So I'm in the market for a pair of boots and I'm at a crossroads and I'm looking for some advice. I want to get a pair of all leather or suede boots that look something like this:

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/download.php?id=9534&sid=84e5c06734899e57ccc08cbabcc96a76



I was told that Kastinger is the company that made the best version of these, but they're no longer in business. So I bought a pair of Danner Mountain Light II thinking they'd be pretty close to this, but I was wrong. They came in the mail this morning and they're WAY too big. Not only that, but they're extremely heavy and there's not much arch or even a real insole on the inside.

Anyone know where I can find a pair of boots closer to what I'm looking for? If not, anyone have exeperience with Danners that might be able to help me figure out what to do with these huge boots?

Go to the library and grab an issue of Backpacker's Gear Guide. There is a summary of boot types and manufacturers. Lots of different companies make a boot similar to what you are looking for. That type of boot is heavy, it's the nature of the beast.

I remember buying boots. Running shoes are the only thing I wear now. Those boots remind me of the popular type that everyone had in the late 70's. Herman survivor was the boot to have back then.
I had great success with Asolo when I was a boot man. As a matter of fact I have a pair wasting away in the closet that I only took on two trips. You might look at Asolo boots. Not sure if they have suede, though.


(Does everyone see all the hidden meaning in this post?)

If you can remeber the 70's then you did not maximize the potential. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Is that the hidden meaning?

I threw my boots away over the winter when I found that they are too small. It had been almost a decade since I had worn them.

There might not be many members of this forum that have recent boot experience.

What is backpacker's gear guide? A magazine? Something I can pick up at Borders?

It is a magazine published in the USA, comes out monthly. The Gear Guide is an annual issue. Here is a link to their website Backpacker

Boots, yep I wear them, espically in winter.

I hike, hunt, and camp year around and do not live in never-never land where it is always warm and the trails are always manicured.

Boots give ankle support. Pure and simple. (I blew out an ankle in Feb wearing running shoes on a sidewalk) Boots can insulate to -100, running shoes can't. If SAR people see you in the woods with running shoes, any time except the dead of summer, they might thrash you soundly.

rule #1, you do not buy hiking boots through the mail or internet. You go try on the boot and wear it for a while in the store. I have sometimes gone through 1/2 dozen pair of the same model to find the right feel.

Brand is up to the individual and what works for you. I bum around the neighborhood in Ozark trails from Wallmart on a daily basis, often wear light or heavy Rockys in the woods as the weather requires.

You may want to consider Limmer Boots. Single piece leather and, on many, welted soles if you like. I use the Ultralight (which really aren't).

Try a pair of insoles in the Danners. I wore the same style at Philmont in 2007 and had no problems. As a side note, I have Flat,narrow feet so even with a B size I needed to use inner soles.

I always reckon you're taking a big chance buying without trying...

I own four pair of Danners so I guess you know which brand I prefer.

Try their lightest suede/cloth Gore-Tex lined boots. Heavy all-leather boots are not the best choice for 3 season use.

And, yes, I'm STILL a "boot man". when backpacking. Wimpy shoes don't cut it for me when I'm carrying 30 pounds (15 Kg.).

Eric