Turn Key

OK, guys. I've helped with info on state parks and kayaks. Now it's time for me to pick your brains.

DW and I are heading for a 16 day trip to Colorado this summer. Will be at Rocky Mountain National Park for a week and the rest will be split between Leadville and Durango. Will be doing a BUNCH of hiking and figure that a good pair of boots for both DW and myself will be a good idea. Have never purchased a pair of these, at least not good ones and not sure what to look for. Figuring on a low rise boot, possably w/waterproofing. We're going in summer so don't see insulation as a big factor. Actually, I guess ventilation would be better. Not sure what these should cost but figuring at least $50-100 per pair and willing to pay a bit more if needed. We're going with friends from Borne and they've been there before. My understanding is that all our hiking trips will be on marked trails, anywhere from 4-8 miles, round trip. Here are my questions:

1. Can I get good boots in the price range mentioned or do I need to spend more?
2. Planning on checking at Academy Sports for these boots. Good idea?
3. Best brandnames in price range?
4. Any other suggestions or things I've missed?

We want to get our boots in the next few weeks so that we can have a good bit of time to break them in prior to the trip.

That's about it for now. Figure that I'll have more questions once y'all chime in here. Thanks in advance for the help and as always,

Happy Camping!

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ploddinTod

Turnkey,
Here's my 2 cents. I've always had good luck with Hi Tec boots (www.hi-tec.com) The critical part about any boot, regardless of the brand, is the fit. I think you're right about NOT needing waterproof boots because your feet will tend to get hot and clammy. Breathability was always important to me and if your boots should get wet to the point that they soak through to the sock, carry an extra pair(socks) with you.
I think that Academy and Sports Authority both carry this brand. And I believe that you'll like the price also.
Remember to try on several different styles and brands to see what fits best for you and DW. Hope this helps and I know that you'll enjoy your trip to Colorado. And there's no better way to see our wild America than on foot.

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PloddinTod

Turn Key

Thanks, 'Tod! Just the kind of help I needed. Will let you know how it turns out.

Any more input from ay one?

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toejam

I recommend NOT getting boots from Academy/Sports Authority, etc. Not unless you've got a lot of experience buying them and know what you need. I suggest you look at BOTH Backwoods on the brick section of Camp Bowie in Ft. Worth and Mountain Sports on Spur 303 in Arlington (near Fielder Rd). These places carry a good selection of boots, but most importantly have staff who hike, have tried lots of boots themselves, and can help you get fitted right.

I think Vasque and Asolo are the best names in hiking boots, and you could hardly go wrong with a pair from them. But there are plenty of other good brands and what really matters is that they fit and are comfortable. The best boots go for about $200, but I'm seeing really nice ones for less than $150 all the time. Mountain Sports always has stuff on sale and Backwoods never does, but don't be a cheapskate - get what's going to work best. It's worth the investment. Try on boots at both places before you buy. It will be educational and fun.

That said, I wore a pair of $30 boots from Wal Mart on many serious backpacking trips over two years before the inner lining started coming apart. I'm currently using some $20 Wal Mart cheapos. But I've worn out lots of pairs of hiking boots, 3 of which were the real expensive ones. I'm not against spending the money on the good boots, but if I see a bargain pair that's built sturdy and is an exceptional fit I'm gonna use them. :yes:

copuswalker

No one mentioned REI?

I have always had good luck with them. They have a rock structure you can try your shoes on. I feel that really helps to make sure your toes don't hit the front of your boot!!

They are also good at choosing a boot that will be appropriate for your hiking. What weight you are carrying? What terrain to choose your soles?
Goretex uppers for breathability, wicking and waterproofing.

I would also pay close attention to your socks. Maybe some liners under your socks. I sometimes wear silk liners??

I would go somewhere that has a knowleagable staff. Nothing worse than having blisters 5 miles out....

many new boots require little break in time nut I think it is wise to get them early and use them when walking.....Good luck

__________________
There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

Unregistered

I have to agree with toejam. I suspect most clerks at Academy don't have the same level of experience and expertise as those at some other retailers. I have had very good experience with REI. The clerks there were extremely knowledgeable and helped find the right boot for me.

Fit is not just size, but also the overall shape of the boot. Different manufacturers vary as to whether they are best for narrow feet, wide feet, etc. A knowledgeable clerk can help steer you to the brands that would be best for your particular feet. For example, my husband apparently has narrow feet even though he buys his everyday shoes in normal widths. Going to a boot that was designed with the narrow foot in mind has essentially eliminated his former problems with blisters and occasional blacktoe.

If the store has one of those little ramps that you can walk up and down, use it when you try your boots. I know I tried the first time I bought boots, but did not know what to do or what to look for. Make sure your toes are not touching the front when you are going downhill or you risk blacktoe or other problems. I go as far as to kick something solid with the toe to make sure my toes do not hit the front of the boot.

I am sure you can find all kinds of things on the web about techniques for finding the proper fit. Here is one that I found in a quick search. I am sure you can find others. http://www.greatoutdoors.com/publish...tfittingguide/ Note also that there are many different ways to fine tune the fit with different lacing techniques. I don't begin to know or understand all of that. I found a lacing technique that works for me and my current boots, so that is what I use.

Finally, I will throw in my 2 cents worth for Goretex. I know the common complaint is that it is too hot. I am not sure what to say about that. Since it is Texas and heat is usually the issue rather than cold, I chose a lightweight hiking boot that has air mesh panels to make it more breathable, Vasque Mica GTX Hiking Boots. The REI's website this morning said they were $125. Perhaps the fact that they are lightweight and breathable makes them cool enough that I have not noticed the Goretex being a problem. I love the fact that they are waterproof and would no longer own a pair of boots that were not waterproof. I love being able to ford small creeks or other such impediments with abandon. I was afraid that they might not be enough support since they were lightweight, but they have seemed fine to me. They were fine even with over 40 pounds on my back when backpacking in Big Bend. My only reservation concerning lightweight boots would be for clamoring over really rocky terrain. Even that has not been a problem so far, although admittedly most of our hiking, even the large amount of off trail that we do, does not tend to be really rocky or mountainous. A heavier, sturdier boot might be in order depending on exactly what you will be doing.

Have fun boot shopping. Good luck on finding the right boots.

Alchemist2000

I tried to reply, but I guess I wasn't logged in so it did not appear. At the risk of double posting, let me try this again.

I have to agree with toejam. I suspect most clerks at Academy don't have the same level of experience and expertise as those at some other retailers. I have had very good experience with REI. The clerks there were extremely knowledgeable and helped find the right boot for me.

Fit is not just size, but also the overall shape of the boot. Different manufacturers vary as to whether they are best for narrow feet, wide feet, etc. A knowledgeable clerk can help steer you to the brands that would be best for your particular feet. For example, my husband apparently has narrow feet even though he buys his everyday shoes in normal widths. Going to a boot that was designed with the narrow foot in mind has essentially eliminated his former problems with blisters and occasional blacktoe.

If the store has one of those little ramps that you can walk up and down, use it when you try your boots. I know I tried the first time I bought boots, but did not know what to do or what to look for. Make sure your toes are not touching the front when you are going downhill or you risk blacktoe or other problems. I go as far as to kick something solid with the toe to make sure my toes do not hit the front of the boot.

I am sure you can find all kinds of things on the web about techniques for finding the proper fit. Here is one that I found in a quick search. I am sure you can find others. http://www.greatoutdoors.com/publish...tfittingguide/ Note also that there are many different ways to fine tune the fit with different lacing techniques. I don't begin to know or understand all of that. I found a lacing technique that works for me and my current boots, so that is what I use.

Finally, I will throw in my 2 cents worth for Goretex. I know the common complaint is that it is too hot. I am not sure what to say about that. Since it is Texas and heat is usually the issue rather than cold, I chose a lightweight hiking boot that has air mesh panels to make it more breathable, Vasque Mica GTX Hiking Boots. The REI's website this morning said they were $125. Perhaps the fact that they are lightweight and breathable makes them cool enough that I have not noticed the Goretex being a problem. I love the fact that they are waterproof and would no longer own a pair of boots that were not waterproof. I love being able to ford small creeks or other such impediments with abandon. I was afraid that they might not be enough support since they were lightweight, but they have seemed fine to me. They were fine even with over 40 pounds on my back when backpacking in Big Bend. My only reservation concerning lightweight boots would be for clamoring over really rocky terrain. Even that has not been a problem so far, although admittedly most of our hiking, even the large amount of off trail that we do, does not tend to be really rocky or mountainous. A heavier, sturdier boot might be in order depending on exactly what you will be doing.

Have fun boot shopping. Good luck on finding the right boots.

ploddinTod

Some good points were raised. Academy/Sport Authority is all customer NON-service. They stock the boots, you do the rest (fit yourself). Bring the socks that you'll be wearing in the boots on the trail with you. You'll be trying to keep the same foot/sock volume in the boot while fitting the boot in the store as you would have while hiking on the trail.

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PloddinTod

Unregistered

I'm a vister here, Plan on being in Tx for a month or so and was looking for some trails and wilderness area and happened along this thread. Anyway for what it is worth from some one who gets as many bag nights as I can on any given year.

Boots are one of the three things I will not skimp on when buying gear. (Tent and Pack being the others). There is nothing worse than a pair of mis-fit wet boots, It is an easy way to ruin an otherwise enjoyable trip. Anyway Vasque is a great brand and they have various styles that fit Various feet. A good place to find them is your local Red-wing store as Red wing makes Vasque. They also have attendants that are helpful with fit and sometimes even have boot strethers etc.. to custom fit.

My sugestion is you spend a few bucks and get water proof. I like Goretex. If you are in the Rockies around Durango it doesn't get that hot. It sounds like you are doing day hikes so you would not need a heavy boot. Tell the sales fols at one of the outdoor stores wat you are using them for and they can typically point you the right way. REI, Redwing, and most other local stores do not work on Commish. so they will typically be honest. But remember..Only you can tell if the fit is right. BE honest and go for fit and function not price and style.

Happy Trails

Eric

Turn Key

Thanks guys for all the input! Learned a lot more then I thought there was on this subject.

Had thought about REI but their a bit too far from home unless I can't get what we need closer. Could end up at Mountain Sports. Hadn't thought about them but that's where we purchased our 'yaks early last spring. Good folks. Will also look at Backwoods. Have never been there but have heard of it and this will give me a good excuse to look!

Another question. "Black toe" was mentioned but I don't know what that is. Given what's been said and the name, I would assume it is heavy bruising of the toe caused by repeared contact the inside of the shoe/boot. Have I got that figured correctly?

Thanks for all the help and Merry Christmas!

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toejam

Black toe is where you bruise a toenail as if you dropped a rock on it from repeated rubbing in the boots. It turns black and may fall off. The wrong boots will cause it for sure if there's not enough room in the toe box.

But YOU could cause black toe when you are wearing the right boots if you are just too gung ho on the trail. Carrying a heavy pack, hiking steep trails, and hiking hard with few breaks can cause blisters and black toe in the perfect boots if you are not conditioned for that. This happens to me some because I run in ultralight shoes for conditioning. Some people will hike around their neighborhoods with heavy packs for conditioning, but I've always refused to do that.

If you live the normal sedentary American lifestyle and then try to be Jeremiah Johnson on your vacation you may get some blisters that can't be blamed on the boots.

Thought I'd throw in that disclaimer. Have fun shopping!

copuswalker

And with a name like Toejam.....that man knows his toes

__________________
There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

Turn Key

Thanks for the help guys! Ended up getting a couple of pairs of boots at Academy. I got a pair made by Outdoor Gear called "Canyon". DW got a pair made by Nevados called "Eclipse". Neither pair were very expensive but find mine to be comfortable. Going to just wear them in the house for a day or two to make sure. Then I'll start seeing if I can get them scuffed up a bit before we head for Colorado. Even if I decide to buy something else for the trip, these are nice boots with out too high a price tag.

Thanks again and will type at you later. Happy Camping!

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Cube

If you are in Austin, Whole Earth Provision does a good job of fitting and explaining how to mate your foot type with the best boot type. Once educated, I have been able to sniff out bargains elsewhere. But I wasted a lot of money on cheap boots before that.

It does make a big difference if the boots are for hiking/walking or hiking/backpacking.

Adios,

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Hal Skaggs

toejam

Sounds great! Rest assured there must be a couple hundred places to buy hiking boots in Colorado if it comes to that.

I may get to go on a gear hunting expedition today. I need a new backpack.