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02/11/2010 03:33:58 PM · #1
I think it's time I invested in this very important piece of photography gear. Not something I have a lot of expereince purchasing. Any recommendations or tips on what to look for in a decent pair?
02/11/2010 03:37:16 PM · #2
I've got hiking boots but I can't give recommedations as I just bought something inexpensive to wear in the winter - except to be sure to get something waterproof!
02/11/2010 03:42:52 PM · #3
My wife works for New Balance Web express and I had tried a few of their hiking boots/shoes and was never super impressed, mainly b/c of water issues, until she brought home these. i can't recommend these thing enough, they're comfy and water tight. They are a bit pricy but worth the money, though we get a discount too:-)
02/11/2010 03:45:18 PM · #4
Very tricky question believe it or not! What works for one may not work for someone else, some stores will let you take the boots try it at home to see how they fit and feel on your fee. And it depends on how long of walks you want to do, wet or dry walks; the socks and are very important too.
I have a fun hiking site. I think I have some information there. Good luck
Tareq
walkingjordan
02/11/2010 03:47:34 PM · #5
I use a fairly inexpensive pair for general walking about, they are light with good grippy soles, not too high around the ankle and padded. Too high with little or no padding will result in blisters and uncomfortable use. Buy leather and give regular coatings of dubbing or similar to build up waterproofing. I try to ensure they are lghtweight and that the soles are flexible, if not you will suffer with shin muscle ache after a very short time.

For bad weather use I wear a pair of Primal Gear X-treme high boots. They are finished in camo with deep grip soles and are high boots. They are insulated and breathable, and 100% waterproof.
02/11/2010 04:05:04 PM · #6
I guess a lot of it depends on how far you plan on going. If you're doing day hikes, shoes will be fine. If you are doing multiple days, then boots are the answer (so I've been told)
I've only had hiking shoes. I absolutely loved my Timberland's because they were waterproof and if water came in the top they wicked(sp?) the moisture away quickly. Plus they had a nice lace pouch which I like because my laces are constantly coming undone otherwise. They were comfy and good on rocks and ice.

I have Merrill's now and they're decent but not quite as comfy as my Timberland's and if they get wet they take a bit longer to dry.
02/11/2010 04:06:55 PM · #7
Originally posted by Citadel:

I guess a lot of it depends on how far you plan on going. If you're doing day hikes, shoes will be fine. If you are doing multiple days, then boots are the answer (so I've been told)
I've only had hiking shoes. I absolutely loved my Timberland's because they were waterproof and if water came in the top they wicked(sp?) the moisture away quickly. Plus they had a nice lace pouch which I like because my laces are constantly coming undone otherwise. They were comfy and good on rocks and ice.

I have Merrill's now and they're decent but not quite as comfy as my Timberland's and if they get wet they take a bit longer to dry.

Timberland or Merrill's...both excellent choices.
02/11/2010 04:25:15 PM · #8
For hiking or work, my boots of choice are Danner boots. I like the traction with the Vibram lug soles. Once you break them in, they are very comfortable. I've traversed ankle deep streams and the ones I have don't leak. Some people don't like Danner's as much because they are heavier than say a casual hiking boot, but I have 8" Danner's for work and 6" Danner's I wear not at work. Probably best bet is to go to a sporting goods store and try a bunch on; see what's comfortable for your purpose.
02/11/2010 04:47:44 PM · #9
I go through hiking boots like candy... then again, I do walk a lot. Depending on where you're going and what your terrain will be, waterproof and insulated are musts, yet they must breathe. The brand that works will for me are Asolo. I got a new pair (Makalu GV) early last year and, beyond wearing them just as a comfortable hiking boot did some hiking in Yosemite March, climbed Mt. Katahdin in May, some trails in Ohio in the fall and a severe (near-arctic) winter in the Tetons. The best thing - never a blister, sore foot, twisted ankle or slipped crampons. The padding is beginning to wear thin after just over a year, so I'll need to supplement that or look at a new pair. Asolo has a hiking/mountaineering boots for all levels, environments and elevations. My wife is a big fan of the Scarpa brand and also Asolo. Weight and stiffness/flexibility are the big issues with hiking boots. The trick is to find the pair that fits you best. Hope this helps.
02/11/2010 05:10:19 PM · #10
Keen Voyageur Mid
Light, support, and comfy.
Love them!
02/11/2010 05:14:03 PM · #11
As has been said here this is not something you can ask others and then expect to be perfect for you. Hiking boots are very individual and you need to assure a good fit and the right brand for your feet and the type of use will give them. There is no quick way other than going to a good store and trying on a number of boots.

Go to a good higher end outdoor store and you should get good sound advice, lots of different brands to try on and the abiltiy to return them if they do not work out. I recomend REI as they have outlets in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area.

Message edited by author 2010-02-11 17:15:42.
02/11/2010 05:20:03 PM · #12
I've had many different varieties of hiking boots. By far, my favorite pairs are made by Asolo.

Message edited by author 2010-02-11 17:20:20.
02/11/2010 05:38:43 PM · #13
My main piece of advice here is that it is very easy to spend too much money on hiking boots. Decide what the primary terrain is going to be, and also how cold and wet it tends to be when you're out and about. If you're going to be doing generally non-mountainous or rocky terrain and you're not a fan of torrential rain, I'd stick to a sturdy pair of trainers (sneakers). A basic rule is the steeper and rockier your climb is going to be, and the longer you're away for, the stiffer a pair of boots you'll need (i.e how flexible the sole is). I have a fantastic pair of Meindl boots that have taken me up Kilimanjaro and over the most of the English national parks and Alps without breaking a sweat - however I still think I spent unnecessary money on them, I'm pretty sure they would survive an assault on Everest (which is a highly unlikely prospect!).

I'd also recommend Merrill walking shoes, I've never tried their heavier boots but I'd imagine they're also excellent quality.
02/11/2010 05:45:52 PM · #14
My trusty pair of Zamberlan boots are now well over 20 years, and must have walked in excess of 6,000 miles and are still as good as new.
02/11/2010 05:48:55 PM · #15
I had a boyfriend that was in the Army, he got issued Desert boots, but they where too small. I nabbed, them. And they are great, light weight, tough in all the right places designed for outwear and obviously hiking and last for a long time.

So maybe an Army surplus store might be an idea too

edited to add: they are not black leather, but a tan mico meshy cloth type stuff

Message edited by author 2010-02-11 17:49:38.
02/11/2010 06:24:34 PM · #16
My favourites are Merrell
02/11/2010 06:28:55 PM · #17
Waterproof. Don't particularly care about the brand although I like Timberland.

Most important non-photographic tool I own. How many times have I been happy for waterproof boots because I the best perspective is on the other side of that 10 foot wide creek and I'm worried about getting my namby pamby feet wet?
02/11/2010 06:29:02 PM · #18
I'll second REI. They take back ANYTHING, if whatever you get doesn't work you take them back and say "I don't like". They'll let you get something else, even weeks/months later. Can't beat the service and selection. It's really hard to judge without some long walks, all feet are different.
02/11/2010 06:57:30 PM · #19
Gortex is always a good feature...
02/11/2010 06:58:25 PM · #20
Merells are absolutely AMAZING!!!! I love 'em and they are worth it if you feel like shelling out just a few more bucks.
02/11/2010 07:07:09 PM · #21
I've been an avid hiker for over thirty years. This is what I learned early on from guys who used to run their own "Outward Bound" style outdoor survival school:

First of all - Vibram soles are a must (bright yellow tag on bottom). The best when it comes to grab-ability on wet slippery rocks.

Second of all a buckskin (smooth leather surface) exterior (not suede). This keeps it durable, breathable, pliable and yet solidly waterproof.

Third you want an interior designed to wick away moisture (a Gore-Tex type of material).

Fourth, plan on using a waterproofing substance on the exterior such as Nikwax or Snoseal repeatedly over the years to maintain waterproof ability.

Vasque makes great boots. This pair should last you a couple of decades of everything from light hikes to serious backpacking trips.

Don't wear these boots inside without remembering those Vibram soles will mark up some floors!

Message edited by author 2010-02-11 19:08:08.
02/11/2010 07:40:34 PM · #22
Thanks for all the advice. I went to Academy and got a pair for $45. They claim to be waterproof and seem comfortable. Probably won't last forever, but they should do better than the sneakers I've been traipsing around in. I'm going to bookmark this thread for future reference. Thanks.
02/11/2010 07:46:53 PM · #23
Some really interesting links in this thread... I've actually just gotten to the point where I need a new pair myself. I will be doing a little surfing now!
02/11/2010 07:48:31 PM · #24
I can attest that Timberland leather hiking boots are waterproof. Kinda missed where the wave was while shooting a few weeks ago. Soaked my jeans to the knees but my feet were completely dry!
02/11/2010 07:58:37 PM · #25
Who knew there would be so many opinions on footwear? My favourite hiking shoes are Salomon or Columbia. We hike about twenty to thirty kilometres each weekend, so they have to be comfortable. I have these right now, and also these, which have been worn down to the soles. Both are extremely easy-wearing, light, and comfortable.
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