Question for hikers and outdoor types

I’ll be traveling through Europe for 2 weeks this September. Can anyone recommend a solid set (or brand in general) of hiking boots that meet all or most of the following criteria:

-Waterproof
-Comfortable to wear 12-16 hours at a time
-Durable, won’t wear out quickly
-breathable (I tend to wear flip flops or sperrys with no socks so my feet get super hot whenever I wear socks and shoes)
-lightweight
-good support for 15-20 miles of walking, hiking a day
-$150-200 range

I’m willing to spend more if necessary because I believe in paying for something that will lasts and is quality made(I got a Tacoma duh)

I’m also planning on getting a pair of hiking sandals from Teva for days were more around the city and wont be getting as dirty.

Thanks in advance!

 

Are you carrying much weight and example terrain?

 

Try Solomon’s or Merrell.

 

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-...ar-shoes&prefn1=isOnSale&prefv1=false&start=1

If you're not set on boots. I've done some really bad things to these shoes and a pair lasted me 2 years.

Edit: There's also a goretex version that I didn't know about.

 

Merrell

I've had a pair of Merrell boots that have been awesome in year round hiking conditions, super comfy, and lasted 4 years. They're due for replacement but I love them lol

something like this https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-...prefv1=Waterproof|Ventilated|Traction&start=1

 

Waterproof and breathable tend to not work well together. If something is waterproof, it won't be very breathable, and if its breathable, it won't be waterproof.

In general anyway. You might be able to find something with Gore-Tex, that might fit the bill, but expect it to be expensive.

 

I've had good luck with Merrells or Vasques, both available at REI within that price range...but if you want ones that are truly waterproof you're probably looking at upwards of $200.

I got my current Merrell waterproof boots for about $175.

I've always been more partial to Vasque though, they fit my feet better (I have very narrow feet). But at the time I was shopping the Vasques that were there were too pricey.

 

Boots? I like my Lowa’s.

I ate my way through Paris.

 

Look for a synthetic upper with a Gore Tex membrane. They'll breathe better than a full leather upper - but won't last as long.

I'm a fan of the Vasque offerings. Ex: Vasque Breeze GTX,

 

^^ this ^^

waterproof hiking boots do not breathe well at all, if I wear mine for a full day of hiking and being outside, my feet will start to feel toasty and suffocated.

I find that it really helps to dump some Gold Bond or other kind of menthol based body powder into them before putting them on...not only does it keep them feeling fresh longer, but it prevents your feet (and the boots) from getting nasty when you have them on all day.

 

Hiking shoes are so subjective to each persons foot. For example the two mentioned solomon an merrell fit my foot horribly

I picked these La Sportiva Spire GTX up after putting 150+ trail miles on my La Sportiva Wildcats and realized I needed something waterproof in my kit.
https://www.sportiva.com/spire-gtx.html

Very comfortable shoe, about as breathable as it will get for a goretex shoe. Highly suggest pairing with a good pair of Merino wool socks like Darn Tough brand

 

Keen has been my Goto, but every pair I've owned have not been "light weight"

 

Honestly though, we can only recommend a few brands for you to try, but you'll have to go to a store and try them on.

I definitely don't recommend buying a pair of shoes without trying them on first.

A lot of the brands people have mentioned so far are really good. Now go to REI or something and try some on, and see what fits best.

 

I have never found a good mix of breathable plus waterproof. Kind of one or the other was done well.

If snow is on the ground, i have some waterproof boots. Otherwise i just wear trail running shoes.
Good trail runners will check all the boxes except waterproof. They also have a plate in the sole to shield from rocks. I love the Brooks Cascadia. Did some rocky trails in montana and muddy trails in TN & GA.

 

yeah I need to pick up some non-waterproof ones for the summer now. I got these Merrells earlier this year because I was up in the mountains in the snow quite a bit, but the last few times I've been out and wearing these Merrells my feet feel like they're being slow cooked in a crock pot.

 

The best hiking boots I've ever had were Dunham waffle stompers. Most comfortable, durable boots ever. As my luck goes they dont make them anymore. I'd definitely recommend trying a pair of Asolo boots. There on my next list.

 

I’d recommend a good trail running shoe instead of a boot. Try the LA Sportiva Bushido. Much lighter and more comfortable than a boot.

 

I'm a UL bper, so have been using trail runners instead of boots the last 15 years, all Montrail, now owned by Columbia. My current pair have been mostly used the last six years, skipped last year as I wasn't sure they would last one more trip out of Mammoth here in Kalifornia, showing their age. Hardrock model which is something else now. I go out 5 to 7 days at a time, 6 to 12 miles or so a day. They do make waterproof models, I have steered clear of those because of price and not too waterproof.
Duane

 

Agreed with this 100%.

I have a pair of Scarpa SL M3 boots that I love and a pair of Merrells double tongue boots that are OK but I don't love because the fit isn't right for my foot. I also run only Scarpa ski boots (T2 Ecos) and Sidi bike shoes, so my foot is apparently happy with an "Italian" fit but that doesn't mean anyone else's will be.

Seems like a lot of people are going to what amounts to heavy running shoes for hiking. Not for me but I get the reasoning. No break in for one thing.

 

Well they're so much lighter and cooler than boots and most people don't really use boots in the correct way to get the benefit of the additional ankle support of a boot anyway. I made the switch to trail running shoes recently. I was skeptical, but I did a lot of research and I've been really pleased.