Hunting mountaineering boots, up next, can't wait. Hope to see not only Crispi but Kenetrek, Meindl, Hoffman, White's, Zambian, Lowa, Salewa, Scarpa, Mammut, Asolo.
I would love to see a video on non gtx and non waterproof hiking boots. I can't stand gtx boots my feet sweat to bad even in the winter. I cant find hardly anything non gtx boot companies have went crazy with the gtx. Thanks for saving us from buying junk boots
I can see that, it does seem like the shoe brands have kinda gone overboard with the goretex/waterproof designs. Fortunately for me my feet hardly sweat or even get warm at all even in summer, so I'll get the waterproof version of a boot/shoe if it comes in waterproof and non-waterproof variants, just for the all-season versatility. Like the last two shoes I bought were On Cloud 5s and Cloudventures, both in the waterproof versions.
I'm in the same boat as you. Lowa makes a leather lined version of the Renegade in this vid, they didn't fit my feet well at all but if you go through the reviews I am the odd man out.
I'm the opposite. I usually wear trail runners, but I live in West Virginia and it's always wet from rain or dew. I don't mind quick drying shoes in the summer, but any other season leaves me with cold, wet socks. I've worn a bunch of different types of La Sportiva and Arcteryx boots and shoes. I've been wearing La Sportiva Cyklons for the past couple of years. They came out with a GXT version, but it's a winter shoe with a gaiter that would be way too hot in the summer. I wish they made a pair of Cylons the same as the regular trail runner, but waterproof. The Boa system is sweet and the shoes are really stable, lightweight and comfortable. They just get my socks soaked when I walk through grass.
Have you tried really good merino socks. I have two midweight pairs of icebreaker socks. I wear my alpine hiking GRC boots from -10 to 38 degrees Celsius and never have problems. Never too cold never too hot.
As a Lowa Renegade wearer for 15 years, a key factor for me was they're pretty lightweight for having full leather uppers. One layer of leather has proven more than durable enough. After 15 years, the upper is just now starting to separate from the rubber "monowrap". Still waterproof though. Excited for the cutting videos!
Can’t wait for Hanwag and Meindl. Especially their “traditional” offerings. Also for hiking the Cloudrock might have been a better fit than the Cloudalpine…
I’d be really interested if you were able to cut apart the LaSportiva Nepal. It’s probably the most common high quality mountaineering boot in the lower 48.
I picked up a pair of those Salomons last year and have used them hiking all over the pnw. I’m really impressed. They are awesome for reducing fatigue and so far are performing just like new.
Guilty as charged, I'm one of those guys that keeps asking you to review various proper hiking boots, but especially high quality all leather ones, the ones with the moulded cemented soles and rubber rand construction, and the more classic all leather usually hand stitched stitch-down heavy ones. I live in the Swiss alps and do so much mileage I've abandoned all the synthetic and hybrid designs, and also the lightweight trail runners, I just can't afford to replace them and prefer to trade off a bit more weight for the durability and resole-ability. After years trying tons of brands I had pretty much settled on Hanwags (very similar to Meindl and Lowa (I just prefer their looks, fit, and leathers), and all leather resole-able La Sportiva approach shoes (similar to certain Scarpas, Salewa, etc.). One caveat, give all leather La Sportivas at least a few hours or more break in, they feel HORRIBLE out of the box, like leather boxes on your feet. That was until I finally pulled the trigger on a pair of Russell Moccasin Backcountrys, you helped me decide to take the jump. That shook everything up and I now use those for at least ¾ of my day hikes, dog walks, and light trekking. There are so many great brands these days, my advice to anyone putting in a lot of miles is to stay away from the fancy stuff, the boots in this category, (they just don't last), the hybrid space age designs, the lightweight stuff (unless you really need it for whatever reasons), and go all leather, usually no Gore-Tex, and find a brand that is highly esteemed for longevity and performance, and most importantly, choose the one(s) with a last that fits your feet. This is THE most important consideration, IMO, and should supersede all other decisions. The smallest fit problems become very big ones n a long hike or trek, and after a bunch of miles. The all leather boots with glued on integrated soles have really come a long way, with super outsoles, almost no break-in, are resole-able, have slight rockers and are variously rigid depending on your needs, and are great looking if you like the trad styles, and are all usually available in GTX versions, or my favourites, no Gore-Tex but leather lined instead. Regarding On, they are made here but haven't caught on, everyone wears their running shoes for sport and for style, but they haven't really pierced the boot market yet, probably because their shoes look great but those hikers look like a hot mess deigned by a child. For useless info, in Switzerland a few of the very common European brands that are huge in the US are not popular here at all, or only as niche hunting boots, like Crispi, Zamberlan, etc. The most popular boots in Western Europe tend to be the big Italian brands like Asolo, Garmin, La Sportiva, Scarpa, or ones made in Germany or Eastern Europe like Hanwag, Meindl, Lowa, Salomons are ubiquitous, and some Swiss brands like Mammut and Raichle, among others from various countries around Europe. Most make great boots if you avoid the lighter weight hybrids, IMO.
Keen Durand II have been really reliable for me. I wear them in the cascades of western washington, rugged, rocky, wet snow they have never let me down. I have several hundred miles on mine and they keep on chugging!
1:09 lol. Not quite. I just hiked past someone a few days ago in those altras hiking the hardest trails in my area. 12 miles, 7000ft gain (east coast so no switchbacks) and then she was going to do it in reverse (same day) others wearing the same Altra timp hikers like me and Hoka Kahas. No one wears heavy leather boots anymore hiking. It’s all trail runners and light hikers. I have a pair of Lowas that I wore on a 11.5 mile bushwhack and I couldn’t wait to get them off my feet. I wear them fishing and casually tho.
I hike in my Meindl Gufferts all the time, I specifically go in sketchy off trail places ascending mild mountainous terrain etc, randomly falling into bog and bits of other wet marshland environments. I do this regularly. I want my shit to last and take a bomb.
In Europe hiking boots tend to be defined by the seasons they're likely to be used and how stiff they are. The Scarpas, Zamberlans, Meindl etc. all do a range of boots from 2 season hikers like the first lot you did all the way up to 4 season full mountaineering boots designed to take a rigid crampon for climbing. Also, many of the ranges of the three companies mentioned are full or mostly leather uppers, even some of the lighter, more flexible boots. These leather boots tend to be more popular in the northern European countries with wetter climates and especially in Britain and Ireland where the mountain areas can be particularly wet (240+ days of rain a year and acidic peat bogs). One piece (or close to one piece) leather boots, with or without a GTX membrane, tend to hold up better in very wet conditions than the type of boots you've bought and don't rely on just a membrane, which can be easily punctured, to keep you dry. Leather thickness tends to start at 1.8mm or 2mm and go as high as 3mm for the full winter mountaineering or more extreme hiking boots.
All the boots in this video get destroyed by rock/scree in about 2 years if you hike in regions with a lot of scree. Which is fine, because all the boots he reviewed are fairly light and comfortable too. You can get more durable boots which last longer, but it's not worth the trade off in weight for most people. The extra light/foam boots are fine as long as you don't need to do any steep rocky sections (fine on dirt trails). Hiking in trail runners is fine on dirt, but not pleasant on scree.
I get and really like the way you tier these videos. Good idea to create these segments. You should also cover Lundhags boots too, as they are quite different to the rest and i think you'll like the idea and construction behind them.
Get your hands (feet) on some Limmers. I have some Zimberlans for backpacking and the Lowa Renegade for day hikes. The Z are tanks. The Lowas have been great, no issues whatsoever.
Great series! I'm so glad you got to hiking boots. It's damned difficult to tell which ones are good before the 100-300mile mark and by that point you have ZERO chance to return them. :) As a leather enthusiast, I believe that you would like Meindl or Lundhags. Both tend to work with larger leather panels than those seen here. At least in Europe, they have many models in the 300$ range.
Awesome. I would kill for some Asolo boots in there too! Been wearing them for three years as a professional archaeologist working in Africa. Also, the biggest things I care about in a boot are: (1) the tread -- most of these boots have unique treads and I care a lot about grip on gravel slopes, (2) the materials in the upper -- I need durability, and (3) value for money. I spend a lot on boots and I want to know whether or not I'm just paying for the brand.
hi, allways nice to see new boots, i would like to see Meindl Jersey PRO boot. Full leather with leather lining, no BS GTX. I have them for my own. and i can say, they are mutch better than GTX boots, I can use them from +25C down to -5C and feet feels way better, and less moist compared to GTX boots, that i used previously.
I've been wearing Lowa Renegades for about a decade, and absolutely swear by them. I'm not a mountaineer, so the trail/light backpacking boot is more than enough for me.
This is so up my street 😊 Looking forward to seeing the results and what you think of them. If you're planning on doing a grade up on hiking boots in a future series, would it be possible to cover Meindl (pref the Bhutans)? They seem to be the choice for Scottish mountain climbers in recent years
I love your channel because I know I can trust your opinion. To try and help you, my 'outdoor footgear' priorities are: (1) comfort vs. ruggedness/longevity. (2) Good tread grip and ankle support on rough terrain. (3) Decent 'non slip' ability on flat/grassy terrain. (4) Price - $150-ish and under (if possible). I don't mind paying more, but the quality (you speak of, often) has to be there
I have been waiting for you to do a series like this. As a wildland firefighter (over 20 years) and an avid backpacker, boots are near and dear and I’m always trying new boots. My wildland boots are Nicks LTT and the backpacking boots I’ve settled on are Zamberlan Voiz (in that $200-300 range) that I got from REI. I tried the Salomon Quest 4, just to try a lighter boot, on a 65 mile segment backpacking trip of the JMT and my feet hated every minute of it, even broke my toe from just hiking. I also tried the Kenetrek Wildland Fire Boots, but after three fire assignments I went back to my Nicks. The Kenetreks didn’t breathe really well and my feet got far too hot and sweaty, which made other problems. The two boots I’m interested in trying next are Velasca Resegott and Russell Moccasin.
Morrell Moab 3 would be a nice addition to this bracket. Moab stands for Mother of all Boots! With that claim it seems it should be evaluated, also I think it’s their top seller if I’m not mistaken.
Would love to see you check out the: Scarpa: Terra-GTX ($400AUD) & Redback Everest $200 AUD) both are full leather cemented hiking shoes. (I also happen to own both and they're both comfy, durable + bloody waterproof. even when hiking in the snow.) Keep up the good work.
I used to swear by La Sportiva. The tread on them is something else, however my last pair lasted me only 6 months before they were completely destroyed, and there is no warranty.
It might be useful also to have a look at the "full" leader hiking boots. Not sure if they're available in the US but I got the Meindl Badile and I like them, so I'll not cut them in half ;-)
I have worn through several pairs of Asolo TPS 520 in the passed 20 years and recently switched to Limmer boots. But the Limmer are 2 levels above the boots in this video. Can't wait till you get up to that level to review and compare the Limmer!
Oh I have thoughts. I have LaSportiva ( I have narrow heels), Lowa (combat/durable), Terrex (disc golf/ light, waterproof and breathable), and Vasque (comfy retro). I’m interested in types of glues used in construction, lasts used for these types, European brands versus US general sizing (volumes) and design history of modern hiking boots.
I had the 1st gen on cloud venture waterproof. I was thoroughly impressed. Their only downfall was the mesh material over the toe area (not cordura) began to split. But boots never leaked, and had a very stable sole with a nice shank type piece down the full length of the shoe. I even wore them for work climbing ladders on days when I didn't want to wear heavy boots.
This will be interesting to see what your thoughts are. Been wearing Lowa Renegades for 5+ years and I immediately put snow seal on them and they are my go to boots for 3/4 of the year here in the mountains of Colorado. Love, love love, them.
I'd love to see you cut up some Grisports. I have 4 pairs in hikers and work boots, so I seem to like what I think I get out of them. they're suspiciously affordable it seems and I'm curious what a real look at the quality might reveal
Expert hikers that are going really long distances, such as on the Pacific Crest or Appalachian trails, only use trail runners. You’d nevrer see any these boots on long-distance hiking.
I'm interested in how they deal with wear, do they just replace them every 1000 miles or whatever ? I went that route a few years ago and loved the light weight, ground feel, and ventilation, but I walk about 10 - 15 km a day all year round and just couldn't afford to keep buying replacements. I can't wear them at all now as I mostly walk and hike with my dog and can't pay the laser attention to the terrain all the time that you need when wearing trial runners. They are immensely popular here in the Swiss Alps but almost only among trail runners.
Video Idea: why not comparing a modern hiking boot (I am thinking something like the Scarpa Rush TRK) with a traditional red laces boot (like your traditional Hanwag, meindl or to remain in Italy the Gronell Stelvio)? I think it can be interesting seeing the evolution and differences.
Would love to see an additon to this series comparing approach shoes for more technival hiking. I hear La sportiva tx4's a staple here, but would love to see a comparison before i commit to a pair.
I’m pretty interested in the big ronde series from white’s. I was suspect of them at first, as I’m not even sure if white’s actually even makes them but they occupy this same space and look interesting.
I bought the Scarpa Kailash Plus GTX they go for 329$ US(maybe for the next catagory up that's up to you). I have maybe 200 miles on them so far and they're easily the best boots i've picked up for hiking as of yet. Hopefully they last the test of time. I picked the Kailash since they're made in Itali(I like that they're made in the same country that Scarpa is from) unlike the similar/lower cost solutions from most brands.
I literally just wrote you an email about two hours ago asking me to do this exact thing except I’m more interested in the higher up boots like the Lathrop and Sons Boot Company and Crispi ect…😅
I have the same pair of LA Sportivas, they are very comfortable and squishy. However, the vents around the arch of the foot fail quickly and allow the arch of your foot to cave, especially with a heavier pack on. The sole is also relatively skinny, which makes it rock side to side (making the arch cave worse). Overall, great boots, but not extremely supportive.
I know we typically see the pull force required to make the loops for the laces fail, but have you considered doing the same thing for the pull tab/loops on the back of these things? I've had a number of those tabs fail in one way or another.
I’m confused about the day height thing using those type of boots, I threw hiked the John Muir Trail two times and both times I encountered hundreds and hundreds of backpackers, very very few of which had boots at all. most had trail joggers or sandals!? Including myself.
Leather doesn’t breathe, therefore, a gore-tex lining is not a good idea unless you’re hiking mainly in extremely wet conditions. The gore-tex can’t breathe into a boot made of material that doesn’t breathe, so your feet sweat even more, and the vapor can’t escape so your feet are wetter.
@@eugenewall6620 Foe sure, except for a few year wearing synthetic hiking socks I've worn wool most of my life. Only Darn Tough since about 10 years, they are amazing and never seem to wear out or stretch out either. Incredible socks, I was ordering them from the US before they were available here.
Out of genuine curiosity are going to continue with the motorcycle boots. Because I’m looking into getting myself a pair but I would like to know what is out there before I make a purchase. FYI it’s because of you I’m a happy owner of a pair of Thorogood steel toe moctoe boots
How do you define "light backpacking"? I only say this because I don't find I need a "boot" until I need insulation due to winter, with a 5 day load on my back, in Rocksylvania with constant ups and downs in elevation.
I have those exact type of Lowa. I want to love them, but the sole is pretty much like standing on a brick. I've worn them everyday for 2 months hoping they would break in. I put in an aftermarket insole, but it didn't help.
How deep do those heel recesses go on the ON CloudAlpine? All the way through? I would be concerned with them being caked with mud and compacted dirt to the point where it affects the cushioning and stride. Seems like a bad marketing gimmick for a hiking boot.
Mammut... Their flextron sole system like the Ducan or Sapuen. I have the Ducan and would love to see what the flextron sole actually is and does via the band saw
I wanna know what boot provides the best support for a overweight dude carrying a 40lb pack who gave himself plater fasciitis last time he tried to summit granite peak.
Get 30% off all Rose Anvil Scratch & Dent items here while supplies last - bit.ly/3ySx7QW
With one of the other tiers, can you please consider the Danner light ii which you didn't review during your Danner series.
Not seeing 30% for Scratch & Dent. Is it over? E.g. Lone Bandit - Camera Harness is $175 new or S&D
Hunting mountaineering boots, up next, can't wait. Hope to see not only Crispi but Kenetrek, Meindl, Hoffman, White's, Zambian, Lowa, Salewa, Scarpa, Mammut, Asolo.
I second this!! This is exactly what I am looking for!! I wish he could complete the hunting one before this season starts!!
Meindl is the one
Schnees too!!
Limmer should be in the mix. They are hand-made in New Hampshire.
Scarpa and Crispi for me!
I’d like to see also Meindl, HagWang, Aku, Crispi, Fitwell, Armod, Andrew, millet, zanberlan, Trevis, Diotto, harmony and scarpa
These are the ones I've been looking forward to for ages
I would love to see a video on non gtx and non waterproof hiking boots. I can't stand gtx boots my feet sweat to bad even in the winter. I cant find hardly anything non gtx boot companies have went crazy with the gtx. Thanks for saving us from buying junk boots
Agreed. Can't wear anything GTX in SoCal, too damn sweaty and hot. Needs to be as breathable as possible.
I can see that, it does seem like the shoe brands have kinda gone overboard with the goretex/waterproof designs. Fortunately for me my feet hardly sweat or even get warm at all even in summer, so I'll get the waterproof version of a boot/shoe if it comes in waterproof and non-waterproof variants, just for the all-season versatility. Like the last two shoes I bought were On Cloud 5s and Cloudventures, both in the waterproof versions.
I'm in the same boat as you. Lowa makes a leather lined version of the Renegade in this vid, they didn't fit my feet well at all but if you go through the reviews I am the odd man out.
I'm the opposite. I usually wear trail runners, but I live in West Virginia and it's always wet from rain or dew. I don't mind quick drying shoes in the summer, but any other season leaves me with cold, wet socks. I've worn a bunch of different types of La Sportiva and Arcteryx boots and shoes. I've been wearing La Sportiva Cyklons for the past couple of years. They came out with a GXT version, but it's a winter shoe with a gaiter that would be way too hot in the summer. I wish they made a pair of Cylons the same as the regular trail runner, but waterproof. The Boa system is sweet and the shoes are really stable, lightweight and comfortable. They just get my socks soaked when I walk through grass.
Have you tried really good merino socks. I have two midweight pairs of icebreaker socks. I wear my alpine hiking GRC boots from -10 to 38 degrees Celsius and never have problems. Never too cold never too hot.
All this hiking boot talk, I'd love to see a pair of Limmer boots make it on the channel!
As a Lowa Renegade wearer for 15 years, a key factor for me was they're pretty lightweight for having full leather uppers. One layer of leather has proven more than durable enough.
After 15 years, the upper is just now starting to separate from the rubber "monowrap". Still waterproof though.
Excited for the cutting videos!
I've had my Lowas for 2 years with over 300 miles. Best boot I've ever owned.
Can’t wait for Hanwag and Meindl. Especially their “traditional” offerings.
Also for hiking the Cloudrock might have been a better fit than the Cloudalpine…
I’d be really interested if you were able to cut apart the LaSportiva Nepal. It’s probably the most common high quality mountaineering boot in the lower 48.
I picked up a pair of those Salomons last year and have used them hiking all over the pnw. I’m really impressed. They are awesome for reducing fatigue and so far are performing just like new.
Guilty as charged, I'm one of those guys that keeps asking you to review various proper hiking boots, but especially high quality all leather ones, the ones with the moulded cemented soles and rubber rand construction, and the more classic all leather usually hand stitched stitch-down heavy ones.
I live in the Swiss alps and do so much mileage I've abandoned all the synthetic and hybrid designs, and also the lightweight trail runners, I just can't afford to replace them and prefer to trade off a bit more weight for the durability and resole-ability.
After years trying tons of brands I had pretty much settled on Hanwags (very similar to Meindl and Lowa (I just prefer their looks, fit, and leathers), and all leather resole-able La Sportiva approach shoes (similar to certain Scarpas, Salewa, etc.). One caveat, give all leather La Sportivas at least a few hours or more break in, they feel HORRIBLE out of the box, like leather boxes on your feet.
That was until I finally pulled the trigger on a pair of Russell Moccasin Backcountrys, you helped me decide to take the jump. That shook everything up and I now use those for at least ¾ of my day hikes, dog walks, and light trekking.
There are so many great brands these days, my advice to anyone putting in a lot of miles is to stay away from the fancy stuff, the boots in this category, (they just don't last), the hybrid space age designs, the lightweight stuff (unless you really need it for whatever reasons), and go all leather, usually no Gore-Tex, and find a brand that is highly esteemed for longevity and performance, and most importantly, choose the one(s) with a last that fits your feet. This is THE most important consideration, IMO, and should supersede all other decisions. The smallest fit problems become very big ones n a long hike or trek, and after a bunch of miles.
The all leather boots with glued on integrated soles have really come a long way, with super outsoles, almost no break-in, are resole-able, have slight rockers and are variously rigid depending on your needs, and are great looking if you like the trad styles, and are all usually available in GTX versions, or my favourites, no Gore-Tex but leather lined instead.
Regarding On, they are made here but haven't caught on, everyone wears their running shoes for sport and for style, but they haven't really pierced the boot market yet, probably because their shoes look great but those hikers look like a hot mess deigned by a child.
For useless info, in Switzerland a few of the very common European brands that are huge in the US are not popular here at all, or only as niche hunting boots, like Crispi, Zamberlan, etc. The most popular boots in Western Europe tend to be the big Italian brands like Asolo, Garmin, La Sportiva, Scarpa, or ones made in Germany or Eastern Europe like Hanwag, Meindl, Lowa, Salomons are ubiquitous, and some Swiss brands like Mammut and Raichle, among others from various countries around Europe. Most make great boots if you avoid the lighter weight hybrids, IMO.
Keen Durand II have been really reliable for me. I wear them in the cascades of western washington, rugged, rocky, wet snow they have never let me down. I have several hundred miles on mine and they keep on chugging!
1:09 lol. Not quite. I just hiked past someone a few days ago in those altras hiking the hardest trails in my area. 12 miles, 7000ft gain (east coast so no switchbacks) and then she was going to do it in reverse (same day) others wearing the same Altra timp hikers like me and Hoka Kahas.
No one wears heavy leather boots anymore hiking. It’s all trail runners and light hikers. I have a pair of Lowas that I wore on a 11.5 mile bushwhack and I couldn’t wait to get them off my feet. I wear them fishing and casually tho.
I hike in my Meindl Gufferts all the time, I specifically go in sketchy off trail places ascending mild mountainous terrain etc, randomly falling into bog and bits of other wet marshland environments.
I do this regularly. I want my shit to last and take a bomb.
I have used the Lowas for years. Excellent quality for the price, real leather, very durable and comfortable.
I would like to see a review of some Hanwag and Meindl
I’ve worn and loved a lot of different Salomon boots over the years.
Been wearing Lowa Renegades for well over a decade and they always keep my feet comfortable on a hike. 👍
In Europe hiking boots tend to be defined by the seasons they're likely to be used and how stiff they are. The Scarpas, Zamberlans, Meindl etc. all do a range of boots from 2 season hikers like the first lot you did all the way up to 4 season full mountaineering boots designed to take a rigid crampon for climbing.
Also, many of the ranges of the three companies mentioned are full or mostly leather uppers, even some of the lighter, more flexible boots. These leather boots tend to be more popular in the northern European countries with wetter climates and especially in Britain and Ireland where the mountain areas can be particularly wet (240+ days of rain a year and acidic peat bogs).
One piece (or close to one piece) leather boots, with or without a GTX membrane, tend to hold up better in very wet conditions than the type of boots you've bought and don't rely on just a membrane, which can be easily punctured, to keep you dry.
Leather thickness tends to start at 1.8mm or 2mm and go as high as 3mm for the full winter mountaineering or more extreme hiking boots.
All the boots in this video get destroyed by rock/scree in about 2 years if you hike in regions with a lot of scree. Which is fine, because all the boots he reviewed are fairly light and comfortable too. You can get more durable boots which last longer, but it's not worth the trade off in weight for most people.
The extra light/foam boots are fine as long as you don't need to do any steep rocky sections (fine on dirt trails).
Hiking in trail runners is fine on dirt, but not pleasant on scree.
I love Lowa Renegades. I could wear them for anything, and have. Hiking, working, playing soccer with my son, etc. I can easily run in them.
I am an Archaeologist in Arizona and I have the Renegades and love em. I know I am not the only one
I get and really like the way you tier these videos. Good idea to create these segments. You should also cover Lundhags boots too, as they are quite different to the rest and i think you'll like the idea and construction behind them.
Great for wetlands and such and cooler climes but you need to wear double socks with them. They really aren't for hot climates.
There is also traditional boots, made with 3 principle:
1. Single cut
2. Stitch down or Norvegian construction
3. Gallusser leather
Hope we get an update soon on the indigo dyed Oak Street boots they seem like they’ll have beautiful patina.
Agreed!
Get your hands (feet) on some Limmers. I have some Zimberlans for backpacking and the Lowa Renegade for day hikes. The Z are tanks. The Lowas have been great, no issues whatsoever.
I love the idea of getting "flawed" leather that has things like branding,wrinkles and barb scares..it's a one of a kind
Great series! I'm so glad you got to hiking boots. It's damned difficult to tell which ones are good before the 100-300mile mark and by that point you have ZERO chance to return them. :)
As a leather enthusiast, I believe that you would like Meindl or Lundhags. Both tend to work with larger leather panels than those seen here.
At least in Europe, they have many models in the 300$ range.
Oboz at this level
Kenetrek next level up
I definitely agree with the Oboz. For price point, I would put them between the Merrell and Lowa.
Look forward to seeing how the known brands have watered down their quality and started destroying their reputation
Can confirm the Quest 4 GTX boots will turn you into a mountain goat. Probably some of the best boots I've ever owned.
I would really like to see some mountaineering boots such as La Sportiva or salewa
Awesome. I would kill for some Asolo boots in there too! Been wearing them for three years as a professional archaeologist working in Africa. Also, the biggest things I care about in a boot are: (1) the tread -- most of these boots have unique treads and I care a lot about grip on gravel slopes, (2) the materials in the upper -- I need durability, and (3) value for money. I spend a lot on boots and I want to know whether or not I'm just paying for the brand.
hi,
allways nice to see new boots,
i would like to see Meindl Jersey PRO boot.
Full leather with leather lining, no BS GTX.
I have them for my own. and i can say, they are mutch better than GTX boots,
I can use them from +25C down to -5C and feet feels way better, and less moist compared to GTX boots, that i used previously.
Thanks for the content,I'm about to buy a new pair,so this is right on time
I've been wearing Lowa Renegades for about a decade, and absolutely swear by them. I'm not a mountaineer, so the trail/light backpacking boot is more than enough for me.
This is so up my street 😊
Looking forward to seeing the results and what you think of them.
If you're planning on doing a grade up on hiking boots in a future series, would it be possible to cover Meindl (pref the Bhutans)?
They seem to be the choice for Scottish mountain climbers in recent years
I like how you said theyre from all over the world and then listed 4 countries next to eachother
I love your channel because I know I can trust your opinion.
To try and help you, my 'outdoor footgear' priorities are: (1) comfort vs. ruggedness/longevity. (2) Good tread grip and ankle support on rough terrain. (3) Decent 'non slip' ability on flat/grassy terrain.
(4) Price - $150-ish and under (if possible). I don't mind paying more, but the quality (you speak of, often) has to be there
Most of my military buddies and I wear Merrell's. They are pretty good all around boots and shoes. I am curious about the Ons now.
I have been waiting for you to do a series like this. As a wildland firefighter (over 20 years) and an avid backpacker, boots are near and dear and I’m always trying new boots. My wildland boots are Nicks LTT and the backpacking boots I’ve settled on are Zamberlan Voiz (in that $200-300 range) that I got from REI.
I tried the Salomon Quest 4, just to try a lighter boot, on a 65 mile segment backpacking trip of the JMT and my feet hated every minute of it, even broke my toe from just hiking.
I also tried the Kenetrek Wildland Fire Boots, but after three fire assignments I went back to my Nicks. The Kenetreks didn’t breathe really well and my feet got far too hot and sweaty, which made other problems.
The two boots I’m interested in trying next are Velasca Resegott and Russell Moccasin.
Morrell Moab 3 would be a nice addition to this bracket. Moab stands for Mother of all Boots! With that claim it seems it should be evaluated, also I think it’s their top seller if I’m not mistaken.
Would love to see you check out the:
Scarpa: Terra-GTX ($400AUD)
&
Redback Everest $200 AUD)
both are full leather cemented hiking shoes. (I also happen to own both and they're both comfy, durable + bloody waterproof. even when hiking in the snow.)
Keep up the good work.
I used to swear by La Sportiva. The tread on them is something else, however my last pair lasted me only 6 months before they were completely destroyed, and there is no warranty.
Most of the Italian brand comes from an area in the north east around a little town called Asolo
ASOLO boots would be the best boot in this group
Asolo💪 the best
I like that there are shoes/boots also from europe and not only from USA.
It might be useful also to have a look at the "full" leader hiking boots. Not sure if they're available in the US but I got the Meindl Badile and I like them, so I'll not cut them in half ;-)
I have worn through several pairs of Asolo TPS 520 in the passed 20 years and recently switched to Limmer boots. But the Limmer are 2 levels above the boots in this video. Can't wait till you get up to that level to review and compare the Limmer!
Oh I have thoughts. I have LaSportiva ( I have narrow heels), Lowa (combat/durable), Terrex (disc golf/ light, waterproof and breathable), and Vasque (comfy retro). I’m interested in types of glues used in construction, lasts used for these types, European brands versus US general sizing (volumes) and design history of modern hiking boots.
Did you put that clear tape on all the boxes so you could use your knife? 😛
I had the 1st gen on cloud venture waterproof. I was thoroughly impressed. Their only downfall was the mesh material over the toe area (not cordura) began to split. But boots never leaked, and had a very stable sole with a nice shank type piece down the full length of the shoe. I even wore them for work climbing ladders on days when I didn't want to wear heavy boots.
I'd love to see a video on Asolo's, as well as the Danner Cragrat boot, a very underrated Danner boot
Really excited for the On review. I have a pair of these Salomons, but in running shoes I'm a huge fan of On for their stiffness
I think Salomon gets a alot of shoes, boots almost perfect.....until they rip or something. but until then, excellent!
This will be interesting to see what your thoughts are. Been wearing Lowa Renegades for 5+ years and I immediately put snow seal on them and they are my go to boots for 3/4 of the year here in the mountains of Colorado. Love, love love, them.
Question: Can you resole? I buy La Sportiva because you can resole. I'll pay >a lot< more for a hiking boot if I could resole.
Edit for grammer
Awesome series! Can't wait to see the hunting mountaineering boots
I'd love to see you cut up some Grisports. I have 4 pairs in hikers and work boots, so I seem to like what I think I get out of them. they're suspiciously affordable it seems and I'm curious what a real look at the quality might reveal
Expert hikers that are going really long distances, such as on the Pacific Crest or Appalachian trails, only use trail runners. You’d nevrer see any these boots on long-distance hiking.
I'm interested in how they deal with wear, do they just replace them every 1000 miles or whatever ? I went that route a few years ago and loved the light weight, ground feel, and ventilation, but I walk about 10 - 15 km a day all year round and just couldn't afford to keep buying replacements. I can't wear them at all now as I mostly walk and hike with my dog and can't pay the laser attention to the terrain all the time that you need when wearing trial runners.
They are immensely popular here in the Swiss Alps but almost only among trail runners.
Please cut some Meindls or Hanwags. Both company has some traditional stitched mountain boots.
Video Idea: why not comparing a modern hiking boot (I am thinking something like the Scarpa Rush TRK) with a traditional red laces boot (like your traditional Hanwag, meindl or to remain in Italy the Gronell Stelvio)? I think it can be interesting seeing the evolution and differences.
I would have such joy if you'd do the Z-Coil Outback Hiker! 🤠
Something from Vasque would be nice too
Rock guards, and other side guards. Water breakdown of the materials
I want to know how the toe protectors hold up. (The sole that curls up over the toe) Those always delaminate for me.
Scarpa Zodiac! Gives Salomon quest a run for the money! Love them both.
Would love to see an additon to this series comparing approach shoes for more technival hiking. I hear La sportiva tx4's a staple here, but would love to see a comparison before i commit to a pair.
I would like to see- Crispi, lowa Tibet etc!!
I’m pretty interested in the big ronde series from white’s. I was suspect of them at first, as I’m not even sure if white’s actually even makes them but they occupy this same space and look interesting.
I went through 3 pairs of la sportiva Omega Gtx. First 2 were amazing loved them. 3rd the sole delaminated on a hike....that sucked.
I'd like to see you do a review on Eddie Bauer's K-6 hiking boot.
I bought the Scarpa Kailash Plus GTX they go for 329$ US(maybe for the next catagory up that's up to you). I have maybe 200 miles on them so far and they're easily the best boots i've picked up for hiking as of yet. Hopefully they last the test of time. I picked the Kailash since they're made in Itali(I like that they're made in the same country that Scarpa is from) unlike the similar/lower cost solutions from most brands.
I literally just wrote you an email about two hours ago asking me to do this exact thing except I’m more interested in the higher up boots like the Lathrop and Sons Boot Company and Crispi ect…😅
I think a shoe that would be a good fit in this category are the Oboz bridger mid. I would put them somewhere between the Merrell and the LOWA
i would find really interesting when you gonna compare them all on different level to include in the mix a all leather booth to compare too.
For the series, include pros and cons of these vs PNW vs foam hikers, and include repairability.
Curious to see an Asolo in that lineup. Also, Salomon experience with seems coming unglued compromising waterproofing.
I have the same pair of LA Sportivas, they are very comfortable and squishy. However, the vents around the arch of the foot fail quickly and allow the arch of your foot to cave, especially with a heavier pack on. The sole is also relatively skinny, which makes it rock side to side (making the arch cave worse). Overall, great boots, but not extremely supportive.
I know we typically see the pull force required to make the loops for the laces fail, but have you considered doing the same thing for the pull tab/loops on the back of these things? I've had a number of those tabs fail in one way or another.
I can just feel the knife bros being triggered by the way the knives are kept in that plastic container
Please take apart some Mountaineering boots Witz Build in gaiters
MAMMUT!!!!
Would love to see a pair of lanthrop and sons mountain hunter boot reviewed and cut in half
Altra came out with the new Olympic 6 Hiker mid top, I would love to see a review! 🦋👣
I’m confused about the day height thing using those type of boots, I threw hiked the John Muir Trail two times and both times I encountered hundreds and hundreds of backpackers, very very few of which had boots at all. most had trail joggers or sandals!? Including myself.
In the top tier try cutting a pair of meindel super perfect. All leather howl cut 3+mm, triple stitch Norwegian construction
Lifetime boots !
Leather doesn’t breathe, therefore, a gore-tex lining is not a good idea unless you’re hiking mainly in extremely wet conditions. The gore-tex can’t breathe into a boot made of material that doesn’t breathe, so your feet sweat even more, and the vapor can’t escape so your feet are wetter.
All leather boots with merino socks breathe fairly well, I agree leather and GTX make a terrible combination.
@@adamr63 really, the key is wool, it regulates temperature really well, so it keeps your feet cooler.
@@eugenewall6620 Foe sure, except for a few year wearing synthetic hiking socks I've worn wool most of my life. Only Darn Tough since about 10 years, they are amazing and never seem to wear out or stretch out either. Incredible socks, I was ordering them from the US before they were available here.
Should have gone for the all black Merrell Rogue Hiker Mid GTX because it looks much better than the one you got (in my opinion)
What about Limmer boots? Handmade in New Hampshire. Stitchdown Podcastt did and interview.
A lots use suade produced by a tannery called Perwanger or Dani
Out of genuine curiosity are going to continue with the motorcycle boots. Because I’m looking into getting myself a pair but I would like to know what is out there before I make a purchase. FYI it’s because of you I’m a happy owner of a pair of Thorogood steel toe moctoe boots
How do you define "light backpacking"? I only say this because I don't find I need a "boot" until I need insulation due to winter, with a 5 day load on my back, in Rocksylvania with constant ups and downs in elevation.
While my fave hiking brand boot is Korean - Treksta, I want to know about sole wear speed and comfort.
Love how Salomon looks but their foam bottoms out pretty fast from my experience
"I've never done one in each hand", I see what you did there
I have those exact type of Lowa. I want to love them, but the sole is pretty much like standing on a brick. I've worn them everyday for 2 months hoping they would break in. I put in an aftermarket insole, but it didn't help.
Ive been considering salomons. Not that i hike much. But running the local hills, i can get in on
Testing for durability is hard cause that's a follow up video. But I really want to know about durability... Thank you.
How deep do those heel recesses go on the ON CloudAlpine? All the way through? I would be concerned with them being caked with mud and compacted dirt to the point where it affects the cushioning and stride. Seems like a bad marketing gimmick for a hiking boot.
Mammut... Their flextron sole system like the Ducan or Sapuen. I have the Ducan and would love to see what the flextron sole actually is and does via the band saw
I wanna know what boot provides the best support for a overweight dude carrying a 40lb pack who gave himself plater fasciitis last time he tried to summit granite peak.
Solomon quest 4d forces 2 - the option for those that hate gore tex. 👍