Whats everyone like for boots? My Danner Pronghorns are getting beat up and the sole is getting smooth. Looking to get a new pair shortly. I have bad feet and need something that is going to be comfy.
- Thread starter tomme boy
- Start date
Re: Boots?
For backpacking: Zamberlan 996 Vois GT. For working: Red Wing.
For backpacking: Zamberlan 996 Vois GT. For working: Red Wing.
Re: Boots?
never had a boot that was more comfortable than a danner - except for my winter / wet boots which are Muck boots - they are just amazing
never had a boot that was more comfortable than a danner - except for my winter / wet boots which are Muck boots - they are just amazing
Re: Boots?
Danner TFX wore in Astan. Mud snow heat rain wear for hiking now in AZ. Feel like you're walking on a baby.
Danner TFX wore in Astan. Mud snow heat rain wear for hiking now in AZ. Feel like you're walking on a baby.
Re: Boots?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: infantrydude</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Danner TFX wore in Astan. Mud snow heat rain wear for hiking now in AZ. Feel like you're walking on a baby. </div></div>
I am using these too. They are on their second deployment and are holdin up great. A little heavy but they are built to last.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: infantrydude</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Danner TFX wore in Astan. Mud snow heat rain wear for hiking now in AZ. Feel like you're walking on a baby. </div></div>
I am using these too. They are on their second deployment and are holdin up great. A little heavy but they are built to last.
Re: Boots?
I wore Asolo's for years....first higher end boot I had ever bought. Took them out of the box and just wore them needed zero break in. Have had three pair over the past 20-25 years.
About 12 years ago I bought my first pair of La Sportiva. I still own three pair of Asolo. But I now own much many more pairs of La Sportiva's (probably ten pair). Each and every one is hands down more comfy out of the box than anything else I have ever worn.
Buy La Sportiva and never look back.
I wore Asolo's for years....first higher end boot I had ever bought. Took them out of the box and just wore them needed zero break in. Have had three pair over the past 20-25 years.
About 12 years ago I bought my first pair of La Sportiva. I still own three pair of Asolo. But I now own much many more pairs of La Sportiva's (probably ten pair). Each and every one is hands down more comfy out of the box than anything else I have ever worn.
Buy La Sportiva and never look back.
Re: Boots?
Danners.....
Danners.....
Re: Boots?
Danners and lowas
Danners and lowas
Re: Boots?
If your feet are wider than normal, try Keen's. They have a waterproof steel toe that is light and very comfortable. I think the model is Tacoma. It's a little too stiff in snow, but otherwise GTG.
If your feet are wider than normal, try Keen's. They have a waterproof steel toe that is light and very comfortable. I think the model is Tacoma. It's a little too stiff in snow, but otherwise GTG.
Re: Boots?
If you have bad feet you need to try on and walk (even in the shoe store) to test for comfort. I know from experience the downside of buying boots mail order.
If you have bad feet you need to try on and walk (even in the shoe store) to test for comfort. I know from experience the downside of buying boots mail order.
Re: Boots?
I have custom insert soles for my feet. So that is what I will be using in them. I am very hard to buy for as to foot wear. There are a few places around here that carry Danners, so I am going to go find the stores. As far as I know though, They carry more of the hunting and work type of boots.
I have custom insert soles for my feet. So that is what I will be using in them. I am very hard to buy for as to foot wear. There are a few places around here that carry Danners, so I am going to go find the stores. As far as I know though, They carry more of the hunting and work type of boots.
Re: Boots?
running and gunning and every day duty wear.
http://www.desert-gear.com/converseboots.html
running and gunning and every day duty wear.
http://www.desert-gear.com/converseboots.html
Re: Boots?
Getting correct fitting boots is vital. You're best off going to a specialist to help you with your choice, failing that go and try them on with the socks you'd want to wear with them, with the boots undone you should be able to fit two fingers behind the heel (snug fit) but be able to lace up tight locking the heal into position. If the store has a ramp try them on that, you don't want the toes touching the end of the boot.
I'm a big fan of thick leather with a Gore-Tex membrane. Meindl and Scarpa are excellent but these take some breaking in, last for ages though. La Sportiva, Merrel, Salomon, Asolo are all good choices.
Getting correct fitting boots is vital. You're best off going to a specialist to help you with your choice, failing that go and try them on with the socks you'd want to wear with them, with the boots undone you should be able to fit two fingers behind the heel (snug fit) but be able to lace up tight locking the heal into position. If the store has a ramp try them on that, you don't want the toes touching the end of the boot.
I'm a big fan of thick leather with a Gore-Tex membrane. Meindl and Scarpa are excellent but these take some breaking in, last for ages though. La Sportiva, Merrel, Salomon, Asolo are all good choices.
Re: Boots?
Danners are awesome! I've had three pairs for about 16 years and love them. The Goretex keeps my feet dry and toasty warm. The ones I have (Ft. Lewis I think and two shorter versions) may be re-soled and have been many times. In the long run, the ability for me to re-sole the boots and have them broken in outweighed (no pun intended) the heavier weight of the boots as compared to others that use more man-made materials. Then again, there is nothing like a shot in the face with a Danner boot.
Danners are awesome! I've had three pairs for about 16 years and love them. The Goretex keeps my feet dry and toasty warm. The ones I have (Ft. Lewis I think and two shorter versions) may be re-soled and have been many times. In the long run, the ability for me to re-sole the boots and have them broken in outweighed (no pun intended) the heavier weight of the boots as compared to others that use more man-made materials. Then again, there is nothing like a shot in the face with a Danner boot.
Re: Boots?
White's -- Made in America
No affiliation,just a really satisfied user
White's -- Made in America
No affiliation,just a really satisfied user
Re: Boots?
5.11 tactical - pretty well made. had over a year and it has held up well, just lost finish. I have to polish quite often to make them look good. Not comfortable. Had to buy a pair of $65 Birkenstock insoles to make them comfortable. Paid 100 for the boots + 65 for insoles. so i guess I could have just gotten a better pair to start with... but they arent too bad.
5.11 tactical - pretty well made. had over a year and it has held up well, just lost finish. I have to polish quite often to make them look good. Not comfortable. Had to buy a pair of $65 Birkenstock insoles to make them comfortable. Paid 100 for the boots + 65 for insoles. so i guess I could have just gotten a better pair to start with... but they arent too bad.
Re: Boots?
White's for field use. Heavy and take forever to break in, but nothing better on the hill.
El Cheapo Big5 side-zipper boots for station wear / everything else. They polish up enough. I call them 'disposable boots'. At $30 for 6 months wear I'm OK with that.
White's for field use. Heavy and take forever to break in, but nothing better on the hill.
El Cheapo Big5 side-zipper boots for station wear / everything else. They polish up enough. I call them 'disposable boots'. At $30 for 6 months wear I'm OK with that.
Re: Boots?
september through may i live in my Schnees pac boots- i'll never switch back to any other kind of boot for the cold months. they're the comfiest boots i've ever worn.
for summer i'm with the leather & gore tex crowd. try on a few brands & go with the one that fits best. i'm not brand loyal for summer boots. i've had Asolo, Vasque, Raichle, Technica, Danner, Merrel, and a few elcheapo's. they all die a horrible death after 500-700 miles.
september through may i live in my Schnees pac boots- i'll never switch back to any other kind of boot for the cold months. they're the comfiest boots i've ever worn.
for summer i'm with the leather & gore tex crowd. try on a few brands & go with the one that fits best. i'm not brand loyal for summer boots. i've had Asolo, Vasque, Raichle, Technica, Danner, Merrel, and a few elcheapo's. they all die a horrible death after 500-700 miles.
Re: Boots?
I would go for SWAT boots cheapish but give you the support needed in the field. They are also quite light which you wouldn't think would matter until the end of the day. Danners feel like bricks taped to your feet by the end of the day.
I would go for SWAT boots cheapish but give you the support needed in the field. They are also quite light which you wouldn't think would matter until the end of the day. Danners feel like bricks taped to your feet by the end of the day.
Re: Boots?
I made a change 5 months ago or so and went with a pair of Scarpa's for working over here downrange. Zero break-in, I wear them everyday and I haven't found a fault yet. Mud, snow, what ever, they're performing perfectly.
I put the pair I have right in line with Asolo.
I made a change 5 months ago or so and went with a pair of Scarpa's for working over here downrange. Zero break-in, I wear them everyday and I haven't found a fault yet. Mud, snow, what ever, they're performing perfectly.
I put the pair I have right in line with Asolo.
Re: Boots?
+1 for Keen. They're comfortable to wear and weatherproof.
+1 for Keen. They're comfortable to wear and weatherproof.
Re: Boots?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tomme boy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats everyone like for boots? My Danner Pronghorns are getting beat up and the sole is getting smooth. Looking to get a new pair shortly. I have bad feet and need something that is going to be comfy. </div></div>
I have two pairs of Pronghorns. They are a great boot but don't seem to last too long, for me anyways.
My next boot without a doubt will be Kenetreks. Since you have bad feet, I suggest you look into them. Boots aren't something you want to skimp on.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tomme boy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whats everyone like for boots? My Danner Pronghorns are getting beat up and the sole is getting smooth. Looking to get a new pair shortly. I have bad feet and need something that is going to be comfy. </div></div>
I have two pairs of Pronghorns. They are a great boot but don't seem to last too long, for me anyways.
My next boot without a doubt will be Kenetreks. Since you have bad feet, I suggest you look into them. Boots aren't something you want to skimp on.
Re: Boots?
LOWA are the best boots I've used.
I guided in AK for a few years and those were what I suggested all my clients buy.
LOWA are the best boots I've used.
I guided in AK for a few years and those were what I suggested all my clients buy.
Re: Boots?
*boot rant on*
This applies to all boots, but one thing to check before even trying them on is the insoles, Especially since you said you use custom insoles which probably have some thickness to them. This is my #1 annoyance with just about every boot made these days from $50-$500 they almost all come with thin junk insoles.
On the face it seems like no big deal, you go spend $20-40 for a good insole, but it's a double whammy. In most of these boots the included insoles are very thin with no support, cushion, or heel pocket. So the boots have a lot more volume than they will once you replace the insole with something of quality. So not only does the factory insole suck, but you have to keep replacing it with another crappy thin insole in order for the boot to still fit properly, or deal with a boot that is now too tight front of the foot, and possibly too tall in the heel changing how your heel fits into the boots heel pocket. Plus, it's actually hard to find replacement thin insoles.
That's the real problem, boot companies design the fit/cut/width of their boots for those thin crappy insoles so when you replace them with something of quality, you've completely changed the fit of the boot both in the volume and heel position.
I learned this the hard way with a pair of Meindl Alaskan boots, great boots but the factory "air" insole is worthless. If it's not bad enough that a $300+ boot comes with a $0.25 insole, once I put a real insole in them that had support and cushion it took up way too much room in the boot so the boot was not wide enough up front, and it lifted my heel enough that heel blisters resulted. Only option was to continue using crappy thin insoles with poor cushion and support.
I understand companies do it to save money, but at least put a cheap insole in there that has some thickness to it so that when you replace it the volume and foot position stays approximately the same. Frankly companies like meindl, lowa, scarpa etc. should be ASHAMED they are putting these insoles in boots costing hundreds of dollars. Add $15 to the price of the boot and include a good insole to begin with! A good insole can take a mediocre boot and turn it into a great all day boot, you'd think companies would want that for their customers.
In fact I've had high end lowa, la sportiva, meindl, danner, merrell, scarpa, etc. boots and the only pair so far that came with an insole thick enough so it was similar fit to a good replacement insole was my Danner combat hikers. It was still not a good supportive insole but at least it was similar in size so the boot fit the same when it was replaced.
Take along a good cushion/support insole with you when trying on hunting/hiking boots along with a good pair of medium cushion socks, or whatever sock you plan to wear. Even if it's just a cheaper insole that's 3/16" thick or so to mimic what a quality superfeet, sorbothane, sol, etc. insole will. You'll also be amazed what a good supporting insole can do for the support and hiking stability of a hunting pac boot like the Schnee's as well.
Don't be surprised if once you start putting a good insole in boots when trying them on that they don't have enough room in them. It's not uncommon to have to go to a wider width.
The best procedure I've found when trying boots on is this. First take the insoles out then put your bare feet in them without socks on. This really lets you feel how the last or flat base of the boot fits the shape of your feet because the insole can mask how the shape of the boot last really fits your foot (an old trick from fitting hard plastic mountaineering or ski boots). Then put the insole in and do it again. It's so much easier to tell if it's going to rub your toes, too narrow, not enough/too much arch, heel way too big not big enough or a heel pocket that doesn't fit without the sock on especially a thicker hiking sock. Then do the same thing with your hiking socks on, see if any areas got too tight when you added the sock. A good general rule is if you slide your sock foot all the way forward in the boot unlaced you should just get your index finger between your heel and the heel pocket of the boot. If that all still feels good lace them up and wander around for 10-15 minutes in them, stairs or an incline board will tell you very quickly if they are going to give you heel blisters, but just walking on flat ground will tell you almost nothing about blister issues. Then kick the toe into the floor repeatedly to see if you can make your toes hit the front of the boots at all, which you don't want as you'll end up with black and blue toenails on long downhill sections especially with a pack on. It's also not a bad idea if you are going to be carrying a heavy pack to simulate that, the extra weight will flatten your foot out making it longer than without a pack on, especially if you have high arches. If they pass all that you are doing really well and the rest you won't find out till you get a lot of miles on them. Many boots won't make it past the bare foot test right off. It's a lot of work, but boots are too expensive these days to go buying them without doing as much as you can to ensure they really fit well.
The above might sound like a rant and too much work, but I have notoriously hard to fit feet (wide front foot and narrow heel) and I've gone through a ridiculous amount of boots to find a couple that fit well, but the above steps lets me eliminate 90% that won't right off the bat.
As an aside if you have a boot that fits well but just gives you heel blisters take a look at the Engo patches, they are similar to a teflon like sticker that adheres to the heel of your boot allowing your heel to slip without blister causing friction. I've used them in a couple boots I liked but could never remedy heel blisters with by any other means. The only downside to them is once you use them you have to keep using them, you can't remove them without leaving sticky residue on the inside of the boot, for me they last about a year of frequent hiking and are pretty cheap. They've saved a couple pairs of boots from being worthless for me in the past, but I think of them kind of a last resort.
*boot rant off*
*boot rant on*
This applies to all boots, but one thing to check before even trying them on is the insoles, Especially since you said you use custom insoles which probably have some thickness to them. This is my #1 annoyance with just about every boot made these days from $50-$500 they almost all come with thin junk insoles.
On the face it seems like no big deal, you go spend $20-40 for a good insole, but it's a double whammy. In most of these boots the included insoles are very thin with no support, cushion, or heel pocket. So the boots have a lot more volume than they will once you replace the insole with something of quality. So not only does the factory insole suck, but you have to keep replacing it with another crappy thin insole in order for the boot to still fit properly, or deal with a boot that is now too tight front of the foot, and possibly too tall in the heel changing how your heel fits into the boots heel pocket. Plus, it's actually hard to find replacement thin insoles.
That's the real problem, boot companies design the fit/cut/width of their boots for those thin crappy insoles so when you replace them with something of quality, you've completely changed the fit of the boot both in the volume and heel position.
I learned this the hard way with a pair of Meindl Alaskan boots, great boots but the factory "air" insole is worthless. If it's not bad enough that a $300+ boot comes with a $0.25 insole, once I put a real insole in them that had support and cushion it took up way too much room in the boot so the boot was not wide enough up front, and it lifted my heel enough that heel blisters resulted. Only option was to continue using crappy thin insoles with poor cushion and support.
I understand companies do it to save money, but at least put a cheap insole in there that has some thickness to it so that when you replace it the volume and foot position stays approximately the same. Frankly companies like meindl, lowa, scarpa etc. should be ASHAMED they are putting these insoles in boots costing hundreds of dollars. Add $15 to the price of the boot and include a good insole to begin with! A good insole can take a mediocre boot and turn it into a great all day boot, you'd think companies would want that for their customers.
In fact I've had high end lowa, la sportiva, meindl, danner, merrell, scarpa, etc. boots and the only pair so far that came with an insole thick enough so it was similar fit to a good replacement insole was my Danner combat hikers. It was still not a good supportive insole but at least it was similar in size so the boot fit the same when it was replaced.
Take along a good cushion/support insole with you when trying on hunting/hiking boots along with a good pair of medium cushion socks, or whatever sock you plan to wear. Even if it's just a cheaper insole that's 3/16" thick or so to mimic what a quality superfeet, sorbothane, sol, etc. insole will. You'll also be amazed what a good supporting insole can do for the support and hiking stability of a hunting pac boot like the Schnee's as well.
Don't be surprised if once you start putting a good insole in boots when trying them on that they don't have enough room in them. It's not uncommon to have to go to a wider width.
The best procedure I've found when trying boots on is this. First take the insoles out then put your bare feet in them without socks on. This really lets you feel how the last or flat base of the boot fits the shape of your feet because the insole can mask how the shape of the boot last really fits your foot (an old trick from fitting hard plastic mountaineering or ski boots). Then put the insole in and do it again. It's so much easier to tell if it's going to rub your toes, too narrow, not enough/too much arch, heel way too big not big enough or a heel pocket that doesn't fit without the sock on especially a thicker hiking sock. Then do the same thing with your hiking socks on, see if any areas got too tight when you added the sock. A good general rule is if you slide your sock foot all the way forward in the boot unlaced you should just get your index finger between your heel and the heel pocket of the boot. If that all still feels good lace them up and wander around for 10-15 minutes in them, stairs or an incline board will tell you very quickly if they are going to give you heel blisters, but just walking on flat ground will tell you almost nothing about blister issues. Then kick the toe into the floor repeatedly to see if you can make your toes hit the front of the boots at all, which you don't want as you'll end up with black and blue toenails on long downhill sections especially with a pack on. It's also not a bad idea if you are going to be carrying a heavy pack to simulate that, the extra weight will flatten your foot out making it longer than without a pack on, especially if you have high arches. If they pass all that you are doing really well and the rest you won't find out till you get a lot of miles on them. Many boots won't make it past the bare foot test right off. It's a lot of work, but boots are too expensive these days to go buying them without doing as much as you can to ensure they really fit well.
The above might sound like a rant and too much work, but I have notoriously hard to fit feet (wide front foot and narrow heel) and I've gone through a ridiculous amount of boots to find a couple that fit well, but the above steps lets me eliminate 90% that won't right off the bat.
As an aside if you have a boot that fits well but just gives you heel blisters take a look at the Engo patches, they are similar to a teflon like sticker that adheres to the heel of your boot allowing your heel to slip without blister causing friction. I've used them in a couple boots I liked but could never remedy heel blisters with by any other means. The only downside to them is once you use them you have to keep using them, you can't remove them without leaving sticky residue on the inside of the boot, for me they last about a year of frequent hiking and are pretty cheap. They've saved a couple pairs of boots from being worthless for me in the past, but I think of them kind of a last resort.
*boot rant off*
Re: Boots?
I really like my Lowa Elite Deserts & some of the most comfy boots I ever owned are my Garmont T6's
I really like my Lowa Elite Deserts & some of the most comfy boots I ever owned are my Garmont T6's
Re: Boots?
+1 for Lowa, and have a great choice military wise for all conditions.
Now I don't carry much but still walk the mountains I wear their very light weight hunting boots. They are my stalking/hunting slippers and have them for hot lowland and cold highland conditions. Feather weight compared to my old Matterhorn's, and they are fitted with a shank.
+1 for Lowa, and have a great choice military wise for all conditions.
Now I don't carry much but still walk the mountains I wear their very light weight hunting boots. They are my stalking/hunting slippers and have them for hot lowland and cold highland conditions. Feather weight compared to my old Matterhorn's, and they are fitted with a shank.
Re: Boots?
Danner RAT boots.They are the best constructed most comfortable boot that will hold up under any condition that I have ever worn.Don't know what Danner did to these but they are great for a re-sole able boot. Not too heavy either
Danner RAT boots.They are the best constructed most comfortable boot that will hold up under any condition that I have ever worn.Don't know what Danner did to these but they are great for a re-sole able boot. Not too heavy either
Re: Boots?
What about Under Armour boots for LEO duty use? Specifically the Breech boot. I have been eyeing them and actually finger-f*cked them at SHOT. Anyone wearing these already that can give an opinion?
FYI, I've worn the Oakleys, Blackhawks warrior wear, Danners, and Rockys. They all have their pros and cons. I'm too am looking for something new.
What about Under Armour boots for LEO duty use? Specifically the Breech boot. I have been eyeing them and actually finger-f*cked them at SHOT. Anyone wearing these already that can give an opinion?
FYI, I've worn the Oakleys, Blackhawks warrior wear, Danners, and Rockys. They all have their pros and cons. I'm too am looking for something new.
Re: Boots?
I currently have a pair of the under armor boots. After wearing many others like you have, I would have to say they are not as durable as let's say a Rocky SV2 or the Oakleys I have owned. They are light and comfortable on the other side of the story. I would compare them to the blackhawk boots I have worn.
I currently have a pair of the under armor boots. After wearing many others like you have, I would have to say they are not as durable as let's say a Rocky SV2 or the Oakleys I have owned. They are light and comfortable on the other side of the story. I would compare them to the blackhawk boots I have worn.
Re: Boots?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: leprechaun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Danner RAT boots.They are the best constructed most comfortable boot that will hold up under any condition that I have ever worn.Don't know what Danner did to these but they are great for a re-sole able boot. Not too heavy either </div></div>
Same. Buddy got me a set and I was surprised as to how comfortable they were out the gate. Only issue was they seemed to be rounded all the way across the footbed which seemed weird walking on hard surfaces.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: leprechaun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Danner RAT boots.They are the best constructed most comfortable boot that will hold up under any condition that I have ever worn.Don't know what Danner did to these but they are great for a re-sole able boot. Not too heavy either </div></div>
Same. Buddy got me a set and I was surprised as to how comfortable they were out the gate. Only issue was they seemed to be rounded all the way across the footbed which seemed weird walking on hard surfaces.
Re: Boots?
My Danners are hands down the best pair of boots I have ever owned. Made in Portland, OR! Proud to be American.
-Matt
My Danners are hands down the best pair of boots I have ever owned. Made in Portland, OR! Proud to be American.
-Matt
Re: Boots?
I had a pair of Meindl Denali boots for a couple of years. They treated me good for quit a few miles. A couple of months ago I got a pair of the Meindl Alaska Hunters. I like these more because they will hold up in the high country better. As far as work boots go, its hard to beet a pair of Whites.
I had a pair of Meindl Denali boots for a couple of years. They treated me good for quit a few miles. A couple of months ago I got a pair of the Meindl Alaska Hunters. I like these more because they will hold up in the high country better. As far as work boots go, its hard to beet a pair of Whites.
