Looking for any suggestions on new boots. I want mid heights or light hiker style for backpacking 20-30lb weight. I tried on a few at ems and didn't really love anything. I have trail runners but need something a little higher and waterproof for an alaskan trip this summer. Going to go to paragon sports this week but was hoping to go in looking for a few specific shoes to try on. Not really concerned with weight or price just want comfort, weatherproof, and breathability. Thanks for any help you can give me. Eric

Edited by zerolimit on 03/08/2008 08:53:50 MST.

Inov 8 Rocklite 390 GTX

You likely won't find these in a local shop but you might at REI or a really, really cool backpacking shop.

You can order them online. I'd get two sizes and return one. Get them large for foot swelling, etc.

You mention that you're not concerned with weight Eric, but you should be. Shoe weight is lifted thousands of times a day and lightweight shoes make a big difference.

A downside of Goretex shoes- they are warm. These wouldn't be my first choice for a shoe for summer in hot climates.

Best of luck!

Doug

I'll second Doug's recommendation of the Inov8 390's; They are a great winter boot when used in conjunction with gaiters. That said, I don't know how long you'll be able to keep water from getting in over the top of the boots in 3 season use, when the water is in a liquid state. Have you considered Gore-Tex socks and a non waterproof boot? If this could be an option, you might also want to investigate the Montrail Namche and the LaSportiva Trango Guide, which are both excellent mid height lightweight boots that offer good support and comfort(depending on your feet, of course). The Guide is ~40 oz. in size 10, and the Namche is~34 oz. in size 10.

I also recommend the Inov8 390s.
Of course you are not going to get as much support, stiffness, torsional rigidity, protection, crampon compatibility, or insulation from a 390 gram boot, but for mild year around conditions they excel. They are less than 1/2 the weight of my previous waterproof/breathable mid-top hikers, which were Montrail Torre GTX.
My light weight combination is those 390s, Grivel spider crampons, and low gortex gaiters(spats).

I also have and recommend Inov8 390 mid's. I'll mention that I found them just a tad wider than the 3 pair of Inov8 trail shoes that I have. Excellent comfort and very low weight... as are all the Inov8's.

Hi - just to give some other opinion here - I wear a low cut (mid ankle) "fast and light" hiking boot made by NOrth face called the plasma XCR (see; http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=CA&model=AH4X&language=en )

I love them becuase I need more support than trail runners, they offer water protection and awesome breathability, and they feel like a running shoe as opposed to a boot. I bought them on a lark, but they are my favourites. worth a look.

response removed.

Edited by johnk on 03/10/2008 13:19:48 MDT.

Went through a bunch of boots last year and ended up with these. COmfortable out of the box. Good for narrow feet. Crampon compatible. 38 ounces for the pair. Very water proof. A little on the warm side in summer.

Reread my post, John. That's why I recommended pairing them with Gore-tex socks.

Edited by ouzel on 03/09/2008 18:28:10 MDT.

Actually Tom, I was just explaining why I took my response down and was not referring to your post at all. If you'll notice my post is edited removing what I had previously written because it was not responsive. There was no admonition to you or anyone else other than to confess that I hadn’t read the original post closely. I have since amended the note to clear up the ambiguity created by my response. Sorry!

But now that you have brought it up, I can't emphasize enough the degree of comfort these shoes provided last summer on my JMT hike. Not one blister, great support and lightweight. In fact I wrote a review in the reader review section describing all the reasons why I enjoyed them and also indicating a few minor improvements I would make.

So I concur with your recommendation now that you have pointed it out. Additionally I purchased these specifically over another boot that was in close competition because I did not want a GTX or other water barrier.

Edited by johnk on 03/10/2008 13:24:21 MDT.

Thank you for all of your replies. From what I've read everywhere, Alaska can see periods of alot of rain, and that's why I was looking to bring a pair of non waterproof trail runners and also pack a pair of waterproof boots. I'll check into the gore-tex sock ideas and hopefully be able to try on all the boots recommended. For now, I've ordered 3 different sizes of the 390's to try on from zombierunner. Hopefully I'll like the fit and feel and I'll be done with my search. I'll update when I get them in a few days. THanks again, Eric

Edited by zerolimit on 03/09/2008 22:39:07 MDT.

Unfortunately, when Montrail was purchased by Columbia Sportsware, the Namche was discontinued, despite rave reviews in Backpacker.

Montrail no longer makes a non-waterproof hiking boot.

I second the Timberland Cadion XCR's if the 390's don't work out. Memory foam around the ankles, fairly stiff for the weight, form fitting bliss. On my second pair. Agree too warm for summer, but should be great in Alaska.

I use Salomon XA Pro 3D trail-runners for warmer weather or quick drying if I want to just wade streams with shoes on and let dry. They make an XCR version too, but I find low-top waterproof to be of little value except over snow with gaitors.

I shouldn't have been so touchy, John. And I should have read your post more closely, so I'm equally sorry. But, as you say, the Namches are a great shoe. I've enjoyed 2 seasons with them now and have yet to find anything better for 3 season use. I am, however looking forward to trying the Inov8 breathable version of the Roclite 390 GTX when it shows up, based on my positive experience with the 390 as a snowshoeing boot.
Cheers,
Tom

I just got the mountain gearcatalog and they have the Montrail Namches on sale for $74.98

Thanks for the heads-up, Michael. I just snagged a pair. What a bummer that they're discontinuing them. I just don't understand the logic of so many companies. They come up with a great product and then drop it in pursuit of novelty. It happens a lot-all the way back to autos in the 50's, when they had to come up with a new grill or fender every year and a new model every 2-3 years. I wish they'd emulate the Japanese and, once they come up with a good design, keep refining it iteratively until it approaches perfection. I wish Montbell had bought Montrail.

I require mids to avoid heel blisters. I've had good luck with Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid $80 432gram. Whenever REI gives out a $20 or 20% coupon I buy another pair before they change the model. I do Shoe Goo up the toe area but only because I use them off trail.

I second Tom's recommendation of a breathable boot with GTX socks. They're much taller than GTX boots and can be removed in dry conditions for much better foot breathing.
$50 REI and $40 Cabelas

Unfortunately, they don't make the Mid in a wide, which makes absolutely no sense. I had to buy the shoe version to get the extra width.

Gonna have to keep looking for a non-waterproof mid boot that will drain and dry quickly.

Bob,

You might consider these REI boots:

http://www.rei.com/product/747770

I ordered three sizes from zombierunner and one showed up today( guess it shipped right from the manufacturer and my other boots and socks are still on their way from zombierunners warehouse) very impressed by the light weight of the boot. Waiting on the bigger sizes because I'm rubbing right now. They seem narrow up front but hopefully a bigger size will solve that. I'm still planning on trying the other boots suggested such as the north face and the namche's, including gore tex socks. Thanks again. I'll keep updating. Eric