Timber 501st
New member
I'm just starting out. Should I spend time finding a good boot, what do you guys wear?
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Whats the best Hiking Boot? What do you wear?
- Thread starter Timber 501st
- Start date
riverc0il
New member
yes, spend some time trying on various boots. the best boot is the boot that fits your foot and also meets your needs and demands. i recommend you find a boot place that has a ramp that they have you scuff your boots while walking up and down to make sure you don't buy a boot in which your toe bangs around. talk to a knowledgable employee and let them know what you plan on hiking. i prefer a below the ankle hiking sneaker as i generally only hike during dry times of the year, short hikes, and i like to move quick... no ankle issues. however, someone doing overnights, wet weather, long slogs, and has ankle issues could want something completely different. there are a lot of choices out there.
It's all about fit. Try some on and go to a good fitter. Don't skimp on the effort to find the rihgt boot...if you do, you won't have a good time.
Now, I wear the Asolo 520 GTX and love them. Bought them in 1999, but they still make them (520 GVX I think). Great boot. The next model down is a good one as well.
I hear very good things about the Vasque Sundowner, but the Vasque dayhikers I had did not do well at all. Three pairs in three years. Not a good track record! But those who have the Sundowner swear by them.
Now, I wear the Asolo 520 GTX and love them. Bought them in 1999, but they still make them (520 GVX I think). Great boot. The next model down is a good one as well.
I hear very good things about the Vasque Sundowner, but the Vasque dayhikers I had did not do well at all. Three pairs in three years. Not a good track record! But those who have the Sundowner swear by them.
Npage148
New member
I just picked up a pair of EMS summit GTX II. I picked them over a few others becasue it had plenty of ankle support which is something my light hikers lack adn something i like when im tired after a long day. THey feel amazingly comfortable with plenty of toe space. Im not sure about the durablity yet, since they are new. They should be getting lots of use this summer thought
As others mentioned what fits your feet is crucial. Going to a store with staff that knows boots is a big plus, even if you don't buy from them try some on there.
Go in after noon or evening when feet are a bit swollen, this is normal (unless you work 3rd shift & this is your AM) as your feet will swell during a day of hiking.
When are you going? Winter, summer, all types of weather, etc.. I'll guess not winter if you are just starting out. Whilc some people may try & get one boot for all seasons, this usually involves too hot in summer, too cold in winter (if you stop for any period of time) so don't try to get one boot. A decent three season boot should take some snow that lingers in May in the Northeast (sometimes into early June) & starts to accumulate above 3000 feet after Columbus Day.
My feet tend to be a bit wider than average in the forefoot with an average heel. In the past two years I've worn EMS Cristallos. Arete's, Asolo Pinnacles all leather & all but the Arete's long discontinued. The last (mold if you will) stays pretty similar though, a boot mfg that usually makes narrow boots (Raichle for example) is not all of a sudden going to start making wide boots, they may offer optional widths though.
I have had numerous fractures from BB, VB & Soccer between ages 10-35 & I go all year, rain, snow or shine. As the ankles have gotten a little stronger, I've been out in Vasque Alpha's (light for a boot, day hikers) & managed to get Monadnock in trail shoes last year & Waumbek in New Balance Cross trainers, both of those on good days in summer.
In winter, I wear plastic boots, specialized boots for winter mountaineering that pair up well with crampons.
Providing they fit your feet, a day hiking boot from EMS, Vasque, Asolo, LL Bean, Merrell, Garmont, etc. should get you up the toughest hiking terrain in the Northeast. I'd probably err a bit conservative & decide that if you really like it & have no issues on some of the rocky terrain of the ADK high peaks, Presidentials, Katahdin or Abraham in ME or other above treeline peaks then look at trail shoes. If CT's Bear Mountain, Rail Trails & Mt. Monadnock might be all you plan to get to in the next couple of summers then trail shoes should be fine.
If you've been bitten by the hiking bug like many of us, you'll end up with three of four pair no problem. I'm shovelling & doing yard work in some retired hiking boots.
Go in after noon or evening when feet are a bit swollen, this is normal (unless you work 3rd shift & this is your AM) as your feet will swell during a day of hiking.
When are you going? Winter, summer, all types of weather, etc.. I'll guess not winter if you are just starting out. Whilc some people may try & get one boot for all seasons, this usually involves too hot in summer, too cold in winter (if you stop for any period of time) so don't try to get one boot. A decent three season boot should take some snow that lingers in May in the Northeast (sometimes into early June) & starts to accumulate above 3000 feet after Columbus Day.
My feet tend to be a bit wider than average in the forefoot with an average heel. In the past two years I've worn EMS Cristallos. Arete's, Asolo Pinnacles all leather & all but the Arete's long discontinued. The last (mold if you will) stays pretty similar though, a boot mfg that usually makes narrow boots (Raichle for example) is not all of a sudden going to start making wide boots, they may offer optional widths though.
I have had numerous fractures from BB, VB & Soccer between ages 10-35 & I go all year, rain, snow or shine. As the ankles have gotten a little stronger, I've been out in Vasque Alpha's (light for a boot, day hikers) & managed to get Monadnock in trail shoes last year & Waumbek in New Balance Cross trainers, both of those on good days in summer.
In winter, I wear plastic boots, specialized boots for winter mountaineering that pair up well with crampons.
Providing they fit your feet, a day hiking boot from EMS, Vasque, Asolo, LL Bean, Merrell, Garmont, etc. should get you up the toughest hiking terrain in the Northeast. I'd probably err a bit conservative & decide that if you really like it & have no issues on some of the rocky terrain of the ADK high peaks, Presidentials, Katahdin or Abraham in ME or other above treeline peaks then look at trail shoes. If CT's Bear Mountain, Rail Trails & Mt. Monadnock might be all you plan to get to in the next couple of summers then trail shoes should be fine.
If you've been bitten by the hiking bug like many of us, you'll end up with three of four pair no problem. I'm shovelling & doing yard work in some retired hiking boots.
Npage148
New member
Wanting a one boot for all is my biggest problem seeing how im a poor college student. I am finally starting to break that mold though. I love the lightness of a trail shoe and the feel of the trail they give, but once i throw a big pack on, trail shoes become garbage and kill my feet. You need boots with a good shank and ankle support. Like mike said, you will hate it at first but will need many kinds of shoes
Trail runners = fast mild terrain day hikes
Light trail shoes = day hikes in rough terrain
Hiking Boots = lugging a pack around
Trail runners = fast mild terrain day hikes
Light trail shoes = day hikes in rough terrain
Hiking Boots = lugging a pack around
