Boots

[Goliath17]

I'm looking to buy a nice pair of boots. There are a lot of brands but I'm sure some are better than the others. I have herd magnums are great, but I'm not sure. I want a boot that can handle the Northwest and its terrain. And still have that tactical look. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Payback]

Under armour speed freeks in multicam. They are great lightweight and waterproof.

[Jester316]

Danner
Bates
Converse
Oakley
Solomon
Keen



Those are just a few... Go to a store, try them on, find what you like. Boots are like condoms, you can't ask what other people like and than just assume you'll be happy...

[Diegunner]

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=40885

[Rivera]

Belleville is a really good brand, good looking military boot and sturdy as hell. I've had a pair and put them through hell for the last 6 years.

[Pacman]

I'm a big Danner fan but can't deny my Nike SFB's are the most confortable boots I own. Everything I own are goretex except them but the fast dry properties and comfort more than make up for the lack of goretex membrane

[The Grand Baboon]

Asolos and Lowas are both high end Italian boots (~$200-400) They're not like a glued together monstrosity from China. Italian boots can be rebuilt by a cobbler if they need to be. I have a pair of Asolos that I've taken on multi-week backpacking trips in Wyoming and hunting trips here in Utah. I'd wager that they have about 500 miles of use on them so far since I purchased them in 2010. They're wonderful boots.

Let me put emphasis one thing. Spend good money on boots. There is a reason why (when given a choice) soldiers buy Merrels, Asolos, Lowas, or pretty much any higher end boot you can find at REI. Issued boots suck. They're made by the lowest bidder.

Get something high end and you'll be tossing them in 15 years, rather than a couple seasons down the road.

[McNair]

quality insoles help as well.
I use superfeet green and I've had no issues since.

[Darius137]

I recommend a local brand, which is Danner.

The Danner factory store has factory seconds, too. You can get a pair of Danner Melee's for $83.

They also just came out with their lightweight boot, the Danner Tachyon, which is now my favorite boot. Feels SLIGHTLY sturdier than SFBs, and they come in wide sizes (main reason for me to get them).



I have a very low opinion of hiking boots, Bates, Altima, Belleville and other lower end boot makers.

[Switchback]

These are my Boots: 8-inch Danner Strikers, size 9.
I bought these to replace my $19 Response Gear boots (which were the greatest footwear choice since the Vibram Five-Fingers).
I was told at Wholesale Sports they were Danner's "old model" so I got them for $80. Incredible deal. I wear them every day--it took about 2 weeks to break them in perfectly, and my only complaint is that one of the laces broke (not a big deal, just get more laces; you've been warned). I use them both indoors (school/everyday wear) and usually 2-3 times a week out in the forest. They have great traction indoor, and have a non-marking sole. I've used them 3 times at OAA in the past month, my only complaint is that the leather softens up and attracts grey dust
I oilded them up and cleaned them a few days ago so they look pretty gucci. Gore-Tex is breathable and very useful in the PacNW.

You should buy a pair

Hope this was somewhat useful.

Still wearing them! They hold up very well to all sorts of use and abuse. Traction is still great, no squeaking or seam problems, and the insoles are still comfortable.



EDIT:
You really should get out there and try some on. If you find some you like, LAPG has free ground shipping and 15% off for a week (on Danner boots).
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com ... 35LBkeg%3D

[Kilo]

I love my Merrills and Danners. Merrills are relatively cheap if you don't mind the half cut.

[frogfish]

I've used Inov-8s on rough rocky terrain especially their heavier mountain boots, I wouldn't recommend their 0 drop shoes but the roc-lite series is great especially the 286 and the 400. I also have a pair of salomon xa pro 3d ultra 2 GTXs that I love, great all around shoe.

I've found Merril's quality has gone down the toilet in the past few years, they used to be much better shoes. Asolos, Lowas, and Salewas are all also great boots, Asolos even the wides are too narrow for me, and despite their warranty I had a pair of Salewas that gave me blisters no matter what I did.