Hiking boot selection help

[rluttrell]

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?

[Karl Kortemeier]

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

[MTArrowLauncher]

my absolute favorite hiking boot ever is Vasque wasatch's. They are super comfortable and super well made.

JMO

[FXJr]

X2 on the merrells. They fit great and have good support and won't break the bank.
Frank X.

[T Lail]

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.....

[PaddyMac]

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?

[NBK]

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.

[reddogge]

I like the Meindle Perfekt Hikers and they have a very aggressive tread for rough country.

[Bjorn]

I hunt in CA and UT. Lowa and Asolo leather boots work best for me.

[don_h]

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.

[Knotter]

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.

[sweeney3]

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.

[nlester]

danner or vasque and you can't go wrong. Merrells are quality and I think anything by Keen would probably suit.

[lone hunter]

Lowa

[rluttrell]

Thanks Guys

[sloaf]

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.

[Lost Arra]

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..