I need new boots... again...Any suggestions?

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I have trouble finding footwear that I like. Not sure why, perhaps my feet are a tad narrow, but I usually just buy a size 12 standard width without thinking about it.

Anyway, I'm looking for something that I can wear day to day that isn't cowboy style (my wife says no), too overtly military, or too clunky. Yet not too tofu/foo-foo/granola eating either. Being capable of all season wear would be a plus. A tall order I'd imagine.

I tried a pair of 5.11 side zip boots last year. Chewed my feet up. That cured me of "tactical" style footwear made in SE Asia. Next up was a pair of canvas Israeli made boots. They amount to Converse Allstars with a hi top and a better tread. These I liked, at least once I put inserts into them (from Wallyworld, gellin' like a felon and all that). Unfortunately QC in Israel apparently isn't the best since the right boot developed tears soon after I got it. It's soldiered on for a bit, but it is at the end of where patching it with Gorilla tape is doing the job.

Thus I once again find myself needing footwear. (Why boots? My oldest son is getting heavier and likes pony times. It's just easier to lug things around wearing boots I've found.)

Any suggestions for something that might work, preferably under 300 bucks, maybe made in a country where I could drink the water?
 
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I have trouble finding footwear that I like. Not sure why, perhaps my feet are a tad narrow, but I usually just buy a size 12 standard width without thinking about it.

Anyway, I'm looking for something that I can wear day to day that isn't cowboy style (my wife says no), too overtly military, or too clunky. Yet not too tofu/foo-foo/granola eating either. Being capable of all season wear would be a plus. A tall order I'd imagine.

I tried a pair of 5.11 side zip boots last year. Chewed my feet up. That cured me of "tactical" style footwear made in SE Asia. Next up was a pair of canvas Israeli made boots. They amount to Converse Allstars with a hi top and a better tread. These I liked, at least once I put inserts into them (from Wallyworld, gellin' like a felon and all that). Unfortunately QC in Israel apparently isn't the best since the right boot developed tears soon after I got it. It's soldiered on for a bit, but it is at the end of where patching it with Gorilla tape is doing the job.

Thus I once again find myself needing footwear. (Why boots? My oldest son is getting heavier and likes pony times. It's just easier to lug things around wearing boots I've found.)

Any suggestions for something that might work, preferably under 300 bucks, maybe made in a country where I could drink the water?
 
...Chippewa brand...model number 27899...

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Try bamason.com they will have some good quality boots for you, from dress to rough work ware.I have purchased from them for many years and they have about anything you can want.
 
Sir, FWIW, I'm partial to Red Wings and Danners. Both are comfortable, sturdy, and long-lasting. Traditional all-leather Red Wings are pretty heavy. Danners are surprisingly light. Both are expensive ... and worth it. I haven't priced either in a while, but I suspect they might crowd your $300 budget.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
 
I like both my Larry Mahans and my Chippewas.

The Chippewas are probably more all season.

I'm a little skeptical of the wear characteristics of Gore-Tex for boots. I prefer well oiled leather boots for wet conditions, also unlined so that they will dry faster. If it's cold, I want snowmobile or pack boots - haven't tried the thinsulate lined ones - it just doesn't get that cold in Texas.
 
Check out Danner Boots. They have a factory outlet store in Portland, OR, so my two sons and I each bought a pair. I'd google them and find something you like. I would think Cabellas has them. We like ours very much.
 
May sound kinda Green but, the best boots I've found are these Eccos.
I'm on my second set, the first pair were torn off in a MC accident with no damage to mt feet or ankles. The pair I'm wearing are three years old and get worn at least 360 days a year, they look almost new. Light, super-comfortable, and they hardly wear at all.
Ecco also offers a reasonable in-house rebuilding service in case you wear out the soles or the leather needs restiching.

Good luck,

Bruce

http://www.eccoplace.com/prodd...php?prod=1954&cat=35

Manufacturers specs:
Full grain leather & nubuck combination uppers.
Moc toe stitching
Dual Density PU sole.
Gore-tex® lined.
Shock Point.
Hardwearing, light & flexible.
Shock absorbent & cushioned outsole.
100% Waterproof.
 
I am partial to Cabela's Kangaroo Upland bird boots. Feel like bedroom slippers right out of the box and weigh less than 3lbs a pair.
 
Cabelas does have Danners.
I bought a pair in the Bargain Cave for less than $100. You can try the Bargain Cave online also.

I have heard that some Danners are not USA made and some are, so maybe you have to check with the particular model?

Regarding your narrow feet, the Danners I have appear to run a little wide, which is fine with my old fat feet, but something to think about.
This is why I think these may have been returned, and went to the bargain cave?
 
I wear hiking boots, but I don't generally eat Granola. After years of Redwing and Carolina workboots I recently bought a set of Meindl's through Cabela's. They are German made, I have a very wide foot. I wear an H in Redwings, And usually have to special order a boot in just to try it on. The wide width fit me off the shelf.
 
I bought a pair of Carhart steel toed work boots for working in the yard and they are the most comfortable boots I've ever had.

For daily wear in winter I wear Irish Setter Soft Paws Oxfords #2867. Again they've lasted for years and years and very comfortable.
 
I've been wearing Danners for years. I can destroy a pair in two years of hunting and training, but I'm tough on boots that way. I'm seriously looking at Meindl Perfect Hikers from Cabelas for my next pair.


Okie John
 
Hey Gator, you need to have your feet sized, I mean professionally, not by some shoe salesman.

Take a look at the other boot thread and you will see my Buffalo boots (same as Whites). The were hand fitted for me by the guy that makes them.

All of my adult life I was told I needed a size 10 shoe/boot. When I ordered my Buffalo's they had me come in to size my feet. You know what? I am a size 8 1/2 EEE!! The longer size 10 just gave me the width I needed I guess. My feet never felt so good especially hiking up and down mountains.
 
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