Help Finding New Boots

[moose42]

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?

[Bob K]

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.

[Netpackrat]

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

[SeekHer]

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...

[ButchS1066]

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

What he said.

[Aegis]

One more for Danner.

[Les Nessman]

Danner. Should be available from Quantico Boot.

[Mud_Dog]

Danner. Should be available from Quantico Boot.

I fifth that notion.

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

[Windy Wilson]

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.

[Erik]

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.