All leather hiking boots

Kind of striking out here and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I'm looking for an all leather hiking boot that is NOT waterproof. All I've found is the Lowa Renegade LL mid or and the Timberland Euro hiker. I can almost buy three pairs of the Timberlands for the price of of the Lowa's. Anybody have any other ideas?

That's why I originally switched to trail runners--I couldn't find any leather boots that weren't Goretex (which leaves my feet feeling as though they're in a sauna). Once I switched, I never wanted to wear boots again!

The last leather boots I ever wore were Vasque Sundowners. Mine were Gore Tex lined, but I seem to remember they also made them without Gore Tex? (That's been 10 years ago - I may be misremembering, or they may not even make Sundowners any more.)

The market has mostly moved on from all-leather hiking boots, but especially moved away from non-waterproof versions, so if your heart is set upon a pair (for whatever reason) you will have to pay the price for a specialty item in what has become a small niche market.

However, the good news is that the main purpose of a hiking boot is to protect your feet and provide some traction and stability, and this can be accomplished by boots that are not all-leather. So, even if you can't get your heart's desire, you can still get something functional. If you are worried about long-wear and sturdiness, at least one of our forum members swears by modern infantry combat boots and they certainly are not flimsy!

Yeah, my feet also start to feel like I've walked through a swamp when wearing waterproof boots for an extended period of time. It has never really damaged my feet but I just wanted to try moving in a different direction because of this. I already have trail runners which are fine for some situations, but my comfort level is with boots. I work commercial construction so I'm use to slogging around in heavy leather boots. Leather hiking boots feel like there is nothing there compared to work boots.

My reason for wanting leather boots is for multiple reasons. First and least important is that they are aesthetically pleasing to me. Obviously they are a very durable option. I suppose the most important reason is the inherent water resistance leather provides since I'm looking for something that does not have a waterproof liner. From my experience a leather boot with no waterproof liner is better than a boot with mesh construction and a liner with a hole in it.

Do the split grain/synthetic/mesh constructed boots with Gore-Tex liners breath any better than their leather counterparts? My guess would be slightly but you would then be fully relying on the liner to provide the protection.

If it's Goretex, IMHO, it doesn't breathe worth a hoot. My own experience with a couple of expensive Goretex rain jackets, vs. either polyurethane-coated nylon or silicone-impregnated nylon, is that GT doesn't breathe any better than fully coated nylon. Unlike coated nylon or silnylon, though, Goretex isn't waterproof. With boots, I also found on several occasions that once the goretex-lined boots get wet, they take several days to dry even when set out in warm sunshine.

Don't take my word for it, check out Andrew Skurka's blog about rain gear and so-called "waterproof-breathable" fabrics: here.

Unfortunately, if you want high quality leather (and I don't blame you!), you're going to have to pay a lot of $$$. Worth if, IMHO, if you can get a good fit and find a well-made brand that won't fall apart first thing. You may have to go the custom-made route.

Thanks for the reply. I have read Andrew's blog before about the "waterproof" boots and he makes a lot of good points. I've had decent luck with Timberland in the past so I may give them a go so I don't get $200+ deep into an experiment where I end up wishing I hadn't.

Have you looked at Red Wings or what Ranger Joes is carrying? Possibly at Belleville or Danner?

I have a set of waterproof Bellevilles, which are comfortable for an industrial environment, but you may be able to find "combat boots" or hikers that aren't lined in one of those places.

As for me, I'll stick with my running shoes.

Everything from Danner was a bit more then what I was willing to cough up. I suppose I didn't really think of Red Wings since my experience with them is heavy work boots. My Timberlands just came in yesterday. Hopefully they get more comfortable as they break in because right now I'm not impressed.

I have a pair of Scarpa SL Activ. They're almost waterproof but not from a Goretex liner just treated leather. Pretty comfy so far with minimal break-in. Support is there but not super stiff. True to (euro 45) size for me. Picked them up for $200 USD about a year ago. List for $300. Only bought them because my Montrails had become unrepairable after 13 years and who knows how many miles. Sure wish they still made them.

Hello there - First post in this forum, signed up just to answer this question.
Last year I purchased a nice all leather boot from SierraTradingPost, the Alico Summit. They have several Alico boots, all leather with a leather lining and Norwegian welt. No Goretex. Break in time for me was minimal (I wear steel toe workboots all day long). Made in Italy.

They remind me of the Fabiano boots from the 1970's, similar construction and feel. You might want to check these out.
Then there's always Limmer's. Top of the line!

Welcome, and thanks for the info.

Welcome, and thank you! Limmer's was the name I couldn't find for the OP!

Might get around to buying a pair of custom Limmers. Wait list is as long as the price is high.

Thank you for the welcome! Did a bit of digging after posting. The Alico Summit is the one that has the leather lining. Sierra Trading Post is out of many sizes, but there are still plenty on EBay. Also for those interested, they run wide, I purchased my normal shoe size, and my usual 1/2 size larger for a hiking boot. The normal shoe size fit the best, still plenty of room for Superfeet insoles and 2 pair of socks.
Yeah I'm really old school about some things!

Va3Pinner, thanks for the info. I'll give them a look!

Well, went out and did a 4 mile hike in Mohican State Park yesterday and don't think I can wear the Timberland Euro hikers anymore. My other Timberlands were some of the most comfortable boots I've ever owned but these are just an awkward pair of boots. Just so happened that there was a used pair of Alico Summit boots for sale on ebay in my size. They are on their way and should be here by Thursday. Thanks for the suggestion Va3pinner. I'm going to give them a shot.

Well how'd they work out?

Well, the Alico Summit's are pretty much what you hear about them; beautifully made and very, very heavy. These remind me more of a work boot then a hiking boot. Weight is somewhere north of 4lbs. for the pair and the footbeds are very thin so those will probably be getting replaced. The leather liner is very comfortable and will be easy to wipe down in case the inside of the boot gets damp. Overall, I'm pretty happy with them especially since I bought them for $25 These will be fine for short trips and in the cooler months but I don't see lugging these around on long hikes or backpacking trips. They simply are too heavy.

A bit late for reply - but glad you like 'em. 4lbs?? mine are closer to 3, and they are much lighter than the steel toe safety boots I wear all week! So I use them for both day and 4-5 day long BP trips. $25.00?? if I find another pair that price they're mine!
I have a pair of Zamberlan Goretex lined boots that I used for years, and they are no lighter.
Like I said, I'm kinda old school about some things
Happy hiking!

Your suggestion Is good

I think so.

The Danner Mountain Pass boots are goretex except for the light color leather option, which sounds strange but it's true. Can't remember the color but I'd send them an email asking about it if interested in them

I personally have had 6" danner boots used for hiking,
But every third day im in my cocoran 10 inch model 978's, my feet are in them for around 20 to 24 hours a day with some breaks for airing out, for those of yall who want to know they are made by the cove shoe co. Here in PA still,
they also produce forgive my spelling Matterhorn boots also, you can pick up a pair of 978's for around 115.00 bucks, the sizing says tru to size but order a wide if your a reg.
Ive a co-worker that wears Matterhorn he swears by them.
Might pick up an less expensive pair and try on a short 4 day trip.

By the way the reason I prefer an 8 inch or taller is that my ankle rolls quite often, so thats why i also wear the corcorans, other than there tought boots for my line of work and they hold a shine, its hell on the trail when you roll an ankle

Interesting--I always had problems with ankles turning/rolling (several times leading to potentially serious falls) when I wore boots. When I switched to supportive trail runners (with pronation and stability control), I tried deliberately to turn my ankles and couldn't! Since I made the switch, I have had no more problems with ankle-turning!

It turns out that it's the footbed, not that piece of leather around your ankles, that provides the stability.

I went old school and bought Zamberlan Vioz GT Hiking Boots and no regrets. No break in - just went. Training for Philmont and after the trek, my feet and ankles were the only parts that didnt hurt.

Not sure I'd agree with that. Case in point-ski boots and the job they have.

No matter I'll continue with what I've done for decades.

There's a lot of difference between a hiking boot and a ski boot! The ski boot is basically like a cast, and i've never seen a hiking boot like that.

I didn't believe it either until I tried trail runners, forced by not being able to find women's boots without Goretex lining. My daughter was really skeptical! However, I have not turned an ankle a single time since I made the switch to trail runners 10 years ago, while I was constantly turning my ankles in the hiking boots!

My experience follows OM's. I had terrible ankle problems when I wore high top shoes. Since switching to low top shoes I've had significantly less incidents of injury. I believe there was a sports medicine paper that backed up this claim. The idea is that wearing high tops reduces your ankles necessity to develop the appropriate muscles but does not offer real protection in hard slip where you are likely to have an injury. The few times I have injured an ankle I wear a Mueller type brace which offer considerably more support than any shoe. Even those high top leather boots that extend 12" or more up your ankle do not offer much support when broken in. Obviously HYOH and use what works for you, but it is something to consider.

I played ice hockey for quite some time. Used to practice with my skates unlaced to build ankle strength. Never played a game that way though. When you injure a joint they support it while healing.

It seems we have differing viewpoints. Well different strokes for different folks. I'll be 60 years old soon and will continue wearing what works for me.

We're never too old to learn new tricks! I made the switch to trail runners at age 73 and have never regretted it. I have never injured an ankle nor developed a blister since I switched. The boots sat unused in my closet for several years and then went to Goodwill.

As a precaution, I carried a pair of ankle braces for two years after I made the switch and never once took them out of my pack.

I've no desire to change what works for the sake of something different.

I think OM was saying that in her case the change was not merely for the sake of something different, but was a distinct improvement and a relief. But, of course, if "what works" for you is entirely satisfactory, then the elusive goal of what might possibly be even better, but might not be, has much less attraction. As OregonMouse is fond of saying: Hike Your Own Hike. Which translates as "do what works for you".

Aptly describes what I'm doing. After all the thread title is "All leather hiking boots" isn't it?

Actually, in addition to desperately needing footwear with no Goretex, I needed to lighten up. A pound on the feet is equivalent to five pounds on the back! You'll probably find as you get older, this becomes more important!

I give up. My preference is wrong. I'll go away now. Good day.

I'm not saying it's wrong, just recounting my experience, mostly for the many others who read this thread. People need to know there are different options available!

Is it pricey?