hiking boots
- Thread starter wierdbeard
- Start date
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Try picking up a copy of Backpackers Annual Gear Guide. It is a wealth of information. They ranked an Asolo womens boot as the female testers favorite. I use the guide to find items of interest and then research them further. Example: I have flat wide feet (Fred Flintstone has a taller arch than I do). I looked through the magazine to find boots recommended for these type of feet. I then went to each mfg's website to read up and narrow down further. I narrowed the list to five boots I wanted to try on. Found the right boot for my feet and ankles. This approach has helped me tremendously in seeking the gear that is appropriate for my needs.
Good Luck
Buck Buchanan
Good Luck
Buck Buchanan
Pretty sure there are better custom built boots (Whites, Limmer etc) but I have been wearing Danner Mountain Lights steadily the last several weeks shoveling snow etc ... and I am pretty impressed with them!
I am pretty sure they also make ladies versions - hell I might even be wearing them for all I know
but they are comfortable and waterproof and not too big a transition from wearing standard weight shoes
Speed lacing is nice as well!
I am pretty sure they also make ladies versions - hell I might even be wearing them for all I know
but they are comfortable and waterproof and not too big a transition from wearing standard weight shoes Speed lacing is nice as well!
There is only one way to really buy a pair of boots. It is to go to a brick and mortar store that has experienced people there.
You need to be prepared to spend alot of time and bring the socks you wear with boots.
You need to try on lots of different brands that have the specs you need. You need to know what you need too. Try different widths and sizes.
When buying boots you really need to know the answer to some basic questions.
How much hiking do you do?
Where do you hike?
When do you hike?
Do you need crampons?
Etc.
There is no single killer boot. Different manufactures use different lasts for their boots. Personally, Vasques don't fit my feet. Some of their boots are great, but they don't fit me. You have to spend time in alot of different boots of different mfg's to find the best boot for your needs and more importantly feet.
Here are some criteria that I follow:
The least of amount of stitching, both inner and outers. I always epoxy the outer stiches when the boots are new, but less stitching will make a more durable boot.
I gravitate to all leather. I find that the ones with fabric allow too many punctures to get through. The breathability is not that much better anyway.
I always try to find a boot with some sort of toe guard. This is the area of the boot that receives the most wear other than the soles.
I go with the nubuck leather rather than the smooth leather. I would rather sacrifice the modest improvement in water repellent-ness than I would the better scuff protection.
Just say 'no' to gore-tex. These breath so poorly brand new and only get worse over time as the membrane gets dirty. They don't protect you from water over your ankle and if it looks like I need to worry about a wet foot crossing, I just take the liner off and then the socks. Rain, I just deal with it.
Good luck.
You need to be prepared to spend alot of time and bring the socks you wear with boots.
You need to try on lots of different brands that have the specs you need. You need to know what you need too. Try different widths and sizes.
When buying boots you really need to know the answer to some basic questions.
How much hiking do you do?
Where do you hike?
When do you hike?
Do you need crampons?
Etc.
There is no single killer boot. Different manufactures use different lasts for their boots. Personally, Vasques don't fit my feet. Some of their boots are great, but they don't fit me. You have to spend time in alot of different boots of different mfg's to find the best boot for your needs and more importantly feet.
Here are some criteria that I follow:
The least of amount of stitching, both inner and outers. I always epoxy the outer stiches when the boots are new, but less stitching will make a more durable boot.
I gravitate to all leather. I find that the ones with fabric allow too many punctures to get through. The breathability is not that much better anyway.
I always try to find a boot with some sort of toe guard. This is the area of the boot that receives the most wear other than the soles.
I go with the nubuck leather rather than the smooth leather. I would rather sacrifice the modest improvement in water repellent-ness than I would the better scuff protection.
Just say 'no' to gore-tex. These breath so poorly brand new and only get worse over time as the membrane gets dirty. They don't protect you from water over your ankle and if it looks like I need to worry about a wet foot crossing, I just take the liner off and then the socks. Rain, I just deal with it.
Good luck.
- Thread starter
- #26
i appreciate all of the responses, but if you had read the entire thread you would see that:
1. the boots are not for me
2. the wearer is in Australia and will be until i get there.
3. opinions on what boots work well for LADIES
4. I am well aware how to buy boots for myself, i need opinions of WOMENS boots so i can at least direct her in the right direction, not to the THOSE LOOK PRETTY BUT MY FEET HURT.
5. If anyone has a recommendation for a "brick and mortar" store in SYDNEY AUSTRALIA thats what i need, so i can send her there, not to a internet site or US chain store, there are inherent problems with both. Once i find the boots that will work right for her, - meaning she has tried them on, they are what she needs etc, i will be pruchasing them here in the United States and sending them to her ASAP so she can make sure they are broken in.
1. the boots are not for me
2. the wearer is in Australia and will be until i get there.
3. opinions on what boots work well for LADIES
4. I am well aware how to buy boots for myself, i need opinions of WOMENS boots so i can at least direct her in the right direction, not to the THOSE LOOK PRETTY BUT MY FEET HURT.
5. If anyone has a recommendation for a "brick and mortar" store in SYDNEY AUSTRALIA thats what i need, so i can send her there, not to a internet site or US chain store, there are inherent problems with both. Once i find the boots that will work right for her, - meaning she has tried them on, they are what she needs etc, i will be pruchasing them here in the United States and sending them to her ASAP so she can make sure they are broken in.
Boy ... you sure get your knickers in a knot...
Tactical Shop
sales@tacticalshop.com.au
SYDNEY STORE
Unit 10, Ocean Business Park,
10 - 18 Ocean Street, BOTANY NSW 2019
PHONE: (02) 9700 1200 FAX: (02) 9700 1230
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.30pm.
Saturdays by Appointment Only. Closed Sundays and Public Holidays.
Plenty of off street parking. Open to the public.
10 minutes from the Sydney CBD. 5 minutes from Sydney Airport
Their site says they have Danner Mountain Light's ... there is a Mountain Light II made for women...
Mountain Light II Men's/Women's
A tough hike should challenge you, not your feet. The Danner Mountain Light II has become a classic due to its unmatched comfort and quality. Built to last, this boot boasts waterproof full- grain all leather uppers, an airthotic footbed for support and stability, and the rugged Vibram Kletterlift outsole for excellent traction. Plus, a breathable GORE- TEX® liner ensures your feet stay dry, rain or shine.
yady yady yady.
Based on your acquisition approach ... I don't think custom made boots are in the cards which would have met your earlier criteria of
...
or not.
Tactical Shop
sales@tacticalshop.com.au
SYDNEY STORE
Unit 10, Ocean Business Park,
10 - 18 Ocean Street, BOTANY NSW 2019
PHONE: (02) 9700 1200 FAX: (02) 9700 1230
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.30pm.
Saturdays by Appointment Only. Closed Sundays and Public Holidays.
Plenty of off street parking. Open to the public.
10 minutes from the Sydney CBD. 5 minutes from Sydney Airport
Their site says they have Danner Mountain Light's ... there is a Mountain Light II made for women...
Mountain Light II Men's/Women's
A tough hike should challenge you, not your feet. The Danner Mountain Light II has become a classic due to its unmatched comfort and quality. Built to last, this boot boasts waterproof full- grain all leather uppers, an airthotic footbed for support and stability, and the rugged Vibram Kletterlift outsole for excellent traction. Plus, a breathable GORE- TEX® liner ensures your feet stay dry, rain or shine.
yady yady yady.
Based on your acquisition approach ... I don't think custom made boots are in the cards which would have met your earlier criteria of
... in lieu of this you should have her look at the Mountain Lights...........................
...
or not.
- Thread starter
- #28
thanks for the information, i just got off the phone with her and she was in the process of buying some pink nike's that the sales rep told her were great for hiking but looked like running shoes.
They'll suck, all Nike's do...
Try Redback. They are based in Oz. I was checking them out, but no retail store near me. This was done after Red WING stopped making model 899 which I have rocked for over 20 years--boo Redwing. This were 9-inch, full leather, Vibram sole types. Stiff soles and ankle support are your friend for x-country use.
- Thread starter
- #32
got the gf the Lowa BAnff's this last week, they fit her the best out of everything we tried. Thanks for all the feedback.
I have had Meindl boots for years. It is the best boot I have ever used for hiking, hunting and just about all outdoor activities.
I have extensive experience with Merrell, Asolo, Montrail, Lowa and others. I also have alot of training in boot fitting. What I can tell you is this. The boot that works well for 95% of those posting on this thread probably won't work for your gal. What does that mean? She must find a good boot fitter with experience in the field to get her in the right boot. There are alot of very good boots out there. But a $300 super xyz boot that does not fit her well is worth less than nothing. It could ruin the experience.
So the real question I would ask is who is the best boot fitter in her area? When I was fitting newbies, especially women, I would sell them a boot and tell them to wear it indoors for at least 10 hours before wearing it outside. If in that 10 hour period they had issues I would return the boot and we would try another. Do a search for hiking boots and email the shops asking about thier fitters. Some shops let any part time bone head employee sell boots. Others will send one employee to a fitting school and that person does all the specialty fitting. Send her to the shop that has the best combination of a fitter and selection.
So the real question I would ask is who is the best boot fitter in her area? When I was fitting newbies, especially women, I would sell them a boot and tell them to wear it indoors for at least 10 hours before wearing it outside. If in that 10 hour period they had issues I would return the boot and we would try another. Do a search for hiking boots and email the shops asking about thier fitters. Some shops let any part time bone head employee sell boots. Others will send one employee to a fitting school and that person does all the specialty fitting. Send her to the shop that has the best combination of a fitter and selection.
- Thread starter
- #35
gotcha on the fitting, i've got lots of experience with boots myself and found a very knowledgeable fitter in the bay area, the gf was here for a week from australia, went to almost 10 places trying on different stuff for her and decided that the lowa banffs were the right fit. she wore them for a few days while here, everyday wear as well as light hiking, since we purchased at REI they have the return policy if they don't work. Now that she's back in australia hopefully she will continue to wear them and send me some feedback. Personally if its strictly hiking i wear Merrells which i've had for 20 years, great boot, if its rugged terrain i'll wear my whites, and while deployed its whites or bellevilles, unless i feel like wearing my chuck taylors. lol. I've gotten her measured for a Kifaru pack just deciding on the best size for her, she's now wearing one of my spare Camelback rucks with water and a few extra pounds to get her used to carrying weight. My intent is to get her used to some weight and the boots etc, so her first trip will be enjoyable.