Looking for light weight, waterproof, and comfort. Don't mind paying a little more for something that will last and is quality.

Thanks!

I like Merrells in a lightweight hiker. There are a lot of good brands. Lowa, Kenetrek, Asolo come to mind. Best bet is to try on boots from several quality makers and see what your foot likes best.

When you say light hikers are you talking ultra light trail type or sub 3-4 lbs?


Light- Columbia
Ultra light- montrail

3-4 Italian made

Danner has sme pretty good stuff.

I'm a fan of the Danners. I spent my life as a kid with wet feet and bought a good pair of boots with my first paycheck when I was 15. That pair was Rocky Mountain and they lasted me for several years. The next pair I bought were Danners and I got 10 yrs out of them. I'm sticking with the Danners and don't see myself changing anytime soon.

When I think of light weight I'm thinking below 3.5-4lbs or so. I kinda like the look of these
http://www.masseysoutfitters.com/1004693...;ad_id=AVTL_381

Those would be great - IF they fit your foot correctly. There are many good boot makers. The best advice is to try on several from quality makers and buy the one that fits your foot the best.

Many use insoles too - their fit is equally important. Choosing the right boot (hiking or high top) is not an easy or quick decision if you want to find the boot that provides maximum comfort for your feet.

Those are great boots. Know a lot of guys that run them.

With that said buy from someone that has a great return policy. Everyone has different shaped feet.

Big fan of lathrop and sons but they don't have the deals you can find at large online retailers.

Like NP said aftermarket insoles make a difference

We use the Asolo for our boot in my military job when deployed to Afghanistan. I really like them and I also really like the Lowa combat boot, don't know about the Lowa hiking boots

So my buddy has some Asolo's and he loves them. They look pretty good too, but I don't really want to get the same as he has. I looked at the Danners and I know they would be nice, but think I want to try out the Solomon's. I will let you know what I think. Thanks for all the input.

Lol, Asolo sells different styles and different colors

I second Asolos. I've worn them daily for nearly six years, including two tours overseas. They hold up. Best place I've found to get them is Sierra Trading Post, especially if you sign up for their newsletter and click it to go to the website; it gives you an additional discount.

Salomon makes good, comfortable boots, too. I was going to get some when they were being issued, but they didn't have my size, so I took a second pair of Asolos. SierraTradingPost.com also has them at good prices.

I wore Danners, exclusively, for my first eight years in the infantry. They're great boots, as long as you get their American made models, which aren't usually their lightweight offerings. I follow their free discount page for deals: https://www.hitthebreakroom.com/invite/?r=373447

I have lots of Merrells from about 10 years ago when they were the go-to boot when ditching combat boots, but we've learned a lot since then. They are really light duty boots. They run narrow, the cushioning wears out faster than a running shoe's, and they get shredded in rough terrain in a few months of use. Mine still are serviceable because I don't ever take them with me to harsh environments, anymore. I wear them to work when I'm expecting a light day. I just don't feel right tossing serviceable boots before I've worn them out, but don't trust them to take to the places that I've seen destroy them when others took them. But, if you get them at big discounts, then they're almost worth buying, if you don't need to depend on them.

Some others that I have tried and recommend are Lowa, AKU, Vasque, and Keen (Keens are lighter duty, but built much better than all the Merrells I've had).

I disagree about the Merrell comments made above but my experience has been entirely different. My dad and I do multiple backpacking trips every year and we have both worn Merrell boots for years. We usually do at least 30 miles on a trip and they have worked extremely well fpr us. They are fantastic boots. Salomon makes some nice stuff too. Both are solid choices.

Kenetrek....just about the best you can get non-custom.


I've got a pair for hunting and a pair for fun. I live in Nevada, so I spend a lot of time in the mountains in addition to the time I had to put into the mountains while in the military. I can tell you for a fact nothing else will touch my feet ever again.

Got the boots today and they feel great. Tons of support and feels kind of like a ski boot only not with all the angle. Pretty light weight and super grippy soles are very quiet. Have not tested waterproof yet but I don't think I'm going to be disappointed. These are quality boots and I'm a fan. The online reviews did not disappoint.

Danner