Boots

[Janne]

I think that heavy boots are just like a heavy watch:
You get used to the weight after a few minutes.
The more leather of a heavy quality, and a good quality sole will add to the weight.

[Bolaberlim]

I think that heavy boots are just like a heavy watch:
You get used to the weight after a few minutes.
The more leather of a heavy quality, and a good quality sole will add to the weight.

Well, that's true. But on a day to day basis, lighter boots are more confortable. There are some that I've tried that are much too heavy to be confortable, at least for me.

[David Woo]

the Quoddy grizzly is my favorite boot, really comfortable and great footing in all conditions. Still have my old redwings and wolverines, too.
Grizzly Boot - Quoddy
I like old school made in america stuff.

[Janne]

I like old school made in america stuff.

We have/had boots Made in Sweden. Several brands. I started my military career with the issued brand ( made in Sweden) but they were horrible. Leather like steel plate, thin rubber sole.
I bought a pair of Lundhags which were supposed to be excellent.

They are made from a combination of leather and rubber, the rubber coveres the "shoe" part, so they are virtually water proof.

I destroyed them within 2 months. The rubber shrank and split, the sole detached, the leather started cracking. I got a new pair on the warranty, but the same happened.
So I went to the best hunting shop in Stockholm ( where my parents lived) and got the RedWings. Really expensive, but worth it!

Superior, oldfashioned quality.

I do not want to start talking Politics, but the RW must be the best USA makes today!

[Rusty_Shakleford]

I am in no way a believer that "Made In The USA" is a sure sign of quality but my Danner hikers are made here and they are the best pair of hiking boots that I have ever owned. I have had somwhere around 15-20 pairs in my life and these are the hands down champs.

I may look into RedWing for my next boot purchase but it will be awhile. I'll need new motorcycle boots long before the Danners will wear out.

RS

[Janne]

The only "problem" I have with my RW is, that when I fly to Lofoten, Norway, for my annual fishing tip, the steel inserts make the security machinery react. PITA as I have to take 5 different flights before I reach the destination!

[Metlin]

RM William boots from Australia - very highly recommended. They are one of the last few remaining "purely Australian" shoemakers.

Their boots are rugged and very well constructed. They will last you a lifetime, and then some more. They are a bit pricey (around $450), but well worth it IMO.

[Janne]

But not good in the wet, and the shape does not give you enough (comfortable) space for your toes. Not made for hiking, imho.
Excellent quality, I have owned a pair for over 10 years. The elastic on the side needs replacing from time to time.

[Metlin]

The only "problem" I have with my RW is, that when I fly to Lofoten, Norway, for my annual fishing tip, the steel inserts make the security machinery react. PITA as I have to take 5 different flights before I reach the destination!

You could always wear loafers and switch to your boots on your last leg.

[Metlin]

But not good in the wet, and the shape does not give you enough (comfortable) space for your toes. Not made for hiking, imho.
Excellent quality, I have owned a pair for over 10 years. The elastic on the side needs replacing from time to time.

I believe their winter line of boots is water resistant, but you're right - their chelsea boots, when I first got them, were not waterproof. Typically, I apply leather waterproofing and "topys" on all my shoes when I first buy them, which has been quite useful (I live in New England, where it rains pretty much all year). I did the same with these, and that seems to be working.

And while I've not owned one for 10 years (4 and counting), so far they seem to be doing alright.

As far as hiking goes, nothing like a good pair of North Face Gore-Tex shoes. I do a lot of rock and ice climbing, and I've Gore-Tex "approach" shoes which are outstanding. Great grip, breathable yet warm, and quite water proof.