So, I'm hoping some of you really experienced guys can help me out with this. I've only ever had 1 pair of stiff soled boots, some Mendl's. Sadly, I ordered a bit too big , but doubled up on some socks and things were okay. But, I could just never get used to the soles that basically didn't flex. I currently am hiking around in some Merrell's and they're okay, but I know they're not going to last a long time. I think I want to start saving for some good boots that will last several years of hikes and hunts, but am I stuck with stiff soled boots? Do boots that are flexible just wear out more quickly?
Here's what I'm doing-hiking in sage brush, cheat grass, and basalt rock. Climbing some hills, going up in the timber/broken timber areas (I love Idaho). My kids are getting more into hunting and we are going to be backpacking in to get away from the combat hunting... I'd also love to chase some elk as the kids get bigger, but I'm going to be the one carrying pretty much everything for a while. I've heard the sayings about heavier packs=stiffer/heavier boots. Also, I'm not looking for insulation-I don't tend to hunt that late. Anyone have some suggestions on what direction I should look into? Thanks in advance for helping me in my ignorance.
Jeremy
Here's what I'm doing-hiking in sage brush, cheat grass, and basalt rock. Climbing some hills, going up in the timber/broken timber areas (I love Idaho). My kids are getting more into hunting and we are going to be backpacking in to get away from the combat hunting... I'd also love to chase some elk as the kids get bigger, but I'm going to be the one carrying pretty much everything for a while. I've heard the sayings about heavier packs=stiffer/heavier boots. Also, I'm not looking for insulation-I don't tend to hunt that late. Anyone have some suggestions on what direction I should look into? Thanks in advance for helping me in my ignorance.
Jeremy