OT: Boots - please educate me

[Louis]

My 10 year old sort of junky, Timberland boots are coming unglued. I'll try to fix them myself, but it's probably time to get some new ones.

What do I need to know about various construction methods to buy a good pair? I don't know enough about them to know what's good and what isn't. Example: It seems that some have stitching at the sole, others do not.

I mainly use them for three things:

1) If there's lots of snow / freezing rain in the forecast. About once or twice a year I have an ~1 mile walk home because if it's super-slick the steep hill at the entrance to my subdivision just can't be done by car, even with dedicated snow tires.

2) Tromping around in the yard / woods around my house doing general upkeep stuff.

3) Tromping around my subdivision / woods in up to say, 6" of snow, when it's not possible to ride, I don't feel like working out indoors, and the snow is just so pretty.

I also have the following criteria:

1) Made in the US
2) Not outrageously expensive (say, < ~$250)
3) 6" or 8" tall

TIA
Louis

[gdw]

Wet weather, snow, limited hiking, made in the USA.... get one of the variations of LL Bean's classic hunting Boots.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/506697?nav=c1-474

[christian]

For what you describe, I agree. I use a 10" Maine Hunting Shoe for similar activities plus very-wet-weather hiking and backpacking, and my take is that it does not get its due as a proper outdoor shoe. It is really a good shoe if you wear liner socks and a durable ragg wool sock.

Also - do NOT get a lined one. The brilliant thing about the boot is that is just a shell. If you do get it wet, empty it, dry it out with a sponge, new socks, and you're all set.

For sizing, remember they are whole sizes only, and you basically want to size down one full size from your sport shoe size.

[DRZRM]

I normally recommend the Merrill Wilderness (this is a Norwegian welted boot they've been making the same way for decades, not their modern plastic offering that are totally disposable). I've had a few pairs over the last 25 years, and I love them. Waterproof, comfortable, warm enough, durable, and they look great. They fit your description in all ways except that they are made in Italy, but at least the workers make a living wage.

Merrill Wilderness (http://www.shoebuy.com/merrell-wilderness/7093/7093?cm_mmc=googleproductads_pla-_-none-_-none-_-%7Bkeyword%7D)

http://www.shoebuy.com/pi/wolve/wolve7093_4168_jb.jpg

If you like the classic hiking boot aesthetically, you could try the similar Danner boots. I'd always planned on getting a pair if I could wear out my Merrills, but ten years of trying and they still polish up like new.

The MSRP is about the same (~$300) but it is harder to find the Danners on sale.

I like the Mountain Light (http://www.danner.com/boots/mountain-lighttm.html)

http://images.danner.com/is/image/LaCrosse/30866?$pdp_main$

and the Light Lovejoy (http://www.danner.com/boots/danner-light-lovejoy.html)

http://images.danner.com/is/image/LaCrosse/30445?$pdp_main$

But they have lots of choices in hight, design, color and material. Most, if not all, are made in the USA.

All their boot options are here. (http://www.danner.com/boots/) while their more fashion forward line, called Stumptown, is here. (http://stumptown.danner.com/#collection)

Lot's of good choices if you like this style boot.

[Ken Robb]

you can learn a lot about boots from REI if there is one near you. i don't know how many boots made in the USA they may offer though. As with much of the gear they offer they have a two-page summary of their boot models with suggested uses.
I just returned a pair that I bought from them 10 years ago for a full refund. They had seen very little use but the cushioning under the outer sole had deteriorated due to age. I bought a new pair with improved material from them for about the same price as my refund. How can you beat a guarantee like that?

[bikerboy337]

+1 on LL Bean... plus, lifetime guarntee on their products... not that you should need it, but they make great stuff...

[christian]

I have Danner Mtn Lights and I like them pretty well, but they require gaiters for 6" of snow.

[eddief]

not sure where on gods grean earth these are made, but i have these sorta boots in both goretex and non. they are super comfortable, good hikers, and the goretex ones keep out the wet. let the chinese begin to enjoy our sort of standard of living :).

http://www.rei.com/product/737707/vasque-breeze-gore-tex-xcr-hiking-boots-mens

[DRZRM]

Christian,

Why doesn't that surprise me (great minds and all)? I think I hold off on my gators until the snow is closer to a foot, but good point. None of these boots are all that tall, my Merrills are closer to 7" than 6" though, which is a good hight for me. I'll wear them to work in really bad weather and never worry about overheating. A much taller boot would require a change.

I have Danner Mtn Lights and I like them pretty well, but they require gaiters for 6" of snow.

[christian]

A much taller boot would require a change.I have to wear a suit at the office, so whether I'm in Danners, LL Beans, or my Alden Indys, I have to change! :(

[goonster]

I use a 10" Maine Hunting Shoe for similar activities plus very-wet-weather hiking and backpacking, and my take is that it does not get its due as a proper outdoor shoe.

I have Danner Mtn Lights and I like them pretty well, but they require gaiters for 6" of snow.

+1.

The Bean boots are outstanding for mud and deep snow, plus they are an affordable trad U.S.-made product, are repairable ($40) and come with Bean's lifetime warranty. They are not suited for rocky terrain.

[torquer]

Wet weather, snow, limited hiking, made in the USA.... get one of the variations of LL Bean's classic hunting Boots.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/506697?nav=c1-474
First one to come to mind for me, too. Great price, lifetime guarantee, what's not to like?
I did wonder about the "made in USA" part, though. Web page says "Unmatched quality – sewn right here in Maine"
Is "sewn" different from "made"?
Apologies to LLBean if I'm being overly cynical, but we've all seen too many "Italian" bikes from the PRC to not take these claims without a healthy grain of salt.

[christian]

As far as I know, they're entirely made in Brunswick, ME.

[Ozz]

If you plan to use the boots for yardwork that includes digging / shoveling, you will probably want a harder sole on the boot than the Maine Hunting shoe. It has a steel shank, so you might be OK...but the steel foot rest on the shovel might eat up the rubber sole.....just saying....

I learned this while using a pair of Ecco Track II boots...super comfortable for wearing around town, but not a very supportive sole (i.e. not good for digging or rocky ground).

[EDS]

I have to wear a suit at the office, so whether I'm in Danners, LL Beans, or my Alden Indys, I have to change! :(

The Indy's might work with the right suit. I definitely keep them on for business casual days.

[rice rocket]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=icw+boot&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Military surplus, your tax dollars bought them at $175/pair in the past. Not the shortest, but at ~$30, you'll just have to compromise. ;) Totally waterproof, I go wading in shallow water/mud with them.

[miguel]

danner mtn lite or gtfo
best boots in the world atmo

[Peter P.]

I was going to add my vote for the L.L. Bean Maine Hunting Boot but I must first caution you; THEY'VE BECOME TRENDY...

Trendy L.L. Bean Boot (http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120101/BUSINESS01/301010064/L.L.-Bean-hunting-boot-sales-get-kick-from-retro-trend)

At least they're U.S. made and creating more jobs.

[Norm Swift]

I just got my new "old" boots back from LL Bean. The leather uppers are about 25 years old. When the rubber heals/bottoms wear out I send the boots back to Freeport, Maine and they stitch new rubber bottoms to my old leather uppers. This time I opted for the thinsulate version of bottoms... I must be getting old.

The Danner Mountain Light boots look pretty sharp.

Norm

[Louis]

Thanks for all the help, guys.

As much as I'd like to support LL Bean (my sister lives on the Maine mid-coast and I've been to the "mother ship" store a bunch of times) I've always thought that the Bean boots were pretty geeky-looking, going all the way back to my college days in New England, when they were de rigueur for the preppy set.

I've checked around, and my local Cabelas seems to have a pretty good selection, including Danner, Merrell, Wolverine, etc. I"ll grab a pair of my hiking socks and check them out one of these days after work.

Louis

[majorpat]

Since you said "Made in the USA" Cabela's may pose some problems. The brands you mentioned might be American but they products are probably not. footwear is a tough one for homegrown manufacture, good luck.

Pat

[that guy]

I wear my Danner Mt. Lites almost every day.

I'm looking forward to sending them back this summer for a refresh.

[Louis]

The brands you mentioned might be American but they products are probably not.

For Danner and Wolverine it depends on the model. (essentially about $50-$100 more for "Made in USA") Not sure about Merrell, but I'll do my research before buying anything.

[majorpat]

You're right, the Danners are USA for sure and a great product, I have some that Uncle Sam gave me. Good luck.

[rugbysecondrow]

Russell Moccasins. I have heard great things on them, made in Wisconsin, custom made and various styles. I have been looking into them, but have not pulled the trigger yet. Goonster recommended them in an earlier thread.

[charliedid]

Bean boots are good...Schnee's are excellent.

http://www.schnees.com/category/schnees-footwear/a

[miguel]

I purchased my danners from the factory about 4 miles from my home.

[Louis]

Ordered a pair of Danner Mountain Lights today. Let's hope they fit well.

Thanks for all the help.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

This being a custom bike forum, I can't believe nobody has suggested Limmer boots. Awesome boots. Get something with a 3.2mm leather upper Littleway welt construction.

[Louis]

This being a custom bike forum, I can't believe nobody has suggested Limmer boots. Awesome boots. Get something with a 3.2mm leather upper Littleway welt construction.

I thought about them, but the "non-custom" models are made in Germany, and I figured the custom models would be more than what I was willing to pay.

Edit: I just checked the web site, and the customs are $625, so I was right.

I can't find a price for the "stock" models.

[DogpawSlim]

If you're into Norwegian welted boots, and it looks like you might be, I also recommend Danner. I have a pair of Explorers I got on ebay for less than $100, new, when they were blowing them out. I know Danner used to make certain boots for Cabelas, maybe check them as well.

Also check Limmer, I believe their production boots are around $300.

Some of the boots recommended have full or 3/4 steel shanks, which will not be comfortable unless and until you're wearing 30+ lbs on your back. Since nearly all of the boots recommended are backpacking boots, pay attention to the shank.

[majorpat]

I have Limmer Lightweights production style (made in Germany by Meindl). They are top notch hiking boots and once you get them broken in they are super comfortable. The customs are US made but mine are pretty perfect.
Pat

[beungood]

+10 on the Danners although I opted for the higher models. I had the 10" military model and an 8" hunter model. Both are going strong, the hunters on a third resole...

[azrider]

I wear my Danner Mt. Lites almost every day.

I'm looking forward to sending them back this summer for a refresh.

What's this "refresh" you say??

I bumped this as a PSA for the Danner sale happening this week...........which was enough for me to finally get me a pair (very very excited) but your "refresh" comment has me intrigued........

Did I mention i can't wait to get my Danners!!!

[ojingoh]

The Indy's might work with the right suit. I definitely keep them on for business casual days.

Show the suit - none of my city slicker suits look remotely good with indys. I'm looking for ideas!

[C40_guy]

The traditional Bean boots are not great in the snow - the soles are designed for mud and muck. They also have a generous fit, unlike a cycling, running or hiking shoe. They're made to be sized with a generous application of sock. Or worn barefoot.

LL Bean does have some good winter boots. They look more like traditional hiking boots, with lugged soles, laces, and a variety of heights.

Take a look at the Merrell winter boots and the Oboz. Oboz are similar in quality and you will like one versus the other. They just feel slightly different. I was in the business for a short while, and while I had access to the Bean boots at an employee discount, I ended up with a couple of pairs of Merrells and Oboz (in various heights). Here are the winter boots I wear for everything that doesn't require my Sorel Caribous:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ANK0PZ6/ref=twister_B07C8BP5P8

Great fit, warm, waterproof. Excellent grip.

Not made in the US, sadly. Not much is, except for the traditional Bean boots. And by the way, the LL Bean lifetime guarantee was watered down quite a bit, about a year ago:

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/513705?page=null

[zzy]

LLB and REI have both scaled back their warranties because of rampant abuse. Can't say I blame them.

I strongly recommend the LLB Engineer boots for something that doesn't need to be fully waterproof. Esp if you have wider feet. I also like my Redwing boots and AE boots, but they're a bit fancy for housework boots.

[pdonk]

Show the suit - none of my city slicker suits look remotely good with indys. I'm looking for ideas!

No pics, but if I was to wear a suit with my indys, I'd be looking for something in a super heavy tweed. Unfortunately, my indys are too beat up to even wear to work on a casual day with jeans.

I have a set of Alden cordovan wing tip boots I wear with grey suits.

[ojingoh]

No pics, but if I was to wear a suit with my indys, I'd be looking for something in a super heavy tweed. Unfortunately, my indys are too beat up to even wear to work on a casual day with jeans.

I have a set of Alden cordovan wing tip boots I wear with grey suits.

Indeed. I am currently losing against my better judgement that a pair of cordovan (8 or Cigar) Indys would work with a suit. it's not going well.

[Dino Suegiù]

Are Red Wing boots still around? I had some that lasted forever.

Also Galibier, new many many years ago; still really excellent quality but those are French not USA.



Boots with suits; the only person I saw who really pulled that off, elegantly without looking over-done or foppish, was Agnelli, but most people are not Agnelli.

[pdonk]

Indeed. I am currently losing against my better judgement that a pair of cordovan (8 or Cigar) Indys would work with a suit. it's not going well.


These are what I have, in number 8 as well as a pair of chukkas

http://www.aldenshop.com/Store/DrawProducts.aspx?CategoryID=155&ParentID=94&PageID=&Action=

[Daveyk]

I am a fan of Vibram Arctic grip soles. The compound does prevent slipping.

Merrill and LL Bean both have boots with their soles, but they are imported and not made in USA.

https://us.vibram.com/technology/arctic-grip/

[wc1934]

Picked these up last year and have been pleasantly surprised.

https://www.sperry.com/en/gold-cup-lug-duck-boot/30546M.html?dwvar_30546M_color=STS15953#cgid=men-shoes-boots-chukkas&start=1