Time for new boots

[Trans tech]

I have worn the cleats off of my trusty hikers. I am looking at a couple of different ones for hot weather and rocky terrain.

I like the Converse® 8" Composite Toe Side Zipper Boot and the Bates® M-9 Desert Assault 9 in. Boots.

Any input would be great.

[Al_HikesAZ]

I have worn the cleats off of my trusty hikers. I am looking at a couple of different ones for hot weather and rocky terrain.

I like the Converse® 8" Composite Toe Side Zipper Boot and the Bates® M-9 Desert Assault 9 in. Boots.

Any input would be great.

Are those what you've had or are those what you are looking to buy?

If that's what you are considering buying, you might also look at 5.11 HRT Desert Boots or Danner Boots. I don't know your budget. These may be a few dollars more, but I don't scrimp on boots.

Here's some info on 5.11: http://www.lapolicegear.com/5tahbo.html I've been happy with any 5.11 gear that I've ever owned, but I personally have no experience with their boots. Scottsdale Gun Club might have 5.11 boots since they carry 5.11 gear. They are open to the public.

I met a Border Patrol officer and he told me that his Danner boots were the most important equipment that he owned. Arizona Hiking Shack carries Danner products.

Matterhorn has always made great boots, but I don't know who carries them locally. Who carries Converse or Bates locally? Have you checked out Cabela's?

If I'm not humpin' an 80lb ruck , I would wear lighter boots. My days of wearing boots like that are over. I have a chronic problem with my left ankle so I understand the need for support. But I have found that for long dayhikes and short backpacking trips that I've been very happy with Lowa mid-height boots.

[Trans tech]

I was using a pair made by Merrell that were great. The boots that was fore mentioned was what I am considering. I need a pair that wont leave my barefoot in the back country.

Some boots from Danner are on my list as well. Just want some input on experiences people have had good and bad.

Being a Scout Leader I need ankle support due to always carrying a heavy pack for extra backup gear.

I do appreciate your input.

[Davis2001r6]

I've never came across a need for boots in AZ or anywhere for that matter unless there is snow.

Too Heavy, clumsy footing, more expensive. Just give me a pair of trailrunners.

Lately I've been using the New Balance 470/471 models. Sure they are not going to last years, but at $40 a pair who cares. From 40 mile backpacks in the Grand Canyon to Mountain Climbing in the Sierra's thats what I've wear. Don't usually go over 50lbs in my pack. Most of the time in AZ it's 35-40 depending on how much water and how many days.

When I have worn boots I tend to have lazy feet and just throw my foot down anywhere which tends to make you "roll" your ankle, in trailrunners you just place your foot were it actually should go and I've never had a problem rolling them.

Give it a try sometime and I bet you won't go back.

[Trans tech]

I like the lighter foot wear when it is just me, but as a Scout Leader I can tend to be the pack mule for major outings and a heavy pack is typical.

[Al_HikesAZ]

In response to Trans tech's reply:
Since you are in Phoenix, check out the boots and talk with Charles at Arizona Hiking Shack. If you get a chance to get to Tucson, get to Summit Hut. They are the best for boots.

I understand your thinking that you need the heavier boot. But keep in mind - The common benchmark is a pound on the foot equals 7 pounds on the back. So lightening up the boot will help you conserve energy on hikes so that you have more energy to shepherd your scouts at night.

You can carry up to 50-60 lbs with modern mid-height boots. I was serious when I said that the boots you mentioned are for carrying 80lb rucks.

[azbackpackr]

For a bit heavier duty boot, I have always gone with Vasque. I have a pair of Newbriars (they are similar to the Sundowners) all-leather boots I've been wearing for quite awhile, have even had them resoled. I am very hard to fit, though, and that is one reason why I like that brand, because they usually have one that fits me. They do not make Danners or Merrells that will fit me.

As for 511, I recently had a very bad experience with mail order from their factory in Modesto, Ca., and was treated very poorly by one of their staff. I sent a pair of shorts back for a smaller size, as their sizes all run big. They accidently sent me 8 (EIGHT!!) pairs of shorts and then took $98.00 off my debit card, causing checks to bounce. Then, although I sent 7 pairs back to them they refused to credit me the entire $98 because they said it was my fault I ordered the wrong size to begin with, so I had to pay for the postage for the 8 pairs of shorts, both coming and going. I will NEVER EVER do business with them again, especially after having talked to them on the phone several times to get it all straightened out, this one gal was VERY rude. And the canvas shorts aren't all that great, either--too heavy and scratchy, and the legs don't have enough room for comfortable hiking.

[Sredfield]

I have been a Raichle Mtn Trekker fan for many years, but they quit making them and I no longer find them on ebay. Summit Hut sold me a pair of Lowa Mtn trekker or some such model, very close to the Raichle's. So far, so good. They are heavy but very good support, and they fit. Maybe when these wear out I'll consider lighter, but I like good solid boots.

[Shi]

I'm a alot like Tim, I started out with heavy duty boots, but found that I would tire more and roll my ankles causing me more troubles. I've also gone lighter with my gear, so I really don't need those heavy duty boots. I've been hiking and backpacking with trail runners for about 2 years now and would not go back. Mary

[theneuhauser]

I highly reccomend Zamberlan boots. Theyve got lights and heavys, but they all have sort of a solid construction and they tend not to go all sloppy on you when they get their use, anyone with a deep footprint would appreciate that. They can be kind of hard to locate, their website says contact info@zamberlanusa.com to find dealers.

[hikeaz]

Try Salomon Runners for $33.

http://www.steepandcheap.com/