Non Waterproof Hiking Boots

JDZ

WKR
Joined
Jun 12, 2014
Messages
632
Location
Texas
I'm looking for non-waterproof, non-GoreTex hiking boots. Is there such a thing? Give me some suggestions. I've searched through old threads with poor results or maybe poor searching skills.

If it matters, I'll give a little bit of what has worked for me.
I have been wearing the Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid Lites for several years now and they fit my feet well. But the waterproof membrane is hot, sweaty, and unnecessary. I do well with a soft to moderately stiff sole. I understand the pros of barefoot footwear, but I'm not fully there yet. I've got high arches, narrow heels, D-width forefeet, and have had bouts of plantar fasciitis that I can work hard to keep at bay. I've had luck with higher end Asics running shoes and Red Wing work boots. Other European (Italian) mountain footwear has worked for me in the past such as LaSportiva, Scarpa, Kenetrek (gasp!!) and Asolo.
 
If you appreciate a leather boot with good ankle support, not waterproof and stays relatively cool the leather lined Lowas might be worth a look. I’ve had a couple pairs of leather lined Lowa Tibets in the past and loved them till complete destruction. Throw some superfeet green high arch support insoles in them to combat the PF and you’d be good to go.
 
La sportiva karakorum, Scarpa SL active, kennetrek desert guide. Those are all non goretex. The only water proofing would be leather treatments.
 
If you do well with Asolo and don’t mind a heavier boot then look at the Asolo TPS 535. It’s an all full grain leather upper so it’s not as lightweight and breathable as a fabric boot. It’s not waterproof lined but it will breath some and shed some water if properly treated.
 
Merrell Moabs. I use the low-top version for wet-wading. Extremely comfortable and very good traction. Keens are also very, very comfortable, but I was less than impressed with their proprietary outsoles.
 
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