Hiking Boots - brand/'model' recommendations?

RedvGreen · 6 Oct 2014 at 12:27

I've been using some 15-18yr old Goretex laden hiking boots that i've had since i've been on the Duke of Edinburgh; they've served me well but I can't help but think that the technology and support available now will be far superior, as will lighter/stronger materials.

I'm going to be popping in to several retailers over the next few weeks to look for suitable boots for walking/hiking (roads, rough terrain, incline/decline terrain and even ice/snow/bad-weather shoes).

Are there any decent brands to look out for; likewise, brands to avoid?

gregorius · 6 Oct 2014 at 14:27

There are quite a few very good brands, but I've found that the different brands seem to fit different feet differently! For example, I've always found Scarpa boots to be ideal for my feet; similarly Meindl for my wife. Neither of us fits the brand the other likes. As another example, I tried Brasher boots a while ago and, despite their high ratings, I hated them.

RedvGreen · 6 Oct 2014 at 14:55

What about grip and stuff?

I've got Vibram hard-wearing soles on my current (15-18yr) boots, and they are lethal in anything wet/icy/snowy.

Sherpa · 6 Oct 2014 at 22:27

IMO Vibram are good soles, apart from spikes/crampons, there's not much good on ice.

I've seen a lot of lads at work with Salomon Quests and heard good things. I've got some AKU boots, but they aren't GTX, they are really light and quick drying though. Echoing Gregorius, different boots fit in different ways. I've always found Meindl to be quite narrow, and Lowa to be quite wide fitting.

What are you planning on using them for?

RedvGreen · 7 Oct 2014 at 10:58

Sherpa said:
IMO Vibram are good soles, apart from spikes/crampons, there's not much good on ice.

I've seen a lot of lads at work with Salomon Quests and heard good things. I've got some AKU boots, but they aren't GTX, they are really light and quick drying though. Echoing Gregorius, different boots fit in different ways. I've always found Meindl to be quite narrow, and Lowa to be quite wide fitting.

What are you planning on using them for?

Primarily countryside walking (not just trails, but hills/moors etc). Also for daily if snow/ice outside.

robj20 · 7 Oct 2014 at 11:37

My current boots are Scarpa Mantas for winter hiking and crampon use. And Mammut Mercury Advanced GTX for summer, they are extremely light and so far seem hard wearing.

Sherpa · 7 Oct 2014 at 12:29

RedvGreen said:
Primarily countryside walking (not just trails, but hills/moors etc). Also for daily if snow/ice outside.

Admittedly I've not done much walking in snow, but I've some Mammut T Advanced GTX which are really warm. I find a bit too warm for the UK, feels like my feet are melting most of the time.

For all year round use any good Goretex boots should suffice, just depends on if you want crampon compatible. If so, maybe two pairs?

Cleisthenes · 7 Oct 2014 at 12:32

Used to have a pair of Hanwag's which were superb, I'd personally avoid Brasher as I think they're a bit over priced.

Jono · 8 Oct 2014 at 00:32

I still love my Alt-Bergs... I've had Fremington and Mallerstangs.

Glaucus · 8 Oct 2014 at 01:01

All you people who fit into normal boots

after going through several expensive boots, and finding all caused blisters, and other issues.

I went custom. And although initially balked at the price, I'm glad I did.

Rroff · 8 Oct 2014 at 01:04

I've been using Merrell recently for boots where I don't require toe and/or mid-sole protection. (Impressed with them in the short term but not had them long enough to know how good they are in the long term).

EDIT: Will have to find out what boots it is my dad was working on recently - the tech is amazing unfortunately very very much not my style visually. (EDIT: Got a feeling it was for Wolverine).

(Just realised most women have nothing on me when it comes to footwear :| I've got 4 different sets of hiking boots, 3 different sets of steel toe capped boots, 3 different sets of trainers, 2 sets of formal shoes and 2 different sets of brown casual boots - Dune Simon, etc. and probably half a dozen more at the back of the wardrobe I've forgotten)

D.P. · 8 Oct 2014 at 01:15

I like scarpa and solamon for my wide feat.

I have loads of pairs, some dedicated to alpine (stiff as he'll and mostly really uncomrtable but good with crampons), to light weight trail running shoes. I tend towards the matter because I like the light and fast approach.

To reiterate the the above, no boot will work on ice without crampons. A decent virbram sole is about the bets you can do. If you are doing a a hike where a fall has consequences then get a set of crampons and am ice axe, and learn how to use them. For walking down the street you can get these wire mesh things that strap over your boots.

Ultimately you need a set of boots. Winter boots, summer boots, strong ankle support, lightweight minimal support etc. pick the right tool for the job. The costs add up but they last longer and give more comfort.

Rroff · 8 Oct 2014 at 01:26

D.P. said:
To reiterate the the above, no boot will work on ice without crampons. A decent virbram sole is about the bets you can do. If you are doing a a hike where a fall has consequences then get a set of crampons and am ice axe, and learn how to use them. For walking down the street you can get these wire mesh things that strap over your boots.

I've found Merrell's Moab Polar do a pretty impressive job on ice - not that they are a substitute to using crampons, Yaktrax Pros are pretty capable too but not very durable (prolly need 2-3 pairs to see you through a winter if you do any real walking) or that convenient for day to day street/building use (though I'd rather that than slipping up) whereas inadequate for the type of use where the convenience factor is less of an issue.