Summer Hiking Boots

Hello everybody!

I am planning a trip across the US of A this summer with my girlfriend. We will be doing 3-7 day hikes on all sorts of terrain. We will be hiking in warm weather primarily with packs that weigh around 25-35#'s. I would love to find a good backpacking boot that is strong, durable, supportive, waterproof, and breathable(if thats possible!). We were just at REI and I purchased the Vasque sundowner summits, and my girlfriend purchased a pair of Asolo TPS 520's that fit her perfectly. I am afraid the all leather construction on the boots will not breathe enough in the hot weather we plan on hiking in. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks alot -Heron

I would suggest a mid height gore-tex lined trail hiking or trail running boot with synthetic uppers.

suggestions = Merrell stormrider goretex xcr

Ed, I am looking for boots similar to the OP, I checked Merrell's site and couldn't find the boots, any chance you can link them?

Also, the La Sportiva Trango Trek GTX is a great boot. It's very supportive.

Dert, I have a feeling that the Merrill Stormriders may have been discontinued.

I can find a ton of links to the womens mid height boot and mens shoe version, but not the mens mid height.

However, here are a pair of Vasque XCR boots I would also recommend. I had these before the Merrills

http://www.vasque.com/products/m-catalystmid.cfm

As I have posted in other areas. If the Asolo 520s fit well, you may want to consider Lowa http://www.trailspace.com/gear/lowa/renegade-ii-gtx-mid/

These fit as well as my Asolo 520s. However, Lowa breaks in much faster and easier. If you are not going to be on large amounts of scree or sharp rocky edges, then these work well.

I put many miles on them in heat of Southern California with no heat problems.

-John

For most conditions a well made trail runner will more than suffice. Montrail makes several different models, some with "plate" from the arch to the toe that protects against rock bruising. Steve

Personally, I think the boots you own, if they fit well, will work just fine. I wear Danner Mountain Lite II's 12 months a year when I'm hiking - from near zero in the winter to 90+F with 90% humidity - the main thing I do when it's hot out is to let my feet and boots air out at lunch stops and change my socks ... and I ditch the gaiters when it's warm - I find that a leather boot breathes just fine - so long as you don't snow-seal 'em to death - just my 2cents (and an opinion that the boot retailers probably wouldn't appreciate).

A pair of coolmax (or similar) liner socks combined with 100% wool ragg socks (to get the moisture away from my feet) seems to work well for me (and my feet sweat a lot).

Thru hikers on the Big Three (AT, CDT, PCT) virtually all wear "running shoes" "cross trainers", etc., and I'd highly suggest you give them a try under some tough hiking situations before deciding on a boot. At 58 years of age and problem with support, I was exceedingly apprehensive about letting go of my heavy boots that always caused blisters, didn't breathe, etc. I still do get some black toes nails (probably due to me not tying my shoes the proper way for trail conditions) but would never go back to boots. After two seasons of hiking, I'm sold on trail shoes. They are really worth giving them a try.

I would suggest Tecnica's Vento Mid. It's light, comfortable, great shank and sole. It doesn't have a waterproof membrane, e.g. gtx, but it is water resistant. In the summer I stay away from gore-tex boots because your will feet will get soaked from sweat, and you'll end up with blisters if you aren't very careful. Good luck.

I am a 300+ lb hiker and I have tried almost all the previously mentioned solutions, including the Sundowners.(which are hot, by the way) Obviously I can't use light boots of any kind, but those mentioned work well (except I have not worn Lowes.) And strangely, the Montrail shoes do work! Mine (I forget the model but it's been updated anyway) are stiffer than most boots and they do breathe. Gotta have strong ankles, though!

The thing you should shoot for first is FIT. IMHO, certain brands are made to fit certain types of feet better than others. In my case, Montrails seem to be made (and this bears out in pro reviews) for people with slimmer feet and high arches. Which is great for me. So if that's also you, ditto the Montrail recommendation. I use my Montrail (boots) year-round, I forget the model name but I bought them 3 years ago at REI, ~$140 or so. They are GoreTex lined, durable, and I've found them very comfortable even in warmer temps.

I'd also give the Montrail runners (non-boots) a look. I also have a pair of Keen Targhees ($110 from zappos) that I use for lighter hiking. I'm pretty happy with them although the fit isn't as good for me as the Montrails.

If you have ankle issues, avoid the shoe hikers and stay with the boots. You'll thank yourself the first time you slip and your ankle DOESN'T twist thanks to the security of boots. Playing soccer for 25 years hasn't done a lot for my ankles, so most of the time I hike in boots.

And ditto the wicking socks...they can make all the difference b/w misery and enjoyment. You can get coolmax-type socks just about anywhere on the cheap.