• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Question for you hikers

R

Riprorin

Banned
What's the best pair of hiking shoes for the money?

I'm looking for a half way decent pair that aren't too expensive.
 
I've had several pairs of Vasque boots over the years and love them. What you need kinda depends on what sort of hiking you'll be doing. You don't need a super-heavy pair if you're just going to be doing day hikes.
 
merrell are extremely comfortable but i think their dayhikers are better than their backpackers. salomon are comfortable too and i like their backpackers. mine have seen many miles on the rocky sections of the appalachian trail in nj/pa.

also, if you're buying from ems or rei, check to see if they have their own brand. ems does but i'm not sure about rei. they usually have decent quality and are much less expensive than the bigger names.
 
Here's a st@b at your question:

$50 Day Hikers - EMS' store brand is pretty good. If you are just going to walk around in the woods every so often without a heavy pack, these will do fine.

$100 Day Hikers - The boots are REALLY nice and very light. They still qualify as "light" hikers, so no mountain climbing in a heavy pack.
 

I'm going to Southwestern Colorado in June and hope to do some day hikes.

When the kids get a little older I'd like to do all of the high peaks in the Adirondacks, but that's a ways off.

Right now, my hiking is limited to what I can get in during vacations/business trips.
 
Originally posted by: Riprorin
I'm going to Southwestern Colorado in June and hope to do some day hikes.

When the kids get a little older I'd like to do all of the high peaks in the Adirondacks, but that's a ways off.

Right now, my hiking is limited to what I can get in during vacations/business trips.
Click to expand...

How much weight do you expect to be carrying on the day hikes? That's what really decides what kind of support your ankles will need. I suggest going to REI and seeing what they have in stock if you're close to one. Otherwise, check out their website and see what they have. They usually divide their selection up depending on what kind of hiking you're doing. I bought a pair of Columbia hiking boots that have been extremely comfortable, but they're not waterproof. Look into Montrail for high-quality/high comfort extended backpacking boots. Otherwise, I suggest checking out Vasque, Columbia(decent boot/high availability/low price), or even REI.
 
Originally posted by: Fausto1
I've had several pairs of Vasque boots over the years and love them. What you need kinda depends on what sort of hiking you'll be doing. You don't need a super-heavy pair if you're just going to be doing day hikes.
Click to expand...

I'll second the Vasque boots recommendation. I bought a pair five years ago and I've never looked back. They usually last me about a year before I either a) buy a new pair or b) replace the insoles. The treads generally last much longer than a year. They're the most comfortable boots I've ever put my feet into.
 
I have heard that combat boots are really good, I wanted to confirm this. I figure they have a ton of ankle support, you don't need the extra padding if you double sock anyway, and they dry out really fast. I wanted to see if other people had heard of this, because my old pair, 1000+ miles on them are dying. Plus I just got my pack in yestrday, and I will get a stove soon. i hope to be spending a long time out at Big Bend.
 
Originally posted by: Yossarian451
I have heard that combat boots are really good, I wanted to confirm this. I figure they have a ton of ankle support, you don't need the extra padding if you double sock anyway, and they dry out really fast. I wanted to see if other people had heard of this, because my old pair, 1000+ miles on them are dying. Plus I just got my pack in yestrday, and I will get a stove soon. i hope to be spending a long time out at Big Bend.
Click to expand...

I've never worn combat boots hiking. My wife, though, was in ROTC for a time. She said that those boots were the most uncomfortable things she's ever put on her feet. She's the one that actually got me into hiking, so I generally defer to her opinion on matters regarding that field.
 
No matter what shoe you get don't forget the moleskins!!
After going a few hrs you will get a hotspot on your foot probably somewhere then get the moleskin on it before it blisters UP!
My brother and I have done a few overnighters hiking through the mountains carrying 60lb packs, I left the shoes I spent a month breaking in at the front doorstep and had to buy another pair on the way to the mountain 😱 Don't do that either.
 
Originally posted by: Hoober
Originally posted by: Yossarian451
I have heard that combat boots are really good, I wanted to confirm this. I figure they have a ton of ankle support, you don't need the extra padding if you double sock anyway, and they dry out really fast. I wanted to see if other people had heard of this, because my old pair, 1000+ miles on them are dying. Plus I just got my pack in yestrday, and I will get a stove soon. i hope to be spending a long time out at Big Bend.
Click to expand...

I've never worn combat boots hiking. My wife, though, was in ROTC for a time. She said that those boots were the most uncomfortable things she's ever put on her feet. She's the one that actually got me into hiking, so I generally defer to her opinion on matters regarding that field.
Click to expand...

Ahh, recently I read something about how the new combat botts were really comfortable and had been very well enginered. Also when I was in belize my guide had a pair of combat boots, and eveytime we crossed a river or what not we would just go straight through, he never had a prblem with soggy boots, but we did. It got me thinking, and since my boots just started dying I have been thinking about what I should get. The combat boots are really lights and simple so i was thinking that they would work well. My only problem would be that I am flat footed and have a wide toe box.
 
Originally posted by: desy
No matter what shoe you get don't forget the moleskins!!
After going a few hrs you will get a hotspot on your foot probably somewhere then get the moleskin on it before it blisters UP!
My brother and I have done a few overnighters hiking through the mountains carrying 60lb packs, I left the shoes I spent a month breaking in at the front doorstep and had to buy another pair on the way to the mountain 😱 Don't do that either.
Click to expand...

Amen to that brother. The best advice is to have good worn in gear, and to always take care of yourself right away. I have done a 200 mile trek and a 50 trek, not to mention countless other miles in random hikes. Never forget your moleskin.
 
I bought my Vasques Sundowners (all leather, gortex lining) 12 years ago and I still wear them. Of course they aren't pretty anymore, but they are as comfortable as ever.

 
I have a pair of Asolo Cerro Torre GTX boots that I like a lot. I mostly do ~4 day trips with a backpack and occasional off trail stuff in the summer. They are fairly heavy, but comfortable and great for this kind of hiking.

If I'm just doing a day hike or something like that I wear my Nike ACG's that I wear every day.

I'll second the Vasque boots recommendation. I bought a pair five years ago and I've never looked back. They usually last me about a year before I either a) buy a new pair or b) replace the insoles. The treads generally last much longer than a year. They're the most comfortable boots I've ever put my feet into.
Click to expand...

If you invest in a good pair of boots like that, why would you throw them away when the treads wear out? It's pretty cheap to take them to a cobbler and get them resoled. As long as the leather and fabric is still in good condition, then the boots are still good. My cousin has a pair of Solomans that he's used for years. He simply repairs them when they start to get worn out.
 
Originally posted by: desy
No matter what shoe you get don't forget the moleskins!!
After going a few hrs you will get a hotspot on your foot probably somewhere then get the moleskin on it before it blisters UP!
My brother and I have done a few overnighters hiking through the mountains carrying 60lb packs, I left the shoes I spent a month breaking in at the front doorstep and had to buy another pair on the way to the mountain 😱 Don't do that either.
Click to expand...
As a testament to the quality of EMS' store brand, I have done some serious hiking in them and have never had a blister or hotspot. Comfort from day one. Note - I always hike with a pair of wool socks over a pair of thin wicking socks.

 
Originally posted by: Kyteland
I have a pair of Asolo Cerro Torre GTX boots that I like a lot. I mostly do ~4 day trips with a backpack and occasional off trail stuff in the summer. They are fairly heavy, but comfortable and great for this kind of hiking.

If I'm just doing a day hike or something like that I wear my Nike ACG's that I wear every day.

I'll second the Vasque boots recommendation. I bought a pair five years ago and I've never looked back. They usually last me about a year before I either a) buy a new pair or b) replace the insoles. The treads generally last much longer than a year. They're the most comfortable boots I've ever put my feet into.
Click to expand...

If you invest in a good pair of boots like that, why would you throw them away when the treads wear out? It's pretty cheap to take them to a cobbler and get them resoled. As long as the leather and fabric is still in good condition, then the boots are still good. My cousin has a pair of Solomans that he's used for years. He simply repairs them when they start to get worn out.
Click to expand...

Too lazy, basically. I'd rather go buy another pair and wear them in. Course, now I've got about five pairs of boots lying around the house. Maybe I should just get them repaired. It'd be a hell of a lot cheaper in the long run.
 
Originally posted by: yamahaXS
I bought my Vasques Sundowners (all leather, gortex lining) 12 years ago and I still wear them. Of course they aren't pretty anymore, but they are as comfortable as ever.
Click to expand...
:beer: <---- Cheers to another Sundowner owner!!
I've had mine for 8 years and have put thousands of miles on them. I've had them resoled 3 times and they keep on tickin. Best boots I've ever owned.
 
Originally posted by: fonzinator
Originally posted by: yamahaXS
I bought my Vasques Sundowners (all leather, gortex lining) 12 years ago and I still wear them. Of course they aren't pretty anymore, but they are as comfortable as ever.
Click to expand...
:beer: <---- Cheers to another Sundowner owner!!
I've had mine for 8 years and have put thousands of miles on them. I've had them resoled 3 times and they keep on tickin. Best boots I've ever owned.
Click to expand...

I need to get new laces for mine. I've only had my Sundowners for two years, but they are the most comfortable boots I've ever owned.
 
Originally posted by: Hoober
Originally posted by: fonzinator
Originally posted by: yamahaXS
I bought my Vasques Sundowners (all leather, gortex lining) 12 years ago and I still wear them. Of course they aren't pretty anymore, but they are as comfortable as ever.
Click to expand...
:beer: <---- Cheers to another Sundowner owner!!
I've had mine for 8 years and have put thousands of miles on them. I've had them resoled 3 times and they keep on tickin. Best boots I've ever owned.
Click to expand...

I need to get new laces for mine. I've only had my Sundowners for two years, but they are the most comfortable boots I've ever owned.
Click to expand...
Try this out for new laces...Instead of buying "laces", buy climbing string off a bulk spool. You can pick whatever color you like. It will cost about $1 for enough for both of your boots. Just cut it, then burn the ends to seal them. The stuff sinches down tighter than any lace ever will, lasts longer, and is cheaper.
 
Originally posted by: fonzinator
Originally posted by: Hoober
Originally posted by: fonzinator
Originally posted by: yamahaXS
I bought my Vasques Sundowners (all leather, gortex lining) 12 years ago and I still wear them. Of course they aren't pretty anymore, but they are as comfortable as ever.
Click to expand...
:beer: <---- Cheers to another Sundowner owner!!
I've had mine for 8 years and have put thousands of miles on them. I've had them resoled 3 times and they keep on tickin. Best boots I've ever owned.
Click to expand...

I need to get new laces for mine. I've only had my Sundowners for two years, but they are the most comfortable boots I've ever owned.
Click to expand...
Try this out for new laces...Instead of buying "laces", buy climbing string off a bulk spool. You can pick whatever color you like. It will cost about $1 for enough for both of your boots. Just cut it, then burn the ends to seal them. The stuff sinches down tighter than any lace ever will, lasts longer, and is cheaper.
Click to expand...

I'll give it a shot, thanks!

 
I just hiked Mount Washington last weekend. The weather wasn't too bad this time, it was warm on top, probably in the low 50's.

Last time I was there it was in the 30's with 85 mph winds.

Ps- I just wear sneakers because I find that boots aren't flexible enough for me to grip the rocks with.
 
I also agree with the recommendations for Vasques. I had 1 pair. That pair lasted 300 miles of Appalachian Trail, 4 trips along the old Sandy & Beaver Canal (Ohio), a Philmont trek, countless weekend camps and day hikes. Never had a blister myself, but I've given out lots of moleskin.

Edit: Several pairs of good wool socks are your friend as are sock liners.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top