Another boot recommendation thread...

[BROOKS5]

I'm in the market again for boots. I'm in the PNW so water proof is top of my must have list. I lean towards a stiff boot but don't love overly tall boots. That last fact makes me think Kenetreks are probably out, after seriously considering trying them. Lighter weight is better for sure, if possible without giving up quality...
I wore Danner Super Rain Forests for more than a decade,.mostly for work. Which where great but got tired of breaking those down and dealing with wet feet and they're pretty heavy. Then tried their Pronhorn's, liked those but also started getting wet feet after two seasons.
Then tried Crispi GTX's, which leaked after one season. They're still in great shape with many miles left in them, but are pretty worthless to me without being water proof.
I've come to accept they all are going to leak, it's just a matter of time. My goal is to find something I can get more than a year or two out of for what a good boot goes for there's days.
Which reminds me of another top of the list requirement, seems silly to invest in a boot that can't be rebuilt, such as Crispi's.
I'm looking at Zamberlan Vioz GTX's thinking these seem to fit the bill.
Hoping some of you might have input, insights or recommendations I haven't thought of.
FWIW, I have read several boot recommendation posts. Just hoping with these specific desires; long term water proofness, rebuildable, fairly stiff and ideally not overly tall (aka over the calf).
TIA!

 

[orangeblu]

You’re going to get different answers here, but mostly it’s what fit your feet the best to prevent rubbing and fatigue. Something with a composite shank will help with foot fatigue when carrying heavy packs, as well as prevent having a cold piece of metal in your boot in winter.

Most soles are vibram, regardless of brand and same goes for the water proofing… Gortex. I prefer Danner and Schnee’s.

 

[Chasing elk]

Following. Danner boots is about all I have used so far

 

[BROOKS5]

Following. Danner boots is about all I have used so far

They make a great boot with their upper tier lines. I found the number one thing to making them last is to make greasing them part of your routine. Being sure to work it into the seams especially where the leather attaches to the sole. I like an old toothbrush for that.

 

[isleofGough]

Kenetrek hardscrabble is relatively low and has not leaked for two years in the PNW.

 

[insanelupus]

Rebuilding a boot lined with Gore-tex can be a fools errand, unless they will replace the Gore-tex liner also. In my boots, the liner fails long before the need to rebuild the boot. I'm not aware of any boot outfit that will do so.

That is the heartburn I have over high end (high cost) boots at the moment with liners, they are essentially a disposable use item after a while.

But when the liners do their job it sure is pleasant!

 

[M1SF1T]

I like my Hanwag Alaska GTX boots.

 

[RobertReed711]

Last year I finally bought myself a pair of decent boots after years of disappointment with lower end stuff.

I ended up with a pair of Lowa Camino GTXs.

I'm in the northeast so not as wet as what you're probably used to but I've put a lot of miles on them the last 2 seasons and they are still going strong. I just treated the leather on them and they look almost new again.

 

[M1SF1T]

Interesting fact...

Hanwag and Lowa are made in the same German town, each started by a different brother.

Hans Wagner - Hanwag
Lorenzo Wagner - Lowa

 

[dkim]

I also live in the PNW and have Crispi Nevadas. I am pretty good about cleaning them and making sure the exterior has been treated with boot wax (kenetrek stuff). They've never leaked after three+ years.
I recently got the Lapponias and through one season they have been completely dry. I also treat them with wax. I feel the boot treatment has really helped - they seem to repel instead of soak in water.

 

[FRANKBUCK]

Hanwag makes a good boot and would be worth looking at.

 

[BROOKS5]

Rebuilding a boot lined with Gore-tex can be a fools errand, unless they will replace the Gore-tex liner also. In my boots, the liner fails long before the need to rebuild the boot. I'm not aware of any boot outfit that will do so.

That is the heartburn I have over high end (high cost) boots at the moment with liners, they are essentially a disposable use item after a while.

But when the liners do their job it sure is pleasant!

I know Danner has an option for new liners with a full rebuild. Liners have always been the weak link for me. Glad you mentioned that as an issue because I wouldn't have realized some company's wouldn't do that crucial step. Then again the price for a full rebuild makes me wonder if new boots every few years isn't the smarter bet, and just the price of admission for dry feet. Thanks for the food for thought.

 

[BROOKS5]

I also live in the PNW and have Crispi Nevadas. I am pretty good about cleaning them and making sure the exterior has been treated with boot wax (kenetrek stuff). They've never leaked after three+ years.
I recently got the Lapponias and through one season they have been completely dry. I also treat them with wax. I feel the boot treatment has really helped - they seem to repel instead of soak in water.

I have a pair of Crispi Colorado GTX's that only lasted 2 years in the field before leaking. Waxing isn't a good option obviously for those, but makes me wonder about trying to waterproof the outside of them. Might buy me some time. They're in great shape other wise. Barely look broken in honestly. When I contacted Crispi they said they wouldn't do anything about it, but that I could try contacting Gortex. So I did, and they won't do anything without a receipt. Which I'm terrible about keeping track of, if I even keep em. So I'm SOL and honestly makes me leary of Crispi's. Especially when I heard they do no repairs or next to no repairs, can't remember which for sure. Something about them being all imported and not having a cobbler shop to speak of. Left enough of a bad taste in my mouth, I'll likley never own another pair. Despite liking them in about every other way.

 

[BROOKS5]

Kenetrek hardscrabble is relatively low and has not leaked for two years in the PNW.

Those are on my short list. Need to try and pair on and see how they fit/feel. My only reluctance is the fact they don't make them insulated. Cold feet are an issue for me and I think I'd miss that. Weird to me they don't offer that on such a capable boot.