Hiking Boots

Posted by: Don Atkinson on 14 January 2014

I still have an excellent pair of Scarpa 4-Seasons for back-packing expeditions in the Rockies, but my last pair of Salomon Gore-Tex hiking boots have literally fallen apart - sole detached from upper - feet visible.

I need another pair of lightweight, insulated, Gore-tex hiking boots for day treks in the UK and Rockies. I would be happy to buy another pair of Salomon boots despite the relatively short life of the last pair, simply because the were warm, comfortable, waterproof and breathable.

Any recommendations. Up to say £150

Cheers

Don

Posted on: 14 January 2014 by winkyincanada

Originally Posted by Don Atkinson:

Originally Posted by winkyincanada:

Originally Posted by Phil Cork:

I swear by my Asolo boots, most comfortable I've ever worn, and very hard wearing.

We'll worth trying,

Phil

I had Asolo many years ago. Fantastic boots.

Looks like a real possibility. Any particular style ? or are they all superceded by new models ?
Cheers

Don

Mine are well-superseded now, but were a combo fabric/leather boot with a Goretex lining. Not dissimilar to the Salomons in style, but with stiff soles. They were good, firm, narrow fit for my feet and lasted well. I can't recall why they were retired. They were bit like these...

Posted on: 14 January 2014 by JRHardee

Backpacking in the Rockies--I see your point. I love my 28-year-old Danners, and I got them in Fort Collins. 50,000 Marines can't all be wrong.

I've hiked the Hundred Mile Wilderness on the AT in them (all rock-to-rock), as well as AT in several other states and lots of day hikes in CO and CA. They felt broken in from day one. They may look like Li'l Abner boots, but check 'em out.

Posted on: 14 January 2014 by count.d

I can recommend the Meindl Revolution. Excellent build quality and ticked all the boxes for me. Condition with Meindl conditioner. Any boot with the typical rubber top cap protector, will need a little bit of silicone grease rubbing on the rubber to prevent cracking due to drying out.

Posted on: 14 January 2014 by Phil Cork

Originally Posted by Don Atkinson:

Originally Posted by Phil Cork:

I swear by my Asolo boots, most comfortable I've ever worn, and very hard wearing.

We'll worth trying,

Phil

Thanks Phil,

The Mens Flame looks a possibility and we have a stockist in Reading. Worth a look ?

Cheers

Don

Hi Don,

They look similar in style to the ones i have from 2005ish, which are still going strong. The ones Winky shows are similar also.

when I bought mine I must have tried on about 5 or 6 different manufacturer's boots, and the Asolo ones felt like I had slippers on - very good.

Some people say the come up narrow, but I have wide feet and they're fine. My wife also has a similar style, which she loves. The hard soles really benefit the canyon trekking we do in SW USA.

Hope this helps,

Phil

Posted on: 14 January 2014 by mista h

CARN.......I think my pair are called Storm Chaser

Mista h

Posted on: 15 January 2014 by Bruce Woodhouse

if you own a pair from a manufacturer that fit you then I'd always go back t that company. I've bought too many hiking boots over the years to count and some have been great in the shop and ruined my feet after a few walks. I have a fairly normal foot but with a high arch.

Scarpas just don't fit my feet. Salomon just do. I just bought some new 3-4 season boots from them that are brilliant-climbed Cader Idris in thick fresh snow just yesterday actually!

Same with running and cycling shoes; find a company that fits and stick to it for reliable comfort.

Bruce

PS I have not found them any more fragile than other brands. Lightweight boots don't last for ever-but I'd rather be comfy and change them now and then. My Salomon winter boots have lasted decades of intermittent foul weather use and abuse. Built like tanks! My wife destroyed her Brashers in no time-utter rubbish I thought.

Posted on: 15 January 2014 by Don Atkinson

Originally Posted by Phil Cork:

Hi Don,

They look similar in style to the ones i have from 2005ish, which are still going strong. The ones Winky shows are similar also.

when I bought mine I must have tried on about 5 or 6 different manufacturer's boots, and the Asolo ones felt like I had slippers on - very good.

Some people say the come up narrow, but I have wide feet and they're fine. My wife also has a similar style, which she loves. The hard soles really benefit the canyon trekking we do in SW USA.

Hope this helps,

Phil

When I bought my Salomons about 5 years ago, I musy have tried half a dozen brands before I chose the Salomons. I'll do the same again this time, armed with the help from this thread.

Many thanks

Don

Posted on: 15 January 2014 by Don Atkinson

Originally Posted by winkyincanada:

Originally Posted by Don Atkinson:

Originally Posted by winkyincanada:

Originally Posted by Phil Cork:

I swear by my Asolo boots, most comfortable I've ever worn, and very hard wearing.

We'll worth trying,

Phil

I had Asolo many years ago. Fantastic boots.

Looks like a real possibility. Any particular style ? or are they all superceded by new models ?
Cheers

Don

Thanks Winky

Posted on: 15 January 2014 by Don Atkinson

Originally Posted by Bruce Woodhouse:

if you own a pair from a manufacturer that fit you then I'd always go back t that company. ............

Scarpas just don't fit my feet. Salomon just do. I just bought some new 3-4 season boots from them that are brilliant-climbed Cader Idris in thick fresh snow just yesterday actually!

Same with running and cycling shoes; find a company that fits and stick to it for reliable comfort.

Cader Idris, must be 33 years since I walked up there back packing my then 2 year old who is now 35 !!

Take your point about sticking with a known boot/shoe. I have only ever bought Barker and Clark's shoes for the past 30 years, always from the same "last" shapes, for the same reasons that you give.

Cheers

Don

Posted on: 15 January 2014 by sheffieldgraham

Originally Posted by Don Atkinson:

Originally Posted by sheffieldgraham:

Hi Graham

The Salomons have had a hard life in the Lake District, Snowdonia and the Brecons, as well as many of the day hikes around the Rockies, selkirks and Monashees. But what did the most damage was Kinder Scout and the peat in the Peal District.

Tell me about it.

I was up there last week.

It could be the acid content in the peat.

Posted on: 15 January 2014 by Don Atkinson

You're probably right, Graham

You get into or on top of those groughs on the plateau and they are full of peat, which sticks like glue to your boots. I've been up there a couple of times this past year or so. I should have used the Scarpas, much easier to clean than the fabric type of material on the Solomons

Posted on: 15 January 2014 by Loki

Yes, these are the ones i'm replacing

Really, try the Raichle Mammut Mercury XCR: light, sturdy, all terrain and most seasons: I wear them every day. One customer, apparently, thought they were so light he used them instead of running shoes as they had the extra ankle support.

SheffieldGraham : have you tried the Hathersage shops? Never had a problem with peaty Kinder.

We approach from Edale or Rushup usually. Less crowded than Hayfield.

Posted on: 15 January 2014 by Don Atkinson

I usually get Mrs D to drop me off in Edale or at the top of the Snake Pass and pick me up at the other end.

She prefers to wait in Edale of course !!

Posted on: 16 January 2014 by sheffieldgraham

Originally Posted by Loki:

Yes, these are the ones i'm replacing

SheffieldGraham : have you tried the Hathersage shops? Never had a problem with peaty Kinder.

We approach from Edale or Rushup usually. Less crowded than Hayfield.

Yes I've tried the Hathersage shops, but usually wait until my annual trip to the Lakes, if we're in the Keswick area. More choice and more competition than the Sheffield area these days.

Getting on Kinder is either by Hayfield/William Clough, Edale/Grindsbrook or Jacob's Ladder. All a little different but equally rewarding.

Just returned from a little jaunt round Ladybower/Hope cross and Win Hill.

Posted on: 16 January 2014 by Don Atkinson

None of the following pictures are good enough for the "nice Photos" thread, but if you've been up Kinder you might recognise some....

Posted on: 16 January 2014 by Don Atkinson

Posted on: 16 January 2014 by tonym

We've a holday home in Keswick, & it's definitely flush with outdoor shops! Unfortunately the high business rates have driven some of the cheaper emporiums out of business (as well as a lot of the more interesting shops) but it's still a place to pick up bargain outdoor kit.

This time of year's definitely the best time to shop; we've just returned with more kit we probably don't need...

Posted on: 16 January 2014 by Don Atkinson

Posted on: 18 January 2014 by Loki

Stunning photos Don, and I'm trapped in Valhalla until Tuesday! Pining for the tops.

I did the Keswick shops in August and thought highly of George Fisher, didn't see Rathbones, sadly.

'Outside' of Hathersage is not the cheapest, but the service before and after sales is fantastic, particularly in the footwear dept.. They give you a month with the boots for you to decide, and even after that time they will exchange it you're uncomfortable. They take the line that they should have fitted you properluy in the first place.