(Part 2) Best outdoor shoes for men according to redditors

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot, Walnut, 11 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HFA7DYS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_R5B6AbTFCVXQD

I'm old, and I cling firmly to the age-old adage of "Never go cheap on anything that rests between you and the earth." That includes shoes, tires and mattresses.



If you buy "Bean Boots" get the flannel/chamois lined ones at a minimum. Saving $20 for the unlined ones is a bad move.
The Thinsulate-lined ones and shearling (fur) lined ones are almost too warm for Virginia, but if you are unaccustomed to cold weather, it might not be a terrible purchase.

DO buy 3 pair of tall, thick boot socks to go with your new pair of boots, and make sure you try the boots on with the socks.

Personally, I don't care for duck boots. (any boot with the leather upper attached to a rubber bottom)
I prefer an all-leather boot for cold-weather.

Some random products:

https://www.amazon.com/Rockport-Mens-Elkhart-Snow-Boot/dp/B00F4OAMO6

https://www.amazon.com/Timberland-Chillberg-Mid-Waterproof-Insulated/dp/B0199NCPF6

https://www.amazon.com/Vasque-Snowblime-Ultradry-Insulated-Brindle/dp/B00TYJ29XE

https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Mens-SNOWCROSS-Snow-Black/dp/B07JH35HZQ/

I prefer dark leather, so it looks like a dress shoe at first glance.

Some key features:

1. You want to see the word(s) "Waterproof" or "Water proof".
   

• Slushy melted snow loves to sneak inside non-waterproof shoes and make you walk around with soggy socks. Wet feet get really cold really quickly.
  
• You don't have to see "Gore-Tex" for the boot to be waterproof.
  

2. You want to see a nice, chunky tread pattern on the boot. Something that can bite into packed snow and give you traction & stability.
   

• Pro-Tip: It is good manners to always stomp your boots clear just before you enter a building. Chunky treads sometimes fill with snow and carry it with you in the cleats.
  

3. You want something that at least goes up over your ankles. A 6 to 8" boot is plenty. 9-12" boots are really only intended for deep woods activities.
   
4. Resist the temptation to buy something with a zipper up the side, or velcro closure instead of big long laces. Laces are the way to go.
   
   If you apply a leather treatment to the boots at the end of every winter, before you throw them in the back of your closet, they will last 20 years or more.
   
   If you want to go old-school, and use something natural & traditional then:
   this or maybe this
   
   If you prefer to let science do the work for you then:
   
   this or maybe this could be the way to go.
   
   
   -----
   
   If money is tight, or if you are going to travel back home to Arizona after college and you'll likely never need cold-weather boots again in your life, anything $60 or so at Target or Walmart really can work just fine.
   
   Also, as I said before, good boots last a really long time. Weird as used shoes might be, Goodwill isn't as crazy an option as it might sound.
   
   -----
   
   Final comment on boot socks:
   
   Cotton and Acrylic socks are cheap and easy to find, and work adequately.
   But real wool is the warmest and toughest way to go, hands-down, and a super-soft merino wool is almost as soft as cotton.

Totalmente. Tengo zapatos especificos para otras cosas (ciclismo, formales, pa correr, etc.) pero dia a dia uso de este tipo.

Tengo un par Salomon. La cubierta es de malla y son la raja pal verano. Ademas son livianitas.

Los Merrel que tengo son de cuero y partes de malla. Mi unco pero con estas es que tienen poca traccion en mojado. Metal mojado (tapas, rejillas) he patinado un par de veces.

Tengo otros Columbia para invierno que tienen cubierta mas gruesa (algo asi) y tengo unas botas que he tenido que usar cuando hay nieve (como estas)

Very happy with my Danner boots

[merrel's, really any kind, but these are what I wear and I freakin love them. Uber comfy, and combined with compression socks my feet feel amazing even after a busy shift.] (https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Moab-Adventure-Hiking/dp/B01NAV5956/ref=pd_sim_309_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01ND4DEH1&pd_rd_r=6SDEE6FHCCQZWSS8D4WV&pd_rd_w=zlHdC&pd_rd_wg=uuZWz&refRID=6SDEE6FHCCQZWSS8D4WV&th=1&psc=1)

Not a trail runner, but check these out: https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Blaze-Sport-Hiking-Water/dp/B01HEAE716

"Merrell Men's All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe"

I like them a lot for hiking on mountainous trails with lots of water crossings.

Keens. Find a pair that have the toe protection. Helps when spunions step on your feet in a crowd or when you need to kick a log in a fire pit.

Edit: Here are the ones that I use. They were the only reason that I was able to manage with the mud at last year's Summercamp.

https://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mens-Mountain-Light-Overton/dp/B005CTCR2S

So how can I convince my wife to let me buy these boots and this jacket?

She has me on a shoe/clothing freeze. :(

No prob, and i actually agree with you on the TNF boots, they're not my cup of tea either but i included them to pad out my suggestions and visually they fit the bill. You never know, some MFAers might like them. Here is an example of the NB 710s in a tonal suede that might bring them into the fair-weather boot genre, and in 2010 there was a full-grain offering so they might still be available on Ebay.

Another option is the Vasque Sundowner in full-grain. I used to sell these in an outdoor sporting goods store and they are absolutely capable of double-duty in both casual and backpacking situations.

Good news! Your boots are definitely legit. These were a limited collaboration between Timberland and Pendleton in 2015, they're called the Mt. Heston WP Hiker. The style number for your shoe is located right under the size, 8705B. Here's a current retailer listing

Now on to your questions.

1. Not all Timberland boots use the same laces as the 6" Premium. In fact almost none of the Hikers will use the taslan/nylon lace from the original boots. These should be traditional plastic aglets on the ends of this style as it is a more fashion oriented hiker.
   
   
2. Scratches and dents on leather shoes being shipped across country is not only common, it's almost unavoidable, especially with this type of unfinished oiled leather. To keep them looking good, do not use alcohol pads or any harsh/abrasive cleaners. You're only damaging the boots you paid good money for. All you need to do is apply your favorite brand of neutral reconditioning cream every so often to remove scratches and scuffs. This will also help relieve some of the "color loss" you experienced, but it may not return back to normal perfectly, as once again these boots are a "raw" oiled finish and will always have marks and scratches and wrinkles.
   
   
3. Gore-tex. So let's take a second and talk about what Gore-tex really is. It's a thin nylon fabric that's used as a sock liner to help make boots waterproof. It should feel slightly scratchy to the touch, as it is porous. There's 9 million little cones in every square inch that letter water out (e.g. sweat), without letting water in to the shoe. There will almost never be an interior signifier on almost any Timberland shoe interior that calls out Gore-tex. That almost certainly 100% looks like Gore-tex to me from your pics. If you want to test it out run the boot under a faucet and put your hand in. If it's dry, you're good to go!
   
   Hopefully that helps!
   
   
   
   

Columbia Men's Bugaboot Plus III Omni Cold-Weather Boot

Salomon 4D GTX
Nuff said

i am looking for some pretty heavy duty stuff. mountaineering boots usually do the trick, i was just looking at logging/firefighting boots because i wanted something that i could wear all year and were not so specialized looking like mountaineering boots. what i bought this year and im hoping they will make it through the season. this is what my blocks usually look like, boots dont last very long.

You can get the sorel cheyannes for 61.60 with the 20% off amazon email discount.

Thank you for your reply. I have a very good pair of boots that allowed me to survive an entire day walk in cadets and were very comfortable during my last airsoft game day. These are the Magnum Men's Panther Lace Up Boot < http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003BFX6AC/ >. If anybody wants to take a look, do make a note that Amazon has free returns in the UK and I highly recommend it.

Honestly- a knock off duck boot works great.
I'd recommend Sorel (for the comfort inside )

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LDLRHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_DHiOybWA5ZQRJ

>You're probably thinking about something like http://www.amazon.de/technische-Alpinstiefel-Hochtouren-steigeisenfeste-Bergschuhe/dp/B004GO63ZW/

Funny you linked those, because I own these. A different model, but plenty similar. And no, they don't just fall apart within a few years - mine are hand-me-downs and are 14 years old at the moment. They're just fine. As others have pointed out, polyurethane in boots doesn't crumble if you actually use them regularly.

I commented because you posted those Grisports and, for some reason, compared them to high mountaineering boots. Then you somehow concluded they are not that different. That part was bullshit.

I wouldn't go for any of those if you ever actually leave the confines of the city. The Vasque Sundowner is pretty timeless if you want the "I want to look ruggedly fashionable while actually hiking up a mountain" look.

https://www.amazon.com/KEEN-Targhee-Hiking-Gargoyle-Midnight/dp/B005D4TZ86/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1523645518&sr=1-3&nodeID=679255011&psd=1&keywords=targhee%2Bii&th=1&psc=1

Looking at buying hiking shoes that I might wear to work occasionally. My main belt is black. Should I get black hiking shoes or brown? Looking at these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAV5956/ref=twister_B01ND4DEH1?_encoding=UTF8&coliid=IHOZV5SPIW7D5&colid=UGGP6LI8Q61K&th=1&psc=1

I plan on wearing them before going out, I do a lot of walking at school and also for my job so I was going to break them in doing that.
I'm mostly looking between these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HFA7DYS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HFKL27W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Good idea or no?

Thanks for your input! I gather the general feel is to keep the two separate if at all possible. But what about these security boots:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Force-Hi-Leg-Combat-Boots-Protection/dp/B00LZSRY1Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1410877113&sr=8-3&keywords=security+boot

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnum-Panther-54274-069-01/dp/B003BFX6AC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410877126&sr=8-2&keywords=security+boot

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnum-Panther-54296-069-01/dp/B003OW62SU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1410877126&sr=8-6&keywords=security+boot

Would they be a good medium?

I like my Merrell All Out Blazes, but those Keen sandals below look great too.

Edit, there's a version with thin mesh over the holes to keep debris out but would surely drain water well.

Seattle here, we are full. Also Bears, Try Portland. Have a good day.

Tretorn Strala

I got these Danner Mountain 600s for my birthday. After I got them I decided I would really fuck up the finish very quickly, they are sued instead of smooth leather and they are just a little too "sporty" for me.

 

I am used to being able to abuse my Charcoal Iron Rangers and then easily clean/oil them and they look brand new. That being said...I need some brown boots, a not another pair of IRs. I will be using the credit from the Danner Boots that I'm returning ($140) and I'm willing to spend another $60-100 to get something better.

 

I'm thinking either Danner Bull Run Moc Toes , Thorogood Moc Toes, or stretching the budget and getting some Red Wing Moc Toes.


Is there a substantial drop in quality going from the $250 Red wings to the $175 Danner to the $160 Thorogoods? I will probably still wear my IRs more, but these will get a lot of use.

 

Any other suggestions in that range (on amazon ~$150-250)??

Thanks!

Yeah I just take mine off when I get into work. In an office environment you will see all sorts of crazy footwear in inclement weather. Most people just wear overshoes to their desk and slip them off. Or if going to lunch just leave them on, even inside, unless it's a fancy restaurant. No one cares. They slip right off because of the lining, and are easy to put back on. And even though the Swims are expensive (I was hesitant based on previous overshoe purchases), in the four years I have had them they haven't ripped or torn. The cheap ones, like Totes, are usually about $20 a pair and you will go through at least one pair in a season. They usually tear when taking them off. Also, they don't have the lining in them and tend to mar your shoes, so you have to polish them more often.

The other option is to buy a pair of these: Tretorn Strala

I own these as well and they work great for bad weather. The inside is lined with fleece so they are warm and waterproof. The downside is you need to carry your shoes with you or leave them at the office and change them. If you shop around though, you can find these for about $30, think that's what I paid. At that price they are a steal.

Definitely thought about those. Do you know anything about these Timberland's?

The examples I've cited are not extreme cases. They all qualify as hiking boots -- notice that hiking in our parts is frequently done in the mountains.

The Grisport Quatro is unsuitable for crampons, and the sole profile is in fact insufficiently grippy even for snow/ice and wet rock.

You're probably thinking about something like http://www.amazon.de/technische-Alpinstiefel-Hochtouren-steigeisenfeste-Bergschuhe/dp/B004GO63ZW/

but gosh, look at the price, and the polyurethane sole would just fall apart on that thing (which is more than 4x the price of my meek budget boots) exactly as on mine after seeing maybe a decade of use.

I have been using these and like them alot. https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Capra-Sport-Gore-Tex-Hiking/dp/B00L9DX5JA/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1477414051&sr=1-2&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=Capra%2Bsport&th=1&psc=1

> https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Capra-Sport-Gore-Tex-Hiking/dp/B00L9DX5JA/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1477414051&sr=1-2&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=Capra%2Bsport&th=1&psc=1

Old post I know, but i've been checking out these shoes. How's the wear down been on concrete teepads?

Same boot (I think) in espresso for $54.99

For a coat, go for one with down in it such as from patagonia. http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-bivy-down-jacket?p=28322-0-GLSB

For boots, go for one marked as snow boots from brands like merrel.
https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Moab-Polar-Waterproof-Winter/dp/B00D7CHCYU

Also, get a nice pair of wool gloves and wool beanie, can get lot of places.

Really depends on the walking you want to do. I just bought some boots for riding/hiking. Haven't had them for very long but they're super freakin' awesome for riding, walking, hiking, and working outdoors.

http://www.amazon.com/Salomon-Mens-Quest-4D-Hiking/dp/B00B16SWDY

One thing to note-the danners are recraftable. I'm not sure if fracap would do the same. That may factor into the purchase for you. Also, GORE-TEX and Vibram soles virtually make them indestructible.

edit: I also just saw this link right under you that puts them at a similar price point to the fracaps http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mountain-Light-Overton-Olive/dp/B004RIRZRC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374943791&sr=8-1&keywords=danner+overton

I use the Danner Crag Rat as my winter boot, and also for working outside. It's an absolute tank, and very comfortable as well. Fully waterproof, and GoreTex lining. Love them (even though I bought them under the assumption that they are MiUSA, which was wrong).

I've been rocking Merrell Chameleon hiking shoes for years. They are comfy and waterproof. Their Vibram soles keep you steady on those sketchy spots.

Non-mobile: Merrell Chameleon

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Danner mountain light boots for light/day hiking and general outdoorsy crap.

I'm not a serious hiker by any means and $200 isn't that much money. Every now and then I'll do a 3-4 hour hike, and thus far I've been wearing sneakers. I like these because I don't hike enough to warrant real hiking shoes, and could wear these casually also.

Rockport XCS.

http://www.amazon.com/Rockport-Mens-Elkhart-Snow-Boot/dp/B00F4OAMO6