Does anyone here have an opinion of 5.11 boots? Specifically the XPRT 3.0? They seem like they could be good boots for hiking. Any thoughts? They were a little warm but maybe that's typical for waterproof boots?

3.0 XPRT Link

I would love opinions from regular hikers/backpackers

TIA

I have the 6" ta****e coyote. Super comfortable and I even run in them. Not waterproof though. No break in period needed for me.

Good boots. I have high arches so I always size shoes/boots to allow for inserts as well as liner and a wool sock. Helps prevent blisters which is the real enemy when hiking. Wore them all summer when working in the mountains last summer. Very stable in loose rock and gripped well when scrambling over boulders/fallen trees.

If I wanted boots for hiking and was going to spend the ~$200 those go for in your link, I'd buy a boot made by a company that specializes in hiking boots, that fits you extremely well and meet your desired needs for weight and stiffness.

I've had good luck with Garmont, Asolo, La Sportiva, and Scarpa. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another due to different foot shapes. When trying on boots, make sure you get absolutely no heel lift/rub when walking up an incline (more of an issue with stiff boots IME). most fit problems in the front part of the boot can be mitigated with lacing techniques, but heel rub generally cant be fixed. REI will have a little fake rock in the footwear section with various angles to test this out. Insoles are important too. I have very high arches so I like Superfeet Green and notice a great improvement in comfort with them regardless of boot.

Lastly, if you're going to be going on shorter day hikes with lower weight and don't have foot issues/pain already, trail runners are nice. They are super light, reducing fatigue, and non waterproof options are way more breathable, which is great in the heat. I have never found a waterproof anything (boots/pants/jacket/glove) that didn't make me sweat way more. Hunting pigs near Lake Lavon or Grapevine any time it was over 75* or so would result in damp feet due to moisture not being able to escape my gore-tex boots fast enough. If you go waterproof, bring a change of socks so you can rotate between them during longer hikes.

I would agree with the premise of shopping with a brand specific to hiking and trail runners.

Love Salomon, but recently got a pair of Adidas Terrex Swift in Goretex and would put them on the same level.

Quicklacing is amazing on both brands.

Goretex is warming but not terrible. I have a pair of Salomons that I wear in summer without Goretex. Carry an extra set of socks, they either get wet from standing water without Goretex or get a little damp from sweat with Goretex.

Great tips!

The adidas outdoor options just doubled my 'possible' list... does anyone in Houston keep them in stock?

Academy had the low height.

I like Amazon, order them and return them if they don't fit.

Same with Zappos and all the other shoe sites, some even give you 30 day trials.

Unless you're hiking with a heavy pack, in muddy conditions, or on unstable terrain and elevation, I'd suggest trail running shoes. Depending on your foot type, I'd look at the Hokas, Asics, and Solomans first and then go from there. These will work in even mildly wet conditions provided they're somewhat water resistant.

For some (like me) insoles are a must. They can make a decent shoe a great shoe, or a great shoe a terrible one without them. REI should have what you need.

Academy near me had the Adidas Terrex but not in my size. They felt loose, for obvious reasons. They also had the Merrell Moab Edge 2. The Merrell seemed to be much higher quality but I feel some loyalty to the brand that sponsors our school. crazy? Maybe in the right size the Adidas would feel OK. thoughts?

I think Merrill are just fine, but I just hate the look of that junky leather they use. Also, there are different tiers of the Adidas outdoors. The Terrex Swift are in the $120, but they have a $60 model that has much less structure and lower quality in my experience.

REI is the store I would hit up if you want to seriously shop for the right shoes.

the Merrell shoes, in general, are ugly as hell. that's a whole other problem.