JeffRaines
WKR
So, as my last thread got 0 responses, I've taken it upon myself to find a pair of high quality boots that will work for me.
As for my background, I'm coming from Salomon Quests. I got a pair two seasons ago, and so far they have been the burliest boot I've been able to wear comfortably. I know, they're not so burly in comparison to what I'm trying... anyway, I've been happy with their performance until this season when I've noticed some parts starting to come unglued and I'm certain theres a small leak somewhere. I'm sure they'll last the rest of the season, and for lighter stuff next season I'm sure they'll be fine but I'm gonna need something a little better going forward - I'm not interested in spending $220 for boots every other season... or worse, the thought of them failing on a trip... thus begins my quest.
My feet are also difficult, I'm not sure if they're just not normal shaped or if they're bitch feet, but for some reason most boots won't work... theres either some rubbing that I can't eliminate, or some other issues that make the boots unusable.
I started with Crispi, since I've heard so much about them. After speaking with the guys at BO, they suggested the Nevada, and Idaho. I decided to just try the Nevada - the Idaho looks too much like the construction of the Salomon I currently use. Maybe its more durable, but I don't want to pay over $300 to find out otherwise. The tried and true full(or mostly) leather boots seem to get the nod for highest durability when taken care of. The upper lasting through at least one resole would be preferable.
I'm about two weeks into trying these Nevada's, and I think they're going to end up going back. I feel some heel slip in the backs of them that I can't eliminate no matter the insole or lacing. While wearing them around the house they seem "okay" I'm just afraid that once they hit the trail and get broken in further that slip is gonna get much worse. I'd say I have 6-7 miles on them so far around the house. Not only that, I can't seem to get rid of the excessive space in the toe area. I mean, theres a TON of space up there. I feel like thats also going to be bad news. I'd consider going down a half size but I'm afraid of not having enough length... my toes are about where they need to be lengthwise, just too much volume. Another issue with these is the obvious inability to go and try on multiple pairs. There aren't really any retailers around that carry these so its an order and hope for the best situation. I don't want to continue to pay the shipping fees back if these don't work. These are working best for me with Superfeet Guides. The stock insoles were too small and the Greens are too much(and cause much more heel slip). Maybe these boots are geared toward the people who wear two pairs of socks, but I prefer to go with one pair of good fitting socks(Darn Toughs).
Next up are Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. These seemed to fit much better out of the box - the jury is still out on them. I've heard the soles weren't as durable as Vibram. I have maybe 2 miles on these total so far(around the house). I will say theres much more arch support in these out of the box as well. Time will tell for these.
I also tried hardscrabbles, and a few cabelas/miendl offerings. I didn't care for the Hardscrabbles, and the Miendl offerings were just too voluminous.
Next up on my list will be Lowa Tibets(if these Nevadas don't work out, which I don't think they will sadly). I will likely purchase them from REI if they feel okay in the store and actually take them out on some test hikes. I believe REI also carries the Zamberlan Guides as well, so those will be on the try list too.
Any advice or suggestions would be awesome... otherwise I'll update in a few days with what I found so far.
As for my background, I'm coming from Salomon Quests. I got a pair two seasons ago, and so far they have been the burliest boot I've been able to wear comfortably. I know, they're not so burly in comparison to what I'm trying... anyway, I've been happy with their performance until this season when I've noticed some parts starting to come unglued and I'm certain theres a small leak somewhere. I'm sure they'll last the rest of the season, and for lighter stuff next season I'm sure they'll be fine but I'm gonna need something a little better going forward - I'm not interested in spending $220 for boots every other season... or worse, the thought of them failing on a trip... thus begins my quest.
My feet are also difficult, I'm not sure if they're just not normal shaped or if they're bitch feet, but for some reason most boots won't work... theres either some rubbing that I can't eliminate, or some other issues that make the boots unusable.
I started with Crispi, since I've heard so much about them. After speaking with the guys at BO, they suggested the Nevada, and Idaho. I decided to just try the Nevada - the Idaho looks too much like the construction of the Salomon I currently use. Maybe its more durable, but I don't want to pay over $300 to find out otherwise. The tried and true full(or mostly) leather boots seem to get the nod for highest durability when taken care of. The upper lasting through at least one resole would be preferable.
I'm about two weeks into trying these Nevada's, and I think they're going to end up going back. I feel some heel slip in the backs of them that I can't eliminate no matter the insole or lacing. While wearing them around the house they seem "okay" I'm just afraid that once they hit the trail and get broken in further that slip is gonna get much worse. I'd say I have 6-7 miles on them so far around the house. Not only that, I can't seem to get rid of the excessive space in the toe area. I mean, theres a TON of space up there. I feel like thats also going to be bad news. I'd consider going down a half size but I'm afraid of not having enough length... my toes are about where they need to be lengthwise, just too much volume. Another issue with these is the obvious inability to go and try on multiple pairs. There aren't really any retailers around that carry these so its an order and hope for the best situation. I don't want to continue to pay the shipping fees back if these don't work. These are working best for me with Superfeet Guides. The stock insoles were too small and the Greens are too much(and cause much more heel slip). Maybe these boots are geared toward the people who wear two pairs of socks, but I prefer to go with one pair of good fitting socks(Darn Toughs).
Next up are Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. These seemed to fit much better out of the box - the jury is still out on them. I've heard the soles weren't as durable as Vibram. I have maybe 2 miles on these total so far(around the house). I will say theres much more arch support in these out of the box as well. Time will tell for these.
I also tried hardscrabbles, and a few cabelas/miendl offerings. I didn't care for the Hardscrabbles, and the Miendl offerings were just too voluminous.
Next up on my list will be Lowa Tibets(if these Nevadas don't work out, which I don't think they will sadly). I will likely purchase them from REI if they feel okay in the store and actually take them out on some test hikes. I believe REI also carries the Zamberlan Guides as well, so those will be on the try list too.
Any advice or suggestions would be awesome... otherwise I'll update in a few days with what I found so far.