Best hiking boots for men according to redditors

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot, Walnut, 11 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HFA7DYS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_R5B6AbTFCVXQD

Ok, I'll just say $1000 budget then.

Krytac Trident MK2 - $345

G&P Mid caps - $55

Speedloader - $5

7.4v 1200mAh 25-50C lipo - $7 each

Imax B6 charger - $30

Voltage checker - $3

Strike industries hand-stop kit - $12

Avengers 1x24 red dot - $50

That gets the gun stuff out of the way

Pyramex i-force goggles - $15

One Tigris mask - $12

Hat - $10

LBX Lock and Load chest rig - $120

LBX uniform - $170

Cyre Airflex Knee pads - $21.30

Mechanix M-pact gloves - $25

Merrel MOAB hiking shoes - $100

Total: $987 + shipping

This is basically my loadout. I use all of this stuff except those mid caps (Actually getting them soon) and that specific lipo and charger (I just use my brothers old crap since I'm so cheap).

Edit: Picture with all that crap on!, along with my LBX belt and Howard Leight Impact Sports.

Danner Mountain Light II is pretty much the definition of a good hiking boot that could pass for casual depending on the environment. Also look at the Merrell Men's Wilderness boot. It's a bit less able technially than the danner, but also a bit more casual wearing.

Depending on your boot size, the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX is a great value, at least in my opinion:

Men's Quest 4D 2 GTX

It's definitely my favorite boot I've ever owned.

Very happy with my Danner boots

Here they are! - It says they're mens, but just look up what her size would be in mens size.

Take a look at the Salomon Ultra Mid 2 GTX. I bought a pair in the fall and used them mostly for winter hiking, but mixed in some light trail running in them without any issues. Super light and comfortable.

I live in WA and my SO and I wear these boots for hiking year round. I've gone tromping through streams and such and have yet to get wet feet, and they're definitely not too hot for summertime either.

So how can I convince my wife to let me buy these boots and this jacket?

She has me on a shoe/clothing freeze. :(

https://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mens-Mountain-Light-Overton/dp/B005CTCR2S

I just picked up some Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 GTX boots [link](Salomon Men's X Ultra Mid 2 GTX Multifunctional Hiking Boot, Black/Black/Aluminum, 9.5 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KWKKJEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.iDIzbMDK3152) and I can confidently say these are probably BIFL haha. Literally just bought them but you can tell the make, quality, and comfort of these shoes is remarkable and built to last. Been wearing them nonstop for about a week.

Thank you for your reply. I have a very good pair of boots that allowed me to survive an entire day walk in cadets and were very comfortable during my last airsoft game day. These are the Magnum Men's Panther Lace Up Boot < http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003BFX6AC/ >. If anybody wants to take a look, do make a note that Amazon has free returns in the UK and I highly recommend it.

I see Danners on Amazon for 225ish all the time. Special sizes usually, but EE included. http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mountain-Light-II-Outdoor/dp/B002OSY04S

Danner Lights are higher and offer more ankle support, if you're into that

Good news! Your boots are definitely legit. These were a limited collaboration between Timberland and Pendleton in 2015, they're called the Mt. Heston WP Hiker. The style number for your shoe is located right under the size, 8705B. Here's a current retailer listing

Now on to your questions.

1. Not all Timberland boots use the same laces as the 6" Premium. In fact almost none of the Hikers will use the taslan/nylon lace from the original boots. These should be traditional plastic aglets on the ends of this style as it is a more fashion oriented hiker.
   
   
2. Scratches and dents on leather shoes being shipped across country is not only common, it's almost unavoidable, especially with this type of unfinished oiled leather. To keep them looking good, do not use alcohol pads or any harsh/abrasive cleaners. You're only damaging the boots you paid good money for. All you need to do is apply your favorite brand of neutral reconditioning cream every so often to remove scratches and scuffs. This will also help relieve some of the "color loss" you experienced, but it may not return back to normal perfectly, as once again these boots are a "raw" oiled finish and will always have marks and scratches and wrinkles.
   
   
3. Gore-tex. So let's take a second and talk about what Gore-tex really is. It's a thin nylon fabric that's used as a sock liner to help make boots waterproof. It should feel slightly scratchy to the touch, as it is porous. There's 9 million little cones in every square inch that letter water out (e.g. sweat), without letting water in to the shoe. There will almost never be an interior signifier on almost any Timberland shoe interior that calls out Gore-tex. That almost certainly 100% looks like Gore-tex to me from your pics. If you want to test it out run the boot under a faucet and put your hand in. If it's dry, you're good to go!
   
   Hopefully that helps!
   
   
   
   

(http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mountain-Light-II-Outdoor/dp/B002OSY04S/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8)

This is a highly recommended hiking boot. A few of the reviews on amazon say how these run wide, and that when normally they are 4E, a 2E with thick socks fits great. They are marked down to $232, and there is a 30% off code (GRNMON14 ) that you can use. Pretty good deal.

Another option I know of would be some hunting boots. Brands like Rocky, Wolverine, and Irish Setter all make multiple widths and have a range of price points. They are usually a higher boot, and insulated, which might be better for the snow too. Most sporting good stores (Dicks, Bass Pro Shop, Gander Mountain) carry a bunch of these.

This looks pretty nice (I filtered by 4E and this came up):
(http://www.shoebuy.com/rocky-9-cornstalker-600g-rkys087/715730/1472179)

I totally recommend Merrell boots. I have a pair similar to these that I've had for about five years now. They have been through two archaeology field schools, over a hand full of geology field schools, and countless hikes. I'm on the west coast as well and have worn them through different weather conditions. They are still in amazing shape.

Danner Mountain Lite II

These mid-ankle fellows here! After that year-and-a-half of heavy use, there's a (very) small hole on the side of the right boot, and I'm considering getting a higher cut Salomon to get better waterproofing (easy for water to slosh in at the ankle on my current pair).

Don't forget Timberland. I've had a pair for years and they keep on going strong. (Also the boots you're looking at are a bit of an overkill.)

i am looking for some pretty heavy duty stuff. mountaineering boots usually do the trick, i was just looking at logging/firefighting boots because i wanted something that i could wear all year and were not so specialized looking like mountaineering boots. what i bought this year and im hoping they will make it through the season. this is what my blocks usually look like, boots dont last very long.

I currently have a pair of these Chippewa Services
but I'm looking around and considering a couple different options:

Danner Mountain Light IIs

Danner Mountain Light Overtons

and then a couple different fracaps

my reasoning is this is a sample fit with my chippewas and a lot of people said the pants are too slim for the boots. I kind of agree, my reasoning is a shorter, chunkier hiking boot will look better with my wardrobe of pants (mostly skinny stuff).

What do you guys think -- sound reasoning?

Any similar brands/solutions for ~$250?

Also, anyone know about sizing for fracaps or danners?

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KR3COE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1427088978&sr=8-2&keywords=merrell+moab+ventilator&dpPl=1&dpID=51s0WJA9FgL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

I plan on wearing them before going out, I do a lot of walking at school and also for my job so I was going to break them in doing that.
I'm mostly looking between these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HFA7DYS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HFKL27W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Good idea or no?

Definitely thought about those. Do you know anything about these Timberland's?

I got these Danner Mountain 600s for my birthday. After I got them I decided I would destroy the finish very quickly, they are sued instead of smooth leather and they are just a little too "sporty" for me.

 

I am used to being able to abuse my Charcoal Iron Rangers and then easily clean/oil them and they look brand new. That being said...I need some brown boots, a not another pair of IRs. I will be using the credit from the Danner Boots that I'm returning ($140) and I'm willing to spend another $60-100 to get something better.

 

I'm thinking either Danner Bull Run Moc Toes , Thorogood Moc Toes, or stretching the budget and getting some Red Wing Moc Toes.


Is there a substantial drop in quality going from the $250 Red wings to the $175 Danner to the $160 Thorogoods? I will probably still wear my IRs more, but these will get a lot of use.

 

Any other suggestions in that range (on amazon ~$150-250)??

Thanks!

> You will NOT find those being worn by racers

You'll also find racers wearing tight leather onesies...I'm not gonna hike in those. I love the subtle knock on "bad ass" image riders. Plenty of us ride for pleasure and don't race, which is why Engineer boots are popular among many motorcyclists - whatever their riding style. The will keep our feet and ankles protected in a slide.

> Ok, you want a citation from me, so where is yours?

I provided you with 2.

>why do service members carry so much gear, even special forces?

Yeah, military is a good example. I think they are going to be in a a lot worse terrain than I'll ever experience on an approach. I have the choice to stay out of the muddy ditch...they don't. I agree if you are going to see ground like those guys maybe rethink trail-runners. It looks like quite a few operators like mid-hikers like the Merrell Moab which looks more like a hybrid approach/hiking shoe.

Military also does a lot of dumb shit for....reasons. I know...I was in for 9 years. The issued boots were pretty mediocre and most of us favored the jungle boot which provided very little ankle support. Holy shit, if I could have worn approach shoes I would have for every patrol.


> Your body will adapt

Exactly. In my 2nd source you see that the ankle support can actually cause the body to adapt and rely on the artificial support weakening the ligaments in the ankle and making you more susceptible to ankle injuries. I'd also like to think about the extra 5 lbs of water/food/supplies I could carry shedding a pound off my foot.


EDIT: Here's an operator wearing a low top shoe

Any boots similar to these ? I like the way they look, but reviews have them lasting less than a week...

https://www.amazon.com/Quicksilk-Denoise-NY-Waterproof-Hiking/dp/B075XJC2D9

Here is the Amazon link

I have nortiv 8's as well. Specifically these. https://www.amazon.com/NORTIV-Waterproof-Lightweight-Backpacking-Trekking/dp/B07L5KKGVZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=nortiv+8&qid=1570105550&sprefix=nortiv+&sr=8-3

They are hot to be in. Not sure if its like that for all of there stuff but I'd say they are directly in winter only boot wear for me. My feet sweat a lot though so you may be ok on those. Fit is fine and they are comfy although I have a weird crease in the toe area on my right where it bunches up on top of my big toe. Other then that I have no complaints.

When summertime comes around I'll probably buy a low top version from them to wear on the trails.

OK... So let's get started on what you'll need to wear....

Footwear Well the good news is that the University & town generally do a pretty good job of keeping the streets & sidewalks clear of snow, so you will probably NOT need special snow boots (unless you want them because they're fashionable or intend on winter hiking out it the woods or something like that) However, you'll still be doing a lot of walking around campus and will be encountering icy patches & slushy puddles, so I'd recommend a waterproof, comfortable/lightweight hiking boot similar to this. A lower cut would be OK, if you prefer that style. But I recommend a higher cut, at least above the ankle, to prevent any snow/slush you might step in from getting into your shoe from the top.
Remember, to keep your feet warm you absolutely MUST keep them DRY... Wet feet are not only extremely uncomfortable, they can be dangerous and lead to frostbite if exposed for too long.

Winter Socks Forget those cotton athletic "tube" socks that you might wear during warmer weather... They provide no insulation & actually trap & retain moisture if your feet sweat... leading to (you guessed it) WET FEET.... Aaaaarrrggghhh!!!!
So get yourself some warm woolen winter socks (as suggested in the article that I linked) and also some thin, polypropylene liner socks to wick the moisture away from your skin.
Dry Feet are Warm & Happy Feet.... And don't forget your winter shoes need to be a little larger than your regular shoes to accomodate the extra thickness of your woolen socks... You don't want the shoes to be too tight on your feet because that doesn't allow your socks to "breathe" and wick moisture away from your feet.

Thermal Underwear is understandably a personal choice... Unless you intend a lot of outdoor sports activity (snowmobiling, downhill skiing) you really don't need the more expensive "wicking" styles... All you're looking for is a little extra insulation under your usual clothes... So I'd recommend the two-piece "waffle knit" classic style from Hanes or Fruit of the Loom as "good enough" Two-piece is better than full body single piece because you can choose to wear tops or bottoms seperately.

NOTE: Wear your regular underwear under the thermal underwear... That's not to keep you warm... but it helps keep the thermals clean & you don't need to change & wash them quite as often as your regular underwear... which also means you don't need to buy as many pair of thermals as you would regular underwear.

Same with the woolen socks... if you wear them with liners, the woolen outer socks stay "fresher" than the inner liners, so you wind up needing to wash the liners more frequently than the woolen socks.

So in (partial) summary, you're going to at least need:

• 1 pair of comfortable/waterproof hiking shoes
  
• 3 pair of woolen winter socks & 7 pair of thinner liners
  
• 3 pair of 2-piece thermal underwear & 7 pair of regular underwear
  
  That should get you started... You can adjust the quantities depending how often you do your laundry... The wool socks require special care but are well worth it... Warm feet are Happy feet!

The Salomon Quest 4D II GTX is an amazing boot. I've done Acadia, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Glacier, and countless state parks in these boots and they have held up impeccably after hundreds of miles of hiking. They're waterproof and nearly indestructible. They are about $230 at REI but can be found cheaper in certain sizes on Amazon and they come extremely well rated on Outdoor Gear Lab, winning the Editors' Choice. I love them and as soon as mine wear out (who knows when that will be) I will buy another pair without a second thought.

Get a pair of [Salomon Quests] (https://www.amazon.com/Salomon-Quest-4D-Asphalt-Titanium/dp/B00KWK2JSE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465676047&sr=8-1&keywords=salomon+quest). They are GoreTex so they are waterproof but the water can get out. They are really comfortable. They work well in the snow and the heat. I got mine for a trip to New Zealand, ended up wearing them in Indonesia and Australia. I also used them for snowshoeing all winter. They were a little warm in the hot climates but never too cold. I'd suggest trying some on.

I want go trekking in Nepal in March 2017, do I need waterproof boots? I already have those Boots but they're not waterproof.
And I'm not sure if I should go with a guide or if I should find other people to trek with.

did you use that for hiking?

doesnt really look like a hardcore hiking boot to me...(edit.. looks more like a casual day boot like a timberlan)

i have a pair similiar to these https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Moab-Ventilator-Mid-Hiking/dp/B00D7CHBFU

very summer hiking geared, but i've used them in cold and snow and almost every type of climant and terrain

had them since 2012 and they are just starting to fall apart and rip open, not water resistant at all, but are still comfortable

I have these

Love them. Almost zero break-in time needed!

I use the Danner Crag Rat as my winter boot, and also for working outside. It's an absolute tank, and very comfortable as well. Fully waterproof, and GoreTex lining. Love them (even though I bought them under the assumption that they are MiUSA, which was wrong).

Danner mountain light boots for light/day hiking and general outdoorsy crap.

I'm not a serious hiker by any means and $200 isn't that much money. Every now and then I'll do a 3-4 hour hike, and thus far I've been wearing sneakers. I like these because I don't hike enough to warrant real hiking shoes, and could wear these casually also.

One thing to note-the danners are recraftable. I'm not sure if fracap would do the same. That may factor into the purchase for you. Also, GORE-TEX and Vibram soles virtually make them indestructible.

edit: I also just saw this link right under you that puts them at a similar price point to the fracaps http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mountain-Light-Overton-Olive/dp/B004RIRZRC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374943791&sr=8-1&keywords=danner+overton

Good enough for meat eaters in afghanistan, good enough for me

http://amzn.com/B004D3AGTU

For me it depends on the trip/trail. If it's a day hike I wear a trail runner and if it's anything overnight or more I wear boots. Depending on how strenuous or damp my multi-day trips are, sometimes I will take flip-flops just to walk around camp.

Thanks for your input! I gather the general feel is to keep the two separate if at all possible. But what about these security boots:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Force-Hi-Leg-Combat-Boots-Protection/dp/B00LZSRY1Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1410877113&sr=8-3&keywords=security+boot

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnum-Panther-54274-069-01/dp/B003BFX6AC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410877126&sr=8-2&keywords=security+boot

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnum-Panther-54296-069-01/dp/B003OW62SU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1410877126&sr=8-6&keywords=security+boot

Would they be a good medium?

I use these ones for my waterproof boots. They are Gortex Timberlands and they work great for water, mud, and snow kind of too (they aren't the warmest) but they stay dry and aren't overly heavy-duty looking.

Same price, here you go.

I have a pair of merrell Moab ventilators as summer hiking boots. They breathe amazingly well and are very comfortable. I highly recommend them. However, they are not BIFL. I would expect to get one or two years with daily wear.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KR3COE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1427088978&sr=8-2&keywords=merrell+moab+ventilator&dpPl=1&dpID=51s0WJA9FgL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40