I did a search and it been 4 years since someone brought up the boots topic.
In December I went through Achilles reattachment surgery. Still going through PT but getting itchy to get out there.
Looking for a high top, breathable (it gets hot in the Carolinas!), waterproof boot. What y’all using out there? I have been happy with Oboz in the past, but looking for people with experience and their input.
Thank you!
Kent K9EZ
Recently switched to Hanwag (Tatra ll GTX) and absolutely loving them. They were hard to find in the UK, maybe the same in the US.
Comfortable from day 1 and 100% waterproof, as well as having multiple different options for foot shapes.
Recommended !
Cheers
Rick
Hello Kent,
Use Oboz here, as well; excellent, lightweight and have good support. (the full boot, not the cut-down versions. and the waterproof, if applicable. Have been through 5 pair over the years. Heed the advice about going a size up from your normal, when getting Oboz.
For thru-hike multiple-day with big backpack, say over 35 lb. Suggest the CUSTOM Peter Limmer.
These and others in their class will be tickling the kilobuck level, however the support and protection are worth every penny. Appear in person (NH) and get BOTH feet measured.
All Best, Ken
Hello Kent
i have a mountainering boots with semi automatic crmpons binding. For low and midle altitudes i use a many different trail shoes, hoka, la sportiva, la scarpa. I’d like a light boot, waterproof, confortable and resistance. for my esperience middle and low calf waterproof shoes aren’t logical solution, for a wet situations is a good choose a high calf waterproof shoes combinated with a waterproof pant cover. after a long research I found a model that I think they might be perfect. lowa z8s gtx will be my next buy
73
Hi @K9EZ Kent, it depends if you want a pair of boots for winter season and summer season…. Sometimes winter boots can be heavy in the summer time. I cover quite some mountain miles in the winter over all terrain and most wx conditions. The boots I’ve found best are the ‘Meindl Vakuum GTX’ range. I live and operate in Wales, so we have a lot of rain 
these boots are yet to let water in. A memory foam inner material which bonds around the foot making them very comfy. I will be using them for summer season to, but if they get too heavy, I may look for a lighter boot out there, but I don’t think I’ll beat these! Here’s a link below:
Hope this helps 
73, GW4BML. Ben
I’d find the boot that fits your feet the best.
I have a few boots. Some are stiff and used for winter climbing. Some are old, leak but are very comfortable. One pair press a little on my achillies tendon after several miles. Another pair are light and good for summer only… And I doubt you can buy all the brands/models etc I’d recommend where you live anyway…
I have been wearing La Sportiva since the mid 1980’s for hiking/climbing boots/shoes, if they fit your foot you will love them, they run narrow, with a healthy toe box.
Boots I’m enjoying using at the moment…
I wear Meindl boots for serious walking. They sell them in Europe and the US. I had a look at the range in the US and it looks completely different to the European range. Lots of different names so your comment is very accurate.
I’ve worn various pairs of Scarpa boots for 30 years but there are many makes, such as Meindl, that are splendid, too. I suggest visiting a specialist retailer, as I did, discussing what you want, trying various lasts and styles available then wearing them on test ramps in the shop. All feet are different and so are all boots but getting them perfectly matched is as key a part of a happy SOTA activation as matching your radio and antenna.
I agree, best to try them on and have the boot fit to your foot, I do not buy online.
Hi Kent - boots is one of those topics where everyone has a favourite! I got the impression that you wanted high leg boots. I haven’t worn those for over 30 years, so can’t help. However, having just thrown away an ancient pair of lightweight Merrells that had finally given up, I have just been through the process of finding a new pair of lightweight summer boots (I have a couple of pairs of heavier Scarpas). And the winner was - Lowa Innox Pro Goretex. Very pleased with them. They were christened on Pen-y-Ghent and Fountains Fell earlier this week.
I use Altberg boots…the 3 season tethera, and in winter the Mallerstang. These are traditional looking leather boots. The main reason for choosing Altberg is the fact that each size comes in 5 widths.
There is a factory shop ( Full Price not a discount shop ) where they will spend an hour or so trying different combinations of boots and inner soles. They will even make different sized boots if your feet are different sizes. It is in Richmond, Yorkshire, UK and is worth a visit if you have “difficult” feet…… Paul
I think boot choice also depends on when and where you will be walking. I have a pair of Mammut boots:
They are via ferrata boots, so they are good on a variety of surfaces. I still find them unbearably hot in summer and like so use trainers without any membrane where possible. They are also a bit chilly in mid winter in deep snow and I need to use thicker socks and gaiters to keep my feet warm. The Alto Guide High boots are no longer in production, but there will be some newer equivalent available.
73 de Matt
Kent,
Just thought I’d mention that I am even deeper in the South (Georgia) and I have been happy with the Salomon Quest 4D Goretex. They meet your criteria for a high top, breathable, waterproof boot. Any boot gets hot in the summertime in the South, but these aren’t too bad. I get them from REI.
I also find that taking the boots off to air out the feet and socks when taking a hiking break helps a lot with temperature and moisture management. Just those 10 minutes or so make a big difference.
I’m starting to use hiking shoes (in my case, Oboz) for day trips and reserving the high top boots for backpacking with its attendant heavier loads, or for hikes with anticipated unstable footing such as those summits that include a stretch of bushwhacking. I appreciate the lighter footwear when I don’t need the additional support. YMMV.
73,
Scott WB8ICQ
Kent:
Just a thought, you might want to ask the same question to the doctor who worked on your Achilles tendon. I suffer Achilles tendon problems as well and have found that when am doing something that requires very stiff mountaineering boots, my tendons hurt less at the end of the day. I don’t know if this is just a fluke or if indeed a stiffer boot provides less stress on the Achilles tendon, I suspect the latter. you may not need a very stiff boot for your hikes but they may prove to be helpful in your recovery and allow you to travel further than you might otherwise.
Paul Mower
Not wanting to get in to a debate but I genuinely hate these boots. They start off great, but they wear out really quickly. Specifically the Goretex liner fails around the toe box after a few hundred km’s, and they turn in to sponges. I’ve been through several pairs under warantee. Never again. Lots of reviews online comment about this known problem with that boot…
Hiked 1000 km for SOTA over 9 years in a pair of Blundstone Hiking boots got a new pair this year to see me out until my hiking days are over.
vk5cz…
I’m a big fan of the Salomon X Ultra-3. I’ve used the low tops for years because it’s one of the few shoes that come in wide and last me about 500 miles. Because of a childhood ankle injury I’ve finally had to move to the mid-tops, still love them. https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/x-ultra-3-wide-mid-gtxr.html#color=37363 I think they might be upgrading to a new design, but if you can still find them, very good!