Ask Me: How Do I Stop Getting Battered Toes When Hiking?

Mike,

I know this is a really random question, but when descending mountain trails my big toes suffer immensely. Besides tying the laces up really tight, is there a trick to protecting them without losing a toenail or having them feel beat up?

Geoff
Rexburg, ID Continue reading →

Ask Me: What Boots Do You Suggest For Wet, Off-Trail Hiking?

Hi Michael,

I’ve been reading your site for quite a while and appreciate your perspective. I’ve simultaneously been on an unsuccessful quest for the perfect backcountry shoes and finally thought to ask you for advice. I work as a backcountry botanist in wet, mountainous areas including Hawaii and the National Parks of Washington state (mostly North Cascades). This means that I spend much of my time both on and off-trail in rough and varied terrain. Generally, I don’t actually climb rock faces. While on trail, I usually also carry a heavy (50 lbs.+) backpack. Obviously, these demands seem to suggest a heavy, leather boot, period. But, over the past five years, those heavy-duty shoes just haven’t worked for me. Continue reading →

Ask Me: Time to Ditch the Old, Heavy Boots For Lighter Footwear?

Hi, Michael,

I’ve got a pair of Asolo Yukons that I’ve used for nearly 20 years. They are comfortable as can be and offer great ankle support, but at age 52 I’m wondering if I should part with my beloved Yukons and invest in a modern, lighter boot. I’ve heard that every pound on the feet is like five pounds on the back, and as my joints age and my stamina diminishes, I’ve thought it might be wise to buy new. I do mostly dayhikes with a few two-night backpacking trips a season, typically carrying about 20 to 25 pounds. We hike in the White Mountains of N.H., which typically means rocky and wet! I’d love your thoughts on whether to stick with these high-quality tried-and-true Yukons or ditch them for something lighter.

John
Easton, MA

Continue reading →

Ask Me: Which Boots Cross Over Well From Dayhiking to Backpacking?

Hi Michael,

I was wondering if you would recommend these Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX boots for an average day of hiking as well as backpacking. I’m about to retire a pair of Merrells I’ve had for six years and my biggest complaint was that they were one dimensional, I took them backpacking, but they weren’t really sturdy enough. I am looking for a good, all-around boot that I could wear in intense, mountainous/snowy conditions or on a casual day of hiking with the family. I think I’ve narrowed down to these: Salomon Quest 4D GTX, Vasque St. Elias, and the Oboz Bridgers that you also reviewed. Any suggestions? Continue reading →

Ask Me: How Do I Find Waterproof Boots That Won’t Leak on Rugged, Wet Hikes?

Michael,

I am an active backpacker and trekker. I have become disappointed in the use of Gore-Tex in hiking boots. I know you test many boots, but I wonder if you use many of those you test to experience the durability of the Gore-Tex and other waterproof-breathable linings. In addition to the extra warmth and the longer drying time of Gore-Tex-lined boots, my experience in the past year has me thinking I will be better off going back to a heavier, quality leather boot such as a La Sportiva Karakoram (the non-Gore-Tex version). Continue reading →