sturdy hiking boots

[Spartan]

So far as anecdotal (read, 'subjective') assessments of brands go, I've had sole separation occur in pair of Vasque leather boots; I've never had any dramas with Scarpas. However, I still use footwear from both manufacturers: a pair of mid height leather and fabric Vasque 'Mantra' GTX, and a pair of full height leather 'SLs'. I also own and use a pair of mid height Salomon 'X Ultra' GTX boots, and a pair of Kathmandu 'Drysdale' NGX hiking shoes. As my preference nowadays runs to lighter and lower footwear for most activities, the 'Drysdale' and 'X Ultra' gets the most attention with pack loads up to 15kg in Spring, Summer and Autumn conditions. However, once the scales top 15kg out come the 'Mantra' boots. Anything approaching serious Autumn/Winter use in Alpine conditions, and I reach for the 'SLs'.

Composite shoes/boots have come a long way in the past two decades or so, and some sort of 'breathable' liner seems ubiquitous for everything but full leather boots (decent socks can mitigate the extra sweat that 'Proprietry-tex' inners induce in some people). It's also true that you don't have to spend a 'bomb' to purchase something serviceable either. Consequently, it might be that the mid height Salomon 'X Ultra' boot hits the 'sweet-spot' regarding the range of considerations. I love mine.

All the best.

[Mark F]

I have mainly been a shoe person stating with Dunlop Volleys in the 60's. They took me along the OLT, Southern Ranges and a Pictons-Federation-E and W Arthurs adventure as well as around much of NSW. I am currently using Salomon Synapse low cut, non-WP and am extremely happy with them. So far they have been around the ACT and Snowy area as well as up to 3,000 metres in scree and rock on the HRP.

[rcaffin]

Some interesting thoughts on the boots/shoes subject:
* Gear shops don't sell UL joggers: not enough profit margin.
* Scarpa and Asolo get extremely upset when someone criticises the weight of their boots, and withdraw all their advertising. They did that to Wild once in response to an article I wrote.
* Most NSW bushwalking clubs (or their members) treat DVs and KTs as 'standard' footwear.
* My wife and I wear UL joggers for months on end on cross-Europe high-altitude walks. We don't even own any boots (well, apart from ski boots).

I understand some peoples' desire to stay firmly rooted in the 19th century. Forgive me if I don't want to.

Cheers

[corvus]

G'day rcaffin ,
Interesting response especially this one from you " Scarpa and Asolo get extremely upset when someone criticises the weight of their boots, and withdraw all their advertising. They did that to Wild once in response to an article I wrote." wowsers what importance your opinions appear to have
If you and yours like walking in the crud and snow in sandshoes so be it ! I love my boots current brand AKU made in Romania and the best I have worn in the past 30 odd years.
Dunlop Volleys and their ilk is what I wore at PT as a youngster in the 19th century.
corvus

[Smeagle]

I run with boots all day every day (damn work boots) Salomon day to day, Asolo (something or others) for summer and light winter conditions, and have LaSportiva winter gortex/plastic boots for my deep snow/climbing. One thing I have learnt is everyone is different, some brands I use are female shoes (dodgy feet, "blame the parents" haha) Keep trying different cheap to expensive brands, one will accommodate, otherwise there is always the modify option eg skate shoes inside plastic boots, no one can tell you what shoes to buy apart from a style that you wish to hike in, comfort and satisfaction comes towards your own levels, Ive seen feet die within hours threw muddy conditions, yet can travels months on end on tarmac, each to their own, reviews are good on quality but not comfort for the individual.... enough harping from me bed time

[wayno]

tracks get pretty rough and muddy in nz, trail runners havent caught on in NZ, most people stick to boots... I alternate between shoes and boots depending on the track and the load

[Nuts]

Oh, a boots topic for someone who has weeks to decide, this could be an epic!

nlt if the vasque are made in china and the scarpa still in italy? (iv'e used both, older models i'd say) then i'd expect a very real difference.. ie years! my vasque were like loose soft slippers within weeks. That was my encounter.

Corvus, he wrote a contribution to a national magazine, why wouldn't the companies take note or it just doesn't pass this site's tall-poppy-o-meter..

I'd go Zamberlan myself.
Shoes weren't mentioned but sounds like they'd also do the job for the first year or two for you on track walks nlt. A light pack would help there.

[nlt82]

Thanks Nuts.
My return to hiking is booked for mid November. Should be getting the boots this weekend.I looked at shoes on advice in this thread however I still prefer the support of a boot. Plus the boot shoe argument only exists because there is the option. It reminds me of an argument with fishing. Bait or plastics? Both work so no wrong option. Go with what you prefer.
Currently, I prefer boots.
Cheers

[Strider]

Thanks Nuts.
My return to hiking is booked for mid November. Should be getting the boots this weekend.

Make sure you get some good walking in between now and then to wear them in.

[nlt82]

Live 13 km from work. Walking home a few nights a week should allow me to get to know them.

[Dolerite Walker]

Gore Tex in boots is over rated. Inevitably wears down and ceases to work, gets hot, plus adds a premium to the price of the boots.