New boot recommendations please (with short break in)

[Bubbalouie]

Hi All,

I've just found out after 3 happy years together my Scarpa Rangers no longer fit. They've been getting progressively less comfortable this season. After an afternoon hike today of about 17km I decided to compare the boot to my foot. Much to my horror the widest part of my foot is now as wide as the tread of my boot, there's no swelling & I've not suddenly developed flat feet.

Normally this by itself wouldn't be an issue but I have a trip scheduled for the OT in about 4 weeks.

So, does anyone have any recommendations for replacement boots?

I have the following requirements:

• Fit a foot with a narrow heel & broad toe end
• Be a full boot
• Have a short break in period, I understand this is a lot to ask
• Be fairly water resistant

Given the timeline I'm willing to get a boot that only lasts 1 year of hiking if it means a shorter break in period, but ideally I'd like something reasonably well made.

For a fit reference my daily shoes are Merrell Moab GTX's & they seem fine.

[DannyS]

It's very difficult to recommend someone a pair of boots regarding size etc..... but if you have broad feet? You might want to look into the Meindl wide boots. I purchased a pair of the Island pro actives in wide due to, obviously, having broad feet and a problem with a neuroma. These boots were great straight out of the box and I completed a 15km walk with a little chaffing at the ankle but otherwise no problems with no break in period, I'm very happy with them. They are quality boots and the price reflects that, but if your happy to pay for what you get then these are well worth a look. I purchased mine from an Eastern states store but can't remember which one, here is a link if you want to locate a store that's close to you; http://meindl.co.nz/contact.
Otherwise I did use a pair of Scarpa Delta GTX boots prior to the Meindl boots, took them out for a 5 week hike and never had a blister, once again no problems from the moment I put them on. I should add that I generally buy my boots at least a size too big which may contribute to the reason that I generally have very little to no problems with blisters and break in periods?

[Bubbalouie]

This is exactly what I'm after, straight up advice

I just checked out the Meindl boots site, I like the look of the Scotland GTX. I'll be off to a few stores to see what I can find.

You've given me a good start, thank you

[wayno]

search the forums, theres a lot of advice already in previous threads.

[MartyGwynne]

Get the best pair you can afford/find then walk through a river getting them totally wet then walk in them for the next two days or so.
Let them dry if they are leather this will work I'm not sure about synthetic boots. Coat them with snow seal or equivalent (if they are leather).
Enjoy walking in them. DONT DRY THEM IN FRONT OF THE HEATER! Let them dry in the shade or on your feet. (Only if leather boots).

[matagi]

I do not understand this "breaking in" thing. My Merrells (leather with goretex liner) worked fine straight out of the box with no break in period.

Do modern boots need breaking in? Or is this just a left over from days of yore when the leather was much thicker and stiffer?

To the OP, the best advice I can give is to try on the boots with the same type of socks you will be walking in and then walk around the shop for several minutes - the longer the better. If there are stairs in the shop, then walk up and down to get an idea of how the boots will feel on steeper terrain.

[Strider]

Do modern boots need breaking in? Or is this just a left over from days of yore when the leather was much thicker and stiffer?

Good quality leather boots still use leather that is thicker and stiffer.

What model are your Merrell's? I can't see any full leather boots on their website.

[Miyata610]

I use leather boots, my current ones are all Scarpa... Grand Dru, Escape and Feugo. They are thicker than average leather.

A pair of boots seems to last about one season. The soles and the lace systems are what renders the boots useless normally. Not the leather upper or lining. For me anyway. I wouldn't consider replacing the sole, boots are too important to risk that. As stated before, don't ever put them near a fire. Even if it doesn't seem to have an effect initially, they will shortly fall apart.

I don't really have an opportunity to wear them in. I will tape my heels for the first outing, and be prepared to tape other areas en route if necessary, but that's all.

Modern leather boots come already impregnated with waterproofing. I don't ever interfere with this until they show signs of needing it. Then I use quality conditioners that match the type of leather used.

[Miyata610]

What model are your Merrell's? I can't see any full leather boots on their website.

Merrell Summit II

2.4mm leather, compared to the 3mm on my Scarpas.

Anyway, they do still make leather boots.....

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product ... mensions=0

[Strider]

What model are your Merrell's? I can't see any full leather boots on their website.

Merrell Summit II

2.4mm leather, compared to the 3mm on my Scarpas.

Anyway, they do still make leather boots.....

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product ... mensions=0

2.4mm to 2.8mm seems to be the norm these days. Did you snowseal/nikwax them prior to use that perhaps help them break in a bit quicker? My Zamberlans literally took months.

[matagi]

Nope, didn't do anything to them. Just put them on and headed up the front face of Mt Roland.

They have had leather treatment since, but just as part of normal boot maintenance.

[Strider]

I did something similar, except it was Frenchmans Cap! Result = couldn't feel the ends of my big toes for 6 months (seriously) due to being too tight over the instep.

[Bubbalouie]

I do not understand this "breaking in" thing. My Merrells (leather with goretex liner) worked fine straight out of the box with no break in period.

Do modern boots need breaking in? Or is this just a left over from days of yore when the leather was much thicker and stiffer?

To the OP, the best advice I can give is to try on the boots with the same type of socks you will be walking in and then walk around the shop for several minutes - the longer the better. If there are stairs in the shop, then walk up and down to get an idea of how the boots will feel on steeper terrain.

Sadly yeah, some do, my other half's Scarpa's took 2 months of on & off hiking & work wear to get sorted, as did my last set. When I was at uni my work boots took a good while to break in too (for my steady "holiday" job).

I don't really have much experience with Synthetic boots, however I've never had to break in a set of sneakers (which are usually a mix of synthetics & leather).

In any case, as you've pointed out, not all boots need breaking in, I was hoping this might be the case.

[Bubbalouie]

Get the best pair you can afford/find then walk through a river getting them totally wet then walk in them for the next two days or so.
Let them dry if they are leather this will work I'm not sure about synthetic boots. Coat them with snow seal or equivalent (if they are leather).
Enjoy walking in them. DONT DRY THEM IN FRONT OF THE HEATER! Let them dry in the shade or on your feet. (Only if leather boots).

This is about what I've done, sadly Adelaide isn't the greatest place for hiking gear, there are a few good shops with some wonderful staff, but the selection is a bit limited (small market I guess). I tried on half a dozen or so different boots & found something that was immediately comfortable when I ran up & down stairs & the like. I've purchased a set of Mammut Appalachian GTX's (I was really hoping to find some Meindl's) & will wear the around for a bit & give them the river treatment on Wednesday.

I'll be doing a 25km hike in the Flinders this weekend & will take the other advice of preemptively taping any hot spots too.