MattTheGunslinger
Ultimate Member
I hate shopping for footwear but the time has come to get new hiking/outdoor boots. My simple list of needs seems to be out of place in todays world of synthetic, ultra-padded, patchwork boots. More seams means more points of possible failure. Synthetics, unless 1000D cordura, mean weaker material than leather. Heavy synthetic padding means hot and stinky feet. All of this is my personal 20+ year outdoor experience with boot from many makers.
This is what I need in a boot:
brown, no bright colors.
mostly or all leather.
around 6" or mid height.
few seems, little patchwork construction.
classic Vibram or other heavy traction rubber sole.
non-insulated.
lightly or no padding needed.
Budget is $200 or less.
I have checked out Merrel, Columbia, Hi-tec, Timberland, and Chippewa. I found one or two models I can live with from those brands. The leading model is the Chippewa Cibola 6". I have the steel toe version for work and I have never owned a boot so comfortable! If all else fails, I will go back to the amazingly comfortable Belleville 390. Even though its a taller combat boot, it is a great boot. What other brands and specific models does the MDS brain trust recommend? I cant be the only one that dislikes the vast majority of the footwear I see these days.
This is what I need in a boot:
brown, no bright colors.
mostly or all leather.
around 6" or mid height.
few seems, little patchwork construction.
classic Vibram or other heavy traction rubber sole.
non-insulated.
lightly or no padding needed.
Budget is $200 or less.
I have checked out Merrel, Columbia, Hi-tec, Timberland, and Chippewa. I found one or two models I can live with from those brands. The leading model is the Chippewa Cibola 6". I have the steel toe version for work and I have never owned a boot so comfortable! If all else fails, I will go back to the amazingly comfortable Belleville 390. Even though its a taller combat boot, it is a great boot. What other brands and specific models does the MDS brain trust recommend? I cant be the only one that dislikes the vast majority of the footwear I see these days.