New to hiking - boot choice

[beetle]

Hi,

My name is Danny and I'm only very new to hiking - everything I've done up until this point I've done in some beat up old joggers and I'm at the point now where I'm looking at some decent hiking boots.

I've taken the advice written so many time on these forums and visited some shops and tried some boots on, but to be honest - to my un-knowing feet they all feel much the same. I'm left, then, to make a decision based on materials and recommendations, and lastly on price and looks. I like the feel of the non-leather boots I've tried the most, so I think that's the way I'm looking to go - I'm hoping that someone can look at the options I've got and say either "Boot A is better made, and all other things equal as far as fit feel go, you should buy it", or "They're all much of a muchness for quality and longevity - buy whatever you like the look of".

These are the options I like based on looks and price - is anyone able to help regarding materials and quality etc?
Obviously prices are different - is there much of a difference between the Mammut models? My novice eyes don't understand much of the websites tell me I'm afraid.

Salomon Quest 4D GTX


Mammut Teton GTX, Impact GTX or Mercury Advanced GTX (These guys make some great looking boots!)




Scarpa Kailash GTX


Thanks in anticipation
(Also, can anyone tell me where the hell they hide the end of the laces for these photos?? )

[Macca81]

(Also, can anyone tell me where the hell they hide the end of the laces for these photos?? )

On the other side of the shoe

Sent from my obscenely large android phone...

[Strider]

Worry less about looks, and more about fit and comfort. They all look the same when covered in mud

[ILUVSWTAS]

Worry less about looks, and more about fit and comfort. They all look the same when covered in mud

Absolutely!! Get into a store and try on every single model/make!!

[norts]

Dont forget to do it in the afternoon, feet swell in the afternoon. Also have the socks you are going to walk in with you.
Walk around them in the store for as long as you can. Then when you take them home only wear them inside until your sure.
A good shop should take them back if only worn inside.

Roger

[beetle]

Thanks for the advice so far

As I wrote originally

to my un-knowing feet they all feel much the same. I'm left, then, to make a decision based on materials and recommendations, and lastly on price and looks

I know that looks are unimportant, but the "feel" isn't leading me one way or another. Maybe I'm easy to please, or my foot is so generic that it doesn't matter, but every shoe (bar a few Zamberlan boots I tried which I didn't like much) seem to feel much the same. I have tried probably 20 boots (between Mammut, Scarpa, Zamberlan, Columbia, Salomon, Merrell) - I suppose if I had to choose one which felt like the padding around my ankle was "nicer" I'd choose the Mammuts.

At this stage I suppose I'm after something that I can wear until I figure out what type of shoe will best suit my foot in other ways - of the Mammuts, is one particularly better than another?

[Nuts]

Depends a bit on where your walking, how much weight your carrying. I'd choose a shoe wherever I could get away with it but for boots i'd go Italian, once you've had european, you wont look back. Never had much luck with US/China boots, they fall apart once off fire trails. From the ones you've found, Scarpa are, not sure of the others?

Personally also, I'd avoid goretex liners if possible. In fabric boots i suspect it is more to make a vague claim of waterproof. It never seems to last long before you just have a heavier, hotter boot that takes longer to dry out.. for no real purpose.

If you cant tell the difference in fit you may be one of the lucky ones. I haven't had a problem with boots out of the box, some have endless dramas.

I do like Zamberlan skill, they feel tight to start but loosen up quickly and wear well. They don't get much use these days but they really do feel comfortable like a soft boot (in leather). Gtx unfortunately but you could always rip that out when it fails i guess.

[Kinsayder]

My understanding is that Mammut took over Raichle. I've got a pair of Raichles from 2003 that have absolutely copped it and only just not are beginning to show signs of wear. I'd highly recommend them (assuming that Mammut didn't alter things too much when they took over). I've always admired the design of Scarpa too and have long intended to get a pair when I next need boots. Probably in the next year or so. I've heard good things about them and La Sportiva.

[forest]

I agree that you must find what is most comfortable.

What kind of walking are you planning on ?? Do you carry a lot of weight in your pack ??
I notice your in QLD. Do you need "waterproof" boots ??
Are you planning on walking in Tassie, Aust. Alps or NZ. If you are good european boots will serve you well.
In the hot weather feet sweat a lot in Goretex boots and your feet will end up damp anyway. Regardless of weather you have had a swim in them or not.
Something to consider if your mainly doing QLD walks in the hotter climate.

A light pack and load might enable you to just use breathable runners. Yes you will get wet feet (if you cross deep streams etc) but in that climate it will not be a concern and you can walk wet runners dry.
Sorry to throw something left field in the mix.

I have a friend with Marmot boots and they are very good (but his are the leather variant)

I think the rule is 1 pound on your feet = the same effort to haul 6 pounds in your pack. Lighter boots/runners can make a difference but only if it's not at the cost of your comfort.

[beetle]

Depends a bit on where your walking, how much weight your carrying. I'd choose a shoe wherever I could get away with it but for boots i'd go Italian, once you've had european, you wont look back. Never had much luck with US/China boots, they fall apart once off fire trails. From the ones you've found, Scarpa are, not sure of the others?

No significant weight (except myself, and there's a fair bit of me. I'm well north of 100kgs and very tall). Just a day pack at this stage.

I agree that you must find what is most comfortable.

What kind of walking are you planning on ?? Do you carry a lot of weight in your pack ??
I notice your in QLD. Do you need "waterproof" boots ??
Are you planning on walking in Tassie, Aust. Alps or NZ. If you are good european boots will serve you well.
In the hot weather feet sweat a lot in Goretex boots and your feet will end up damp anyway. Regardless of weather you have had a swim in them or not.
Something to consider if your mainly doing QLD walks in the hotter climate.

I'm in SEQ and mostly walk around here, but I'm heading to SE Asia shortly and will hike quite a lot there - I suppose I'll be walking in warm weather most of the time.
As for wet weather, I try to avoid walks in the rain, but will happily walk if it's just spitting. No plans to go traipsing through rivers or creeks, but then this may change?

Is Goretex likely to be a hindrance in warmer weather? What is the alternative?

[gayet]

Don't imagine that you have to walk in boots. If you are more accustomed to wandering in joggers, then you are likely to find boots both restrictive in the movement available and damn heavy.

For QLD and SE Asia, a decent pair of trail shoes should be sufficient. Waterproof boots are fine in wet, cold environments but uncomfortable in warm places. Light weight shoes will dry out quicker, less chance of foot rot, not as heavy to lug around, more suitable to the times when you aren't in the bush (dual purpose, so only need 1 pair of shoes) and fine for day walks. Even fine for longer walks if you aren't carrying too much. But then I walk in open sandals and have carried 26+kg up and down some rough gullies. Not saying I enjoyed it but it was easier than hauling heavy boots up and down with me.

[wayno]

I"ve got teh salomon cosmics, same build and shape as the quest, different materials. great boot. reasonably robust comfortable, supportive.
you need to try them on. different brands, different foot shapes, i've had trouble with mammuts for instance, not wide enough for my feet.
could be pretty hot for queensland with goretex.... I"m in nz and wanted something for a colder climate
they are pretty hard in the sole with hard plastic frame to add to support and stiffness so i replaced the insoles with some after market ones sof sole thin red allsport ones.
the boots you've chosen are for multi day walking, stiffer soles fo carrying heavier weights on rough tracks, but extra weight in the boot as a result and they are more for cooler climates, if you're walking in queensland and SE asia you probably want fabric boots with a looser weave, mesh type outer for at least part of the upper for maximum breathability, if you're not going on really rough terrain you can go a solid runner type shoe or a mid height instesd of the full height boots you're looking at there
you'd be better without gore tex as well... even if they get wet , it doesnt matter in a hot environment , they will dry out aster in well ventilated non gore tex boots

[Kinsayder]

Ah, I didn't notice the Queensland part. Having lived/hiked there and having hiked/run in SE Asia, a robust walking shoe might do the job. I had a pair of Columbias that were perfect, no idea what they were called but they were probably just shy of 3/4 cut. You could consider something like that.

[Strider]

Is Goretex likely to be a hindrance in warmer weather? What is the alternative?

For waterproofness, the alternative is leather.

I have a pair of Merrell approach shoes with Gore-Tex lining. I often find them too hot to wear in Tassie, and even in colder weather they still won't breathe enough to stop my feet sweating and I end up with cold feet as a result.

I would start with a pair of approach shoes/trail runners, that way you can still progress to a boot if you decide you need them later on, though can continue to wear the shoes casually. Better than ending up with a pair of boots that will never get worn, and needing to buy suitable shoes anyway. For warm weather I would definitely be looking for a mesh outer.

[wayno]

mountain designs are doing deals on columbia footwear, they have some designs for warmer weather with good ventilation, something like the switchback

http://www.mountaindesigns.com/online-s ... odID=19789

or ravenous

http://www.mountaindesigns.com/online-s ... prodID=277

theyve also got salomons but you'll pay more $$$ for those

[madmacca]

I take the approach that your feet are going to get wet anyway, whether from sweating out from inside, drips running down your legs after brushing through undergrowth, etc, and that shoes/boots that drain readily actually keep your feet drier in the longer term than 'waterproof' boots.

I am a recent convert to trail runners (they have a much chunkier tread than standard runners), although I still wear boots in rocky terrain for ankle protection. My personal view is that ankle 'support' is best dealt with through regular strength training, rather than high boots that actually weaken the ankle muscles in the long term - others have different views on this.

[Steps down off soap box]

[beetle]

Wow - some fantastic advice here so far - I'm extremely grateful for those who have taken the time to reply here.

The consensus seems to be that goretex will be too hot, and because there seems to be a big lack of goretex-less boots (and I'm not interested in leather [at this stage at least]), the best alternative seems to be trail shoes.

Are Columbia boots of decent quality? I have a Columbia jacket that I can't fault, but I've never had anything to do with their footwear.
Are there any particular things I should be mindful of or look out for with shoes?

[wayno]

columbia have improved a lot recently, they've sunk a lot of money into researching and developing better products.
i've got the switchback shoes, really comfy, although i got the waterproof version the OT version
they are generally well rated
the manager in the mountain designs shop was wearing columbia shoes, he said a year ago he wouldnt have touched them but thinks they have really improved

http://myrunningaddiction.wordpress.com ... ech%C2%AE/

http://www.gearbuyer.com/site/search.ht ... t_reviewed

[geoffmallo]

As a few have said don't think you have to wear boots. I use trail runners (inov8 x-talons http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Produc ... n-190.html) for all my walking except when snowshoeing. That includes some serious mud and off track walks with with lots of rocks etc. it also includes some long walks and 60k + days. I'm a lot lighter on my feet in trail runners and while it sounds a bit daft I float over the terrain more than slog in heavy boots.

The grip is far better than a boot because the shoe can flex to mould to the rock, tree root or whatever your walking over. The rubber on the x-talons is particularly soft giving great grip too. However this all comes at a price of wearing faster. But then again for $130 dollars it doesn't really matter if you have to replace them sooner. They dry faster (in fact they'll dry while walking so go ahead and just walk straight through that creek.

Don't underestimate the weight difference. Possibly 1/10th the weight of leather boots.

If you are after something a little more protective of rocks underfoot then look at the X-talon 212s for a beefier shoe. http://www.inov-8.com/New/Global/Produc ... .html?L=26

This all comes from a guy who used to wear full leather scarpas everyday of the year.

In the end it's what works for you, and this works a treat for me.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I totally agree. Light running shoes grip better in my opinion. I to have come from heavy leather boots to running shoes weighing 250 grams each, 500 the pair.

[slparker]

Beetle,
I have a pair of Solomon trail runners exactly like the ones you're considering except they're shoes, not boots. I would not particularly recommend them for hiking with a pack in wet weather as I found the tread to be quite slippery on wet rock (as distinct from a vibram rubber sole). Great for running, general kicking about in wet weather or perhaps with a daypack though. If you're still keen try a non goretex version, I have a pair of salmon xt wings that I wear for day walks in hot weather. You can get them cheaper from www.wiggle.com, the size runs true through the Solomon range(eg I take size 11 in all salmon shoes).
I lived in se qld and I would generally agree with the posters above, stick with a non goretex shoe or ankle boot in a lightweight quick dry fabric. Too hot and sticky for goretex lining much of the year. The mammuts are good boots, though- I had the old raichle versions too.

[dannnnn]

Interesting replies...! I've been doing a lot of walking in lamington (qld) lately and have been coming home with very wet feet.. sometimes from muddy/wet trails, but mostly from creek crossings. I have been considering upgrading to goretex/event boots from my otherwise-fantastic asics, but from what's been posted here that seems a little silly??

[southbank]

http://www.dunlopfootwear.com.au/KT26/default.asp

All you'll ever need

[forest]

People will find that having wet feet when walking is not that big a deal. Especially if the footwear lets the water back out easiely.
Your feet generate a lot of heat when walking and you will find that after a little dunk in water, even ice melt your feet will feet warm after about 30 seconds of walking from the heat generated.
Thin merino socks go a long way in runners. I really like the Injini toe socks and for me, I feel they dry a little quicker.

I walked the Rees Dart track in NZ earlier this year in Inov-8 295 mesh runners. Theres a little water/mud to contend with especially on day one in the Rees valley.
I was the only walker on the track not in waterproof boots.
I was the only walker on the track without shrivelled, blistered feet at the end of each day.
Couldn't have been happier with my choice of footwear.

Since switching to runners my fantastic Meindle Island Pro Boots just don't see the use they deserve......
I did mow the lawn in them yesterday just to spend some time in them though

I have a pair of Solomon trail runners exactly like the ones you're considering except they're shoes, not boots. I would not particularly recommend them for hiking with a pack in wet weather as I found the tread to be quite slippery on wet rock (as distinct from a vibram rubber sole).

I recall reading that some of the Solomons have soles that get a little slippery on wet rocks.
As it's been recommended the Inox-8's have a massively sticky sole and I cannot fault mine at all. They are the best shoes for grip I have ever worn.

[Penguin]

Forrest

+1

I have worn Inov8's in mud and water. Got wet feet. They dried.

A couple of weeks ago I did Ben Lomand in NZ with five fingers and toe socks. The top 400 meters was in snow. Fine for a day walk and if you keep moving. Stopped to chat, got very cold feet.

I will stick to trail shoes now unless multi day walk in snow.

Would recommend Inov8's.

[wildernesswanderer]

Not that I'm a expert as I just bought my boots. I went to all the local stores, Paddy Pallin, Macpac, Mountain Designs, Snowgum bla bla and tried on multiple different boots, I have a short wide foot and I ended up with a pair of Scarpa Boots in their extra wide fitting. They only make a couple of boots like this. So my advice is don't look at the looks of them but comfort is all that matters. Paddy Pallin give you 30 days of in house use. If your not happy you can return them. I guess he others would too but I would ask.

[Webguy]

I have heavy Scarpa all leather boots with Vibram sole. Like ice when on anything wet at all, so much so, they make me paranoid about slipping over etc.

Quite waterproof, though, my feet sweat a hell of a lot, so I do enjoy taking a break and shoes and socks off is bliss.

If I had the cash, I'd probably look for something else, lighter, and less slippery. But then, how do you really know until you try em out etc.