[old bob]

After too many years,getting back into hiking.Just day stuff on mostly good treads for now.After 3.5 miles and 2400ft. one way,I came home with a bloody left foot,bunion...Soooo,time for a good boot...So much good gear now,what to do??Lowa renegade,Vasque sundowner,Asolo 535??Any advice on a good day hike boot maybe a few overnighters on easy stuff like cascade pass,skyline divide etc..nothing technical..

[Dante]

[Tom]

I used Vasque Sundowners for years. They are nice lightweight boots but after my last pair (made in China) wore out in less than 2 years I decided to go with a different boot. I just bought some REI Monarchs. I really like them so far. They are an excellent value at less than $100 (with 20% off coupon). They are several ounces lighter than my Sundowners and required no break in (unlike my last Sundownders). The vibram sole has awesome grip - much better than the Sundowner skywalk sole. It also has a hard rubber toe cap which will really help when kicking steps in snow (my Sundowners were worthless in this regard).

[Dante]

I've heard good things about L Bean's boots, too. At $149, the North Col Hikers are 2/3 (or less) the price of comparable boots. IIRC, Brian Curtis loves his LL Bean Speed Guide Hikers.

[pianodirt]

Are there still any good boot fitters in the Seattle area? Maybe Marmot in Bellevue, there used to be Wilderness Sports and Swallow's Nest. But aside from boots you might want to check out the Birk lady in Bellevue... I went there last night with my girlfriend so she could exchange some Birkenstock sandals she bought in CA that were too small. The lady working there (she says she has for many years) is named Doni, she she knows more about feet and how a footbed affects those feet, which in turn affects your knees, your hips and your whole posture. I am a massage therapist and she knows more about feet than I do. I bet she knows more than most doctors. I don't think Birk makes hiking boots, but if they did, I would buy my next pair there, from her. In any case, this lady is a riot, she would be well worth to go see. Give her a call, maybe she can help you out with which boot works best for you. Oh, and if anyone is looking for the "real thing" in the field of wool berets, they've got them there, from the Czech Republic, for a unreal price of $8. Just bought one and I love it. Now I finally have an around town hat for the winter! Doni at MJ Feet 425-646-0416

[Slugman]

I just noticed today that my beloved Vasque boots, only seven months old, have split open on the bottom, both boots. I loved those boots, lightweight, great traction, great fit, etc, etc. I got them at REI, so I'm not out the money, but now I have to start over on the whole boot-buying thing again. They were about $180 before a 20% discount, so I should be able to find another good pair for the same or less. I will check out those Monarchs Tom mentioned. My first REI return!

[hikermike]

The problem is most boots are made overseas for other people's feet and no longer come in widths. Why not? Anyway they've been getting narrower as time goes on, told this by a shoesalesman at Marmot. I have a D width which is not that wide and can't find a shoe. Custom boot makers only make those clunky last a lifetime but cause so many foot problem boots! Anyone know a boot maker who makes a truely lightweight boot?

[Allison]

For lightweight boots, I really like the all-leather Montrail lighweight model. Can't think of the name, but they are great for day trips, and if I didn't have crap ankles I'd use them for light backpacking on-trail as well. For a burlier boot, I have an arsenal, but my current fave is the Montail GTX Torre. Some of the Montrails come in wide widths FYI. I'm surprised that people like the Monarchs, I tried on a pair last year and found them flimsy and cheap. Went with a pair of Zamberlans, which I also love, but they can't kick steps. They are the Civettas, and broke in reeealllyy eeeaassyyy. Pianodirt, do you know any massage therapists that have a special knack for feet and ankles? I've got a few problems, all revolving around a long time ago broken talus, and I need to find a specialist just to work on my feet. The rest of my body gets great deep tissue work from a very talented guy in Ballard, but feet are not his thing. Apparently the Chinese have the feet all dialed in, so maybe somone who has studied in China or under a Chinese foot genius would be a good way to go.

[Tom]

[Allison]

Well the ones on the right were the ones I tried on. Frankly, I couldn't see why anyone would want the things, but maybe there is something I am missing. One thing I remember was that the tongue design was pretty much guaranteed to funnel water right into the inside of boots, should it rise above the level of the soles. Whatever though, it's all about fit and proper stiffness for the kind of hiking or climbing you wil do in the boots, and everything else is secondary, IMO. Including cost.

[Brian Curtis]

[Newt]

I got a pair of Montrail Torre GTX from REI. They went on sale 2 weeks later. I went in and got the sale difference back. They fit my feet nice. Really no break in and haven't leaked yet. Lighter than my work boots. Had to work out the lacing tech but are ok now. Had hem about a year now and I like em. NN

[Dante]