, premium boots. Super durable, provide great foot protection from rocks, etc. and the high tops help minimize the likelihood and/or severity of ankle sprains. They are not waterproof but can be treated with a waterproofing spray/lotion (like Nikwax) before each trip. Once wet, they will take longer to dry than a trail runner. Traction for boots is generally better than that for trail runners. The downside of boots is they are considerably heavier than trail runners.
Hiking footwear preferences vary greatly from person to person. You will need to try some shoes on and see what feels comfortable to you. When trying on shoes, make sure you wear the same type socks you will be wearing for hiking. Also keep in mind that your feet will grow while hiking (at least 1/2 size if doing multi-day trips) so leave a little room for that.
I agree with recommendations above to check out REI - they have a good selection of both trail runners and boots.
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I use the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX for hunting. Love these things. Great support, good aggressive tread and all around great boot. I’ve used a ton of different “hunting boots” from red head to lacrosse to Irish setter, and worn a whole bunch of different types of hiking shoes on deployments (7 deployments) from Merrill to Salomon to Vasque to Keen. I prefer the Salomon’s. Personal preference but they’ve seemed to hold up better for me. My feet sweat BAD in Merrill’s, my vasques wore out fast, all the hunting boots were HEAVY. The closest we’re keen’s.
www.salomon.com
Quest 4 Gore-Tex - Men's Leather Hiking Boots | Salomon
Designed for long expeditions and tough conditions, the QUEST is grippy and supportive. We’ve updated the chassis to target sensitive articulations and wrap the foot for extra support, while also keeping your stride fluid. No matter how tired you are or h
www.salomon.com
I like the waterproof Keen boots I have, much better than the Merrels I had before them. The Keens seem more durable, they are holding up better over time than my Merrel's did. I love the generous rubber toe protection on the front. I'm a pretty light user though, so a well-rounded waterproof boot was all I needed. If you're doing some hard core hiking I'd definitely weigh the type of terrain as part of your decision.
A lot of it is personal preference and fit. The Keens fit me slightly better than the Merrels did. The folks at REI had told me that Merrel's manufacturing changed years ago as they became a bigger brand, and it came at the expense of quality and consistency. They said in general Merrels are still pretty good, but they've seen more returns making it seem like a consistency problem, whereas many of the other brands they carried didn't get returned as often. I have no idea how true that is, just sharing what I heard.
A lot of it is personal preference and fit. The Keens fit me slightly better than the Merrels did. The folks at REI had told me that Merrel's manufacturing changed years ago as they became a bigger brand, and it came at the expense of quality and consistency. They said in general Merrels are still pretty good, but they've seen more returns making it seem like a consistency problem, whereas many of the other brands they carried didn't get returned as often. I have no idea how true that is, just sharing what I heard.
I’m section hiking the AT with a buddy and have completed from Springer to Pearisburg, VA (we’ve re-hiked several sections multiple times, or else we’d probably be up in Maryland or West Virginia by now).
OThese boots are made for hikin'
And that's just what they'll do
One of these days these boots are gonna hike all over you
I along with other men from our church are going on a missions trip to provide assistance to the Ukranian refugees. We are hoping to be able to enter Ukraine, not deep in. There are Ukrainian refugees in the bordering areas of NATO countries. Do not want to disclose the country from which we will be hoping to cross into Ukraine. Could encounter differing types of terrain and cold/wet weather. Perhaps that will assist you in providing recommendations.
Awesome - I was a section hiker too. Took me 20 years! I finished with the 100 mile wilderness and Katahdin in 2015. Had the time of my life out there! I miss the trail every day. Keep at it - I'm sure you'll finish someday too. Just don't wait too long.
Wow - that's a very noble thing to do! It sounds like you could encounter a variety of terrain so I would expect you will want something more substantial than a trail runner. There are a tremendous variety of boot options out there. Everyone's feet are different so it is really important to try them on in person - I wouldn't order on line if you can avoid it. Find something comfortable that provides good foot support/protection and has a decent sole for traction. If you don't expect to be carrying heavy loads, you might want to consider a mid rather than a high top to save some weight while maintaining some ankle support). REI has a review of some of the 2022 boot options here::
REI 2022 Boot Review
Your best bet is to go out to an REI or other outdoor store and try on a bunch of options. If you choose an all-leather boot, you should do some break-in hikes in them before leaving for your trip to reduce the likelihood of blisters.
As for socks - I really like Darn Tough wool socks (made in Vermont, available at REI) - I have never had a blister wearing them and they are very well made. The wool will insulate even when wet.
Wish you all the best on your mission. Stay safe out there!
Would Cabellas carry a variety of boots and the socks you mentioned to choose from? There is a Cabellas near my house.
Darn Tough will replace your socks if you ever get a hole in them, but they are quite pricey. Combined with toe socks underneath, you should never get a blister.
For most people under most conditions, a mid boot or running/walking shoes are fine.
I imagine Cabela's has a decent selection of boots. I usually think of them more as a fishing/hunting supplier rather than a hiking/backpacking store but looking at their on-line selection, it appears many of the most popular manufacturers are represented. I don't know how much inventory they carry in their stores or how knowledgeable their salespeople are as I have never really shopped there. Appears they also carry Darn Tough socks.
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