Hiking boots

[Pam]

Quick question about hiking boots - DS is heading to Philmont for 12 days in July/August. Now he always wears hiking boots - and does a lot of hiking - in fact, he'll wear out a pair of boots in less than 1 year.

We've been on the internet researching high quality, gore-tex, waterproof boots (as our selection around here is quite limited.) I'll be truthful - on the makes and models of hiking boots in just making my head spin!

So - any advice from seasoned hikers/backpackers? He will be hiking in rugged terrain with a 35-50 lb. backpack.

Thanks!

 

[Tony-NJ]

but have you tried LL Bean? www.llbean.com They have a pretty wide selection.

 

[Sonya]

DH and I love LL Bean too. They seem to last a long time for us.

 

[helenabear]

Pam, this was years ago, but both my brother and DH used a boot very similar to this Timberland boot for Philmont and Lin'hokson Trail (or however the East Coast version is spelled). My brother still has his and wears them now and then when doing cruddy yard work (this was about 10 years ago mind you)

 

[anniet]

I've had best luck with durability and comfort in boots from Timberland.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I have finally purchased my second pair of Vasque Sundowner hiking boots. My first pair lasted FOREVER as they are intended. They are gortex lined...and are really an excellent boot. It seems that these are made to never have to buy another pair again as I had tried a few years earlier and the sales persons asked why I wanted to buy another pair...saying to me yours are still good!

You can go to www.vasque.com search for sundowner models.

The local park rangers are always commenting on my brand whenever they see me in them on our local trails here. They all seem to love them as well. So has my veterinarian who also likes to hike. I just wear them, it seems that experienced hikers know them by site. They looked like regular boots to me when I first picked them. I bought for comfort and durability when I first purchased. Now, I will always have a pair in my shoe collection.

They are available in sporting goods stores around here so I would assume in most areas as well, or you can order direct from vasque.com I think. I like to try mine on before I buy, so I went to one of our local shops.

Hope this helps.
/Lily

 

[sharbear]

No advise but I have found the people at www.rei.com to be very knowledgeable about outdoor grear. I would get their number and call them. I go to the store and the people who work there are avid outdoorsmen. Also a website called www.4beartooth.com. They are a spe... to Philmont the last two years. Good luck

 

[debster812]

Pam--

They also have GREAT deals at www.sierratradingpost.com

Here is a link to the above mentioned Vasque Sundowners

Vasque Sundowner

Good Luck!!!

Debbie

 

[Pam]

Thanks, everyone!!

Tony & Sonja,
I agree about the LL Bean hiking boots - I had a pair that lasted over 8 years!

The ones I'm looking at are Lowa, the Vasque that several of you mentioned and another brand, but I can't remember the name but I do have it bookmarked.

I'll have to check into the Timberlands.

 

[Meriweather]

Don't know anything about boots Pam......but just wanted to tell you that when DH was at Philmont he got his boots "branded".

Just a thought for something fun.

 

[jipsy]

I own a pair of Timberlands that I love for summertime.

For heavy winter hiking and snowshoeing we both just purchased new pairs of Rocky boots. We have used them twice in the last few weeks and they keep our feet very warm and dry. I bought a pair with rubber toes and it does make a huge difference, especially if you break through the ice or snow.

http://www.rockyboots.com/

 

[helenabear]

I knew there was another brand they used!!! Rocky was the other brand that no one in my house could think of! Those are great as well and I think those are the ones that my brother has branded as well and didn't have the heart to wear much after that

 

[Pam]

DS has had his boots branded at regular Scout camp! I do know that this is a huge tradition at Philmont!

Thanks again, everyone! We have to get these boots bought pretty quick so they can be broken in before going!