Looking for something different.

[woods89]

So my danner 453gtx are getting pretty worn and I'm wondering just what all's out there.

These boots are used for hunting, hiking, scouting, backpacking, fishing, etc here in the Missouri Ozarks. I also do a fair bit of metal roofing in my line of work and the soft rubber on hiking boots works very well so I wear them when I'm up on metal roofs.

I would like something a bit taller as I feel like these lack ankle support especially when I'm carrying heavy loads. These will be non-insulated and thus far I have always got gore-tex. They will be used in temps all the way from 20-100. My brother has been liking keens so I have been thinking about trying some.

I would like to keep the price under $200. Thanks in advance for helping out a boot novice!

 

[Warren1726]

Check out these Zamberlans on sierra trading post. I think they will be my next purchase. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/za...47c/?filterString=s~zamberlan/&colorFamily=01

 

[jquarnberg]

I went through several pair of keens and danners and liked them fine for all around boots. But my favorite boot I have used for sure is the boot I have had for the last 18 months or so. The invo8 roclite 286 GTX.

 

[woods89]

See, that's why I posted here! Those inov-8s look really interesting. Probably not just a lot of ankle support but it sounds like the sole is about what I'm looking for.

Care to elaborate on how they've worked for you? Carried some heavy loads with them? We have lots of steep slopes with softball sized rocks covered in oak leaves so you can turn an ankle pretty easy. The trekking poles get used hard!

Thanks to both of you for the response.

 

[jquarnberg]

What I love about them: They are super light, like crazy light. Im sure this has a draw back for some applications, but for what I am doing in them MOST of the time they are perfect. Very comfortable fit. Waterproof membrane and quick drying. They are not to hot and go up just high enough for what I like. High quality laces. Reinforced in the right areas and have held up very well. They have unreal traction, like for climbing in the rocks and stuff they are amazing. I love bow hunting in them, I feel quiet and stealthy in them compared to a bigger stiffer boot. I think they look great, I was turned off a bit by the labeling and stuff on the sides but they are actually pretty mellow in person.

Some negatives: They are a snug narrow type fit so layering two socks for the cold is uncomfortable. I go to a thicker sock in the cold but that is the most I can do. Not a ton of support and structure under real heavy loads, but I have packed heavy loads and there is no more discomfort than any keens or danners I have used thats for sure.

 

[woods89]

What I love about them: They are super light, like crazy light. Im sure this has a draw back for some applications, but for what I am doing in them MOST of the time they are perfect. Very comfortable fit. Waterproof membrane and quick drying. They are not to hot and go up just high enough for what I like. High quality laces. Reinforced in the right areas and have held up very well. They have unreal traction, like for climbing in the rocks and stuff they are amazing. I love bow hunting in them, I feel quiet and stealthy in them compared to a bigger stiffer boot. I think they look great, I was turned off a bit by the labeling and stuff on the sides but they are actually pretty mellow in person.

Some negatives: They are a snug narrow type fit so layering two socks for the cold is uncomfortable. I go to a thicker sock in the cold but that is the most I can do. Not a ton of support and structure under real heavy loads, but I have packed heavy loads and there is no more discomfort than any keens or danners I have used thats for sure.

Thanks a lot! I've been reading up on ankle support some and it seems going to tall stiff boots can make your ankles weaker so I'm really considering staying with a low top boot. A lot of my hiking is done in mild weather so a light, highly breathable boot sounds pretty good. Thinking I might pick up some gaitors for nastier conditions.