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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: rluttrell on January 03, 2012, 04:16:00 PM

Title: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: rluttrell on January 03, 2012, 04:16:00 PM
I live in So-Cal and am looking for a short (above the ankle) hiking boot.  I went out and got tall boots that offer snake bit protection and are great. But just to hot when I got stump shooting or hiking. I tried talking to the salesmen but he just seemed to be a yes guy.
I want a light-weight boot that has good traction.
What do you guys suggest?
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: Karl Kortemeier on January 03, 2012, 04:20:00 PM
I use merrell moab mids with great results.  I hike up and down the n. ga mountains all day long.    The moabs are basically high top tennis shoes.  Some guys like a heavier boot, but these work for me.

Good Luck
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: MTArrowLauncher on January 03, 2012, 04:23:00 PM
my absolute favorite hiking boot ever is Vasque wasatch's. They are super comfortable and super well made.

JMO
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: FXJr on January 03, 2012, 04:25:00 PM
X2 on the merrells. They fit great and have good support and won't break the bank.
Frank X.
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: T Lail on January 03, 2012, 04:42:00 PM
I really like the Hi Tech Hiker II's...good ankle support, great fit and won't break your budget....used them in Utah and Arizonia this year with no problems at all.....
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: PaddyMac on January 03, 2012, 05:34:00 PM
I'm also looking for a lighter, sneakier boot than my Danner Expedition's, which are great for long trips. I'm thinking about the Lowa Zephyr for day hunts. Anybody have experience with them?
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: NBK on January 03, 2012, 05:37:00 PM
Vasque Taku's on this year's elk hunt.  Very lightweight, waterproof, and did O.K. with a load of elk.  I was very happy with their performance and would consider them again.
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: reddogge on January 03, 2012, 05:38:00 PM
I like the Meindle Perfekt Hikers and they have a very aggressive tread for rough country.
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: Bjorn on January 03, 2012, 05:44:00 PM
I hunt in CA and UT. Lowa and Asolo leather boots work best for me.
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: don_h on January 03, 2012, 05:50:00 PM
Danner elk hunters. Don't think they make 'em anymore, but if you can find a pair, best boots I ever owned. Danners are iffy at best anymore, zamberland makes a great boot.
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: Knotter on January 03, 2012, 06:29:00 PM
If you don't need insulated boots you have lots of choices.  How do boots fit you ?  Do you have narrow feet... high arches... wide ball narrow heel?

find a retailer that has knowledgeable staff and talk to them about what they wear.  

For me a good light hiker has to have a solid fit - you're feet have to "pop" when you pull them on.  Boots that fit great and don't have a break in period in the store often turn out to be softies in the high country.   Boots that are too flexible tend to wear out your feet and put stress on parts of the foot rather than  distribute the load.  I tend to buy a burlier boot and work them in BEFORE the hunting season.  I'll take a weeks worth of blisters and 4 packs of moleskin over a season of tired feet.

I have had great experiences with Crispi, Zamberlain, la sportiva, and gronnel.  

I can't speak directly to other brands but Asolo, lowa, kenetrek an danner all have good reps.
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: sweeney3 on January 03, 2012, 08:56:00 PM
Danner Light 2.  Over the ankle, Gore-Tex, good traction, and made in USA.  I really like mine.  Use them more for bird hunting than deer, although they would be fine in early season.  Great hiking/hunters though.
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: nlester on January 03, 2012, 08:59:00 PM
danner or vasque and you can't go wrong. Merrells are quality and I think anything by Keen would probably suit.
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: lone hunter on January 03, 2012, 09:55:00 PM
Lowa
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: rluttrell on January 04, 2012, 01:10:00 PM
Thanks Guys
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: sloaf on January 04, 2012, 01:18:00 PM
Hi Tec Altitude IV's.  Best boot under a 100. often they are on clearance for around 60.  They last about 2 years and are cheap, light and waterproof.  I do all my hiking and early season hunting in them.  I am on my third pair in about 6 years. I made a special trip to Cab@$#s and spent 2 hours trying on every boot there and came home with the Hi Tecs.  I was prepared to spend a lot more and didn't need too.
Title: Re: Hiking boot selection help
Post by: Lost Arra on January 04, 2012, 01:47:00 PM
I've got Lowa feet so that has always been my choice. (Tibet, Trekker, Renegade)

They recently introduced the Renegade with the glove leather lining which is extremely comfortable. I've got the Lo's but now I'm considering the Mid's too if the Trekkers ever wear out..