Best winter hiking and general all around boots ?

[Lesmore]

I'm looking for a new pair of winter hiking and general all around boots. I've worn out some Merrill boots that did me well for a number of hard winters.


Still looking at Merrills as a replacement....but I am open minded.


My winter needs:

• Winter where I live...Canadian Prairies...lasts for 5 to 5 1/2 months or so. It can get cold...periods (weeks) of 25 to 30 below are not unusual.
• We get a lot of snow and have a lot of ice....our snow doesn't melt till spring...it's always there after winter begins in earnest....for an American equivalent...think northern Montana/ North Dakota.
• I walk snow covered forest trails regularly.
• I want a warm boot, but also not a heavy boot. I like the hiking design.
• I drive, walk in malls, walk around outside...a lot. Different conditions that maybe difficult to meet with one hiking boot.
• I want a supportive boot.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Wishoot]

Tagged. Looking for the same for Wisconsin winters.

 

[Dirk-Lerxst-Pratt]

I like Merrell Isotherms.

 

[narativesoul]

not a hiking boot but i like muck arctic boots

 

[KW Driver]

I love my Asolos. They are bulletproof. I've got Fugative GTX and 520s. The 520s with good socks should do you ok to fairly low temps. They are heavier than Merrills, but I'd be concerned with the temps in Merrills. I can't think of any being insulated, and don't think they'd hold up to -20/30, gortex lined or not.

I still have and used to wear 200g Danners down at -30F, but they are really more heavy than you're looking for. Bulletproof though.

Lowa and Garmont have good reps, but I've never worn them.

I just don't think you can do light at those temps, unless its a muckluk.

Fugatives:




520s:



Danners:

 

[ArNav]

Here are Israeli Army boots. I like the way they look.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Israeli-Arm...761?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c37c628e1

 

[Wishoot]

Here are Israeli Army boots. I like the way they look.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Israeli-Arm...761?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c37c628e1

Nice boots, but Israel isn't known for being super cold.

 

[ArNav]

Nice boots, but Israel isn't known for being super cold.

Not super cold, no, but these boots are also sold to other armies. And in Northern Israel the temperatures can sometimes go below 0 in the winter. And generally they are designed to be fit for any weather, although maybe not Scandinavian winter. The Israeli army does have an alpine unit that operates on mount Hermon, I wonder what boots they use.

 

[Face Bannon]

Second on the Danners. They're warmer than you would think, keep water out (Gore-Tex lining), but have the comfort of a soft book. The only thing is they look military and big. They don't look sleek.

 

[Face Bannon]

I have the Danners that are now called Acadia. Had them since 1992.

 

[Wishoot]

Not super cold, no, but these boots are also sold to other armies. And in Northern Israel the temperatures can sometimes go below 0 in the winter. And generally they are designed to be fit for any weather, although maybe not Scandinavian winter. The Israeli army does have an alpine unit that operates on mount Hermon, I wonder what boots they use.

Seriously, I did not know that. Thanks!

 

[Trenton]

These are most likely too heavy, but are my winter work boots to about -25c J B Goodhue steel toe boots 24744. I don't see them on line anymore but these look similar. http://www.shoeme.ca/collections/mens-shoes/products/jbgoodhue-14459invincible-062931143652 they may have something that meet your requirements. Mine have the best soles that I have ever had for walking on ice. I have been out side all day working and no problems with keeping warm, I start to notice it at -20. and tend to move to Sorels.

 

[Senshi]

I have a pair of the Hi-Tec paraboots



They stay very dry inside and have very comfortable linings.

 

[August West]

I recommend the selection and pricing here.

Especially the Danner line.

The boot ArNav recommended would be similar to the Corcoran Field Jump Boot.

 

[Drewhunz]

Danners are a good choice, but I'd also recommend a Keen hiking boot. Keens offer a larger toebox which is always nice for accommodate a heavy or second pair of socks.

 

[Lesmore]

Thanks for all the recommendations. In the end I bought a pair of Merrell's Norsehund Omega, mid hiking boots. They're good to about -32. They have a sole which reflects heat upwards and are waterproof.

I also have a pair of Sole moldable orthopedic footbeds to provide extra support, that I added to the boots. I have had Plantar in the past and these things really work well for me.

The have good, aggressive grips which I think will work well on the frozen ice/snow packs that we have covering trails up here.

These boots are replacing my previous winter hiking boots which were also Merrell's. I lost count how many years (winters) I wore them.

 

[parsifal54]

I think Danners are one of the best boot for the money still available...Last a long time, so be sure you like them as they will be around for awhile.

 

[deruitem]

I would go with any of the insulated Danners. I used the 200g Acadia in the cold also. I just bought a pair of light IIs but they are not insulated. I will use them for both working in doors and the lunchtime short walks outside in the snow. I would go with something more insulated for any more than that.

 

[COHunter]

I have a pair of Irish Setter (Red Wing)Trailblazer boots that I really like. They aren't insulated but they are waterproof. I have tested the waterproof aspect and it is true. I bought them for hiking though snowy Colorado mountains and they kept my feet plenty warm and dry.