Boots - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

I need some recommendations for some good hiking boots. I don’t trust the advertising, I would rather get some suggestions from people that actually have tried products. Any suggestions?

Old hiker

#2

are you fast hiker, slow, have ankle problems, hiking in what type of clime?
What kind of trail, are you heavy, do you smoke?
And many more factors that you need to include.
Until you give us more information you must hike in yer socks.

1\4 of the way

#3

LOL good one 1/4 th…Yes it does depend on alot of things I went with the Asolo gortex they are very sturdy but you must break any boot in before a long haul or you will have some bad blisters…

Tambourine

#4

I hike at a normal pace not really fast. Pisgah Mountians & Great Smokey Mountains, No ankle problems just bad knees on downhill grades mostly. I don’t have any issues when going up in fact my speed is better on up hill than down hill. Average weight for my height.
I hear the Asolo name a lot so that must be a good one. My maximun distance for a day hike would be about 15 miles±, day hikes only. I really would appreciate your thoughts.

old hiker

#5

OH, I am convinced that the key is proper fit; name-brand is meaningless. Find an outfitter that has fitted boots on hikers for several years; don’t let the summer college help do it. The person fitting you should take at least 15 or 20 mnutes to study and measure your foot before ever putting any boots on you. They should look for width, length, arch, curve of Achilles tendon, pronation, etc. Try several boots, including on an incline, trying to make your foot slip inside the boot. Also, kick the toe several times, then let the outfitter hold down the heel of the boot while you try to lift it. That will indicate how much the boot will slip on your heel - producing heel blisters. Also see if they tell how to tie the boots, which grommets are most important to tie snuggly, and how to break them in properly. If you’re lucky, the out fitter will let you take 2 or 3 pair home to walk around the house in, without having to buy them.

Or, you could just buy some cheap trail runners like most everybody else and suffer.

Mango

#6

Hey old hiker, seems like you might be in WNC. Discount Shoes on Brevard Rd has widest variety of boots in our area. Good prices and service also.

Boquack

#7

Sir, may I suggest a cross-over sneaker/boot with goretex

(goretex is not necessary “waterproof” than it is a very strong wicking tool. If you did submerse your foot in water or equivalent than the goretex fabric will allow a very fast “dry time” compared with a regular liner that is why I look for the trade name)

I prefer a ankle length boot to prevent ankle twisting I also use “Superfoot” brand inner sole because I notice the Huge difference when I started using the brand.
I also recommend a heavy wool sock with “smartwool liners”
The dual sock keeps my feet from getting wet from sweat and ambient moisture ( once your feet get wet they can blister 100 times faster than dry feet) And I really hate blisters.
And MANGO is totally correct your feet will be happiest with the “BEST” fitting boot/ Heck. I have some cheap “HI TEC” crossovers on right now, at work because they are super comfortable. But they would not last long on a long hike.

So what did we learn today?

sock liners -

superfeet inner soles-

Goretex-

Proper fitting boots = HAPPY FEET!!! OH yess OH yess…?!!

jack bailey

#8

I like a sturdier boot, generally, because the trail is tough on your feet and footwear.

If you have wide feet, like I do, a 4E, the ony real place to look is Dunham and New Balance, both of which brands I have a very high opinion of and recommend without hesitation.

The New Man

The New Man

#9

Thanks for all of the good advise. I am armed with enough knowledge to be dangerous. I appreciate the response from everyone

Old Hiker