GQshayne wrote:In my experience, you should stick to quality brands, and from then on it is up to you to try them for yourself. I would never buy from the internet, unless you have tried them on previously. Everyone has a different shape foot, so what suits me may not suit you. Every brand is different. In my case, my old Garmonts have been great, and I am not looking forward to having to replace them one day.
Well, that time has now come.
My Garmonts have not fallen apart as yet, but are looking not far off. But they are maybe 15 years old or even more, so no complaints from me. The last two times I have been away for a week, it has only been a couple of days before I start getting blisters. I figured it was the socks I was wearing the first time, but a couple of weeks ago I had the same problem with new Ridgeline socks. Not sure why, but blisters are blisters. And blisters are not my friends.
So, given the lack of any places to go to try on any of the hunting brands, I will be off to Anaconda tomorrow. Trying to look at Ridgeline etc up here is hopeless, as shops do not stock anything. They can order it for you, but no stock to look at or try on. At least at Anaconda I can look at them and try them on before handing over the dosh.
The problem is, hiking aint hunting. Hikers mostly follow trails, and we don't. So some of the light weight mid height boots look very comfortable, waterproof and breathable etc, but I reckon many of them would be lucky to last one trip in Western Qld. Better to be a bit hotter, and a lot tougher. They are a few that look like they would suit. So I shall have to go look at them closely.
These look good, but the lace loops would be better if they were steel, not fabric.
https://www.anacondastores.com/footwear/mens-footwear/mens-mid-hiking-boots/keen-mens-ridge-flex-waterproof-mid-hiking-boots/BP90177453-bison-golden-brownThese might be better in that respect.
https://www.anacondastores.com/footwear/mens-footwear/mens-mid-hiking-boots/merrell-mens-moab-adventure-waterproof-mid-hiking-boots/BP90122843-dark-earth