I know this might sound a little crazy but a good pair of wellington boots work well if you are not doing serious climbing just working around camp, foraging, crossing streams, and walking across meadows. I spent 20 years of my life working on a farm every day in wellingtons. They really protect your legs against not just water and snow but also abrasion from vegetation, small rocks, tree stumps. Get them half a size too big if you want to wear in winter. Put a sole liner in the bottom (possibly with some aluminium foil to reflect heat) in winter to keep your foot warm as heat leaches through the sole. Not for all applications but work in a lot of places and they fold up into quite a small pack. One last thing they work as a great water carrier or store in an emergency.
Grew up with Bean boots. My dad actually knew Bean before he died. In cold weather foot sweat makes them freezing. On ice, hang on... Love my Redwings. Hit them with Obenaufs oil (same as my fire boots) and they're awesome.
For a superlight trailrunner option that has a wide toebox, look into the Altra Lone Peak or the Altra Timp. I have wide feet and these shoes are terrific. For a shoe with a bit more support, the Merrell Moab is available in a low or a high cut and can be gotten in a wide. It's also available as standard or Goretex and I agree with Dan that Goretex is a bad thing for boots except maybe in winter.
I love my Altra Lone Peak 4.5 trail runners, and I wear them year-round with merino wool socks when hiking and backpacking. They have a nice wide toe box without otherwise sacrificing fit. For heavy-duty work, or when I know I’m going to be slogging in the mud and slush, I go with Alico leather boots. They fit me like a glove and require very little break-in. I can work or hike in both of these brands for multiple days with no foot problems. Just make sure you have plenty of length in any shoe so your toes don’t hit the ends of the shoes on downhills. I found that out the hard way, so now I always make sure I have at least a thumb-width between the end of my big toe and the end of the shoe.
I wear 1-2 types of shoes. Teva sneakers for easy gravel trail rides (bicycle) and light hiking, or hiking shoes (low profile) for single track/bike-packing or rougher trails. Both have ventilation. If for any reason I plan on traversing steep and loose gravel, I wear boots with more ankle support (high ankle). At camp, I wear crock sandals or down booties depending on the weather.
Love those Solomons! I was in REI trying on some NorthFace when the guy next to me glanced over and said, "Don't buy until you try the Solomons. Really," and he walked away. I bought two sets of the Solomon. I wear the GoreTex versions at work on campus and I wear the non-GoreTex camping and hiking. LOVE them. Could never get into the Beans. Just discovered this channel. I like it.
Great choices. The achilles heal of the solomons really is the toe box (even the wides). But to tell you what I think of them, I had a choice between Altra's, with their wide toe box, and Solomon's for my section hike of the PCT through the Sierras. After testing them out on some training hikes, I chose the Solomons and put leukotape on the ball of my big toe. If Solomon went to a wide toe box, they'd own the market. Bean boots, the original and still the best.👍
Excellent opening on the video: "what I use", etc. Trendy / marketing gullible folks looking at "brand" really miss the point. The only folks I've heard complain about Solomon footwear were people with seriously wide feet. The brands likely to work well with them are pretty worthless for those of us with narrower feet. As for me, I have narrow heels and thats where I want my footwear most snug. I always have to compromise. If the footbox is good, then I'd kill myself with a heel area 3 sizes too big. I know I'm not the only one, but man is it frustrating. I sometimes wonder if I need to manufacture my own shoes for myself and others like me. Btw my foot IS narrow in the front too (sorta) - it's narrow top to bottom (easy in-sole fix) not narrow in the width, haha 😝
@@sempergumby3929 That's funny you say that. I ordered the wides to try and accommodate my toe area, but found the heal to be too wide. Regular width with the fore foot of the wides (+ a couple mms) would have been perfect. We should go into business together.😄
@@carrdoug99 I spent most of my adult life as a US Marine including many years of infantry service (rifle companies) and training staff at the School Of Infantry. Trail running was my go-to choice for physical training on my own time. Years later, long trail hiking with a strong bushcrafter foundation is my thing. From my earlier years, to me trail running (sport/luxury) is quite different than backpacking/wilderness treking. These activities are different enough that different footwear was always a no-brainer to me. I still think that trail runners are great...for trail running. And while the wilderness traveler doesn't need a "bullet proof" combat boot, some of the qualities apply. Ankle and lower leg protction (for breaking brush, etc.) is important to me. So is a deep, long wearing, sole protective tread, and some moderate side support. Cost is another issue, but for brevity I'll leave that. What I would like to see (and my feet would love to feel) is a simple ankle top "boot" made from old school leather with minimal stitching and none of these new layers and silly designs that only work if a person's foot exactly matches the mold. The new "breathable" stuff also lets in way too much so that my foot looks like it came out of a coal mine instead of a sock. The WP stuff doesn't breath enough. Good leather is better in all respects and with a good tread, it's good for 3,000 miles compared with the trendy stuff now which sometimes gets up to 300 miles (I call those things ninja slippers btw)
@@sempergumby3929 couldn't agree with you more. Even when I wear a light hiker like a solomon I choose the mids. Helps keep the grit out, and the Gore-Tex liner (which I prefer) serves it's purpose. I can't make sense of hikers who wear these highly breathable sneakers across a snow field at 12,000 feet. If your going to be bushwacking on steep terrain, these light hikers will not work. Montrail used to make a boot called the Torre that sounds a lot like the boot you're talking about. Loved those boots. I used them for everything from climbing poles (I'm a retired lineman) to backpacking, and everything in between.
I have the bean boot (since about 1996) and the red wings (got last winter to replace my 20 year old Timberlands). I agree that they both take some getting used to but after that they're old friends. I use battery powered insoles with the bean boots if I'm going to be in slush or cold mud. The only downsides for both of them in my experience is that the tread pattern isn't very agressive and you can lose grip pretty easily.
I wear Redwing Steel toe boots pretty much every single day. I’ve even gone jogging in them. Not my normal joggers, but it’s happened. Some of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. I do have some Salomon hiking boots and love the old vintage Sorel with real wool I picked up for winter camping.
Summer, Salomon sneakers no gortex, other 3 seasons Salomon boots 9" with gortex. Cold water when it's hot is one thing, just more careful the other 3 seasons.
Here in AZ, we need a boot that breathes, and can take the very rugged and rocky off trail hiking to get down into some crazy canyon or up some crazy mountain.
Chacos in the summer, spring and fall. Danners for the rest of the time. I’ve tried keens and all those brands but I got use to wearing heavy boots in the army. Plus I like the vintage woodsman look.
Those all leather boots that are tough on you feet. A little hack to help with that and break them in faster from my Sgt. Major. Soak them in hot water, put them on and wear them dry. As the leather dries it shrinks and forms to your feet. Give it a try, its an old infantrymans trick.
Yup, I learned that with our GPs. Calf high leather boots. We were told fill with hot water, rinse it out because it is all black, fill again, tip out, do this a few times to get rid of the colour. Put on one thick pair of socks. Do them up, but don't overtighten or you stretch the leather too much. Once they are dry they are perfect for as long a march as we had coming. I do this with all my leather boots still, but I tend to wear trail runners for walks now, with some light gators. Get less ankle injury with the trail runners than I did with the boots. Also my knees are happier.
It all depends on the person, place, and time of year. I live in Vegas and absolutely love my Jordans. They’re so comfortable and also very durable. One pair is now 8 years old and I still get compliments on them. When I go up to Utah to go fishing, hiking, and riding quads, I’m sporting some 21 year old Dr Martin boots that I’ve had since I was 14. Awesome boots, comfortable, and have stood the test of time. Selling my house this year and buying a truck and 5th wheel to travel around a few years until I find a nice homestead. Will be looking into the new Dr Martin boots at that time. Hopefully they’re still the same quality and comfort. Yes, a little pricey at about $150, but if they also last 20 years, that’s pretty negligible. How long does the average pair of $50 gym shoes last? 6-12 months if you are lucky.
i love my red wings--the only boot i wear out in the woods. i have a pair of iron rangers, and a pair of blacksmiths that i try to keep looking nice (so my wife wouldn't get mad at me for wearing trashed boots out in public). but i don't think the heritage line has the same lifetime guarantee that red wing's other lines have...
Loving my Rocky work boots. I walk a lot during the day on concrete, gravel, dirt, grass, a plethora of terrain, and my feet stay comfortable and dry all day. I've only had them for about 6 months so far, so durability TBD, but love them so far and didn't even have to put aftermarket insoles in them. Even though they're work boots, I would actually trust them on a 50- mile hike.
Huh. I got a pair of Clarke’s leather boots I wear year ‘round and five-finger mud runners for tails/camping/summer and then north face winter boots with great traction and temp control. Having chronic circulatory issues, getting good warm/durable/lightweight footwear and gloves is always a struggle. Grateful for perspectives 🤙
Great video bro! I’m in total agreement regarding the gore-Tex, if you don’t have at least an eight inch boot then goretex is a waste of money and you should go with a more breathable option that dries fast
I m glad you have good feet. I dont. Broke my foot as a kid so I have a fairly flat arch, had 4 surgeries on it. At present I have Merrills and Ariat (spelling) but I haven't been hiking in years.
I got some solognac waterproof "hiking/hunting" boots from decathlon. About 40 euros and still in perfect shape after a year of use, never get wet feet ever in heavy rain and walking trough water. Sometimes a little sweaty feet, but no other downsides whatsoever. The boots are not heavy and verry comfy
I have been looking at the Salomon Quest 4D GTX Forces for my all year round boot. They're kinda pricey, but man they're comfy. I was looking at their low cut boots or trail runners for warm weather, but I was in a gnarly car wreck back on Christmas Eve where i died a few times, lost most of my blood, and broke a good portion of my bones. The doctors had to cut through my sciatic nerve to reconstruct my shattered pelvis and dislocated hip, which caused considerable nerve damage to my right leg and foot. I now have to wear something with good ankle support. Right now I'm using Zamberlan boots(made in Italy)with Vibram soles and Goretex lining. They're great boots, but a bit heavy and hot. I'm hoping the Salomon Quest boots are a bit lighter, but still have the ankle support I'm looking for.
i not only love your videos but am happy and surprised that you wear salomon speedcross. i wear salomon's different shoes and boots for nearly all my outdoor activities.
The Solomon speedcross shoes were horrible for me. The heal was lower than the toe area, which pushed my lower leg backward with each heel strike. My knees were always aching after a mile with those things.
1 question and a short anecdote q; if you need heavy boot support but are going to be in a wet environment eg wading multiple times what’s the best setup, my thoughts where a desert type boot with drainage grommets to let the water out and some kind of waterproof liner plus’s socks if cold weather but I’m not sure how feet might blister. Anecdote I went on a safari in Africa several times and the guides were all wearing what looked like suede dress shoes on bear feet, it was dry sandy most of the time, I asked them about these and apparently there was this guy who custom makes them out of kudu leather for the uppers (not sure about the soles) apparently they break in to feel like slippers but are tough enough to deal with those big ass thorns in the bush. I really wish I had got some made for myself and maybe some high length boot ones too but we had to hang around for a couple of days and schedule would not permit. The guys said one set lasted a lifetime, just thought it was pretty neat coming from some one man shop down a side street.
I move a lot daily - my footwear takes a hammering as I have big, wide feet - I've yet to find anything except higher end Nike trainers that stick more than a week of me. I try loads of variations & they all fall apart inside fast. I'm gonna try a pair of the Salomons - see how they endure.
Would love to be able to wear trail shoes camping and hunting in warm weather, but alas the snakes and many other critters preclude anything but sturdy boots and/or gaiters. Would be interested to know how the Bean boots go with critters. I have RM Williams. and Grenson ankle boots (and a few other brands) that are pretty good, but they definitely aren't waterproof and suffer from the usual issues in cold and wet weather.
I’m on my 4th pair of speed cross. two GTX and two non. It’s the only sneaker I’ll wear. Love the tread! Great in the mud and snow. Newer trend in treads on shoes with rounded lugs are horseshit! As far as Goretex sneakers I’m all for it. I’d rather have dry socks and avoid submersion than waiting for my socks to dry out and chancing blisters and chafing. If you need to cross water over ankle deep they’re easy to take off and put on with the speed lace. I will say the non Goretex versions do dry fairly fast(in summer). As always it’s personal preference and condition dependent. In wet grass that Goretex is a godsend! The Quest 4D GTX is pretty awesome as well. For super nasty steep rocky terrain I’ll throw on my old Super Mountain 9’s. Wish they still made em!!!
To me the speedcross 5 version is more comfortable but like u said it’s different for everyone. If you haven’t tried them next time your somewhere they sell them try them on and walk around. They grab my foot better and just feel better walking or running
I have wide feet. Wider than most common brands account for. (I refer to them as flippers, which is handy for swimming...) I bought my first pair of Altra lone peak RSM4 shoes for year round hiking. I have since worn them out and am on to an updated pair of the same shoe. I love the wide toe box and the aggressive tread. For work, I have a pair of Irish setter leather boots. 3 years in them and still going strong! I use them for roofing, remodeling, and pretty much anything work related. They are kinda heavy but worth it. For comparison, it has been a rarity for a pair of shoes to last me a full year without being blown out on the inside or outside of the toe box, or complete destruction of the tread. I am pretty hard on shoes.
nice topic?video,my experiance is i wear-out my hiking-shoes quickly. 1 Summer and there gone (holes underneat) Yes i walk a lot.. there not making the rubbercompound as good as back then i guess so people need new footware all the time. Some try the expencive footware and i did too they last longer butt 2 summers and falls ?? dissapointing and costly. Walking in new uncomfortable shoes all the time :-( good video , greetings from Holland
Only negative to Bean boot is the tread, it’s very slippery when wet / when walking in any type of muddy trail, and if you happen to need to go inside for some reason these boots turn tile flooring into an ice skating rink with the slightest amount of water on the sole. You’ll most likely end up on your butt. (That happened to me twice in the winter time.) LL Bean needs to come up with better / grippy tread.
5.11 zip side boots. light weight and comfy but not a ton of support. great bottom for slippery conditions, but not water proof. although they dry quick. i like thwm. and not bad around $100
Ive been wearing Columbia waterproof low-rise hiking boots for several years now for MANY conditions and purposes including hiking, projects around house, running the dogs on wet NW days, light snow trekking, etc. I've put them thru hell for many years now. Same pair - only changed the laces. They're light, durable, flexible, grippy on any surface, stable..... and that right there is maybe my #1 criterion/attribute for a shoe - stable. You need confidence in your footing, whatever the conditions. You don't want to be sliding or turning and ankle. It's as important as keeping foot dry. A narrow heel is BAD. Poor ankle support is BAD. A non-grippy sole is BAD. Structure comes first in my criteria and reliable waterproofing is 1b. Yes to trail runners - but again - stable, grippy. Merrell, Columbia, Keen all make excellent trail runners and also excellent durable low-rise boots. My Columbia snow boots are awesome. I'm not Columbia sycophant but I haven't found their equal for the dollar on any of those categories. I've had many leather boots and Beans over the years and won't go back. Beyond the general superiority of leather for durability, synthetics are just better in every way. Solomon trail runners are solid choice within the bandwidth of their purpose.
Since you explained about the Solomon’s, you aught to check out the various indestructible shoes they have now. I bought some originally for work with the steel toe and the fabric because my feet sweat so because I wear wool socks year round for the most part in a warehouse. I found that they are like moccasins or water shoes that are extremely comfortable and when they get wet, so what? They dry out quick in the heat of the year and the weave of is equally good to resist abrasion, etc. sole is thick but lots of traction and super flexible. 40 bucks on Amazon and if dirty, just pop in the wash and you’re off again! Still like desert suede combat boots also and ankle high lugz, leather boot. Keep mine oiled, same pair 12 years now and still going!
Good choices Dan! I love Red Wing! The Iron Rangers are just gorgeous boots! I have to wear the model 607 for work and love them! For the outdoors though I'm more of a Danner person. I use the FT. Lewis (no insulation) for winter and their RAT boots for just about anything else. I have their Tanicus boots for when I'm out in the desert. I have tried and tried to use trail runners, but I just can't get used to sneakers in general. Too many years of wearing boots. I have also learned over the years that the socks you wear make a huge difference. I started using sock liners with my hiking socks and for me personally, I'm never going back! Wish I started wearing those years ago haha! My girl on the other hand wouldn't be caught dead in boots, Columbia trail runners all the way no matter we venture off. It's like you said, just stick with what works for you!
1. I have no problem with your selections. 2. Nominally, I am a 12 4E. I live in a world wherein, most shoe manufacturers keep changing sources/models/quality. Some do not. 3. When I need shoes, I go to a dance shoe store, an upscale sporting shoe store (not a mall store; not a mass merchandiser with the weekly $25 shoe specials). 4. I buy for the long term and quality. This year I bought Hokas and Brooks Beast shoes. 5. Today, on my daily exercise walk, I will wear Raichle Swiss mountain climbing boots purchased in Switzerland some 40 years ago. I have walked in Central Asia, South-east Asia and northern Asia in these boots. I even did the Khyber Pass in these boots. 6. Unfortunately, you do pay for quality in shoes and boots. The only you don't is when you buy in the Goodwill Store and luck out - I have.
QUESTION: I am curious what shoe/boot you would recommend today for survival, 'shtf' type of footwear. If you knew a time was coming where going to a shoe store or online for shoes is no more.
ASICS are a lot cheaper and do the same thing for trail running. Construction is very good and last long. Wolverine makes really good boots also. And so true, lots of different shoes and brands to choose from.
I used to wear hiking boots until I came across Saucony trail runners. Once you wear trail runners you will never go back. Trail runners have far superior traction over traditional hiking shoes.
Have the Bean boots for around town. The tread does not work well in terrain for me. No grip. Love the concept but I’m going Kennetrek instead of Bean. Better tread and better made Filson uplanders for leather with the cork sole and wool liner. Like the idea of the Solomons for warm weather.
Huge fan, love your videos, advice, and products.... with that said, quick question, have you ever tried out Sorels? I'm really curious about the pros/cons between LL Beans and Sorels. My family and I have worn Sorels for years, lately tho, I'm not that happy with them and their quality! Would love to find a replacement.
Shoes? In da woods? In the summer? You must not have snakes up there. Down here in the gud 'ol South, snakes are thick as pine needles. (PS, pine, a long needled( it's "leaves" are called needles) tree that is always green, if it ain't, it's dead)😳✝️🇱🇷
I always appreciate footwear reccomendations but I can't wear any of these as I have extremely narrow feat and unless it's a B width, thats a hard pass. I have always wanted a pair of Bean duck boots but they only make them in a standard D width and even with extra socks they just wont work. I looked up the Salomons on their website but in the speedcross they have gore tex or wide. I do have a pair of Red Wing boots in a B width that are great but they are not the Iron Rangers. Thanks again.
being someone who goes barefoot as much as possible ( that includes both in the city and in the woods) does not make me a "hippy". i am 61yrs old and i walk barefoot because that is a normal human thing to do. it is also a healthy thing to do. i am also not foolish enough to not wear shoes when required. i also have parkinsons disease and walking barefoot helps keep me from dragging my feet or falling...
i also wanted to mention that in hunting situations if you can manuver through the woods barefoot or in leather mocassins you will be much more silent then if you are in shoes or boots!
Too bad Salomon doesn't have many models for the big-footed kids! my number is 16! and I will normally design good KEEN sneakers and boots. But it was worth the tip!
Looking for new boots. Had some keen target 2. Destroy them in a year. Keen gave me new ones and they feel apart. Looking for boots I can do anything to.
Glad I watched this. Never thought about water pooling in on the Gore-Tex version. Definitely just saved me money on a new warm weather shoe!
I know this might sound a little crazy but a good pair of wellington boots work well if you are not doing serious climbing just working around camp, foraging, crossing streams, and walking across meadows. I spent 20 years of my life working on a farm every day in wellingtons. They really protect your legs against not just water and snow but also abrasion from vegetation, small rocks, tree stumps. Get them half a size too big if you want to wear in winter. Put a sole liner in the bottom (possibly with some aluminium foil to reflect heat) in winter to keep your foot warm as heat leaches through the sole. Not for all applications but work in a lot of places and they fold up into quite a small pack. One last thing they work as a great water carrier or store in an emergency.
Grew up with Bean boots. My dad actually knew Bean before he died. In cold weather foot sweat makes them freezing. On ice, hang on...
Love my Redwings. Hit them with Obenaufs oil (same as my fire boots) and they're awesome.
so you do or don't recommend Bean Boots?
@@malthus101 Haven't worn them for decades. Wet, no traction, waterproof stops at the leather, etc. If I'm going to go mucking, Wellingtons.
@@Mis-AdventureCH yeah doesn't sound great....
Spent a lot of my childhood in the woods almost always in sneakers unless in snow then cheap kmart rubber boots
For a superlight trailrunner option that has a wide toebox, look into the Altra Lone Peak or the Altra Timp. I have wide feet and these shoes are terrific. For a shoe with a bit more support, the Merrell Moab is available in a low or a high cut and can be gotten in a wide. It's also available as standard or Goretex and I agree with Dan that Goretex is a bad thing for boots except maybe in winter.
I have salomon hiking boots! They’re pretty hardcore
I love my Altra Lone Peak 4.5 trail runners, and I wear them year-round with merino wool socks when hiking and backpacking. They have a nice wide toe box without otherwise sacrificing fit. For heavy-duty work, or when I know I’m going to be slogging in the mud and slush, I go with Alico leather boots. They fit me like a glove and require very little break-in. I can work or hike in both of these brands for multiple days with no foot problems. Just make sure you have plenty of length in any shoe so your toes don’t hit the ends of the shoes on downhills. I found that out the hard way, so now I always make sure I have at least a thumb-width between the end of my big toe and the end of the shoe.
I wear 1-2 types of shoes. Teva sneakers for easy gravel trail rides (bicycle) and light hiking, or hiking shoes (low profile) for single track/bike-packing or rougher trails. Both have ventilation. If for any reason I plan on traversing steep and loose gravel, I wear boots with more ankle support (high ankle). At camp, I wear crock sandals or down booties depending on the weather.
Very good advice.
Altras are the best shoes ever
Nice 👌 i use my Columbia hiking boots and NB Shoes
Love those Solomons! I was in REI trying on some NorthFace when the guy next to me glanced over and said, "Don't buy until you try the Solomons. Really," and he walked away. I bought two sets of the Solomon. I wear the GoreTex versions at work on campus and I wear the non-GoreTex camping and hiking. LOVE them. Could never get into the Beans. Just discovered this channel. I like it.
Altras are way better
Great choices.
The achilles heal of the solomons really is the toe box (even the wides). But to tell you what I think of them, I had a choice between Altra's, with their wide toe box, and Solomon's for my section hike of the PCT through the Sierras. After testing them out on some training hikes, I chose the Solomons and put leukotape on the ball of my big toe. If Solomon went to a wide toe box, they'd own the market. Bean boots, the original and still the best.👍
Excellent opening on the video: "what I use", etc. Trendy / marketing gullible folks looking at "brand" really miss the point.
The only folks I've heard complain about Solomon footwear were people with seriously wide feet. The brands likely to work well with them are pretty worthless for those of us with narrower feet.
As for me, I have narrow heels and thats where I want my footwear most snug. I always have to compromise. If the footbox is good, then I'd kill myself with a heel area 3 sizes too big. I know I'm not the only one, but man is it frustrating. I sometimes wonder if I need to manufacture my own shoes for myself and others like me. Btw my foot IS narrow in the front too (sorta) - it's narrow top to bottom (easy in-sole fix) not narrow in the width, haha 😝
@@sempergumby3929 That's funny you say that. I ordered the wides to try and accommodate my toe area, but found the heal to be too wide. Regular width with the fore foot of the wides (+ a couple mms) would have been perfect. We should go into business together.😄
@@carrdoug99 I spent most of my adult life as a US Marine including many years of infantry service (rifle companies) and training staff at the School Of Infantry. Trail running was my go-to choice for physical training on my own time.
Years later, long trail hiking with a strong bushcrafter foundation is my thing. From my earlier years, to me trail running (sport/luxury) is quite different than backpacking/wilderness treking. These activities are different enough that different footwear was always a no-brainer to me.
I still think that trail runners are great...for trail running. And while the wilderness traveler doesn't need a "bullet proof" combat boot, some of the qualities apply.
Ankle and lower leg protction (for breaking brush, etc.) is important to me. So is a deep, long wearing, sole protective tread, and some moderate side support.
Cost is another issue, but for brevity I'll leave that. What I would like to see (and my feet would love to feel) is a simple ankle top "boot" made from old school leather with minimal stitching and none of these new layers and silly designs that only work if a person's foot exactly matches the mold.
The new "breathable" stuff also lets in way too much so that my foot looks like it came out of a coal mine instead of a sock. The WP stuff doesn't breath enough. Good leather is better in all respects and with a good tread, it's good for 3,000 miles compared with the trendy stuff now which sometimes gets up to 300 miles (I call those things ninja slippers btw)
@@sempergumby3929 couldn't agree with you more. Even when I wear a light hiker like a solomon I choose the mids. Helps keep the grit out, and the Gore-Tex liner (which I prefer) serves it's purpose. I can't make sense of hikers who wear these highly breathable sneakers across a snow field at 12,000 feet. If your going to be bushwacking on steep terrain, these light hikers will not work. Montrail used to make a boot called the Torre that sounds a lot like the boot you're talking about. Loved those boots. I used them for everything from climbing poles (I'm a retired lineman) to backpacking, and everything in between.
Love my Salomon Super Cross. As a 6' + tall woman it is awesome that Salomons come in larger sizes for women. Size 12 and up! Hell yes.
Tall women are 😍😍🔥
This is information to help make decisions...thank you for sharing
Merrell for a shoe. Panama sole jungle boots for 90% of boot uses.
Crocs for camp shoes or river wading at the end of the day.
I used those ll bean boots for YEARS in up state ny. After 10plus years I sent them back to have new lowers put on,pricy, but...great boots.
I have the bean boot (since about 1996) and the red wings (got last winter to replace my 20 year old Timberlands). I agree that they both take some getting used to but after that they're old friends. I use battery powered insoles with the bean boots if I'm going to be in slush or cold mud. The only downsides for both of them in my experience is that the tread pattern isn't very agressive and you can lose grip pretty easily.
I think the bean boot would be perfect if they gave you the option for tread options to choose from for the bottom.
I wear Redwing Steel toe boots pretty much every single day. I’ve even gone jogging in them. Not my normal joggers, but it’s happened. Some of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn.
I do have some Salomon hiking boots and love the old vintage Sorel with real wool I picked up for winter camping.
Awesome
Summer, Salomon sneakers no gortex, other 3 seasons Salomon boots 9" with gortex. Cold water when it's hot is one thing, just more careful the other 3 seasons.
Here in AZ, we need a boot that breathes, and can take the very rugged and rocky off trail hiking to get down into some crazy canyon or up some crazy mountain.
Chacos in the summer, spring and fall. Danners for the rest of the time. I’ve tried keens and all those brands but I got use to wearing heavy boots in the army. Plus I like the vintage woodsman look.
Those all leather boots that are tough on you feet. A little hack to help with that and break them in faster from my Sgt. Major. Soak them in hot water, put them on and wear them dry. As the leather dries it shrinks and forms to your feet. Give it a try, its an old infantrymans trick.
Yup, I learned that with our GPs. Calf high leather boots. We were told fill with hot water, rinse it out because it is all black, fill again, tip out, do this a few times to get rid of the colour. Put on one thick pair of socks. Do them up, but don't overtighten or you stretch the leather too much. Once they are dry they are perfect for as long a march as we had coming. I do this with all my leather boots still, but I tend to wear trail runners for walks now, with some light gators. Get less ankle injury with the trail runners than I did with the boots. Also my knees are happier.
It all depends on the person, place, and time of year. I live in Vegas and absolutely love my Jordans. They’re so comfortable and also very durable. One pair is now 8 years old and I still get compliments on them. When I go up to Utah to go fishing, hiking, and riding quads, I’m sporting some 21 year old Dr Martin boots that I’ve had since I was 14. Awesome boots, comfortable, and have stood the test of time. Selling my house this year and buying a truck and 5th wheel to travel around a few years until I find a nice homestead. Will be looking into the new Dr Martin boots at that time. Hopefully they’re still the same quality and comfort. Yes, a little pricey at about $150, but if they also last 20 years, that’s pretty negligible. How long does the average pair of $50 gym shoes last? 6-12 months if you are lucky.
My last deployment I got issued some horrible boots. I got blisters from walking around Bagram. Bought two pairs of Rockeys - ahhhhhhh.
i love my red wings--the only boot i wear out in the woods. i have a pair of iron rangers, and a pair of blacksmiths that i try to keep looking nice (so my wife wouldn't get mad at me for wearing trashed boots out in public). but i don't think the heritage line has the same lifetime guarantee that red wing's other lines have...
Interesting 🤔 been thinking of trail running shoes , you've convinced me . Good point about the goretex Take care there 👍
Great point about the gore-tex.
Loving my Rocky work boots. I walk a lot during the day on concrete, gravel, dirt, grass, a plethora of terrain, and my feet stay comfortable and dry all day. I've only had them for about 6 months so far, so durability TBD, but love them so far and didn't even have to put aftermarket insoles in them. Even though they're work boots, I would actually trust them on a 50- mile hike.
Huh. I got a pair of Clarke’s leather boots I wear year ‘round and five-finger mud runners for tails/camping/summer and then north face winter boots with great traction and temp control.
Having chronic circulatory issues, getting good warm/durable/lightweight footwear and gloves is always a struggle. Grateful for perspectives 🤙
Great video bro! I’m in total agreement regarding the gore-Tex, if you don’t have at least an eight inch boot then goretex is a waste of money and you should go with a more breathable option that dries fast
I m glad you have good feet. I dont. Broke my foot as a kid so I have a fairly flat arch, had 4 surgeries on it. At present I have Merrills and Ariat (spelling) but I haven't been hiking in years.
"Don't be a hippie" 😂👍👊
I too have embraced the trail runner for hiking focused trips(a lot of mine) my favorite pair thus far is the La Sportiva ultra raptor
I have sworn by my Asolo leather hiking boots for at least 15 years. Amazing comfort and water proofing. Expensive, but awesome.
I got some solognac waterproof "hiking/hunting" boots from decathlon. About 40 euros and still in perfect shape after a year of use, never get wet feet ever in heavy rain and walking trough water. Sometimes a little sweaty feet, but no other downsides whatsoever. The boots are not heavy and verry comfy
What's wrong with hippies LOL
I have been looking at the Salomon Quest 4D GTX Forces for my all year round boot. They're kinda pricey, but man they're comfy. I was looking at their low cut boots or trail runners for warm weather, but I was in a gnarly car wreck back on Christmas Eve where i died a few times, lost most of my blood, and broke a good portion of my bones. The doctors had to cut through my sciatic nerve to reconstruct my shattered pelvis and dislocated hip, which caused considerable nerve damage to my right leg and foot. I now have to wear something with good ankle support. Right now I'm using Zamberlan boots(made in Italy)with Vibram soles and Goretex lining. They're great boots, but a bit heavy and hot. I'm hoping the Salomon Quest boots are a bit lighter, but still have the ankle support I'm looking for.
i not only love your videos but am happy and surprised that you wear salomon speedcross. i wear salomon's different shoes and boots for nearly all my outdoor activities.
The Solomon speedcross shoes were horrible for me. The heal was lower than the toe area, which pushed my lower leg backward with each heel strike. My knees were always aching after a mile with those things.
I got bean boots, that are waxed canvas instead of leather, and they are much cooler, and great for the warmer seasons
1 question and a short anecdote q; if you need heavy boot support but are going to be in a wet environment eg wading multiple times what’s the best setup, my thoughts where a desert type boot with drainage grommets to let the water out and some kind of waterproof liner plus’s socks if cold weather but I’m not sure how feet might blister. Anecdote I went on a safari in Africa several times and the guides were all wearing what looked like suede dress shoes on bear feet, it was dry sandy most of the time, I asked them about these and apparently there was this guy who custom makes them out of kudu leather for the uppers (not sure about the soles) apparently they break in to feel like slippers but are tough enough to deal with those big ass thorns in the bush. I really wish I had got some made for myself and maybe some high length boot ones too but we had to hang around for a couple of days and schedule would not permit. The guys said one set lasted a lifetime, just thought it was pretty neat coming from some one man shop down a side street.
I move a lot daily - my footwear takes a hammering as I have big, wide feet - I've yet to find anything except higher end Nike trainers that stick more than a week of me. I try loads of variations & they all fall apart inside fast. I'm gonna try a pair of the Salomons - see how they endure.
Would love to be able to wear trail shoes camping and hunting in warm weather, but alas the snakes and many other critters preclude anything but sturdy boots and/or gaiters. Would be interested to know how the Bean boots go with critters. I have RM Williams. and Grenson ankle boots (and a few other brands) that are pretty good, but they definitely aren't waterproof and suffer from the usual issues in cold and wet weather.
I’m on my 4th pair of speed cross. two GTX and two non. It’s the only sneaker I’ll wear. Love the tread! Great in the mud and snow. Newer trend in treads on shoes with rounded lugs are horseshit! As far as Goretex sneakers I’m all for it. I’d rather have dry socks and avoid submersion than waiting for my socks to dry out and chancing blisters and chafing. If you need to cross water over ankle deep they’re easy to take off and put on with the speed lace. I will say the non Goretex versions do dry fairly fast(in summer). As always it’s personal preference and condition dependent. In wet grass that Goretex is a godsend! The Quest 4D GTX is pretty awesome as well. For super nasty steep rocky terrain I’ll throw on my old Super Mountain 9’s. Wish they still made em!!!
To me the speedcross 5 version is more comfortable but like u said it’s different for everyone. If you haven’t tried them next time your somewhere they sell them try them on and walk around. They grab my foot better and just feel better walking or running
Try buying some bamboo Sox. Truly a God Send for keeping moisture away from your feet. It’s all I wear now. You won’t be disappointed.
I have wide feet. Wider than most common brands account for. (I refer to them as flippers, which is handy for swimming...) I bought my first pair of Altra lone peak RSM4 shoes for year round hiking. I have since worn them out and am on to an updated pair of the same shoe. I love the wide toe box and the aggressive tread. For work, I have a pair of Irish setter leather boots. 3 years in them and still going strong! I use them for roofing, remodeling, and pretty much anything work related. They are kinda heavy but worth it. For comparison, it has been a rarity for a pair of shoes to last me a full year without being blown out on the inside or outside of the toe box, or complete destruction of the tread. I am pretty hard on shoes.
nice topic?video,my experiance is i wear-out my hiking-shoes quickly. 1 Summer and there gone (holes underneat) Yes i walk a lot.. there not making the rubbercompound as good as back then i guess so people need new footware all the time.
Some try the expencive footware and i did too they last longer butt 2 summers and falls ?? dissapointing and costly. Walking in new uncomfortable shoes all the time :-(
good video , greetings from Holland
Only negative to Bean boot is the tread, it’s very slippery when wet / when walking in any type of muddy trail, and if you happen to need to go inside for some reason these boots turn tile flooring into an ice skating rink with the slightest amount of water on the sole. You’ll most likely end up on your butt. (That happened to me twice in the winter time.) LL Bean needs to come up with better / grippy tread.
5.11 zip side boots. light weight and comfy but not a ton of support. great bottom for slippery conditions, but not water proof. although they dry quick. i like thwm. and not bad around $100
Ive been wearing Columbia waterproof low-rise hiking boots for several years now for MANY conditions and purposes including hiking, projects around house, running the dogs on wet NW days, light snow trekking, etc. I've put them thru hell for many years now. Same pair - only changed the laces. They're light, durable, flexible, grippy on any surface, stable..... and that right there is maybe my #1 criterion/attribute for a shoe - stable. You need confidence in your footing, whatever the conditions. You don't want to be sliding or turning and ankle. It's as important as keeping foot dry. A narrow heel is BAD. Poor ankle support is BAD. A non-grippy sole is BAD. Structure comes first in my criteria and reliable waterproofing is 1b. Yes to trail runners - but again - stable, grippy. Merrell, Columbia, Keen all make excellent trail runners and also excellent durable low-rise boots. My Columbia snow boots are awesome. I'm not Columbia sycophant but I haven't found their equal for the dollar on any of those categories. I've had many leather boots and Beans over the years and won't go back. Beyond the general superiority of leather for durability, synthetics are just better in every way. Solomon trail runners are solid choice within the bandwidth of their purpose.
Since you explained about the Solomon’s, you aught to check out the various indestructible shoes they have now. I bought some originally for work with the steel toe and the fabric because my feet sweat so because I wear wool socks year round for the most part in a warehouse.
I found that they are like moccasins or water shoes that are extremely comfortable and when they get wet, so what? They dry out quick in the heat of the year and the weave of is equally good to resist abrasion, etc. sole is thick but lots of traction and super flexible. 40 bucks on Amazon and if dirty, just pop in the wash and you’re off again!
Still like desert suede combat boots also and ankle high lugz, leather boot. Keep mine oiled, same pair 12 years now and still going!
I heard those are super crappy
Good choices Dan! I love Red Wing! The Iron Rangers are just gorgeous boots! I have to wear the model 607 for work and love them! For the outdoors though I'm more of a Danner person. I use the FT. Lewis (no insulation) for winter and their RAT boots for just about anything else. I have their Tanicus boots for when I'm out in the desert. I have tried and tried to use trail runners, but I just can't get used to sneakers in general. Too many years of wearing boots. I have also learned over the years that the socks you wear make a huge difference. I started using sock liners with my hiking socks and for me personally, I'm never going back! Wish I started wearing those years ago haha! My girl on the other hand wouldn't be caught dead in boots, Columbia trail runners all the way no matter we venture off. It's like you said, just stick with what works for you!
Sock liners rule!
1. I have no problem with your selections. 2. Nominally, I am a 12 4E. I live in a world wherein, most shoe manufacturers keep changing sources/models/quality. Some do not. 3. When I need shoes, I go to a dance shoe store, an upscale sporting shoe store (not a mall store; not a mass merchandiser with the weekly $25 shoe specials). 4. I buy for the long term and quality. This year I bought Hokas and Brooks Beast shoes. 5. Today, on my daily exercise walk, I will wear Raichle Swiss mountain climbing boots purchased in Switzerland some 40 years ago. I have walked in Central Asia, South-east Asia and northern Asia in these boots. I even did the Khyber Pass in these boots. 6. Unfortunately, you do pay for quality in shoes and boots. The only you don't is when you buy in the Goodwill Store and luck out - I have.
Great video as always!
I have 15 (!) years old salomons and they are still going strong
"not gonna catch me in the woods with anything else on".....hope your wearing clothes Dan! Lol... Don't be a hippie!
I love how the giant hippy tells people not to be hippies.
QUESTION: I am curious what shoe/boot you would recommend today for survival, 'shtf' type of footwear. If you knew a time was coming where going to a shoe store or online for shoes is no more.
I never get here this early! Nice footwear!
God Bless everyone!!!! Jesus Loves you all very much!!!!
ASICS are a lot cheaper and do the same thing for trail running. Construction is very good and last long. Wolverine makes really good boots also. And so true, lots of different shoes and brands to choose from.
I wear hiking boots all year every year just so i can be prepared and i like the support of hiking boots
Same! And i find them so comfortable too!
They are quit comfortable being a "boot"
+1 for trail runners 👍
I used to wear hiking boots until I came across Saucony trail runners. Once you wear trail runners you will never go back. Trail runners have far superior traction over traditional hiking shoes.
Did I just hear that Dan wears Pretty Women boots in the woods? You stud muffin!
I'll have to keep an eye out for him the next time I'm in Schuylkill County. 😁
I like the shoes
Good ones
Have the Bean boots for around town. The tread does not work well in terrain for me. No grip. Love the concept but I’m going Kennetrek instead of Bean. Better tread and better made
Filson uplanders for leather with the cork sole and wool liner.
Like the idea of the Solomons for warm weather.
I always use salomon shoes.
I’ve been wearing Double H logger boots for over a decade. Redwings were just too flat for me. I’ll have to get some of those Solomans though!
Huge fan, love your videos, advice, and products.... with that said, quick question, have you ever tried out Sorels? I'm really curious about the pros/cons between LL Beans and Sorels. My family and I have worn Sorels for years, lately tho, I'm not that happy with them and their quality! Would love to find a replacement.
Definitely a big fan of trail runners over hiking boots. Cheers Dan.
Do you have boots for situations where you need a lot of ankle or foot support, like moving on steep terrain, climbing, things such as that?
I don't even wear shoes in the summer, unless im in town or at work.
I have worn bean boots but they have poor traction on hilly terrane
I bought two pairs of Rockeys in Afghanistan. Best investment.
Shoes? In da woods? In the summer? You must not have snakes up there. Down here in the gud 'ol South, snakes are thick as pine needles. (PS, pine, a long needled( it's "leaves" are called needles) tree that is always green, if it ain't, it's dead)😳✝️🇱🇷
before the video starts.. I will post my guess here: Gucci or Prada shoes?
Thanks for the video! Any suggestions for an all-around durable shoe/boot for the long term?
One word Justin's
I always appreciate footwear reccomendations but I can't wear any of these as I have extremely narrow feat and unless it's a B width, thats a hard pass. I have always wanted a pair of Bean duck boots but they only make them in a standard D width and even with extra socks they just wont work. I looked up the Salomons on their website but in the speedcross they have gore tex or wide. I do have a pair of Red Wing boots in a B width that are great but they are not the Iron Rangers. Thanks again.
everybody wears shoes unless they don't want joint problems*
guess i am a hippie, lol. nothing like tough feet.
I thought had bean boots on the other day
being someone who goes barefoot as much as possible ( that includes both in the city and in the woods) does not make me a "hippy". i am 61yrs old and i walk barefoot because that is a normal human thing to do. it is also a healthy thing to do. i am also not foolish enough to not wear shoes when required. i also have parkinsons disease and walking barefoot helps keep me from dragging my feet or falling...
i also wanted to mention that in hunting situations if you can manuver through the woods barefoot or in leather mocassins you will be much more silent then if you are in shoes or boots!
Hippy
Too bad Salomon doesn't have many models for the big-footed kids! my number is 16! and I will normally design good KEEN sneakers and boots. But it was worth the tip!
I started making my own....buckskin uppers....😐
Keen, and redwings for boot here 👍🏻
Btw I wear them too
I am a hippie, but I love my Bean boots.🌲🏕🌲😊
Well shoot the boot. Shoes are important for anyone's feet. 💖
so im hippy
Man we wear the same exact boots. for summer I like the even lighter tin cloth LL Beans. You can roll the cloth down when it is really hot.
Crocks for comfort .doc martens for everything else..
No crocs?!
Looking for new boots. Had some keen target 2. Destroy them in a year. Keen gave me new ones and they feel apart. Looking for boots I can do anything to.
Redwing
Thank you! I'll take a look this weekend!
What, no flip flops, what do you go to dinner in...
Merrell.
Period.
I can't stand wool it eats me alive but I no it is a good way to keep warm any suggestion
Wool is still the best. But if your are allergic, wash them several times to wash all the lanolin out of them and wear thin liner socks underneath?
If you haven’t tried merino wool you should, specifically smartwool the PhD version