[Just say Mo]

Hello, I like the idea of lightweight hiking footwear but I have yet to find a pair (4 so far) that worked as well my old all leather hiking boots in wet or snowy conditions. For comfort and support I have found the lightweights more than adequate. Is there a middle ground boot that is lightweight, durable, comfortable and can handle crossing the occasional snowfield or brushy rainy trail. Better still would be slightly wider than normal sizes available too. Many thanks in advance -Maurice

[Dante]

I haven't worn my Merril Leathers since I got my Asolo FSN 95s. They've handled everything I've done for the last year from wearing them to work, trail hikes, off-trail jaunts to a snaowshoe trip (with gaitors). I give them an A+ You can find specs at http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=8946576&parent_category_rn=4501272

[Tom]

I tried the fusion but they were a bit too wide for my feet. Vasque Sundowners fit me pretty well but I don't like them for snow travel (particularly kicking steps). Anyone have suggestions for a light boot with a fit similar to Sundowners that can handle the snowfields better?

[David¹]

I wanted a pair of Vasque Sundowners but they didn't fit right (I have really flat feet) so I basically got a clone. The Danner St. Helens is an all leather waterfproof lightweight hiker . After three years of rough hiking they are still 100% waterproof. An added bonus is the fact that they are American made. (based out of Portland)

[Newt]

Might look into the Montrail Torre GTX. Got a pair a couple of weeks ago and like them a lot. Pretty comfy and light feeling. They started hurting the bone on top of my foot where the tongue folded under at the upper. Tried a different lacing pattern and it was fixed. Not many miles yet but have been wearing them every day. REI has them on sale for $119.97 right now. NN

[Tom]

Hmm, which REI store did you see them on sale? I was at the downtown store last week and they didn't appear to be on sale (and the REI website isn't currently showing them on sale either).

[Newt]

Ok, sorry, sales starts the 23. It's in the flyer I got today. NN

[polarbear]

I second Sir Newbie's Montrail selection. I've had mine for a year now and as I've said before they are great. They took no breaking in whatsoever. They seem to be pretty water resistant as well.

[Vine Maple Victim]

Yeah I was on a boot trying spree a couple weeks ago, and my choice boot was that montrail one. The fit, with a superfeet insole, was impeccable. But, they were 150 at the time and so i didn't get them. I went for some merrell topgrain one peice leather boots (non gore-tex) called summit, at gart sports for 100. They also fit my foot beautifully with superfeet insoles, and now that they've been walked 20 + miles, they're wonderful. The merrells aren't quite your liteweight though, they're an average backpacking weight. Brian

[Allison]

I went looking for midweight boots recently, all leather, no leaky, not heavy, non-Goretex, and found.....nothing. Now granted I was having a boot emergency and had to have something right now (Erik and Randy saw my 'burger feets after Spade Lake and can attest....man, it took 2 weeks for dem babies to heal!) so I went to REI and prayed for the best. I tried everyhing on in the whole place (thanks to Quark for giving me moral support on this endeavor) and found something that was neither midweight (I'd call them 'light heavy' if that makes sense) nor non-Goretex (harder and harder to find), but they do fit great, and I've had no problems. Zambelains, made in Italy in a small factory, quality at the same price as the stuff made elsewhere. It seems that it's getting harder and harder to get something that's a full leather boot, on the lightweight side, and without Goretex, which is both unnecessary, and way too toasty.

[kleet]

I've got a pair of Garmont Broncos that I really like. They are all leather and darn near waterproof with the help of NikWax. They aren't light but I've worn heavier boots, and they are very supportive for on and off trail use as well as being fine for strapping my Grivel crampons onto. I've climbed Mt. Stuart, St. Helens and Mt. Baker in them and also use them for general backpacking. I think they won Backpacker Magazine's mid-weight boot award a while back, so they may be what you're looking for.

[#19]

Bought a pair of the Asolo FSN 95's and have used them a couple times. So far I am very impressed with them. Knowing that some light weights like Sundowners are notoriously poor on snow, I was skeptical but pleasantly surprised at the ability to kick steps, edge, and heel plunge in these. Much tougher than they look. I agree that Goretex is unecessary, but cannot tell any difference in foot temp between these and the other 3 pair of leather boots I use.

[Dean]

Say Dante and Pappy, do you think the Asolo FSN 95's are crampon compatible? I too am looking to upgrade my footgear for more snow/glacier travel. Your input will be appreciated. Thank you.

[rubberlegs]

Check out the aluminum Stubai crampons or other similar style crampon. They'll fit on tenny shoes or plastic boots. Don't let "crampon-compatible" be a major factor.

[Just say Mo]

Thanks for the excellent insights! A boot shopping I will go!