The Gun Counter

During my last camping trip last weekend it has come to my attention that my boots really need to be retired. I have been wearing heavy Georgia Boot work boots. The soles are nearly bald and the leather is cracked horribly.

I need new boots. I would like something that can be used for hiking and camping. My current boots will be moved to the permanent lawn mowing boots.

I want something that looks more or less like a traditional boot, but a little lighter than a work boot.

Oh and I am willing to spend some $$ for something good.

Any suggestions?

Presuming they're still in business, look at Rocky. I've got a pair, pushing 20 yrs, leather bottoms, nylon mesh uppers, completely waterproof. And comfy on top of it.

Danner. If you are willing to pay more for good stuff, you may as well have the best.

Look at the Kangaroo or Bison boots made for L.L. Bean or Cabela's...Super strong leather, 1/3 the weight of cowhide, waterproof, insulated or not, and inexpensive...

Top drawer try Russell Moccassin or the Gokey boots made by Orvis...

Netpackrat wrote:Danner. If you are willing to pay more for good stuff, you may as well have the best.

What he said.

One more for Danner.

Danner. Should be available from Quantico Boot.

Les Nessman wrote:Danner. Should be available from Quantico Boot.

I fifth that notion.

Most comfortable boots I have ever worn, at least the Acadia Gortex version.

Buy the boots from LLBean. I had some boots from 1995 that I hardly used. I took them out for a hike in 2005, and the outer sole which had a Vibram pattern (but apparently not real Vibram) separated where the sponge rubber between the outer sole and the boot itself decayed. I duct taped them back together, got home and sent them to LL Bean. I explained that they were 10 years old, I had less than 10 miles on them, and I wanted some kind of adjustment. I would have accepted $10.00 from them, as the boots had sat in my closet for 10 years. They sent me new boots and a check to cover my cost of shipping the boots. The catalogs do have a sort of "Yuppie playing at being an outdoorsman" aspect to them, but they sell good stuff. I have bought from them since then, with complete confidence they do stand behind their products.

I'm partial to Meindl. I tend to have difficulty finding shoes and boots that I can wear for long times without starting to hurt, but Meindl works. First pair of boots I had was used year round for almost ten years, in temperatures from 0 to 90F.

I'm currently trying to find a pair of lighter hiking boots that are comfortable, and thought I'd see if I can find another brand this time. Never heard of Danner before, not sure if they are even available here, but I'll start looking for them.