Vasquez boots are now owned by Redwing Shoe Company. I have owned a few pair and they were great. I currently have a pair of Solomons that I love. Also look at Merrells. I buy all of my hiking and camping gear from REI. They are the best. Only problem is they have zero stores in IN.
Vasquez boots are now owned by Redwing Shoe Company. I have owned a few pair and they were great. I currently have a pair of Solomons that I love. Also look at Merrells. I buy all of my hiking and camping gear from REI. They are the best. Only problem is they have zero stores in IN.
Good Boots and GOOD SOCKS are key to a Good Hike. I use sock liners everytime I hike. sweaty feet, bad socks, bad boots are invitations for disasters on the trail. I would also pick up a mole skin kit for your pack too.
I need some examples here, otherwise I get the impression that this is "more money = better" syndrome, which is not necessarily the case. I'd say Merrell has something going for them as often as they're mentioned on places like Whiteblaze, Backpacker, and Backpacking Light. I've worn my Gore-Tex boots in a multitude of temperatures and weather conditions and have never experienced wet feet from (I'm assuming) perspiration.Depends on your defintion of Light Hiking. Do not get Gore Tex boots...your feet get wet from the inside out when hiking. If your definition of light hiking is 3-4 miles with a water bottle and a sandwhich then you can were about anything. If you think you are going to get serious stay away from Vasque, Merrell, Keen, an others that fall into that catagory or that you can find at your local Dicks Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain, or Shopping Mall. They sell low end boots because that is what sells. If you think the boot that you try on has to rigid of a soul, then you might be on to a good boot. You generally have to spend $150 or more to get a decent boot. If you want a great boot that will last you a long time get ready to shell out $300. For Value sake I think Osolo is a good boot. If I could spend $300 I would go with somethind different. When I first started backpacking I liked Merrells but have since discovered a few things.