I'm headed to the Grand Canyon for a 4 day backpacking trip later this month. I've done a fair amount of backpacking, but none recently. I've always used a traditional backpacking boot that is fairly heavy. It seems the trend is for lighter, lower shoes over boots.

I expect my pack will start in the 50-60 pound range. I am pretty fit and don't carry much extra weight on my body.

Advice?

I have tried to find something a little lighter, but I love my Vasque Breeze's

I wouldn't get anything that doesn't have good ankle support when you are in the boonies.

I can't speak as someone with a lot of hiking experience, but I like my Asolo's and they can be purchased for cheaper on sierratradingpost.com with online coupons.

Here's the best advise you can get.............try try and try on lots of different boots. Wear the socks you are most likely to wear. Pick what feels best.

Definitely pick a stiffer and heavier boot if you're going to do a 40-50+ pound pack. I destroy light boots when wearing heavy packs and ultimately hurt my feet as well.

Stick with a quality brand like Asolo, Vasque, Salomon, Lowa, etc.

My last "heavy duty" boot I bought was Lowa Tibets. Why? They came in wide sizes (perhaps my wide feet is why I kill boots quickly) and were the most comfortable. I initially balked at the $300 price tag until I read the reviews. Many folks said they were so durable they could be a family heirloom. Have not regretted my choice.........but again.........you might find something else more comfortable.

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I like my Asolo's

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Same here. The fugitive GTXs I have are the most comfortable footwear I've ever tried outside of fivefingers.

If you are going to spend $300 or better for a pair of boots, consider going w/ hand made boots custom fit to your feet. They can be rebuilt more than once. The feel of hiking boots made to fit your feet will spoil you to anything else. They way they fit your feet is the key, though. Just allow plenty of time to break your boots in before bailing off the side of the Grand Canyon.

a few things -

I hate boots. I will usually only wear them if it is cold or there is more than a little snow involved. I have gone three weeks with 40+ pounds in a pair of sandals. That being said, I am also young, in shape, and have put in a lot of miles with awkward loads and have found what works for me. Going from boots to not boots can be a decent mental hurdle and probably best to try out on some short weekend hikes before going all in on a big trip.

I think you're too late to properly break in big boots, so I wouldn't even look at the big leather guys. Something mid-weight with a mesh/leather upper might be your best bet. Maybe a step lighter than what you are used to if you are looking to lighten up, but I would be hesitant to go all the way to a trail runner or similar with no time to try it out on some day hikes. I have had good luck with vasque but try bunch on to see what fits you best.

what are you carrying that is going to make a 4 day load 60+ pounds? I'm not sure what your water situation is so that could be the answer but if you have access to water you can probably lighten up somewhere.

Last time in 2005 I wore Asolos and they were fine. The problem with me was that I should have changed socks at Indian gardens going down and back up. My feet got really sweatty and that caused a few blisters. Totally my fault. I'd be tempted to wear something that breathes next time but carrying that much weight I think you do need ankle support.

I'm in the thousands on trail miles and I tend to agree with lighter boots. 1lb on your feet is like 10 on your back. However, you'll want something with good support because you'll be carrying lots of water weight in the GC.

Specific Recommendations (nothing made in China):

1) LaSportiva Ganda Guide (medium fit)
2) Scarpa Escape (wide fit)

At the $300+ price point, I have a pair of lightweight GoreTex mountaineering boots called Boreal Triglav which are my go-to boots for non-winter.

Boots are the most important investment you'll make. Custom fit might be a bit of overkill, but heat molded footbeds are a nice way to dial in the fit. Find a manufacturer who's last matches the shape of your foot and you'll guarantee a painless break-in period.

Good Luck!

+1 for Vasque Breeze, I have put several hundred miles on mine and they still feel and look great. I have tried several others but go back to my Vasque.

+1 on the Vasque recommendation.

I hiked 50 miles from Cusco Peru to Machu Picchu in a brand new pair of Vasque Wasatch GTX's that had not even been broken in.

I've never worn a more comfortable shoe. I had no blisters/hotspots/etc. after a hike that had me climbing a 15,000 foot mountain and descending all the way down to Machu Picchu.

I've liked the Merrells. But, I've also been happy with Nike in the past.

I've had a few pairs and I won't buy anything but Danner. I like mine to have goretex membrane though.

Oh, and I like comfy, light boots because I'm middle-aged, overweight, and out of shape. Easier on my feet...

I love The North Face products. Not sure if they make boots, but my trail shoes have been tough. About ready for another pair, and I will buy that brand again.

marcel,

who would you recommend to do custom fit hiking boots?

also what about big wide sizes? i cant seem to find any 14 ee at REI to try on. any other specialty retailers that might carry them?

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later this month

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You won't have time to break them in properly, but I would wear them around the house for a while each day... possibly using shoe trees in them to draw out moisture overnight.


Try these on:
Vasque Breeze
Vasque Scree MID
Asolo Fugitive
Asolo Flame
Merrell Moab Vent


I'd gladly wear any of the above without hesitation. I don't care for the fit of the upper in the Merrells for heavy hikes, but they breathe sooooooo well, that they should be considered.

I agree with puryear that boots are your most important investment. So many people dump hundreds into their packs and tents and then buy $50 boots and hate backpacking after one trip out!

Don't forget socks. I still use a liner and an outer sock, but I am told by many that the newer sock materials breathe well and vent well. I've never gotten a huge blister with double socks and good fitting boots, so I don't change my method.


Take pics, post 'em when you get back!!

Big Wide Sizes: Try faxing your foot outlines to Mountain Tools (mtntools.com). Larry from Mountain Tools fits boots to people who have had foot surgery.

The brands that I have experience w/ are Wesco's, Whites and Russell Moccasins. Wesco's and White's are the two most popular boots for wild land firefighters up here. They make fantastic work boots. They will make a boot w/ your choice of heel, sole, height, type of lace eyelets, etc. You can expect to break the $400 mark on some of their boots. They take a long time to break in, and are heavy. Unless you use them all the time, you really don't need to spend that much money.

I have a pair of Russels. These are designed for hunting. They are the most comfortable boot I've ever worn. They are light weight and have lots of custom options. My only complaints w/ them are that I wish the leather uppers were made of thicker leather for more ankle support/protection. I found the soles are too thin for walking in rough, rocky terrain. If you are walking in terrain w/out rocks, they are wonderful all day hunting boots.

My current work boot is made by Hawthorne, which I think is owned by Whites. This has been a good pair that I use for all outdoor work as well as hunting. They can really take punishment and are really comfortable now that they are broken in.

There is a store in Portland that makes custom hiking boots that start out at $900. They specialize in people w/ foot problems and they measure your foot w/ a machine that takes the measurement in thousands of locations on your foot w/ a laser.

Now that I've worn all leather boots w/ no cloth lining or gore-tex, I won't go back. All the time I spend in the heat, any sort of lining just holds in the heat. Gore Tex boots will eventually soak through and take twice as long to dry. Hope this helps.

Thanks for all the imput. I went by REI Saturday afternoon and picked these out. I was really looking to get a lightweight shoe closer to a built up trail runner, but after "scrambling" up and down their rock mound I couldn't get over the grip and stability these offered. Fortunately, I have fairly tough feet...Never had issues with blisters with lots of packing, hiking and running. Hopefully the good luck will hold.

I put five miles into them on Sunday morning, including a few hundred vertical feet of loose and rocky trail. I think they are going to do just fine. If I can get any kind of break in into them in that time, then the GC should be a blast.


http://www.rei.com/product/747950/asolo-flame-gtx-hiking-boots-mens

They also had a pair of Keens that were oh so comfortable, but didn't feel very stable on the steep inclines.

[This message has been edited by Endo Ag (edited 9/12/2011 12:03p).]

Nice

Mrs. Ledbetter had a pair of Asolos. They were the best fitting, most comfortable boot she's ever worn.

Keens

I think any of the ones that REI sells like these would work well -- just find the ones that fit you the best. Merrell and Keen make great shoes and boots (I have 3 pair of Merrells), but are probably a bit light for backpacking. Those are probably better for day hikes with elevation.

all my boots are La Sportiva. they rock!

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Salomon, Lowa,

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I hike a lot (yay for living in CO)
These two are my favorites.

I hiked the Grand Canyon in $80 combat boots. Just sayin.

[This message has been edited by el gringo (edited 4/5/2012 4:54p).]

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I hiked the Grand Canyon in $80 combat boots.

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Hiked up Half Dome in a pair as well.

But now I'd prefer to do it with a pair of Asolos.

[This message has been edited by 12th Non-Reg (edited 4/5/2012 5:03p).]

Had my La sportiva makalu's for 20 years i guess... Great boots that are rugged as hell.

http://www.backcountry.com/la-sportiva-makalu-mountaineering-boot-mens



[This message has been edited by Signel (edited 4/5/2012 6:11p).]

[This message has been edited by Signel (edited 4/5/2012 6:11p).]