can anyone recommend a good pair of hiking boots? price doesn't really matter, i'm just trying to get a decent pair of boots that won't bust a hole straight through the bottom like my last pair (my walking posture is fine)
>>2843610Most boots by reputable companies out there are fine for what they do. The important thing is that the boot fits the shape of your foot. So go to a shop and try some on, then check the internet what the reputation of the company is.
>>2843610First question: Do you really need boots? Unless you're hiking in cold and wet weather, trail runners or approach shoes with merino wool socks are most likely the better option.If you do need them, see: >>2843624
>>2843610Haix combat boots, in the tropical version for humid conditions. They are quite sturdy, a fellow mate drove his SUV over my foot once, I didn't even got any bruises. And easy to maintain, while keeping your feet dry. Got them from a surplus store for 70 bucks in new condition.
I've been using Merril Moab boots (I think Moabs, if not another line. It's confusing because there are shoe and boot Moabs, I'm talking about the boot) since I was a kid. I'm sure there are better boots but after some harrowingly bad experiences with blisters popping up 4 miles and 3000ft in I'm done playing around. (I also carry leukotape now.) I use trail runners often though. I recommend committing: with my waterproof boots I wear tall waterproof gaiters, and with my runners I NEVER buy waterproof because the idea is accepting you'll get wet and letting them vent out after. Once your waterproof footwear gets wet inside you are kinda fucked, so something like a shoe is just asking for problems.>>2843645Even in cold and wet weather sometimes a breathable shoe wins. I'm always surprised how quick I warm up with wool socks after stepping in the creek. If you're camping you'll want to carry a dry pair of course.
>>2843645>Muh ankle support
>>2843610>high heelWhy? Who thought it's a good idea to fuck up the feet?
>>2843701>I'm always surprised how quick I warm up with wool socks after stepping in the creekYes, they are incredible. If it wasn't for the squishing noise you wouldn't even know your feet are soaking wet.By cold I meant winter-ish conditions. You definitely DO want dry feet then. Some people even wear neoprene socks.
>>2843806How is having wet feet better than having dry feet when hiking?
>>2843684+1 for Haix. I have a pair and they're neat.
>>2843809those guys who swear by sneakers for have never been hunting sheds in the rockies. sneakers might work if you stay on a trail but off trail you will be laughed at by all the critters in the woods for your retardation
I just wear crocs or trailrunners with wool socks.I've hiked 2000+ miles. Come at me /out/
Please use the generals for these kinds of simple questions. We don't want to endlessly repeat the same answers, or have a hundred pointless threads.
I like my Hanwag Tatras, but you should really go to a store, try some on and find one that fits you perfectly.
>you'll be fine in sneakers
>>2843809The answer is really dependent on environment and weather. WP works both ways so the question is how wet is the area and how wet will your shoe get. Grass land, mud, damp areas, snow and wind: WP shoe does really well. Warmer temps, clear trails, limited stream crossing are more common for most places and a breathable shoe will be dry and dry out when occasionally wet. This is often preferable even in rain, since if it stops raining the shoe will dry out but the WP boot will take an effort. In many 3 season areas, WP ends up keeping your feet hot and moist unnecessarily, like wearing a rain jacket without it actually raining.
>>2843957i live in the northern rockies. its almost always cold and wet.
>>2843934seriously. you aint walking thru a field of prickly pear in sneakers
>>2843934New Zealand spotted Speargrass will put a hole in your hand without even flinching, god it hurts
Just make sure the soles are not glued on. I was a mog and got a pair with that shit, lasted 2 years with maintenance. Theese are way better with soles meltet to the boot. Pic related is Alfa M77
>>2843957this is retarded. Your feet will never get as wet inside a dry wp boot as it would getting soaked in sneakers. truly retarded premise.
>>2843610If you want a "forever" boot, spend $400 on a pair of all-leather Lowas that have replaceable soles.
>>2843976Prickly pear are weak ass bitches. Cholla on the other hand...
>>2844154They were the bane of Lewis and Clark...but they were in sneakers
>>2843610ive been using these for 3 years, they are fantastic.no longer being made, gl finding your size.i paid just over $100 on a 60% off sale
Usually Jim Greens barefoot african troopers if I *have* to, that is - during snowy or very wet and cold enviorment. Other than that Ive used my old vivobarefoot trackers as daily footwear during these cold times. But when they eventually break ill likely get a pair of jim green barefoot african rangers. Other than that I usually just wear thin sandals or go barefoot. I mostly hike in norway.
>>2843820I grew up in Louisiana and there was a lot of black locust and osage in the woods behind our house, Jungle boots with the steel plates were absolutely worth it to avoid those 3" long needles going through your foot.
>>2843610You dont need boots you obese retard trail runners to much more better
i also need boots, though on a terrible budget. last year i got the cheaper line of these >>2844129 but they were like two sizes too large so i'm considering doubling down on that but it feels bad to repurchase a questionable product>you don't NEED bootsit's for the elements, not for my feet. i'm not going to dress up in gaiters or water-resistant trousers every time there's a chance i'll have to walk through snow or whatever.
>>2843610Keene makes good stuff, my wife wears them, I wear Morrel.
>>2845863Goodwills in northern states always have cheap used Sorel boots.
>>2844630Why do newfags keep bringing up this tired old debate? Trail runners and boots are both ideal for different terrain and trail types. Trail runners are for literal trails. Boots are for more rugged terrain where you might actually encounter something other than a well maintained gravel trail.
>>2845863When it comes to boots you really get what you pay for. Expensive leather boots will pay for themselves down the line, and I don't necessarily mean you have to go out and buy a $1k pair of whites. I hike in Red Wings Blacksmiths which are like $300, but I'm on year three with them and they still look good as new after their b-annual clean and polish. Anyone who claims heritage leather boots are uncomfortable to hike in has never taken the time to properly break them in, or is a dainty city boy with soft feet.
>>2845863>but they were like two sizes too largeMore pairs of socks is your friend. Wool before you ask.
>>2846808While I agree, I recently switched to a really light hiking boot. My knees have never felt better
https://www.reddit.com/r/hikinggear/comments/1oh7mpp/for_those_of_you_with_hiking_footwear_questions/there is a really nice write up on what to look out for in a boot. the most important thing though, and it is mentioned in the text as well, is to go to a shop and try on some boots. i am lucky enough to have a shop in my area with very knowledge-able customer service. i did not end up buying the shoe i wanted, but i did end up buying one that i am super happy with. it's super comfortable, perfect fit, don't get any blisters after 8 hours+ of walking.
>>2848410>Non-waterproof trail runners are beneficial in warm weather, dry weather, and when you need to do lots of water crossings. They can get soaked and be walked dry quickly.Nigga what?
>>2848413just remember that this is who your dealing with when they argue against boots, they've never been off a dry bench cut trail with rock reinforced river forges before
>>2843701I had Merrell Moab Mid 3s for a hike in Nepal, they were great apart from the liner slipping around a bit. These days I use Xero Ridgeways which are great too
>>2843610Kenetrek
>>2843806I have seal skin socks. Just the 1 pair but they are fully waterproof
I bought a pair of vans hiking shoes cause they looked cool and I wanted some casual shoes from them and they had buy one get one.they seem really nice, heavier than hiking shoes from soloman or altra or something. interested to see how they hold up.
>>2843610https://a.co/d/10p0Phx
>>2848979you tried them?
>>2849306Yes, I've owned a pair for a bit over a year. Very nice boots. Comfortable, good tread, waterproof(tested, wouldn't step in water past the ankles though).
>>2849308
>>2843701This is absolutely the way. I wear Scarpa Mescalitos for summer, the shoe version, mostly out on scrambling / climbing / hillwalking. I have a pair of B2 boots for serious winter shenanigans, however they are horrendously uncomfortable for any sort of long distance walking, so I am currently considering getting something like a Scarpa Terra or a pair of altbergs to be that "inbetween" winter shoe for long, wet, cold plods.
>>2843610palladium boots are what I wear
I just pulled out a pair of 2010ish army/socom issue vg2 and I kinda want to buy a pair. If they still make anything like them. My favorite army boots were oakleys, but we got a pair of vg2 every year just because we were uncle Sam's favorite sappers.
>>2846808What kind of terrain do you hike with them? Is the contention that some people are saying they're "good for hiking" (meaning walking along trails) and some people are saying they're "bad for hiking" (meaning bushwacking, mountaineering, and arctic exploration)? Or are they really performant enough to tackle the same kind of terrain as mainstream hiking boots?I have iron rangers as my daily drivers and was shocked to hear that anyone found them uncomfortable; they're the best pair of shoes I've ever owned if I've got my comfy socks on. I'm considering buying a second pair for hiking because I'm an autistic hipster who doesn't like plastic. I saw someone on plebbit resoled their pair with big thick chunky lugs which looked compelling. I wonder if I should do that with my old pair once it's time and keep the new ones as city boots.
>>2848413>>2848489I did a flooded marsh crossing in waterproof boots. I immediately regretted it once i stepped in and sank to my kneecaps. It was about 1/3 mile across, never again. My boots took several days to dry out, my feet were so bad. I had to hike back 4 mi as well just to get back to the trailhead after it.
>>2843610
>>2844384those soles look like they'd wear down pretty quickly. You said 3 years? do you just not go out?
>>2851655>Sports mode: Engaged
>>2851625have you tried not taking the worst possible path intentionally.
what does it mean if my hiking shoes give me pain in the front of the shoe after walking a bit and climbing down are they small or is it the material
>>2843610>can anyone recommend a good pair of hiking boots? price doesn't really matterIf money is no objectLimmer, if you're willing to wait they do a custom last to your foot, but their off the shelf boots are incredibleMeindl PerfektSteinkogler, multiple modelsDundas Store BjørnHanwag (most are dogshit) Bergell Top or Sepp 100
>>2851608>What kind of terrain do you hike with them? Is the contention that some people are saying they're "good for hiking" (meaning walking along trails) and some people are saying they're "bad for hiking" (meaning bushwacking, mountaineering, and arctic exploration)? Or are they really performant enough to tackle the same kind of terrain as mainstream hiking boots?this is important desui work in an outdoor supply shop and lots of retards think they or their kids need the most expensive above-ankle leather trekking boots with a vibram sole to go walking for 10km in a park somewhere when a cheap pair of low hiking shoes will do.if you never go off-trail, shoes or low boots are enough. think columbia redmonds or salomon hiking shoes. over-the-ankle boots are only really appropriate for off-train hiking on flat but rough terrain or in wet or swampy weather.
>>2843610Just get jim green razorbacks
How long do you think is a good use out of boots? Meaning if you but a pair and they last you 2-3 years is that a good purchase?My mentality is I want a camping gear set, which includes clothing and footwear that could last me forever and out of all of the kit footwear is the one I have no clue about. It also happens to be one of the most expensive purchase parts of my kit.
>>2856481So you want something your going to walk on everyday to last forever? Everything requires maintenance based on its use there is no exception in life its just a matter of how long in between maintenance you can do and still expect the repair to function.
Can you guys recommend me a cold weather waterproof anti slip boot? Would these be any good for that? I love my Valsetz but they’re slippery as hell in wet conditions so I was worried these would be the same wayhttps://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Mens-Waterproof-Boots/dp/B0BZ92YRCR/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OopkX1C6sJ2jH84DQNOYH4U91HfZIgPHbu8EpFdhMGQ96Mv5NvAFppzvNXUJmBxsKLTuFB9RASg7gjIgdyXFktOuPmVEqNEdS9CP-1C3v9CyWc_jfxyeFmTv1fqv7P0_-1MTINzM4EntWKXGeDvDHROUlt21weT7L8acroT40gZ0n0ZJvmHP07Tjn83NstTpE2ga1OyI_AEdVlgdoiynJQ.EMHe-wN3oOJ-yKzoa-r3wiwbGKukrcIPL7MC-GFw1ys&dib_tag=se&keywords=under%2Barmor%2Bboots%2Bwater&qid=1767389764&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1
>>2856481If you use something every day for years it's going to wear out. I've walked holes into both soles of dummy expensive lifetime warranty tacticool boots from the Army PX within a year of using them every day hiking. Realistically most boots will last you several years if you're not using them every day. It really comes down to how much you use them and what you're doing, things like spilling gasoline or glycol on them while working will cause them to degrade much faster, walking on concrete and rocks while carrying weight will work holes into the soles faster, kicking rocks will cause the front to degrade faster etc.The main takeaway is to simply get some cheap thick sole shit that is comfy enough (standard issue army boots) if you're really that worried about 'ruining them' and see how long it takes you to mess them up through your regular use. The other takeaway is that you should expect to replace your boots every couple of years anyway if you're using them to any reasonable extent, unless they're some really expensive high quality shit usually bought by firefighters. Mostly everything else is just a retarded meme, like the 'waterproof' boots in the post above mine, or basically any boots in this thread. Firefighting boots (usually above 3-400 dollars) are quality usually.
>>2856520I preferred breathable before but I got a surprise trip to the snow and need boots I can run in that won’t slide around or soak through.
>>2856494>>2856520I dont want them to last forever of course but how long anons thing is a good use out of them.Like if I spend 300 on a pair of boots and do a 50 mile hike 4 times a year I dont want them to be breaking within 2 years.On a related note I just gave like 30 different pieces of footwear to charity as I have accumilated them over years simple because i know, from when i was a poorfag who only had 1 pair of footwear, if you wear footwear every day, they break.Work boots as in you are in them 10 hours a day 5 days a week usually only last a year. Well last to a point the in soles are fucked and they smell bad so you want a new pair as well as you want just comfort over durability.With hiking boots, because they are taking a beating by hiking you would want both comfort and durability. Function. So of course that means you need more expensive boots but how much is too expensive if the boots only last for 1 year...is the question really.FYI waterproof boots need waterproofing. As in you need to respray them with waterproofing material. Even leather needs maintenance to keep its waterproofing.
>>2856542sounds like you have it all figured out lel dumb richfag I'll sell you the advice next time
>>2856551>richfagWhat?Are you brown?You think I am rich because I gave footwear away?How did you not infer that footwear had been accumulated over many years? oh yeah...because you are brown
>>2844430Very nice.
What are some good cold weather non-slip boots?
>>2844430I'm copying this, need some hiking boots for scandinavia terrain
>>2856555Once again your reading comprehension is terrible hes saying that if you don't want advice and already have it all figured it don't come on here and ask for advice then refute it.
>>2856481>How long do you think is a good use out of boots? Meaning if you but a pair and they last you 2-3 years is that a good purchase?Depends on where you use themMost boots you can get, their lifespan will be limited by the lifespan of the polyurethane midsoleIn rarer cases the lifespan will be limited by the EVA midsole (and there's varying degrees of quality with EVA)PU will shit out eventually, max 8 yearsThe more you wear PU, the longer it will last, they don't like sitting in water or being stored in direct sunlightOne day the midsole will crumble and or come apartThe benefit of PU is it doesn't give a fuck about compression as long as it's goodEVA (and I mean the high quality dense EVA like you find in certain Meindl's) does not have a finite lifespan for time, but it does respond to compression over timeEVA will slowly have less give to it as you walk in itThe benefit to EVA is when it "fails", it just no longer cushions your step, it doesn't just crumble, and it can sit practically forever without any penaltyLast option is no PU or EVA, just straight rubber and leatherYou're only going to find that in more heritage style boots like Limmer Standards, Meindl Perfekts, or Hanwag Bergell TopsThose are the midsole considerations, as far as the sole goes you have varying rubber hardness from different compoundsHarder rubber (example Vibram Montagna with the green dot) lasts longer, survives more abuse, less grippySofter rubber (example Salomon contragrip), more grippy, wears quicker especially on pavement, gravel, etc
Razorbacks
>>2856481Get welted or at least stitched down boots and you can resole them forever as long as the leather doesn't rot. They'll need a leather liner not fabric or that shit will wear out. Just oil and wax them occasionally then take them for a resole every few years.>>2856995Is right, but you can get a new midsole it will just cost a lot more than just the outsole.
You're welcome.
>>2857248Seems fine for a cheap sneaker "boot"
>>2857368your not a wilderness firefighter.
>>2857374I don't want to be a crunchy granite mountain burrito
>>2857092>insufferable faggot99% of welted boots will destroy your knees and back. There's good reason firefighters, military, police, wildland, loggers are moving away from them as time goes on.Furthermore david paige can resole PU boots>>2856995agree with most the points here but i'd give PU 10 years max under the right conditions. If you get PU you just have to use them regularly and not for "rainy day" conditions.>>2856481It depends on use and needs. Some backwoods guide could wear a boot out in 6 months that would take another a decade to wear out. if you want your clothes to last forever you'll learn to sew to repair yourself or find something that's a good value to replace. For example I have good wool shirts that are a good value, and I can easily sew up a repair. Whereas I have $20 dickies I use that I replace every year or two when the crotch blows out cause it's not worth it to me to make that kind of repair at the pants crotch.I don't believe a lot of modern boots now are made with a thick long lasting outsole in mind. It's all over the place partially because what my reply person above me said (softer compound = more grip).You're more buying the tool to fit your preferences, needs, environment... For example most the Jim Green Boots that people recommend for their "till the end of time" suggestion use a soft rubber compound for comfort reasons.(cont)
>>2857393>personal opinion (boring section)I use to obsess about footwear, and I gained a lot of knowledge through work and testing products.At this point, i'd rather spend money on a cheaper better value than the 'end all be all' products. For shoes I just use $80 belleville mini-mil shoes (buy mine through govx as a federal worker). They're wide enough, strong enough, I carry glue (aquaseal) if it peels, cheap enough, and I can just use a solid insole for comfort instead of requiring the shoe to do it. (use meindl cork, or the canadian felted wool insoles).I wore out a pair of meindl's for boots. For PU boots I think Zamberlan makes some of the better ones albeit they are a bit too narrow for me. If you want long lasting you want an upper like picrel because it minimizes stitching for fault and water penetration. If you must go welted, yes jim green (value) and limmer ($$$) have similar designs. However, for the price of the Zamberlans 300 I could basically get 3 Merrel Moabs. I feel like i'd probably get more use out of the 3 moabs than the 1 zamberlan. The one advantage to the latter is a place like david paige could resole easier (better upper).I've also developed an appreciation for Blundstones too because they use minimal stitching as a chelsea boot and are guaranteed if hydrolysis kills the boots. Super light, all leather. Not the best for back country hiking but I don't have an issue with them if i'm careful with my footing. I didn't have wildland fire boots in my 3 week training a decade ago and just used blundstones. My captain bitched at me the entire time but they were more comfortable than the 'welted' bullshit everyone else was wearing at the time. When my firefighter welted boots came in on week 3, I lent them out to another sorry firefighter in the same position as me to break in and kept wearing the blunnies.After training, I sold the welted boots and bought some PU ones (Haix missoula's).
Pro tip: Min maxing and choosing a jack of all trade shoe/boot is bad. Unless you realistically can only expect to go /out/ in certain weather conditions, you'll find that having a pair of waterproof boots and a pair of breathable trail runners is the best move. Yeah its extra money but both will last longer since they're being used less, and the options of having something better suited for hot/dry/clean or wet/cold/dirty pay dividends over being uncomfortable in most situations. If you don't want to buy them both at once, just prioritize the pair that fits the scenario you hike the most in.
>>2857368>>2857379It's a snow boot that does well in mud. Using it 3 months out of the year (winder) means it will last you about 5 to 10 years. It weighs nothing.If you think you need more, you're larping.
>>2844430>>2855743>>2857090I’ve tried razorbacks, but I got too large a size and had blisters on my heels. Sized down and now the toebox seems shallow, like they’re pressing on the tops of my toes. I was also surprised by the stiffness of the sole(although the tan variety was nice, again got the wrong size tho). So what gives? Do I custom order with a different last? Or maybe my feet just aren’t well suited to razorbacks. Everyone on here loves them tho
>>2857576not everyone on here loves them.it's the typical Reddit recommendation by fat yuppies for their bug out collection when the world turns into FalloutRead the other posts here. Tons of people here recommending lighter weight, shoes, trail runners, and other boots that won't wreck your body.People recommend Jim Green's cause it's the best value for a welted boot, but as has been stated here, people in professions that need good boots are moving away from welted boots.
>>2857576You have the break in boots for a few weeks. Just keep wearing them.
>>2857467It's not a boot.
I've given a lot of advice here without a lot of recommendations due to the awful QC and high amount of shilling with boots. This is what I would get unless work demands something specific.>General PurposeMerrel Moab. Why? Value. The goretex won't last forever and the upper could use work but there's a reason it's the most bought boot.>BarefootVivobarefoot Esc Tracker/Forest. Why? Only barefoot shoe with a solid upper/lower and held together by stitching. Not too hard to get a 20% off code when recommending to others.Runner up for value would be Belleville Mini-Mil Shoe/Boot.>Quality BootZamberlan. Why? Generally the Europeans make the best boots. Meindl/Lowa are the big names. As an American you have an issue where these boots can be subjected to long term storage compromising the durability of them. Zamberlan uses the best designs that utilize minimum stitching and maximum leather. I find their goretex generally works the longest as well whereas most fail within a year. Picrel. They have wider fitting models but some are narrow.>Welted valueJim Green Africa/Tyre Sole. Generally I don't recommend welted cause they're too heavy and bad on your body (heel strike). The thick soles you see in PNW boots doesn't translate to durability as a lot of it is either cut out internally or excessive foam for cushioning. The 'barefoot' Jim Green's are too thin for being a blown rubber (cushier but less durable) so don't recommend them either. The Tyre sole branches this gap. For boots, I want under 3 pounds unless required (frigid conditions, steel toe, etc). The Africa is thinner but a harder rubber whereas the Tyre is thicker but a blown rubber.>WeltedZamberlan/Limmer Boots. The latter is made by Meindl. I'd choose the former as I find limmer's too narrow and Zamberlan has better outsoles.
>>2857586Why are their heads so small
>>2857647I threw this together to show the wild variables with weight and put a chart in the bottom right on why you don't want one for body health reasons. Also why weight =/= durability.You may need to open the image in a new tab to zoom in better.
>>2857648tis the mark of an outist son
>>2857374No, I’m ICE gestapo running around in sub zero temperatures chasing Somalis. Recommend me some boots.
>>2857805>>2857600Good morning Sirs!
>>2857823I’m dead serious, recommend me some boots. Though at this point I’m only going to get them if I get extended out here.
>>2857647>>2857656high effort post, thanks
>>2857805>>2857834in your position it will be difficult to find lightweight insulated boots for chasing down illegals.First things i'd consider:1) Wear wool socks. Preferably 80% wool but at least 70%. I use Darn Tough for warranty but they are too restrictive overall. Costco usually sells wool socks during winter. Prob best value.2) Switch out to a wool or heat reflective insoles. Something like this.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DWSX3TW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3SJX7TTM3PAEZ&th=1&psc=1There's also thicker wool felt insoles from Canada on Amazon but they tend to take too much volume w/o sizing up.3) Make sure you're not overtightening. A lot of your veins are on the top of your foot so over snugging your shoes/boots will cut off some of the circulation. Even too tight of socks will do this. If your boot fit is too tight from socks, lacing, undersizing, pushing your toes in, you may need to go up a size. Sadly some of the suggestions above require going up a half or whole size. At the end of a shift your foot can also swell up half a size. Also as I mentioned with toes, your big toe in particular, if it is pushed in part of its circulation is cut off. Even though I wouldn't use them for work I found toe spreaders helped fix the circulation issues in my foot.4) If your socks wet out from sweat/melted snow, change socks throughout day.5) More $$$ but you can buy heat packs you can put in your shoes.The most popular cold weather boots you'll find in like Alaska are gonna be boots like Mucks that use Neoprene as the liner and above the ankle and polyurethane (looks like rubber) at the foot). Like picrel but you're looking at like 6 pounds per pair.If I tried to make the perfect shoe/boot that was light i'd probably go up an entire size on a wide shoe/trail runner and use wool socks with a loose neoprene outer sock to keep it warm and water proof without relying on dogshit goretex but that would take a lot of experimentation on models/sizing.
>>2857859For rubber boots you have a few materials1) PVC - Cheapest and usually not worth it. Tends to crack.2) Polyurethane - Second most common. Has the problems I mentioned earlier in the thread with hydrolysis. Water gets trapped in the foam pores and with disuse (using pushes water out) it breaks down the foam bond. A lot of people use them during rainy weather (a few times a year) then don't wear them for 6-9 months and they break down the next season for this reason. Well used polyurethane can go 10 years. However you also have manufacturers keeping items in storage for prolonged periods so can be a crapshoot. This option usually is the best IMO for price, durability, availability.--Not as often used materials below--3) You may not believe but most 'rubber' boots are not rubber anymore. Real rubber has a few issues. Exposure to oil/urine and other is hard on it. It's also $$$ and heavy. The pro of rubber is under the right conditions its very long lasting and can be repaired. Last I counted there was like 4 companies left making real rubber boots, and all were based in Europe.4) EVA. This one's my favorite. EVA is the material in crocs. Unlike the materials above, EVA foam is not impacted by external temperatures as much as the other options. Meaning if it's cold outside doesn't mean the material will radiate that to your foot nearly as much. This is why crocs have the cut outs for breathability.EVA is very cheap. It has a few issues. If you leave it in your car on a hot sunny day it can shrink the material. Crocs don't shrink on foot so anything your foot can handle should be fine for the material though. EVA also starts to lose its comfiness after about 500 miles.The reason I don't recommend it as much as PU is because it's hard to find good EVA boot models. I will list this below moreso but the better EVA models are made in Poland and Russia.
>>2857860>InsulationKind of like my earlier post, you need insulation, and for these boots for another reason. None of the above materials breathe. So if your foot is warm, it will sweat, and there is not enough material to wick that sweat so even if it's EVA when your foot is wet it will start to become cold very fast.So while you could get EVA croc boots or Tingley is the chinese ones sold in the US, they will only be good for a short duration.The poland/russian eva boots come with liners and are sized accordingly to fit your foot with the liner so you don't have to play the guessing game as much for fit. Obviously, getting products from Russia right now is a PITA unless you have access to Wild Berries or the Chinese Amazon, Aliexpress.The Polish ones are Camminare and Lemigo. In Canada they sell Lemigo at Bobcaygeon British Shop.The Russian ones are Torvi and Nordman. There used to be a fish shop in the US that sold Nordman but I believe it went out of business. While I heard these are only like $40 USD in Russia, you're probably looking at closer to $100+ for USA with shipping. I bought my last ones from an Eastern European country like Estonia or something.The problem i've found with EVA boots too is they're a softer foam than PU and since the industry is still young for them, the shaping of them isn't the most ergonomic. I've also found they sometimes like to put Rubber inserts/soles on these. The more complexity you add to a cheap design increases the rate of failure. I like the inserts more than the full outsole if you go with one over nothing (just EVA)
>>2857861>PUCan't recommend a ton of brands for these. There's ironically been like 3 brands used by people in Alaska but they keep getting bought out and turned to shit. If I made PU boots i'd make very few models to ship them out on a quick basis to avoid any hydrolysis complaints.For example you can see a well loved by Youtube/Reddit brand, Redback, that uses PU for its midsole is flamed with hate online for hydrolysis issues here:https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/redback-bootsThe companies need to include a tag to remind people to regularly wear PU as well as manufacture date to track issues with supply.If I had to choose one at gunpoint i'd probably go with a PU Lacrosse boot. I really like Sievi boots, but theirs don't use Neoprene/wool/thinsulate or any liner.Most PU boots though don't use a removable liner like I prefer but instead use neoprene. Usually the upper part is only neoprene without the PU, and anything like barb wire will destroy it.Like I mentioned in the materials section though, the best rubber boot products in terms of availability and easy to make work for a season or two without issues is the PU with neoprene. Is what it is even if the companies behind them are scum of the earth (muck, xtratuf, dryshod, lacrosse, bogs).If you want a cheaper PU boot look for Hisea. Some of theres are PVC too.
>>2843610What's the best brand that currently makes jungle boots like in OP's pic? Preferably with the steel plates but I feel like those would be hard to find on the civilian market these days.
