Hiking boots.
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- grafiske
Good ones.
Patagonia? EMS?
- bjladams0
i had some by merrell - came in really highly recommended, and within 2 weeks they were all torn to pieces.
i've also got a pair of regular caterpillar work boots from wal*mart, hiked probably over 250 miles in them over the last few years. always expecting them to give out, but have lasted and lasted.
- set0
Meindl, Meindl, Meindl, Meindl.
- Hombre_Lobo0
Worked in an outdoor retailer for 4 years, a lot of that time i fitted and sold boots.
How far you walking dude? what conditions?
- Hombre_Lobo0
@set
Meindl are indeed excellent.
and they do size 17 upon request. Had a 7 foot bloke ask me to do that, very nice chap.- what did he ask you to do???goldieboy
- LOL order the boots in for him!!Hombre_Lobo
- He probably didn't ask..jamble
- those size 17's plant a firm grip eh Hombre? ;)goldieboy
- I could live inside size 17sset
- bjladams0
^ if you're going into the actual jungle, you'll appreciate something with a little higher top... i've pulled plenty of leaches off my ankles and it's no fun.
- you shouldnt pull them off, it causes more damage, just leave them, they'll fall off, they do know harm.Hombre_Lobo
- well... i'm not really talking about the odd one or two-bjladams
- Lol were you covered??Hombre_Lobo
- grafiske0
I've done a lot of hiking - and I don't ever really need ankle support - it actually makes me feel constrained and less limber.
- bigtrick0
if you are day-hiking, those low-tops are probably great. if you're going backpacking with a heavy load though, more ankle support and maybe an embedded shank will make your feet feel so much better.
- grafiske0
My load won't be that heavy - what is an embedded shank?
I really cherish being able to run and jump around - especially on hikes. I have trouble doing that with most high boots.
- bjladams0
i've had so much northface gear crap out on me that i wouldn't buy any more.
- bigtrick0
a shank is a rod that is embedded in the bottom that runs lengthwise along the boot - it stiffens the sole and takes the pressure off of your foot muscles when having to balance with a heavy load.
- so THATS what that rudeboy meant when he said he's got a shank and i better watch outset
- LOL setHombre_Lobo
- Hombre_Lobo0
goldie is right, unsure footing in the jungle means your better off with ankle support.
It may sound strange but high humidity levels often mean that waterproof boots are a no no. If its mega humid you'll probably want non-waterproof ventilated boots.
Waterproof boots are very warm and in hot conditions mean you'll have very very sweaty feet, causing more sores and blisters etc,
where as having non-waterproof ventilated boots mean that of course your feet will get wet when going over wet terrain, but they will dry quick in that heat and they wont feel like they are in a plastic bag sweating all time.
However a non-waterproof, high ankle support walking boots are not abundant as they are so specialized. But there are some about.
(that was the information i was taught when working, opinions may have changed so be sure to research it)
- set0
I love my Meindls, very comfy... warm... waterproof and will last for years and years with the right care.
Mine have been on probably 15+ camping trips in the last 4 years and covered hundreds of miles, walked through rivers, stomped out fires... and they are still in beautiful condition and getting comfier each time I wear them.
- the goretex can get a little sweaty but there is no such thing as the all round perfect footwearset
- Hombre_Lobo0
Bigtrick is bang on.
which is why i asked how far you are walking.If you walk 10 miles in flexible running shoe, your feet will hurt.
If you walk 30 miles in a solid soled boot like this -
(scarpa SLM3, you literally cannot bend the sole)Your feet will feel fine. The reason being that the more inflexible the sole of a boot it the more adequate it is for long distances. Because the solid sole locks your foot into a position that does not move, putting all the pressure form walking onto much larger muscle groups like your calves and thighs, rather than the small muscles in your ankles and feet.
So when purchasing a boot check how strong the sole is by holding the heel in one hand and the toe in the other and gently pushing the toe up and towards your opposite hand. NOTE - that the bend in the sole (if it does bend) should be where you toe bends, cheaper shoes tend to bend in the center of the foot, or other stupid places.
- bjladams0
also, the last time i was in belize i did a pretty extensive trip (low altitude) barefoot. not recommended around the towns, but around the marsh/jungle/rivers it was pretty wild (in a good way)- course, i do a lot of hiking, and my feet are in a pretty used to it, but it was awesome. also causes you to walk slower and take in the surroundings a bit more... some would say it's a stupid idea, and probably is.
- Hombre_Lobo0
@set
The meindl Burma's are of the best boots money can buy! i'd recommend them all the time at work and many of the staff (who live for hiking) would have them.
However the non-gore tex version of the Burma, the Borneo -
is actually better, just because it doesnt have gore tex (Its identical in all other respects iirc). Gore tex being a water proof membrane is good, but putting it inside an already waterproof leather boot is pointless only making your foot more sweaty. Leather is naturally more breathable than gore tex you see. (but how much do you notice your feet sweating in reality is subjective)However as you have had your boots for 4 years the gore tex membrane will have now deteriorated and will be doing nothing to make your foot sweaty or waterproof your boots, instead you have an excellent pair of leather boots, so its all good!
- yes I would go with the sans goretex pair next time, for sure. Goretex was all the rage at the time :-Pset
- ha, it sells boots so they slap it on, at least meindl have the courtesy to have a non-gore tex pair also :)Hombre_Lobo
- the inside at the top (which sites round your ankle) is well sexy and soft, reversed calf leather iirc.Hombre_Lobo
- Your a little fountain of knowledge... cameras, hacintosh and now walking boots!goldieboy
- LOL, more like a massive loser! but thanks!Hombre_Lobo
- evanburke0
Vasque