Can anyone recommend a good pair of hiking boots?
Me and some of my friends are going on a two-week hiking trip in New Mexico this summer. I need a durable, comfortable pair of boots that can stand the stress and keep me from being miserable. Cost is not an object, as we were told to be cheap on everything except for the boots, which are the most instrumental part of the hike. So…. that being said, are there any recomendations? And where can I buy them?
Unfortunately, there is no simple best answer for hiking boots since everyone’s feet are a little different and a brand that is great for one person, may be the pits for somebody else. It is important that you try on a variety of brands – so buying online is not a good idea.
After trying a variety of different boots and brands over the years, I have settled on the Raiche GTX (also sold by REI under the name Spirit) – they are comfortable, water-proof and very sturdy (my treads are still holding up after over 400 miles on them including the 93 mile Wonderland Trail and 3 trips to the bottom of the Grand Canyon). Other generally well regarded brands include Asolo (although I find their trends wear out quickly), Danner, Vasque and Columbia.
Backpacker Magazine recently came out with their yearly gear guide issue and gave high marks to the La Sportiva Trango, Colombia Frontier Peak and the above mentioned REI Spirit. You should try to find the issue (March 2007) as it gives the pros and cons on a variety of brands and recent styles.
They also have a lot of good tips for picking out boots, specifically:
1 – Shop in the afternoon when your feet are larger
2 – Have them measure your feet for a good fit
3 – Try on several different models and brands
4 – Spend at least 15 minutes walking around in each pair
5 – Wait for perfection – don’t settle, if they don’t fit
6 – Consider adding padding and aftermarket supports/soles.
A good fit is one where you have wiggle room in the toes, but your heel is firm and snug. I would also strongly recommend going to an outdoor type store that specializes in hiking/camping gear and whose sales staff hikes themselves as opposed to a general shoe store or sporting goods store. REI is a good national chain, but many towns in outdoor areas will also have a small local outfitter or hiking shack.
There are so many good brands it can be hard too chose. The most important thing is to get ones that fit you best, and that you break them in well before you go.
I would suggest you go to a good local store that specializes in outdoor adventures and get them to help you choose.
Another thing that I have found very helpful (I worked for Outward Bound) is called Moleskin. It is pretty cheap, and you may end up being a hero if you have some. The way you use it is go on a walk with your new, well fitting boots. After about a half hour or less (when you feel some hot spots on your feet) stop take off your boots and socks and examine the spots, if they are red and sore, then cut a piece of moleskin and stick it to the spot. You will develope a nice bit of tough skin there from the rubbing, and the moleskin will keep you from getting a blister. The trick is to keep from getting blisters, they suck. If you do get a blister there is another product that you can put under the moleskin called second skin, it is great too, but not cheap. These products have saved the day for me many times. Good luck hiking.
Remember they have to fit you, I don’t see how that is likely to happen when buying online. Also remember the break in period, it’s so important. But even after they are broken in and you don’t get hot spots on your feet, take the moleskin, somebody in your party will be very thankful, essential in the first aid kit.
References :
EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) makes some excellent, reasonably priced hiking boots. I bought my pair two years ago. They are sturdy, H20 proof, and very comfortable. I tramped all over New Zealand and Australia in them and I’d recommend them to anyone. I don’t know where you are located, but EMS only has stores in the North East of the US. You can also buy online at http://www.ems.com. Good Luck!
References :
me, and ems.com
Rocky boots have never let me down.
References :
I’ve been hunting most of my life and have gone through a lot of boots. The best brand I’ve found is Rocky. They are 100% waterproof, yet breathable. The soles have several different layers for comfort and shock absorption. And one of the nicest things about this brand is that they don’t need to be broken in to feel comfortable. I’ve had my share of blisters trying to break in boots and it’s no fun at all. Rocky’s come in many different configurations, from swat tactical boots to -40 degrees thinsulate insulated hiking boots. For new mexico, you’ll want to make sure they have no insulation. One good place to shop online or just do some research is cabelas.com. I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!
References :
my personal preference is a brand called SALOMON…light weight, great traction, and most styles are waterproof. they’re sort of expensive, but worth it (i paid 195 for a pair, but it lasted me for 3 years with regular-to-daily use). once you use them, you’ll never go back.
only thing they weren’t especially easy to find…i bought a pair at an REI store, but i don’t know if there’s one near you. the prices online are always better anyway so if you’re confident of your size, order them there. check REI.COM (also see the link to their outlet site) or BACKCOUNTRYOUTLET.COM
enjoy your trip; NM is awesome.
References :
Unfortunately, there is no simple best answer for hiking boots since everyone’s feet are a little different and a brand that is great for one person, may be the pits for somebody else. It is important that you try on a variety of brands – so buying online is not a good idea.
After trying a variety of different boots and brands over the years, I have settled on the Raiche GTX (also sold by REI under the name Spirit) – they are comfortable, water-proof and very sturdy (my treads are still holding up after over 400 miles on them including the 93 mile Wonderland Trail and 3 trips to the bottom of the Grand Canyon). Other generally well regarded brands include Asolo (although I find their trends wear out quickly), Danner, Vasque and Columbia.
Backpacker Magazine recently came out with their yearly gear guide issue and gave high marks to the La Sportiva Trango, Colombia Frontier Peak and the above mentioned REI Spirit. You should try to find the issue (March 2007) as it gives the pros and cons on a variety of brands and recent styles.
They also have a lot of good tips for picking out boots, specifically:
1 – Shop in the afternoon when your feet are larger
2 – Have them measure your feet for a good fit
3 – Try on several different models and brands
4 – Spend at least 15 minutes walking around in each pair
5 – Wait for perfection – don’t settle, if they don’t fit
6 – Consider adding padding and aftermarket supports/soles.
A good fit is one where you have wiggle room in the toes, but your heel is firm and snug. I would also strongly recommend going to an outdoor type store that specializes in hiking/camping gear and whose sales staff hikes themselves as opposed to a general shoe store or sporting goods store. REI is a good national chain, but many towns in outdoor areas will also have a small local outfitter or hiking shack.
References :
Frequent hiker and backpacker
Backpacker Magazine:
http://www.backpacker.com/
REI:
http://www.rei.com/