Looking for New Hiking Boots

[dhoni4455]

I am looking for new hiking boots and could really use some advice. What boots have you used for long-distance trails? How was the grip and overall comfort? Any favorite brands you would recommend?

 

[Shawn]

I've used Oboz for years, but they don't seem to be as durable as they were when I first started using them.

I've worn Merrell trail running shoes all summer. I like them a lot. I might try their hiking boots next - as long as they have a waterproof option.

 

[Driftwoody]

I am looking for new hiking boots and could really use some advice. What boots have you used for long-distance trails? How was the grip and overall comfort? Any favorite brands you would recommend?

Many good brands of hiking footwear, but the most important attribute if fit. If it doesn't fit well all day long, it's not the right footwear for you. If possible, try them on in the store. Lace them properly. Walk around. Kick the toes to make sure your toes do not touch the inside toe of the footwear. On steep downhills you need some space up front. Wear your hiking socks in the store, which may be thicker than everyday socks. Feet tend to swell on long hikes, so you don't want footwear too tight or narrow. Feet come in different shapes. My feet aren't particularly meaty, but I have a wide forefoot. Some brands with great footwear are simply not for me, too narrow. If I had to pick one brand for a wider forefoot, I've always found Merrell fit me very well. But really, you have to try them on. If you order online without trying on, free return is a good idea.

I've been using the term "footwear" instead of "boots" because the trend, even for backpacking, is lighter footwear such as trail runners. Some are more rugged than others. A military study done several years ago found that one pound on the foot equals five pounds in the pack, in terms of fatigue during long hikes. I wear Merrell trail runners for most day hikes. I also have a pair of Altra Lone Peak zero drop trail runners for dirt trails in warmer weather. "Zero drop" means the thickness of the sole under the heel is the same as under the forefoot. Most hiking footwear is between 5-11. Zero drop is not for everyone, as the achilles tendon might not be ready for the extra stretch.

Another factor is where you intend to hike, in which seasons. I wear trail runners for most day hikes, and boots with more support for rugged backpacking. I'm old, fairly heavy, and my ankles aren't the best. The right has arthritis, and the left was severely dislocated with a broken fibula 5 years ago. On particularly rugged & rocky terrain, I wear rugged boots. I tried on pretty much everything REI had to offer, but couldn't find the right fit. Then I took a dive into the world of hunting boots, the kind used for heavy loads off-trail. I took a chance and bought a pair of Crispi Thor 2 (wide) online, and am very pleased with them so far. Great support for ankles and underfoot. Well-made sturdy boots are an investment. I bought these on sale for about $300.

Finally, I'll mention the issue of Goretex and similar waterproof breathable layers in footwear. Many experienced hikers don't like it because they don't breathe as well (hotter feet in hot weather); they take longer to dry out if soaked; and the waterproofing will likely fail sooner or later. And you pay more for it. Nevertheless, I've routinely bought boots with Goretex because I do most of my local day hikes (Chicago area forest preserves) during the winter. Hiking in snow or splashing through shallow frigid creeks, I like warm & dry and dislike wet socks. However, in chilly weather many still prefer lightweight & breathable. Bring extra socks.

I wish you the best in your quest for hiking footwear, and hope I wasn't too long winded with all this.