Boot Recommendations

[egreen4257]

Had the Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots since 2020 doing a handful of hikes a year and hunted last October in them as well. Just did a 30 mile backpacking trip and noticed they are getting to the end of their lifespan and are leaking a tad. I wanted to upgrade to something nicer, did some research and grabbed the Crispi Briksdale Mtn GTXs.

Unfortunately I had a miserable time in them yesterday. While I initially loved how they felt underfoot, I noticed during my hike that the soles are so hard and boots so stiff that on uneven rocky terrain (rocks up to a foot wide as the trail all the way) I kept rolling my ankles because instead of forming to the contour of the terrain the boots would completely shift to the angle of the rock I was stepping on. After doing some more research, I see that they are more meant for steep alpine terrain. I am hunting Muleys and Elk in Colorado this year and I think most of my terrain will be more like this past hike than steep alpine stuff.

I'm going to return the Briksdales and I'm thinking of trying the Colorado IIs now. If all else fails, I'll grab another pair of Salomons. If I can find a similar boot to them with some more ankle support and a little hardier of a boot I would prefer them. I'd appreciate any recommendations based on any experiences you guys have.

Thanks!
-E

 

[mtnbound]

Had the Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots since 2020 doing a handful of hikes a year and hunted last October in them as well. Just did a 30 mile backpacking trip and noticed they are getting to the end of their lifespan and are leaking a tad. I wanted to upgrade to something nicer, did some research and grabbed the Crispi Briksdale Mtn GTXs.

Unfortunately I had a miserable time in them yesterday. While I initially loved how they felt underfoot, I noticed during my hike that the soles are so hard and boots so stiff that on uneven rocky terrain (rocks up to a foot wide as the trail all the way) I kept rolling my ankles because instead of forming to the contour of the terrain the boots would completely shift to the angle of the rock I was stepping on. After doing some more research, I see that they are more meant for steep alpine terrain. I am hunting Muleys and Elk in Colorado this year and I think most of my terrain will be more like this past hike than steep alpine stuff.

I'm going to return the Briksdales and I'm thinking of trying the Colorado IIs now. If all else fails, I'll grab another pair of Salomons. If I can find a similar boot to them with some more ankle support and a little hardier of a boot I would prefer them. I'd appreciate any recommendations based on any experiences you guys have.

Thanks!
-E

Look at Crispi’s Flex rating. Not really any difference in flex with the Colorados. I would look at one of the Laponia versions.

 

[Jpsmith1]

I went from the Salomon Quest 4D to the Wyoming 2s.

They are a bit stiffer and I haven't done 30 miles in them but they're working for me so far

 

[czav22]

Switched from Kenetrek to Schnee’s Beartooth paired with sheep Feet. Blisters gone.

 

[egreen4257]

I went from the Salomon Quest 4D to the Wyoming 2s.

They are a bit stiffer and I haven't done 30 miles in them but they're working for me so far

Good to hear. I just got the Idaho IIIs and they’re essentially just a taller Wyoming per Crispi. So far I’m liking them. Definitely better than the Briskdals at least. The heel plate at the back is kinda a pain but I saw that it should break in so I’ll keep trying them.


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[egreen4257]

Switched from Kenetrek to Schnee’s Beartooth paired with sheep Feet. Blisters gone.

I’ll have to check them out!


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[LCguy]

A lot of people on this forum don't like Danners but I always thought they fit very well, were extremely comfortable and they are probably just a touch stiffer than the Solomons. The stiffest I like is Lowa Caminos. Great boots, stiff enough for really steep and/or a very heavy pack but not so stiff that you're rolling your ankles.