Who makes a good hiking/walking boot?

[Markbnj]

I walk a lot, average of two miles a night every night, and then hiking on weekends. My last pair of good walking/hiking boots were actually Walmart specials, and they're falling apart.

So my wife gets me a pair from L. L. Bean, and the first time out they chew holes in my feet due to hard points in the interior seaming and a stupid "heel grabbing" design feature at the rear.

I send them back and get another, well-reviewed pair. These too have hard seam junctions in the interior padding that rub, no matter how thick the socks I wear are. First night out I take it easy and they still eat a hole in me.

Makes me wonder honestly whether Bean remembers how to make a shoe for people who actually walk a lot in them.

So what's a good alternative at a reasonable price? I'm looking for something stout enough to get through the winter walking and hiking until I go back to boat shoes in the spring.

Should add that I prefer a traditional look, and am partial to leather but won't turn my nose up at other materials.

 

[foghorn67]

Merrill

 

[IronWing]

La Sportiva
Kayland
Limmer
Scarpa (but only if you have narrow feet)

 

[herm0016]

keen makes nice trail shoes. along with what is mentioned.

 

[velillen]

Whatever boot fits your feet is going to be the best.

Go to a store like REI and try on as many pairs as you can till you find one that truly feels great TO YOU. We could list tons of brands but what i like isnt the same as what you might like. When i buy new boots it usually involved 1-2 hours at REI trying on 5-20 pairs. Once you learn which brand your feet like best. for me Garmont...well pre being bought out)...almost always felt the best. But my mom hates them and prefers Scarpa. Just depends

 

[bradly1101]

Yeah, for some stuff you need to do brick and mortar.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I'm a fan of Lowa.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Whatever boot fits your feet is going to be the best.

Go to a store like REI and try on as many pairs as you can till you find one that truly feels great TO YOU. We could list tons of brands but what i like isnt the same as what you might like. When i buy new boots it usually involved 1-2 hours at REI trying on 5-20 pairs. Once you learn which brand your feet like best. for me Garmont...well pre being bought out)...almost always felt the best. But my mom hates them and prefers Scarpa. Just depends

This. Unhappy feet make for a miserable day of hiking. REI's return policy is definitely worth it to me, and they don't really carry any garbage brands.

I have some Merrill winter boots that are amazing, but last year I tried some of their hiking shoes and they were too wide. I ended up with Vasque, which I guess is manufactured by Redwing? Anyway, they're great.

 

[Carson Dyle]

For light hiking shoes, I like Merrell. The Moab comes in a number of different variations. Low or high, ventilated or waterproof. I just got a new pair of Moab Ventilators (low) to replace an old pair.

http://www.merrell.com/US/en/Men-Footwear-Shoes-MultiSport

 

[Sukhoi]

Zamberlan

 

[Tango]

There are many good hiking boots makers, most notably the italian ones.

But the first thing you have to figure out is what type of foot you have. This is critical. La Sportiva for example is exceptional for narrow feet, Scarpa tends to fit wider forefeet, etc.

Secondly, it depends on the use. Do not buy waterproof unless you are 100% sure you'll need it. It is not a *just in case* feature, because it does change dramatically the comfort zone of the shoe.

Also, no matter what who you buy, immediately toss away the insoles and replace with something like Superfeet.

 

[Markbnj]

Yeah, for some stuff you need to do brick and mortar.

This. I'm definitely not buying online again. I'll put the Bean return credit into a pair of wicked good mocs (which are freaking awesome, btw) and hit up a store for boots.

Lots of good suggestions. Checked out the Merrel. Pretty pricey but it's worth it for good construction and comfort. I'm going to take a list of these suggestions and hit up a few stores.

Thanks!

 

[Ophir]

A which point did two miles become a lot? Not trying to be facetious... it just sounds like the bulk beef alternator equivalent of exercise.

Regardless, just go to REI and get fitted for a proper hiking shoe. Don't brand-shop. Get what's right for your feet and your application. Generally the people there are very knowledgeable and helpful. Any decent pair of shoes should get you through 2 miles. That's nothing.

Oh, and that waterproof comment is nonsense. My hiking boots are gore-tex waterproof and snug as a bug. Comfy and stable on the Highline in Glacier at 35 degrees and Angels Landing in Zion at 90. Get what's right for you.

 

[mizzou]

hiking shoes, like aggresive cross trainers, are gaining mobility in hiking vs old fashioned heavy boot.

i have merils and love them over my goretex heavy boots

 

[holden j caufield]

I've only own one pair of trail shoes, Vibrams. They felt really comfy and I usually dislike almost all shoes. I'm in sandals most of my free time.

 

[BikeJunkie]

Merrell by a country mile. Some models have Vibram soles if you need something really sturdy.

I just bought a pair of their Proterra Sport Hiking Shoes (semi-minimalistic hiking shoes) and a pair of their Moab Polar Waterproof Winter Hiking Boots. Their Moab line is REALLY comfortable and I almost bought a pair of their Chameleon IV's, but I liked the minimalist feel of the proterras. That said, the IV's were pretty lightweight, too.

Both will be used for mountain biking and hiking, depending on the climate, and both are seriously comfortable. I've had a pair of Merrell casual shoes for almost 10 years that feel like house slippers. I've worn these suckers almost every day in that time frame and you'd never know it looking at them.

Almost every model they make comes in a waterproof and non-waterproof version. Go to your local Cabella's or Dick's and discover the wonder that is Merrell.

 

[Thebobo]

Vasque

 

[Markbnj]

A which point did two miles become a lot? Not trying to be facetious... it just sounds like the bulk beef alternator equivalent of exercise.

Haha, well, I don't know anyone who walks 15-18 miles a week, every week, but I am sure there are people out there who make that look like a trot out to the mailbox. In the last year I've walked about 500 miles. Seems like a lot to me. In any case, the main point was that I don't buy hiking boots to wear to the movies. I need them to actually be comfortable.

Oh, and it was 10F last night. This bulk beef alternator walked two miles. How far did you walk?

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Vasque

+1

 

[drbrock]

I know you dislike LL Bean so far but have you tried these boots?
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1477...re-tex-cresta-hikers-leather&attrValue_0=Dark Brown&productId=20674

Bought them for a recent hiking trip through the redwoods. farthest distance walked in them was around 10-12 miles. You might blaze more than that on the weekends. They were very comfortable. A little heavy though compared to synthetics. But you mentioned you like leather and so do I.

also like Merrell like other posts have mentioned.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Merrell

They seem pricey but compared to other brands and what you get for the money, they are a good bargain.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Oh, and that waterproof comment is nonsense. My hiking boots are gore-tex waterproof and snug as a bug. Comfy and stable on the Highline in Glacier at 35 degrees and Angels Landing in Zion at 90. Get what's right for you.

Waterproofing is pretty variable, IME. The boots that do it well are usually a good bit more expensive. And for people like me, cursed with swamp feet, waterproofing just makes the compromised ventilation that much more miserable in warm weather. As you say, get what's right for you.

 

[OCGuy]

Schutzstaffel surplus?

 

[jiggyest]

Merrell's like everyone suggested (they do run wide).

Personally I prefer trail runners (Salomon) and have used them on long distance hikes (15+ miles), multi-day backpacks, and as an approach shoe. Light and comfortable but not the most durable.

 

[sdifox]

Merrell

et voila