Need good stiff boots for very rough terrain-help

Boman · Sep 29, 2003

I need your help. I need to get new boots. I need some very good boots. I need them to be able to handle very rough terrain ie. rock slides, blowdowns, and generally very steep country. My other problem is that my feet sweat like hell. So I'm thinking I need to get them without insulation and maybe without Gore-tex?? So I think what I need is a very good stiff boot without insulation that will let my feet breath. I can't seem to shake these damn blisters and I'm tired of it. What do you guys use/reccommend? Right now I use Cabelas Outfitters with 200 gr of thisulate and they are very comfortable as a hike-a- little and sit boot. But they are not great for a hike-a-lot and sit a little boot.. Please help!!

oldoregon · Sep 29, 2003

all types of georgias seem to work good!

hunterjmj · Sep 29, 2003

Go to your local mountain climbing store and look around. Alot of mountaineering boots are rigid and stiff for climbing steep, rocky, and very rugged terrain. Brands like Vasque, Sporteva, Vanderlan are great boots. They cost around 200 +/-, but are well worth the money.

Jer

fletch · Sep 29, 2003

I wear whites. They are all leather and very stiff and rugged. I have worn mine through thick and thin and they hold up great. Plus if they wear out you can have them rebuilt. I used to walk through a pair of cheaper boots every year. I have had my whites for 10 and they show there wear but are still sturdy. I also like the taller heel for digging in going down the steep stuff. regular use of boot dryers, and liberal whites leather protectant also help. If your feet are real sweaty wash the insides with soap and water once a year and dry real well. The salt will eat the leather if not taken care of properly. just my 2 cents.

Boman · Sep 30, 2003

Thanks for the info so far guys. I have been looking into getting some mountaineering/backpacking boots. Asolo seem to fit the best so far. Fletch, which model of whites boots do you have? I've heard good things about those boots but I've had a hard time getting used to how they look? Does that high heel really help? What model of whites do you have? Thanks

NVBighorn · Sep 30, 2003

If you want a great "regular" boot, look at the Meindl Canadas from Cabelas (or any of the other Meindls). Great sheep country boot.
If you want mountaineering boots and are looking at something like the double plastic shell boots try Koflach. (koflachusa.com I think) or the Scarpa Inverno. In either case, get your checkbook out. But if you really want rigid, the kind of rigid where you can step on a rock edge with your toe and not go sliding, then they are great.

Graycliff · Sep 30, 2003

I have been using a pair of Danner Vistas for a while. They are hiking boot height, non-insulated, gore-tex lined solid leather construction with a stiff-as-hell midsole. They had all the traction I needed in the boulder fields of the Wind rivers and various forest ground and sage country I've had them in. This is a very durable boot, if you are looking for a god stiff boot that is durable this might work for you. I think I might have finally found the right combination of socks/insoles for a more comfortable fit. Danner doesn't make this boot anymore but there are some still out there, I've only had mine around a year.

fletch · Sep 30, 2003

I think mine are Smokejumpers?? I dont remember 10 yrs ago was a long time. They are a heavy boot and were 300 bucks 10 yrs ago. I do like the heels and have depended on them in the past saves me from slipping on my arse. But I realize that there are alot of good choices out there and seem to be more all of the time. Next go around I may pick something lighter.

Boman · Oct 1, 2003

Thanks NVBighorn and Graycliffe, I will check both of those out. I don't mind paying for something that works.. I'm tired of paying for those that don't!

Fletch, Thanks again. Those seem to be the most popular so I'm sure thats what you got.. I will check into them. Thanks

rollcast · Oct 1, 2003

Aside from Koflach Plastic boots - check out the Meidle boots from Cabelas - very rigid sole, tough leather uppersm, flexible but strong enough to put on hinged crampons if needed. Mine are a Denali boot but they make a variety with the same qualities.

BUCKSPY · Oct 1, 2003

Meindls.

I've got a pair of $400 Whites wildland firefighting smokejumpers that were custom made for my feet. They are broke in and are OK for what they are made for, but........... I would take an off the rack pair of Cabelas Meindls over these any day of the week. People rave about them for that reason. Plus if you don't like them, send them back no questions asked.

If you have such a problem with your slimy-ass feet getting too sweaty, have you considered using antipersperant on them? I have heard it works for those with that problem. If it keeps your pits from sweating, chances are it should keep your feet from sweating. I don't have any experience with it but I have heard it works.

oldoregon · Oct 2, 2003

http://www.georgiaboot.com/lehigh_s...l&ShoeCatalogNumber=1607G8182&start=1&inv=123

Later Yall!!!!

Paul_Crawford · Oct 5, 2003

If you want some really STIFF boots, try this. Dissolve a few Viagra tablets in warm water, and soak the boots in the solution overnight. That should stiffen them up really well. hehe

Seriously, you can't go wrong with the lace to-toe Danners. Great boots. Paul

TheKnack · Oct 5, 2003

For not as cold of weather, I use military jungle boots with wool socks on.
Lighter and more breathable but would not use them in snow or real wet conditions.
I use my Sorels for cold weather. They are kinda heavy but your feet stay nice and warm.
Whatever you decide best of luck on your hunt.
Jerry

Boman · Oct 7, 2003

Thanks everyone.

Buckspy, leave it to you to tell me to put antiperspirant on my feet! I don't know about that.. it seems like it could work.. but I don't want to be the jackarse that gets caught using it..I am going to try on some Meindls and some Asolo's. Thanks

Good one Paul!

The Knack, my friend uses the same as you.. but milatary boots are too narrow for my likes. Thanks again everyone!

BUCKSPY · Oct 7, 2003

I'm moderately serious on this one. I've heard it works.

What I'm pictureing is you sitting on the floor of your tent or camper with a roll-on stick of antipersperant laughing uncontrolably because you are tickleing yourself silly trying to roll it on your feet. Try the aerosol spray and save me the visual!

Spray it on one foot and go for a jog or shoot some hoops and then check to see which sock is more slimy. Maybe this could be the next MM poll.

kilbuc · Oct 8, 2003

Also...Meindl...

Cabelas has several models, get the stiffest, probably Alaska hunter, or Canada. Good luck.

Boman · Oct 9, 2003

Buckspy,

That's it I'm gonna try it and yes I'll heed your advice and go for a spray. Damn this is gonna be weird. I will let you guys know how it goes. You realize if this works your a genious and if it doesn't.. I'm an idiot.. oh well Thanks again

kilbuc,

Yep I'm considering both of those boots, but I'd really like to get then without the insulation. Maybe the Alaska hiker? Thanks

NVBighorn · Oct 9, 2003

Don't know about the spray but I know you can't go wrong with the Miendls. I really like my Canadas but they are tall. Eleven inches tall! That's way up your calf. I like it but if you don't think you'll like tall go for the Denalis. I just ordered a pair of Denalis and a pair of the Perfekt hikers for my wife so she could pick between the two. The Perfekt were a bit narrow for her but she really liked the Denalis. She has never owned a good pair of boots and always has foot problems when she hikes. Hoping the Denalis will be the ticket. Sent the Hikers back. They have a great foot bed but just didn't fit right. I highly recommend ordering more than one pair, like maybe more than one size and/or model and just eat the shipping to return the ones you don't like. Cabelas is used to it and if you're gonna spend $200 for boots make sure they fit.