[asdf]

My 15 year old pair of boots are beyond all reasonable repair at this point, so I'm looking for a new pair. I want a pair that's good for long days and could be used for alpine climbing were I to get into that more. Do you have boots you particularly like? Or tips on how to buy a boot?

[mike]

I've never been sorry I bought a lighter boot.

[Schenk]

My favorite boots, which I use for everything from day hikes to light 3-season mountaineering, are the LaSportiva Trango S EVO GTX. They are light enough for me to wnat to grab them for day trips, and they will also take a crampon. They provide good ankle support for when I try to carry too much on rough terrain, and they have kept my feet comfortable and dry for hours, even days, on snow and in rainy conditions. I have worn 3 pairs down to smooth soles and I do not have a single complaint. I don't limit myself to trails, or easy terrain so I appreciate the extra support, stability, and security they offer when the situation calls for it. I have only felt they were too heavy when I ran a couple miles in them...they can do a lot but just aren't running shoes Some folks will feel they are too heavy, or too stiff, for their purposes, but that is a subjective opinion. You must know yourself well enough to understand what you will demand from a boot and not the same type of boot will be appropriate for everyone. Next to being designed for the intended use, the most important thing is fit. Find someone who has been through a Phil Oren FitSystem program, or who can use a Brannock device properly and understands foot length, arch length, width, foot volume, and how to ask the right questions and listens to the responses to help a customer get a proper fit.

[Voxxjin]

I like my Keens (don't remember the model name) simply because the toe box is wider than most others I have tried. Others seem to be too narrow and will rub the hell out of my little and big toes.

[Malachai Constant]

Pretty much use trail runners or approach shoes now but, have Scarps for hard core.

[Backpacker Joe]

Limmer Ultra-Lights and Limmer Lightweights. http://www.limmerboot.com/#

[GC99]

The Salewa Rapace gtx has worked great for me, especially with my wider foot. They seem to stay fairly cool in the heat and have a good tread. The only issue I've had with them is that a couple of the little hooks on the sides that hold the laces broke, but I think that might be due to my use of them.

[DIYSteve]

Queries for boot advice evokes responses reminiscent of Ford/Chevy/Dodge fist fights in high school.

[asdf]

Thanks for the help folks. Got some good ideas here to try.out.

[HitTheTrail]

I currently have a new unused pair of Asolo TPS 520 GV That I will sell you for $180. New they are between $260 - $300 with tax and shipping. The left boot is men's US size 10.5 wide and the right boot is US size 10.0 wide.

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[mike]

Too bad we're not the same size. My left foot is bigger.

[HitTheTrail]

[kawi_200]

I have a pair of Salomon boots that have slowly become my winter boots. I bought them at first because they were recommended for multi night trips. But as I started getting more into hiking and backpacking I have been learning to go with lighter shoes. These keep my feet warm in the winter. But while snowshoeing I have had lots of foot sweat pooled up to the point I had to dump it out and wring my socks. They are similar to the ones in the link below. I think the thing that stands out the most about my boots is the traction. Even on slick rocks or wet logs I have very good traction. I think it is the thing I love the most about them. https://www.rei.com/product/847736/salomon-comet-3d-gtx-hiking-boots-mens

[christensent]

For me it's either sneakers or Nepal Evo (or substitute with a full seamless leather hiking boot if doing non-technical objectives for slightly more comfort). Modern footwear is complete garbage in my view and just throwing away money. If it's not full seamless leather, it's not waterproof in Washington. It will be for the first few days of use, then the goretex and DWR wears out and it's just a broken modern marvel with a thousand seams and turns into a puddle inside. I went through that cycle for a while and decided I didn't want to buy new boots every year and realized how great dry feet are. There's not a lot of options, but there are several manufacturers putting out full leather boots in both the mountaineering and hiking styles.

[DIYSteve]