Hiking Boots/Shoes
 

What do you plan on using them for: casual wear, hiking, patrolling, urban operations, etc?

The Merrell Sawtooths are okay for light hikers. ASOLO FSN95GTX are more rugged and have better ankle support with a wider heel than some of their other offerings. The Salomon Quest 4D GTX is also a contender in the hiking/trekking category. I have been wearing them for the past few months while rucking and, other than them being quite warm, they are quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The Hanwag Mountain Lite GTX is also a great boot for trekking/hiking but they are the most expensive as well.

One thing to remember about hiking boots, especially if you are intending on doing any amount of serious hiking/trekking, they should be fitted to your foot just like a good running show.

my.02...

Crip

I'm looking at using 'em more for urban operations and rucking. I intend to use them for when I'm on my feet for long periods of time and humping some weight. Thanks for the reply...I will definately look into the one's listed.

If you're leaning more towards use in urban terrain, the Garmont Flash III XCR are an excellent boot. However the soles are too soft for a ruck in excess of ~50lbs. A great urban boot, though.

My heavy boots are Scarpa SL M3. And I mean heavy: they weigh nearly 4lbs, but, fitted properly, they're the best and most durable boots I've ever owned.

For urban terrain, in a warm weather, try the Merrel Ventilators. I am on my second pair.

Raichle Yatna Gore-tex boots
 

We tested these boots for 10th SFG(A) in 1995, and then got them issued to us. I've worn them for everything from walking the continental divide in snow, to jumping, rural and urban ops, and light mountaineering. they rock.. I don't recommend trying to swim in them though.

They are the only boots I wear to ride my Harley, with the exception of my Army Desert Boots.

I'm on pair #2 of 7 pairs. finally retired the test pair in 2005 after 2 re-soles.

I'm searching for more of them, so I don't run out of them in my lifetime.

http://www.zamberlan.com/index.html

Zamberlan makes a great product. I have several pair and am very satisfied with them.

As Cric hinted at, the key to picking out boots is that they should fit you just as a pair of running shoes should.

So it doesn't seem I talking out of my fifth point of contact...As a disclaimer, my undergrad degree is in Outdoor Leadership, I have 3 years of retail experience in an outfitter shop, and have been leading/outfitting others for a number of years in addition to my own personal trips...

When you walk into a shop or order some boots, you need to think about the size of your fit. Lots of people make a good boot that will last awhile. You need to think about your foot...is it wide, narrow, low volume, high volume?

The Asolos mentioned by Cric are Italian. I love them myself. I have the older model of the boot he is suggesting. They are great, but my foot has a rather narrow heel.

Garmont, OTOH, is an American boot and uses a more "American" last, i.e. its wider both in the toe and heel.

Just some things to think about...boots and shoes are not something to buy solely based on another's experience. You really should get a good fitting in multiple brands/styles and then decide from there.

My .02

Another Boot Question
 

I'm in the market for a boot that I can wear in AS. I want to make sure that I get something that is approved and comes recommended from those that have been there. I'm currently wearing and rucking with some Blackhawk army approved boots but there has got to be something better. Any ideas?

Search button broken, or just looking for personal assistance?

TR

Search button worked wonders. During my research I caught on to the theme.......all questions have already been asked and answered. Thanks.

Unless you have an original one, and you should still search before asking just to verify.

Best of luck.

TR

These are nice, I wear the shoes almost everyday, and the high tops when I go hiking, no problems so far.