Hiking Boot Recomendations

[upcruiser]

I'm looking into getting some new hiking boots and am looking for any recomendations. I've been using a medium duty set of Garmonts for the past couple of years and needing to replace them. I've had good luck with them despite them being lighter then my usual pick of boots. I've had good luck over the years with Vasque Sundowners and am considering a new pair. I'd be using these boots for backpacking trips, snowshoeing, peak bagging, and lighter day hikes. I need waterproofing as the snowshoing really demands that. I have a pretty heavy duty set of Scarpa boots that are more alpineering style, looking for something to fit the bill for everthing else.

Anyone have any recomendations that I should check out?

[Ursidae69]

I've always been a Vasque guy, they are a little heavy, but strong boots.

[upcruiser]

I'm really thinking of getting a new pair of Sundowners. They are old school, but my old ones felt like slippers they were so comfortable. I've been reading online boot reviews and I've seen people who've been using Sundowners for years complain that the quality and the comfort of the new ones aren't as good. Harder leather and issues with the build on them since they started being made in China. Any truth to this from your experience? Its been probably 7 or 8 years since I used Vasques. I still have my old ones, they were in great shape, just wore the tread right of them. I've been toying around with the idea of having them resoled.

[Jonathan Hanson]

Over the past ten years I've tested at least 200 to 250 different models of hiking boots for a bunch of magazines. Vasque Sundowners have consistently performed with the best. I didn't notice any big difference in quality; however, often manufacturers change lasts (the form over which the boot is made), which might explain why a boot that worked for you for years suddenly stopped feeling good.

I'm not a fan of combination fabric-and-leather boots with waterproof liners. I've never found a pair that offers the support or durability of all-leather boots, and I don't like the wear-em-for-three-months-and-toss-em approach to the use of resources. Nothing yet beats a single piece of leather for an upper.

Scarpas have been my favorites for a long time (since when they were making boots for Fabiano). They have a model similar to the Sundowner, but a bit heavier, the SL M3.

Other brands that have regularly performed well for me include Montrail, Raichle, and Lowa (check the fit though; their lasts can be weird).

If you really want to indulge yourself and have a pair of boots that might outlast you, get yourself a custom-made pair of Limmers or Esattos.

[goodtimes]

I'm a fan of Montrails. They fit me so much better than others that I don't even bother with anything else. With a mid height upper, they are light enough for daily use, yet provide [me] plenty of support for backpacking (of course, I have been known to go backpacking in Keen Newports...). They stick to rocks pretty well, yet last me about 1 - 1.5 years (daily use) before the soles are gone. The insoles only last me 10 - 12 months though....

But waterproof they are not.....

[fisher205]

I have good luck with some Merril Super Lights. Light weight, More comfortable and durable then my sundowners were.

I also have gone to Danner's for my hunting boots and have been very impressed with them. Great ankle support, (two days of upland game hunting on a sprained ankle). I don't know if they make a plain hiking boot anymore.

[kcowyo]

I've worn the Vasque Sundowner for years also.

Love the look and support and feel of them, they do get better with age. I would wear them everyday, to work (hey, it's Wyoming...) play or wherever. I've had 3 pairs since '95 and with daily use they would last me 3 years before the soles wore through and the laces started breaking. I did notice the last pair (purchased in '04) barely lasted me a year though before the sole pulled away from the leather, holes wore through and the laces broke. At $200+, that was dissapointing

Last May, when driving by the Sierra Trading Post in Cody, I stopped in to look for new boots. I was able to pick up a pair of leather Columbia Diamond Peak hiking boots (http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/10941068.html)for $60. For that price I had to try them but honestly I hated them at first. There isn't a notch cut in for the achilles tendon and it was crippling me. I used the old cowboy trick of standing in a trough and walking them out wet, but that seems to work better with Ropers, than hiking boots.

After several months of daily wear they are now broken in. For the closeout price they were a great deal and they seem to be holding up well, they were just a mother to break in compared to the Sundowner. If you choose to have your old ones resoled, there is a place in Salida, CO that would do that for you.

[asteffes]

I just had a pair of Raichle "Rolands" (REI-specific model from ten years ago) resoled with Lowa-brand Vibram soles by a fellow in Washington. They fit like a glove right out of the box, required no break-in to be comfortable and have never caused me any blisters. Phenominal boots. I happily suggest Raichle to anyone searching for good boots. Of course, your choice will always come down to how they fit *you*.

[Ron B]

I had the same Raichle's from REI -- a good boot. Upgraded to La Sportiva glaciers, and they still tore my feet up after trying to break them in for 6 months. Exchanged them for some Aku's (the Utah Lite GTX) and climbed Whitney a week later in comfort. I'm sold.

http://www.akuus.com/new/index.php?lang=en&sid=1&categoria=139&codart=127-018-PE06usa

Ron B

[bigreen505]

Since everyone is posting their favorites, I'll post my horror stories. First was a La Sportiva that was really overkill for my needs and heavy, but they never broke in. Next, and current, is a pair of Vasque something or others. They are either the Luna or the men's equivalent. Frankly I hate them. I don't wear them much, but I've had them for close to five years now and they are still not broken in (see my Leadville trip report). Not heavy, but really stiff and the soles are made of this super cool compound and tread design that is slippery on everything, sticks to nothing (wet rocks is death) and pack up with mud like nothing I have ever seen before. I may retire these to a friend (or the trash) and bring back an old pair of Technicas that are fantastic.

If you have something that works, stick with it. If you want something lighter check into a pair of bomber trail runners or approach shoes.

I wish I could take my Vasques back to the shop that sold them to be and beat the sales person over the head with them, but alas, they went out of business shortly after I bought the shoes (Grand West Outfitters).

[upcruiser]

Thanks for all the responses so far guys. Great feedback. Just like ski boots, I know you really need to find ones that fit your foot the best and that some models fit certain people better then others. For that reason, I'm really hesitant to buy boots online. Locally here in town there is a shop that sells Vasque and that's pretty much it for good quality brands. I've been trying to get in there to try some stuff on but my schedule has been opposite of their store hours. I really think I'm just going to get a new pair of Sundowners. I know the store has Zephyrs that I'm not too psyched on personally. The other ones I'm considerint closely at the moment are the Sundowner Summit GTX's. http://www.vasque.com/products/w-sundownersummitgtx.cfm

Something to be said though, for sticking with something that is tried and trued and that you know works for yourself.

[bigreen505]

I know the store has Zephyrs that I'm not too psyched on personally.

Zephyr, that is the one that I have. First pair of boots that I keep hoping wear out. The up side of them is that I pretty much just use running shoes anytime I think I can instead, and my feet and ankles are much stronger for it. They are also more durable than they look. I think if the traction was good I could convince myself to like them. I think my next pair will probably be a Merrill.

[upcruiser]

Zephyr, that is the one that I have. First pair of boots that I keep hoping wear out. The up side of them is that I pretty much just use running shoes anytime I think I can instead, and my feet and ankles are much stronger for it. They are also more durable than they look. I think if the traction was good I could convince myself to like them. I think my next pair will probably be a Merrill.

Thanks Bill, thats all I need to know then!

[calamaridog]

I'm fond of Merrill boots and footwear and my last several pairs have been Merrill's.

I will say, that some of the best made boots I've seen don't fit me correctly. There are tons of great boots but some brands will not work for everyone.

I think you are on the right track by trying them on and not buying online until you know what brands fit.

[edgear]

I've been very please with my Asolo Fugitive GTX boots (from REI) that I've had for about 2 years. I wore them to work everyday for a few weeks to break them in, and they've been great ever since for day hikes & backpacking. I'm not sure if they would work well with crampons or snowshoes, but I believe Asolo also makes some more aggressive mountaineering boots.

[upcruiser]

I really wish I had more selection to try on here locally. Some of the Merril, Asolo, Garmont, and Scarpa alternatives look really interesting.

I'm going to be in Colorado next week. Any places in Boulder or Summit County you guys would recomend that have good selections?

[bigreen505]

I think it might be worth a look at REI in Denver just to try on a few different options.

In Boulder you have Neptune Mountaineering, but I'm sure there are many others. Not sure about Summit County, perhaps look at the outlet mall (there are some outdoor type stores in the block with the Nike store).

[DaveInDenver]

I'm going to be in Colorado next week. Any places in Boulder or Summit County you guys would recomend that have good selections?
The man to talk to is Lee Kinney at the Custom Foot. He's on Broadway here in Denver, a block or so south of Yale. He used to work out of the Mountain Miser, but when they closed he opened his own shop. I have not had the chance to see his new shop, but I've heard that he's selling boots now and if so I would expect he'd have Scarpa and Garmont and maybe Crispi. If he's not selling boots, he will certainly have very valuable insight and he's worth shooting the breeze with. Otherwise, a couple of the remaining outdoor shops worth their weight are Bent Gate (out in Golden) and Neptune (up in Boulder). It's always worth a stop at Wilderness Exchange downtown. They are not really a full line stocking dealer, but get seconds and closeouts that are cheaper than full retail. On new boots, unless you known which model and size, this is probably not an option, tho. In any case, Lee's been fitting boots for 20 years at least and is the only person I trust for the boot fit itself. As far as REI, I'd avoid taking much of anything they tell you as the gospel, but they do have boots and it's a place you can browse. I avoid spending much money there since I'd rather spend my pay checks with the local guys when I can. Obviously I'm in the minority as evidenced by the closing of the Miser.

[bigreen505]

As far as REI, I'd avoid taking much of anything they tell you as the gospel, but they do have boots and it's a place you can browse. I avoid spending much money there since I'd rather spend my pay checks with the local guys when I can.
:iagree

My reason for recommending looking there is selection.

[devinsixtyseven]

how about for boots with a maximum of ankle support? ive had a pair of red wings for years, theyre great in summer but once the mink oil is out, theyre not waterproof and theyre cold in winter. i continue to use them 3-season and for short outdoor work in winter as they fit custom insoles easily and have a ton of ankle support and great traction on anything--my ankles have been trashed several times over the years running xc, and the continuous leather and high top on the red wings has kept me out of sprained, rolled and/or broken ankles many times.

is there a winter hiking boot with similar protection?

[DaveInDenver]

is there a winter hiking boot with similar protection?
I use my mountaineering boots for all around hiking in the winter and my favorite was a set of Kolfach Viva plastics boots. Sadly I lost them to theft a few years ago and have been making due with my Merrell Liberty Ridge leathers until the day I can justify a new pair of plastic boots. None-the-less my Merrells are plenty rigid and easily comparable in ankle support to my 6" cuff work boots (Wolverine 1442). I would suggest something like a LaSportiva Makalu, which is a single leather mountaineering boot. This would be a nice heavy duty winter boot that's good enough for mild technical ice, should you want to try that.

[upcruiser]

I almost picked up some Red Wings for work boots when I was still swinging the hammer. I haven't looked at their hiking boots before but their work boots are great. Plenty of support, but nice, soft and flexible soles which makes kneeling in them alot easy. I was using my crazy stiff Scarpas for awhile and it was killing my fee trying to bend those stiff bricks.

Anyway, being the chicken**** that I am, I went in to my local shop (which is a great little shop with climbing, paddling, nordic, and alpine gear) and told them my feelings, fears, and desires. I ended up ordering some Sundowners. I had to go with what I know I like. They gave me a good deal on them that matched what I saw them advertised for on a couple of websites and on top of that I'm supporting a local business which I try to do as much as possible.

So thanks for all the help. It was funny I started out totally open, then reverted back to what I must have wanted all along deep inside. Call me conservative.:p

[ZooJunkie]

I've owned a pair of Vasque Sundowner Classics for the last 12 years now, still waterproof and still comfortable. However, if you have skinny ankles like me, the button bindings on the top of the boot might rub against your shins when you tighten your laces. Otherwise, I would recommend a pair of these classic boots. I would certainly buy another pair. I got my pair at REI 12 years ago.

Great boot! It's nice to fall back on classics. :)

[Scott Brady]

I have a pair of Zamberlan that have been with me for ten years. All leather, which a heavy rand and Vibram sole. They are pretty expensive, but have taken quite a beating.

Looks like my model is no longer sold.. Too bad.

http://www.zamberlan.com/catalog/uk/index.html

[upcruiser]

Well, I thought I'd give an update on the boots. I ordered a set in "burgandy" through my local shop here (I like to support the local businesses whenever I can, especially being that this comunity is so small). I picked them up last week after returning from Colorado. Boy was I excited to get them. First thing I did was coat them in sno seal then go out on a 3 hour hike. Winter has been really weak here this season, so all I needed where my gaitors and did a loop that hit a couple of cool high areas overlooking Lake Superior. Ouch. That's how I can sum it up. My old Sundowners I recall as breaking in rather quickly and having a nice soft feel to the leather. These new ones are stiff planks. I'd heard the rumors that since production moved to China, the quality of the leather suffered but I wasn't expecting this. I've been wearing them around as much as possible over the last week but really, I'm not feeling them getting any more comfortable. The heel pocket rubs me the wrong way and the area over the ball of the foot where the boot flexes, pinches me from the stiff leather making a rather sharp crease. Also the boot feels a bit wider. I was assured that the lasts were the same as the old boots but I'm not sure. Unfortunately I'm not too happy so far. I'm really hoping that they will break in here still though. If not, does anyone have any suggestions for a leather softner that might be able to help take some of the rigidness out of the leather?

[bigreen505]

Sorry to hear that Kristian, sounds like mine.

You could try Mink Oil, but I'm not sure that it is any better than sno seal and once you put the sno seal on and melt it in, the leather is pretty impervious to just about everything.

[TeleScooby]

After being a boot fitter at the main REI here in Seattle for several years, I can tell you one thing about the newest generation of Vasques...they're going to sell alot less of them. The last is nowhere near the same, the leather is too still, the soles are having a nasty habit of falling off, and they don't distribute the Sundowner Classic nearly as much as before, they're pushing the Sundowner Summit more.

That said, the only thing I know of that will soften yours up is the old baseball mitt trick: Treat them with a liberal coating of mink oil, then stick them in a warm (NOT HOT) oven for 10 minutes or so, watching constantly, then put 'em on and walk around the neighborhood for awhile...

That, and for further fit refinement, try some moldable insoles, like Sole, or Montrail markets some similar under their own name...

[upcruiser]

Mink oil it is then. I'll give the oven trick a try and see if that helps. They just feel like cardboard right now. The old ones were so much different. I still have them and the leather is actually in pretty good condition on them so I'm probably going to have them resoled and at least have those to fall back on.

Chalk it up to another quality casualty from our outsourcing of labor to China.

[TeleScooby]

If you don't have a good cobbler in town, look up Dave Page Cobbler. He's here in Seattle and does work for people all over the globe...

[SeaRubi]

I bought a pair of Asolo 535's about 8 years ago at seattle REI. These have been a great boot. vibram soles, nice tongues on 'em, good ankle support when cinched up but i like to leave them a bit loose since i don't have any issues with that dept. they're not waterproof which is my only complaint, but it takes several minutes of standing in a submerged stream before i feel anything. with just going through normal crossings and through puddles etc. they stay very dry , and I've only treated them once. At $135 (back then) for the pair I've been fairly happy with them. THey had a goretex version of the same boot for closer to $200.

fwiw.

[upcruiser]

Well, I've tried mink oil now and it seems to have helped a bit. I did about 5 coats of it, put it in the oven, and repeated. They seem to still be absorbing it so I'm going to do a few more treatments. It seems like the leather is just super dry, thus the stiffness. Hopefully they'll keep softening up a bit.

Thanks for the tip on the cobbler. Supposedly there is a local guy who does a good job, in fact a friend of mine had his Sundowners resoled there.

[bigreen505]

Food for thought. My dad has owned I think three pairs of hiking boots in his life time, current ones are Pavettas (sp?) from about 30 or so years ago and they are about to go in four their third or fourth sole. If it works and it is comfortable, keep them.

I'm so annoyed with my current Vasque's that I'm looking at getting my old Technicas resoled.

[BajaTaco]

I also have gone to Danner's for my hunting boots and have been very impressed with them. Great ankle support, (two days of upland game hunting on a sprained ankle). I don't know if they make a plain hiking boot anymore.

Just to chime in on the Danners, yes - they still make a plain hiking boot. I am now on my second pair of Mountain Light II (http://www.danner.com/product/outdoor/all+terrain/mountain+light+ii+men%27s-women%27s.do) boots. I went through 3 pairs of vibram soles on the first set before I had started to wear out some of the stitching. They just fit me really well and I can hike for days in them right off the bat, with no break-in required. 3 pairs of vibrams is a pretty good amount of use, worth the cost for these boots I would say. I will note that the gore-tex membrane only lasted maybe half the life of the stitching (half the life of the boot) so they weren't 100% waterproof for the lifespan of the boot (in my case anyway). The leather is bulletproof but comfortable. They are still made in the USA.

upcruiser, good luck with the Sundowners, are they working out any better now? I had considered a pair of them a long time ago, but they seemed a bit narrow for me.

[Beowulf]

I just posted this over on the boots for girls section:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boots are probably the most important thing you can have. My recommendation is to go to as many stores as you can and try them all on with different pairs of socks. Go with the one the fits the best. Looks are secondary, but still somewhat important. Even if they fit great but you hate they way they look and vice versa.

I personally love handmad Limmer boots. All leather and take a few miles to wear in. But, once broke in they are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn.

If you can wait 4 years and part with $500, go with full custom. If you foot is somewhat normal give the off the self Limmer Lightweight and Limmer Standard a try.

My wife actually wears a pair of Men's 8.5 Garmont Dakota Plus boots.

Second to boots is socks. I highly recommend socks such as Smartwool and Bridgedale. It may seem strange to spend $15 to $20 on socks but it makes all the difference. The more wool the better.

I actually wear ultra thin liners under Smartwool Expedition socks. Wicks extremely well with moisture wicking. Keeps me warm in winter and is not to hot for Moab in the summer.

No matter how tired, cold or sick you are you can keep walking. But, the minute your feet hurt that is is about the end of it.

[Benjisan]

Everyone loves Limmer but Esatto custom made boots seem good as well. There is also a guy in BC, Canada that apparently makes some awesome boots, Van Gorkem is the name.

All of these custom made boots have wait lists and cost some serious dough. The upside is if you maintain these babies they will last you for eons, can be resoled and repaired, and you have a boot that is perfect. I am seriously considering ordering from one of these crafters. As for off the shelf recommendations, I have none. It is futile to recommend boots to someone as everybody has different feet. As has been stated already, the best thing to do is try on a lot of boots until you find the best fit. Take them home and break them in, only indoors at first. That way if there are any problems, they won't be scuffed up and you can take them back. Just make sure the store you buy from is okay with this, most are but you want to check ahead of time to avoid trouble. If the boots pass the indoor break-in period, proceed to outdoor break-in. Whenever I find a shoe or boot that fits well, I usually try to buy two pairs, that way if the company discontinues or makes changes to the model, I can rotate them, they will last a while longer, and I won't have to go through the agony of trying on fifty thousand pairs of boots for awhile.

I also second the recommendation for Smartwool socks. Hands down they are the best socks I've thrown on my feet.

[KingSlug]

I really like my old style Raichle Montangas, when I found out they weren't going to make anymore I bought 4 pair in 1998. They are hella tough, abeit a bit heavy.

For a lighter boot I like the Courtney Selous (http://www.courteneyboot.com/ccselous.htm).

BTW: I was a boot tech at REI too.

[upcruiser]

I pretty much only sport smartwools in my boots for both skiing and hiking. They are spendy but they are worth every penny no doubt. Fortunately I get a few pair free every year so that keeps me well stocked.

An update on the Vasques. I did about 8 treatments of mink oil and heat and got the leather pretty supple. I haven't been wearing them a ton yet but when I have, they are starting to get pretty comfortable. The cardboard like consistency is gone and they are getting to where I like them. Took much longer then I was expecting though.

[HenryJ]

Once upon a time, when I was working construction, I wore nothing but Hathorne 8" Packers. Oiled heavily with mink oil. Working in mud dirt and on equipment all the time they were a good boot. Way too heavy for long walks, hiking and too slick, or hard for rock climbing.

In the winter snow I wear Sorrel Packers. I have three pair of liners so a dry pair is always available.

The last half dozen years I have become accustomed to 8" duty boots. We fight wildland fires in the Danner Rainforest 8" insulated boot.
Many of the guys wear them for light duty as well. They are a little heavy, but for fighting fire they function well. I have hiked miles and miles in terrible terrain and the feet did not suffer.

For personal use Nike has fit me better than most brands. I have a pair of Nike ACG Wallowa light hikers and a set of Nike ACG Casacde light hikers. Both of these are over ankle light boots. More of a high topped cross trainer with some water resistance. These have worked pretty well, but like anything that fits and wears well , it is soon discontinued. I have worn out three pair of laces in the Nike Wallowas. Those are what I have been wearing as I work in the shop.

The last pair I picked up was a set of 8" side zipper Worx duty boots. These were made by Redwing. They have been working great. I have been trying to keep them for shift work and keep them nice. They are very comfortable and hard to leave alone though. I should have bought two pair when I found them clearanced for $25.

I recently purchased another couple pair of boots. One pair has been set back for duty work, so I have not tried them out yet. These do not have zippers, so I ordered some lace in zippers for them.
The pair that is set aside for now has a smooth finish with ventilated sides. These are the Beretta Thunder 8" duty boot.
The other pair are a little more casual. They are the Beretta Lightning 8" duty boot. OMG! These are very comfortable!
It may just be that they fit correctly. I was measured for a pair of Whites a very long time ago. 10 1/2 F was what they determined. With a quote over $400 , I passed on having a set made.
The Berettas were available in a wide width. 10.5 W :victory:
The soles are a strange rough texture. It has the old military recessed lugs, but a rough raw texture. They are almost silent when walking. No clomping or squeaking sounds on smooth tiled surfaces. Traction seems good. The Lightnings I am now wearing have a rubber over toe reinforcement. The uppers a rougher smoothed leather. Ventilation is good and they are light as sneakers. I picked them up from Sportsmansguide.com. About $50 a pair.

I have been spraying all my boots with KIWI "Camp Dry" heavy duty water repellent. It leaves a nice shine on the smooth duty boots and does not discolor the "suede like" finish the Nike boots have. I may be lazy, but it seems to work pretty well.

Nike, Worx and Beretta are all made in China.

Each area may have a style that works better. My terrain is high desert. Snakes, Ticks, cheat grass, rock, sand, dust. Desert boots with some water resistance work for me.
I don't think I would want to use these in mud all day.

[Mike S]

I personally love handmad Limmer boots. All leather and take a few miles to wear in. But, once broke in they are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn.

If you can wait 4 years and part with $500, go with full custom. If you foot is somewhat normal give the off the self Limmer Lightweight and Limmer Standard a try.

Agreed. I have worn out quite few pairs of boots. Last year I bought a pair of Limmer Lightweights. These are easily the best boots I have owned.

[dieselcruiserhead]

I have been using the old Merrill Wilderness boots for ages.. I bought two pair in about 1996 or so.. I used to fix hiking trails in the adirondacks during the summers when I was in high school and college.. Used to beat the snot out of your boots especially, tough terrain, weather, lots of rain, mud, rock etc...

This was right when Merrell got bought and I believe these boots might have been made elsewhere than the traditional Vermont factory, these were the first of the new ones (probably similar to todays) but the quality was actually good...

I never even got into the second pair until just this year when not using them took their toll on the boots. It was really hard to finally throw them away.. I bet I had 400 major hiking days on them and many many long trips. They are back packing boots in theory but are tough as nails, so I used them for everything. If you can get good in hiking in them then you become a very strong hiker... Best thing I did was take them to the cobbler and get a beefier set of soles put on. Slightly more weight but sort of like a tough set of off road tires.. Not sure if they still make the wildernesses.. Luckily they fit my foot... Similar to other high quality boots of the time, resolable, good leather, broke in well.. The key was good boot maintenance.. Clean with saddle soap, let thoroughly dry.. Then put in over, and apply water prrofer.. I forget the brand name but they sell it in red and green tubes., green for Suede I think (IE use the red). Very good stuff, blows sno seal away. that said I havn't been able to find it locally (haven't looked too hard though, REI probably carries it) so I used sno seal last time. If you take care of a good set of boots its sort of like a Welder, should last you as long as you live usually...

The problem with good boots that are fairly stiff is that they are honestly hard to drive in. Back then I got used to it but it is still hard to get good feel of the gas pedal beneath your foot with them on. And they are heavy but you get used to that..

Anyway, the Wildernesses were out for ages right when Limmer finally started putting out their boots to the public (IE not custom).. I would probably go with these again.. This second pair of the wildernesses are pretty good.. I will probably keep them for a while. I had probably an old set of the Sundowners (I think) for ages, slightly softer sole that was better for easy trips and just wearing..

That is an issue when talking about boots for the Expo crowd...


Here is a link to them...
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/merrell/wilderness/

[MaddBaggins]

I'm a little late to chime inbut...
My favorite boots have been Danners. Either the Danner light or the mountain light II. Both are great boots and comfortable right from the start. I use mink oil to clean and condition the leather. I always wear them with Merino wool socks and no liners. When it comes to wool socks, those made with Merino are the shizzl.

[FortyMileDesert]

A little off the subject - - - I'm 6'3" tall, long legged, size 12 boot and drive an '04 Land Rover Discovery. As anyone who is tall and driven a Discovery knows; there is a severe lack of knee, leg and toe room for tall people in a Disco. I've modified the seat rails to gain a bit of length but still tight for foot width and knee room under the steering wheel.

To comfortably drive and not constantly find myself hitting the brake and throttle pedals at the same time; I usually have to wear regular shoes while driving and then change to boots for any serious hiking. The only boots I know of with a narrow enough toe width are cowboy boots - But those are really not any good for hiking.

I do my off-roading (and hiking) in northern Nevada, so mud and wet are never a problem. Most hiking is in rocks, talus, sand and sagebrush. Winter temperatures -10 to +20, summer temperatures +20 to +100.......ANY SUGGESTIONS? :PROFSheriffHL: