Re: [Philmont]: boots

I believe Vasque and Hi-Tec sell up to Size 16 EE. Suggest you get some
catalogs, and also talk to some folks at "real" camping stores. Re
cost, here is a short blurb I wrote off-line to someone not too long ago:

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Boots are yet another hot button topic. My attitude has changed
somewhat over the past few years. I still love the Sundowners, but I
have also come to appreciate that boot fit is probably more important
than "Through-Hike The AT" quality. The only general advice is to
ensure that your boots provide proper ankle support, have a decent
tread, and (most importantly) fit you properly. On the latter point, it
is noted over and over: You can buy a $200 pair of boots, and suffer
terribly, or buy a $30 pair and be perfectly comfortable (or of course,
vice versa). I tell my Scouts to go to a store and get a pair of every
qualifying brand of boot, and try them on wearing the socks they'll be
using on the trail. If unhappy with all of them, move on to another
store. People's feet are different, so no one brand is the optimum for
everyone. Gortex - some love it, others hate it. I use Gortex lined
boots, but I'm not sure that it's doing me any particular good. I am
currently wearing a pair of medium weight Asolo's for most of my hiking
and backpacking, which are OK but I wish had a more aggressive tread (a
Vibram lug would have been useful on many of the trails in the Swiss
Alps this past summer, versus what I had - but I lived.) I'm actually
about to replace the sole on them now. My previous favorite was Vasque
Sundowners - still a hell of a boot, that will last for many years with
proper care. If your feet are tender, you'll need a stiffer sole to
help defend you against rocky trails. If you're prone to ankle sprains,
get boots that are a little higher on the ankle. If your feet sweat a
lot, or you're prone to blisters, be judicious in your selection of
socks. Most importantly, break your boots in on real trail, not just
walking around your block. If possible, still growing Scouts should buy
their boots 3 months before hitting the trail.

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Hope this offers some insights. - Dr. Bob

Robert Chaney wrote:
> We have a trek for this summer. One of the parents is having trouble
> finding reasonable priced hiking boots...size 15....for his son. Any
> ideas out there? RC
>

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Received on Wed Feb 18 21:06:29 2004