Hiking Boots

I am onto my third pair of La Sportiva Tibets over 15 years of hiking and they are still the best for me - yes they are heavy, and..expensive! But I guess each person needs to decide what works for them. I have feet and knee problems ( one leg shorter than the other by 1.5cms) and the Tibets have been the only ones that support my feet and give a comfortable hiking experience - so I stick to them. My current pair are no longer waterproof and wearing a bit thin on the tread - I have no idea as to how many kms I have done in them, not being one for keeping stats - but it would be a lot! They are excellent in terms of durability and comfort.

Doesn't look like they're available in SA anymore..

Being tall and heavy and then hiking with a heavy backpack I can confirm that my hiking boots definitely takes strain. However, there are a couple of things I do to ensure longer life.

First rule with a hiking boot for me, is go for one with as few seams as possible. On all my hiking boots the seams were the first things to go. So, I go for a typical one piece leather boot where possible. Problem is these shoes are normally heavy duty boots and tend to be warmer due to 2,8 - 3,2mm leather being used, but on the flipside they last longer. I've done a calc and though the cost price is generally higher it pays for itself by lasting longer.

How you walk also plays a major role in longevity. If you don't watch where you put your foot down you will scratch the stitching (if you step in between 2 sharp rocks for example), and walking through water rather than around it (if possible) will also degrade leather, glues etc. Leaving your boots outside in direct sunlight or not cleaning them after a hike also impacts on longevity.

I'm neither tall nor heavy, but have gone through 2 pairs of "modern" boots since April last year.
I look after my kit well, clean boots after each hike, dry them if they're wet, and treat with Nikwax.
I reckon I'm going to try a pair of these that Richard posted, and see how I go. Only reason I didn't
get them when I last needed boots was because I needed them immediately, and Redline had a 6 week wait.
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/44-gear/909-hiking-boots.html?start=140#69394

Like Elinda, I have my third pair of La Sportiva Tibets and they are coming to the end of their life span. Must have done about 2000km in each of them, if not more, so their durability is amazing. The waterproofness of them lasts a long time. I did the GT of 225km and then the Haute Route Pyrenees of 750km and not once did I have wet feet. We had lots of snow on the GT and soo much rain in the Pyrenees and the boots were amazing.

Unfortunately they don't import them anymore, so don't know what boots to get once these have fallen apart.

Papa Dragon wrote: I'm neither tall nor heavy, but have gone through 2 pairs of "modern" boots since April last year.
I look after my kit well, clean boots after each hike, dry them if they're wet, and treat with Nikwax.
I reckon I'm going to try a pair of these that Richard posted, and see how I go. Only reason I didn't
get them when I last needed boots was because I needed them immediately, and Redline had a 6 week wait.
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/44-gear/909-hiking-boots.html?start=140#69394

Hi Papa Dragon - based on Richard Hunt's comments on these boots, I also ended up getting a pair a few weeks ago to use on multi day hikes. The long lead-time is apparently only if you order directly through the online store, I ordered over phone and e-mail and received them within 3 days of ordering.

The boots are still new and I only started breaking them in, but already they have become more flexible in the midsole and uppers. I am sure they will be very comfortable after a good break-in period. The soles are very grippy (compared to what I am used to), the toe-box is huge and the tongue is stitched to the upper properly. Old school, affordable and perfect for my requirements.

Cannot comment on water resistance, but guessing it would be comparable to most boots in the sub-2K market (i.e. wet feet after 2-4 hours). Weight is 800g per shoe for a size 10, if I remember correctly.

Jim Green also makes a waterproof boot called the "Monster WP" with a modern lining, imported from Italy ("Coolmax"). Worth looking into.

Thanks for the info Gerhard. Please post some more feedback when you've used them for a while.
When I phoned in August last year, they had no No 8's in stock. I was ready to go up and collect,
but luckily i phoned first, that was when they said they would only have in 6 weeks or so. Situation
has probably changed since then.

Here is a pic of my Jim Green Monster Boots in the kitchen sink.

They started letting water in, so I smeared the join between the sole and the leather with a thick layer of clear silicone. After 10 minutes with water to the ankles, they were still dry inside.

I only use these boots in winter now as every time I wear them I have to tape up my heels with sports strapping and even then I still feel hot spots.

I have a love/hate relationship with these boots. They are strong as a bull and I have no doubt they will hold up but I am constantly assessing for blisters. This is no fault of the boots, I ordered them online and never checked to see if they suited my feet. For the last 6 years, I have been plotting our divorce.

My La Sportiva hiking boots. The model I forget the name but it's discontinued now. I have not hiked hundreds of kilometres in them yet, but they have withstood good abuse. I guess just over 200 km - not much. I hope they don't stop making full leather boots as they're tough as nails:



The other day hiking shoes I have is the La Sportiva Boulder (replaced now by the Boulder X). I've had these for 5 years. The soles are almost worn. Best shoes I have ever owned. The Boulder X is a hefty R2685 but I think I'll get another pair as they're just so comfortable, and tough. I see their international website shows a Boulder X Mid which has more ankle support. That would be a good shoe me thinks. I have hiked (day hikes only) way more than a 1000 km in these and walked probably more than that too.



Great brand. I'm not affiliated, never have been.