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Squamish, BC
Canada
160 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2012 : 10:45 PM
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I'm getting close to replacing my boots and I have two questions to help me in my search for new ones:
1) Does anyone know a genuinely wide hiking boot? Not a brand but a specific boot model? A squarish toe box is also probably as important as the width.
2) Recommendations on decent non-waterproof hiking boots would also be useful (if they matched up with the above answer that would be the Holy Grail of course). It seems that, even if not using Gore-Tex, most manufacturers put in their own waterproof-breatheable lining. I don't think I want one any more and I'm struggling to find models without. I've had some close calls with trench foot and generally suffer from very hot feet and I would just prefer something that would breathe better.
I don't need anything particularly heavy weight as I pack light and would prefer a lighter boot but so far I have only found some mid-cut boots that come close to fitting the bill. Something that comes over the top of the ankle would better suit what I think I want. I suppose leather will be suggested and I'm not averse to that if it remains reasonably light weight or mid-weight.
Thanks in advance for any help. |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
459 Posts |
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Calgary, Alberta
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2012 : 7:22 PM
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Not sure if they are a wide boot, but I've been getting good use out of my Merrell Sawtooth. No goretex or WPB liner. Above the ankle.
Been looking for something lighter, and the Lowa Zephyr might be my next one. I have heard these run a bit narrow, but they do make a non-GoreTex version of the Zephyr. |
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2421 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 09:42 AM
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I second a leather boot, but as you say, they're heavier.
I like Salomon's because of the wider forefoot and a reasonable sized toebox, but it's all about how the boots fit YOUR foot. Just remember that Salomon's are 'consumer' grade and many of the cheaper models are made to last just one or two seasons. Go for the Comets or Mega Treks (if you can find them). At least leather will last longer than fabric and it will, to a certain degree, conform to your feet after a bit of wear.
Have you looked at Hanwegs? |
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 Best grilled cheese maker ever
Whitehorse, YUKON
Canada
2142 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 10:26 AM
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| I have some Garmonts. They work. |
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Abbotsford, BC
Canada
183 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 10:27 AM
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| I have a fairly wide foot and found the Mammut Mt. Crest Leather is by far the most comfortable hiking boot I've ever owned. Valhalla in Abbotsford has lots of them in stock. |
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Nanaimo, BC
Canada
531 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 10:39 AM
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| I'll second Zoran I am an 8E and bought the Scarpa Bhutan wide 2 years ago and love'em |
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Coffee swillin', wine lovin', Owl fearin' Andie McDowell stunt double, who sports retro gear
Vancouver, BC
5464 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 6:45 PM
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| Meindl Tibet. They work for me, and nobody has wider, squarer toes than me. No Goretex in them, just a full leather boot. The guy in the store seemed desperate to sell me Gore-tex lined boots, even though I walked in knowing I did NOT want Goretex and nothing was going to change my mind. Properly treated and waxed, they are as waterproof as can be and I can walk though shallow streams in them. But most importantly, they are WIDE enough. |
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Burns Lake, BC
210 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 8:33 PM
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I need a wide toebox and I find my Keen Targees are great.
They make other models, some without a waterproof liner. Like the Alamosa.
Canoeheadted
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Squamish, BC
Canada
160 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2012 : 10:37 PM
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Thanks for all the helpful suggestions everyone. 
Looks like I've got a bit of research to do now. I'll let you know when I get some.
Peter, I've never looked at Hanwegs but I'll check them out now. |
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Squamish, BC
Canada
160 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 6:45 PM
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So, a bump and an update.
Thanks again for everyone's help. I managed to find a pair of the Meindl Bernina 'comfort' model in my size in the UK when I was back there in May. This is a 'wellness' boot which, reading between the lines, I think means it is designed for old guys with gout or diabetes or other such issues. Anyway, they are super wide and good and square in the toe box. They are also non-Goretex which is what I wanted. I have now worn them in and, in terms of fit, they are great, no more squished toes.
However, now I've got good comfortable feet and toes I have got another problem. Sometimes, mostly when going downhill on trail, I find they are putting huge pressure on my metatarsals, to the point where I feel like my foot is falling asleep but also giving it a real ache that is uncomfortable enough that I feel like stopping walking.
I've never experienced anything like it in any footwear before. The only thing I can think of is that these boots have quite a pronounced 'rocker' to them (for guys who are having trouble walking??) and that this may be too much for me or that it's in the 'wrong place' i.e. too far forward or back for me. Any suggestions? Anyone ever experienced something like this themselves?
As an example I recently did a circumnavigation of Garibaldi Lake. I felt it a little on the way up to Helm peak, then not at all as I left the trail and for the next two days as I was bushwacking. I thought that it had gone completely and it was just a 'wearing in' issue. Unfortunately as soon as I got back to the Garibaldi Lake campsite and started off down the switchbacks I started to feel it again. It came on quick and strong. |
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in the valley, BC
Canada
1456 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 1:52 PM
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Have you tried changing the foot beds? I hike in Meindl boots as well due to the need of a wide boot with a square toe but I also found I had a similar problem. Once I got custom foot beds made my problem was solved. I now wear them whenever I am walking, hiking or running. It's made a huge difference for me.
Cheers! |
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7 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 4:09 PM
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I think I know of the pain you are referring to. I was diagnosed with something called a neuroma which is essentially nerve damage and it is worse when the bones are squished together.
This is what I did and now the problem is tolerable:
1 - New boots - also wide variety. I have older Reicle Kootenay 5s, but not the same model, is made by Mammut (chinese factory does not seem as good as original Swiss, but I still like the fit)
2 - orthotics - I went to a foot guy, and they really helped
3 - tied my boots differently based on an article in backpacker's mag. basically I used to crank my boots on, but now, I make the ankles somewhat tight, but the foot part less so
4 - Rest and cortizone. I only had to do this once but the first year it happened (2006) I was told that nerves dont heal like ligaments or muscle, they need more time. I got a cotizxone sht and stopped hiking for maybe 4 months (it was October so not as bad as it could have been), after that if i was careful.. I was good.
Does the numbness also feel kind of warm?
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Help with hiking boots
