PDA

View Full Version : Need New Boots



OakAshandThorn
12-05-2016, 01:30 AM
Hey chaps,

My Timberland Mt. Maddsens have officially worn out. I can still use them, but the tread is pretty much completely smoothed out, and its former waterproof-ness is níl. I have two options, and money isn't much of an issue since I have a more than adequate living allowance from the federal government for my work. I'd rather keep the budget below $100, but if there isn't anything out there in my price range for what is best suited for me, I don't mind spending more.

My two options are:

To acquire similar footwear to the Timberlands - that is, mid-cut and waterproof, OR.....
Go for something like a trail runner, essentially a breathable boot, something that can dry out relatively quick (overnight) and yet still be able to cope with rocky terrain.

The conditions down here where I am working can be quite rugged. The trails are often washed out/flooded, especially in the Bell Mtn Wilderness, and there are lots of rocky sections all over the place in the wildernesses that I am managing. The frequent crossings of brooks and walking through the flooded sections would be made easier with a high waterproof boot, but I already have a pair of those; I did not bring them because the climate down here can become rather steamy during the summer months, and I would risk athlete's foot from all the sweat. In my experience, waterproof boots don't seem to dry out nearly as fast as breathable ones. I have considered Gore-tex, and I've heard both good and bad things about Gore-tex boots, but feel free to add your input.

I'm more leaning towards something breathable, preferably a mid-cut boot. Excellent traction is a must.
What are your thoughts? :D

Ehecatl
12-05-2016, 08:53 AM
I bought a pair of the Lowa Mountain boots about a year ago as my 20 year old British Army boots were getting a bit tired. (http://www.google.co.uk/aclk?sa=l&ai=C33F9STU0V8jECMS47gastbHYCqPblrlEu5bH69IC05TZnt AECAQQASgFYLu-roPQCqAB9daAvwPIAQepAjhd39aAObg-qgQqT9A7Qu55NSswppyWmCLU8Eks552rPJo6qsRCbeaUFGn_D7 PKys5qYn7pwAUFoAYmgAfzqP9AkAcBqAemvhvYBwHgEqnNwub3 sr6tEw&sig=AOD64_2aBGSmt7WRiOt4PWp70ITqvUYW_w&ctype=5&clui=11&rct=j&q=&ved=0ahUKEwj3jsuQhtTMAhWLKMAKHY7LAfEQvhcIKg&adurl=http://www.polimil.co.uk/footwear/police-boots/lowa-mountain-gtx-boot-black-wide-fitting.html%23fo_c%3D1190%26fo_k%3Dd9475470f068d3 7bc4151ae2fb08a3e6%26fo_s%3Dgplauk)

Good points:
They didn't really need breaking in - not so you would notice
They keep my feet warm and dry
They are really comfortable
I'm not expecting to have to replace them

Bad points:
Slightly heavy
Could be considered expensive, but you get what you pay for

Would I recommend them? Yes, definately.

OakAshandThorn
15-05-2016, 12:37 AM
Interesting....you're the second person who has suggested them. I'm definitely going to consider Lowa. Hopefully by next month I'll have me new boots :D

OakAshandThorn
30-05-2016, 05:37 PM
Well, I ended up purchasing Bog's Tumalo boots - all leather upper with rubber sole, decent tread. Got them from the Amazonian for just over $50 (bargain-buy :D). Worst-case scenario, I can return them since the company has a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Right now I'm using a pair of sandal-boots, which are super breathable and have a lovely, flexible sole. Yesterday I took them out on to the Bell Mtn Wilderness across quite a rugged section of the trail, with lots of rocky sections, several brook crossings, and mud pies (when the trail turns into peanut-butter consistency mud). My feet got wet, obviously, but the sandal-boots dried out fast, as did my feet (thanks to an inner sock liner made by Fox River, meant to wear under merino socks for extra wicking power). These cost only $25. I won't be able to give a more honest and thorough talk about them until I've put many more miles on them, but so far I am impressed.

But stout boots were a necessity since I often work with axes and saws, and per Forest Service safety regulations, I cannot use these tools without boots. I don't quite understand the reasoning that somehow your feet are better protected in boots than in something like a trail runner. If you miss with an axe, you're going to be in trouble regardless, unless you're wearing steel-toe boots and hit the plate first.