Budget hiking boots

[Kevin Hansen]

Three years ago I left the hiking boots behind and went with running type shoes. The difference was amazing. The first year was a New Balance shoe. It was a good shoe, but not as good as what I've used the past two years. Check out Altra shoes. They are located in Golden, CO I believe. I've been using their Lone Peak shoe. Hope this helps.

[olddogrib]

Correction, the Vasque boots that I had the leakage problems with were the Breeze, not the Sundowners.  My bad, been several years and I think I'm getting early onset "oldtimers"!

[widow sax]

I second the Salomans they a the best boot I have worn and backcountry has them on sale around this time every year and other times during the year and you can not beat there guarantee.   Widow

[stevem]

I am very please with a boot made by Teva (yes, ths sandal folks).  They have a light leather and a fabric boot.  If you research discount sites they can be had for about $100.  I have about 5 pairs of various manufacturers boots, and they are the ones I usually reach for.

[Dave Thaxton]

Originally posted by Rob W.:
How do the Vasque and Asolo fit as far as width? I don't usually wear a wide but I think what I like about the Keens is they fit a little wider. Everyone says Merrell fits a bit narrow.

Rob,

Just noticed your post and question. I also do not need wide boots but...I have worn several different Merrells in D width with no problems. Last summer I bought a pair of Vasque Breeze GTX and they are narrow. Had to go with a wider boot. Very comfortable and with the goretex they are waterproof, unles stepping into a creek deeper than the boot is tall.

[LV2HUNT]

LL Bean Gortex Cresta. Best value and guarantee out there. I have Keen's for lighter duty.

[creekwood]

I have a pair of Speed Freeks by UA that I would give away for the price of shipping. They are nearly new and the size is 8 although they really should be marked 7 1/2 which is why I don't wear them. Just PM me if somebody wants them. If you wear an 8, trust me, you won't want them. A 7 1/2 and you should be good to go.

[Eric Krewson]

I am currently wearing el-cheapo hiking boots from Wally World, $29.95 if I remember correctly. I took out the stock insole and replaced it with a very good insole, they are very comfortable and stable now.

Bottom line, I have bad feet, plantar fasciitis on one foot and haglands deformity on the other(heel sticks way out and gets my achilles tendon really sore if shoes rub in that area).

I have custom made Russel's, high dollar Morrels( that never would break in) and have found that my own "customized" el-cheapos work as good for me as the top dollar stuff.

I have covered a lot of tough miles in them, rough mountain hiking in the Smokies and hunting back in the "land that time forgot" locally.

If my boots fail, I will only be out another $29.95 to replace them.

[Rob W.]

Got a chance to drive to a store and try almost all the brands you guys suggested. I ended up with Danner cloud caps.

They feel like they were made for my feet. I hope they hold up. Thanks guys!

[LB_hntr]

I love keen, asolo, and vasque. I still where asolo fugitve gtx boots alot. But Keen are my favorite. I where them every day and over the last few years i where them hunting more and more. I love the comfort and quality of Keen and thier waterproof seems to stay waterproof alot longer than others. Seems a 4 pairs of asolo as well as my danners start to leak after a couple years. Where as my 5 year old keens that i where about 5 times more than any other boot is still waterproof.  Keen is also the most comfortable boot for my foot i have ever owned.

[Bill Leeming]

Another vote for L L Beans Crestas