Thread: Boots

Just thought id put it out there, any recommendations on boots and which to stay away from?

The best boot is the one that fits you properly. All brands are different so try on as many as you can within your budget and see what feels best.
Personally I am a big fan of Salewas but there are plenty of good brands out there.

Whatever fits and has good tread and won't fall apart

Lots of good deals 2nd hand hardly worn can be 1/2 price or less if you look around

Pretty open ended question. What sort of terrain are you most likely to be in? How much weight are you happy to strap to your feet? What do you consider a reasonable service life? How much do you want to spend?

What's been said above - I try to find a pair that fits and go from there. No point in having brand X that everyone else wears if they don't work for you.

I have owned and worn Skellerup Hikers, Zamberlan, Lowa, and Scarpa boots, although I've probably spent more time walking out in the hills in cheap Hi-tecs shoes. They all worked at the time, but my feet and needs have changed. I thought I'd love the Scarpa boots forever, but my feet have grown wider in the last few years (either due to more barefoot walking, or I've become heavier, or both) and I really need to find a wider pair next.

It really does depend on what you want to do with them - when I was younger and trapping in the South Island I wore 'nailed' soles - they bit into rock and tree roots and kept you on your feet.
Then I moved North and bought 'commando' soles, which were okay for the trapping and hunting I was doing.
Your feet grow as you age, so 'forever' boots don't work. I had Meindl 'wides' I bought extra long to get the width. After a bit I had to 'skinny' my sox as I couldn't get my woollen ones in the boot. Next thing to go were the inner soles, then the sox - I just shoved my bare feet in those boots.
All my magnificent upper body had slumped into my boots.
I now wear Keen lightweight shoes, something I once wouldn't have considered, and I love that they don't weigh anything. They're not a boot, but I don't need a heavy boot any more, I'm not carrying animals or heavy packs, nor am I doing 'river work'. They've lasted quite well, but they're 'slippy' and I've been on my arse more than usual - especially on rock, tree roots and mud. The ideal would be to screw studs in them - and I probably would if I was more active.

It's bloody hard to find a decent boot ............... but the type really does depend on what you want it for.

Salomon are very good but don't last well and are expensive.
I'm currently trying out Salewa .
Mountain trainer lites didn't last well. Have a pair of salewa mountain trainers that seem sturdier. Haven't given them a good thrashing yet though.

I've become a big fan of lightweight boots, the La Sportiva TRK GTX are awesome, they're as stiff as any "proper" leather boot but half the weight and they've lasted me pretty well, I've got another new pair ready to roll when these ones give up which at this rate will be a few years! Also been using the Inov8 Roklite, I had the older model a few years back but managed to misplace them somewhere and have just got the new model, super comfy and weigh nothing.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

I've become a big fan of lightweight boots, the La Sportiva TRK GTX are awesome, they're as stiff as any "proper" leather boot but half the weight and they've lasted me pretty well, I've got another new pair ready to roll when these ones give up which at this rate will be a few years! Also been using the Inov8 Roklite, I had the older model a few years back but managed to misplace them somewhere and have just got the new model, super comfy and weigh nothing.
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Yeah, Ryan got me onto a few years back, grabbed some on a half-price sale. possibly the most comfy boot I've had but didn't last more than 4-5 months of everyday use, and if the grass looked wet, you were getting wet.
The sides let go after a while, but in their defense, they aren't designed for what I'm doing in them.
I've gone back to Salomon for the summer and a Andrew Zebru for an everyday and winter boot.


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I found Lowa too slippery when crossing over damp rocks and ended up dropping the rifle and myself too many times:pensioned them off into street wear. I have a pair of Andrews that are heavy but I trust them. I've just worn out a pair of Kathmandu: cheap, comfortable, light, safe.

Originally Posted by rupert

I found Lowa too slippery when crossing over damp rocks and ended up dropping the rifle and myself too many times:pensioned them off into street wear. I have a pair of Andrews that are heavy but I trust them. I've just worn out a pair of Kathmandu: cheap, comfortable, light, safe.

Where your lowa z6 ?? I found them to be the worst boot ever for slipping over.

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I'm about to retire some Salomons and was looking at some Crispi Summits or some trying some La Sportivas, about half the $ of the Crispi and I am not super rough on boots so may give them a go. Just need something somewhat water proof and prefer the lighter more flexible boots as almost 100% CNI bush stalking. Summer I just use old runners.

I had Lowa Tibets. Great boots for SI tops hunting. Tried to save some money and bought Lowa Baldo but not impressed with their waterproofness, I’m going to go back to Lowa Tibets.

@Ryan_Songhurst those Inova8s look alright and not too $pendy. Look to be a good alternative to the Salomons.

Anyone have anything to say about the Crispi Summits?