Boots-Every man should have a pair

Red-wings for work hands down.
Keen Targhee mids for light hiking, back yard, etc, very comfortable, waterproof, light
Vasque sundowners for serious hiking, I've had two pair of these in the last 20 years, awesome boots. I think they are now made in china though? Mine are Italian made. So may not be apples to apples any more.

http://www.redwingshoes.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1198

http://www.zappos.com/keen-targhee-ii-mid-black-olive-yellow

http://www.zappos.com/vasque-sundowner-gtx-brown

Added links ^

 

x1000 on the danners!!!

 

I've used the Montrail Torre GTX as my primary backpacking boot for about 6 years now.

The only thing I've had to do to it was replace the laces. It's not the most breathable, though.


Campmor Link

 

X2... Make sure to try as many boots as you can. They all fit slightly different. As for personal favorites, a bit above the price you mentioned but Im a big fan of Merrell's Wilderness. Its a bit simpler style, and in my experience easier to maintain the leather and keep it clean. But again its all personal preference.

^ thats a decent site for checking out whats out there and what you might like to try on, along with the ones mentioned above.

 

Red Wings get my vote for a work boot.

Timberland's get my vote for a hiker, or off road running shoe.

I have both brands and you'll get tired of them before they'll wear out. I have 3 pairs of Timberlands I still wear regulary... a hiker type shoe that looks nice enough to wear with slacks to work. Slip on hiker for casual (jeans) attire, and Timberland running shoes for even more casual (shorts).

I'm a cheap ass when it comes to clothes, but I don't mind spending extra for a good shoe that lasts. One pair is 8 years old and still look good.

 

Vasque. I have put countless miles on mine hiking the AP and they are extremly comfortable and waterproof. I even wear them to work (teacher) b/c they are so comfortable.

 

Definitely try some on and find the one that fits the best.

I have a landscaping business on the side and I decided to buy some boots this year, I bought a pair of Columbia high top hiking boots and they are great. Very lightweight but supportive (since I do a lot of walking when i cutting grass). My knees start to bother me if a boot is too heavy. They are also waterproof which is nice cutting wet grass in the mornings. They keep my feet dry and I can work all day in them and my feet doin't get fatigued.

 

Redwings for work, Merrils for hiking

 

Backcountry.com is a great site. They have an awesome return policy, too.

I only buy outdoor/snowboarding gear from Backcountry.com/Dogfunk.com (and their subsidiaries, steepandcheap.com, etc.) or REI because of their return policies.

 

I found no matter what.......try on at least 5 different pair or more....you need to find something that feels right.....I tried on 6 different pair last time b4 making my last purchase.....b/c having an ill fitting pair of boots you wear 8-10 hrs a day or more sucks!

 

Ok, my put on this. All around work boot, hunting boot, but maybe not the best hiking boot. Matterhorns. similar to Danner. Built for the military. Goretex, with 200 gram thinsulate, composite steel toe, ten 10" leather. Used them for several years in the Northwest for hunting and work. The first pair held up for about 7 years bird hunting. check eBay. There are a lot of military folks out there selling them and you can find some great bargains new and used.
Just my thoughts. Ken

 

Redwings, Danners or Justins
I've owned all three and I loved them all.

 

also go later in the day when your foot is bigger, like after work

 

Wolverine

 

Danner Arcadia's are how I roll... Can't go wrong with US made!

 

Surprised no one has mentioned any of the Asolo model boots. I have moved from the Asolo FNS 95 to the Asolo Fugitive GTX and while I really like my 95's I now alternate back and forth between them and the GTX's for my daily wear.

I have sent pairs of both downrange to friends in the "high speed" trade and have received very favorable reviews from all of them including requests to arrange orders and delivery of more for battle buddies. If interested in them my experience is that Asolo boots run true to size and if buying from Sierra trading Post order the free paper catalog from the website first and use the discount coupon code printed on the back for even deeper discounts.

 

Timberland is having a huge sale on basically everything they sell: http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2440000

 

x2 ariat is all i will every buy.

the most comfortable boots out there IMO unless u wanna cough up $1000 for a pair of Lucchese's soo comfortable

 

Going on my 3rd pair of these. truly waterproof, as some other companys only advertise water resistant,,,big difference. Just enough Insulation but still breathable, no problems there. low cut ankle for ease of movement, but still having good support. excellent traction on the slick stuff. Just 4 hooks for a quick laceup. I drive commercial truck for a living and so far these have held up to the work I do, I am in and out of the truck alot all night long, climbing ladders, moving about, not just sitting on my butt pushing the throttle down. I have sold my buddies on them, they really like them.
http://www.redwingshoes.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=2047

FWIW, stay away from the Danners,,the stiching is very loose and loosens up quite a bit after just a bit of use. Danner has a self praised warranty that they supposedly stick to, but it's just lip service unfortunately.

 

I had a pair of Ariats for the longest time that i absolutely loved. the leather is tough and durable and the rubber is grippy. remained water proof for atleast 4 years. that is through colorado snow.

3 years ago i got a pair of Army Bellevelles that i have worn nearly every day and have done everything in. still goin strong. they are not insulated so for hunting they arent the best. they are lightweight though so not too bad for hiking. I have done half the Appalachian Trail with them.

I also have had really good luck with cabelas brand boots. i have only bought huntin boots though of this brand but they have all lasted until i grew out of them. im sure they have some work boots to look at.