Off road boots/hiking boots?

[Javwohl]

Wasn’t for sure where to put this figure this might be a good spot.

Wondering what everyone is wearing when they go off road for footwear?

I’m looking at hiking boots specifically the merrell moab 3 mid in both the jeep version and the goretex.

I’m looking for something that is going to be comfortable, durable, and waterproof.

I like the Jeep ones but they aren’t waterproof. Will also be using them as winter boots.

Pro/cons of this boot or any other recommendation appreciated.

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[The Chubbernaut]

I've had a pair of Merrell MOAB boots for a few years now and they are still holding up very well after daily wear. Salomon also makes good boots that hold up to abuse, but in my opinion the toe box on the X was a little restrictive. When I worked in the prison and was on my feet all day, my go to were Meindl Cobras and Lowa Zephyrs. Both are incredibly comfortable and held up to a lot of abuse. They're more expensive, but I still have both pairs after five and seven years, respectively. THe Lowas have faded from a black to a green, but still in good condition, while the Meindls look brand new.

 

[SadRobot]

I wear these Lems that I call my wheelin boots.

This is the men's version.

They're waterproof, wide toe box and pretty comfortable. The sole is flexible which is what I prefer in a shoe. I've had mine since March '22 and they are holding up pretty well. I don't use them for hiking or every day though. Only for offroad trips and usually take em off to throw on flip flops on the drive home.

 

[rohdawg]

I wear these daily, have for the last 10 years and use them for hiking mountains/trails in The ADK.
I Captain a work boat five days a week in all kinds of sh*t weather, these things offer everything I need every single day.
They break in quickly and last a good two years before I wear the sole out. The waterproofing (which is a membrane of some sort) doesn’t wear out like other boots I’ve tried which is very important to me.

That’s daily use, soaking wet in saltwater and a greasy, oily engine room environment. Great grip on the trail, wet rock, and they keep the mud out. They’re mids, so I don’t go slogging through deep puddles, but they’ve held up to everything I’ve thrown at them.
I mean it when I say I wear them every. day.

https://www.timberland.com/en-us/p/...addsen-waterproof-mid-hiking-boot-TB02730R242

 

[Call Me TD]

These are what I wore for GORUCK events. They are not waterproof but dried quickly. I've rucked numerous miles (under weight, muddy, wet ect) in these and they kept my feet cool and dry on dry hot days.

https://www.backcountry.com/b/salomon-xa-pro-3d-v8-trail-running-shoe-mens

I've only done light, non muddy trails in my JK. Planning on getting into more trouble with the JL and wonder what the feedback is as well to what you all are wearing.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

I have some Keens. Though more mid level than high end, I really like the shape of their foot bed. Go to a store, like REI or similar, and try on shoes from different brands. If you like the shoe and the service buy it. If you think you might want to try to save a buck, see if you can find a pair online for less. Every foot is different, so what works great for one person may be a poor fit for another.

A tread that grips well on rock and loose surfaces combined with some ankle support for walking in uneven terrain would be best. I was working outside the other day, wearing western work boots, and rolled my ankle pretty good. Luckily it was only a light sprain and didn't hurt much. It was the same ankle that I sprained very badly years before, so I got lucky. Same thing, pull on boots. So leave those cowboy work boots at home when heading for the hills.

 

[ColoradoMike]

The Merrells are awesome; I have been wearing them for a decade-plus. Great grip, great durability, really comfortable. I actually like the lower-cut ones more than the mids; the mids are too warm for most conditions. I would recommend the lower-cut Moabs for 3-season wheeling and the higher-cut goretext for winter.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Low cut are good with shorts. I had some Merrill ventilators that were great, but I wore them out. Then I went with mid height, which I like with shorts and jeans. I like the extra ankle support. The 8'' boots are great in winter or if you really need full ankle support.

Recently I got a pair of Adidas low, all terrain looking shoes. Super light. We'll see how long they last. I think I bought them more because I'm a sucker for OD green, than any other reason.

 

[Javwohl]

Thanks everybody for the different options.
I’ll probably go to dicks sporting goods today after I get off work and look at some of the different brands.

Do want something more mid height for the ankle support and am kinda thinking getting a more waterproof one for winter or wet wheeling and then something breathable for summer and when I don’t expect to worry about any puddles.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Most waterproof boots are more like water resistant. They use a breathable lining that keeps your foot from getting drenched in sweat. Constant contact with water will have some moisture getting though, standing in running water makes it worse. Keep the boots properly treated and you will get better water protection.

If you want water proof, keep a pair of "wellies" in the Jeep for when you need them. Look at all of those British off road YouTube videos and you will see them wearing those rubber stall mucking boots they call by that name, short for Wellingtons.

 

[Javwohl]

Most waterproof boots are more like water resistant. They use a breathable lining that keeps your foot from getting drenched in sweat. Constant contact with water will have some moisture getting though, standing in running water makes it worse. Keep the boots properly treated and you will get better water protection.

If you want water proof, keep a pair of "wellies" in the Jeep for when you need them. Look at all of those British off road YouTube videos and you will see them wearing those rubber stall mucking boots they call by that name, short for Wellingtons.

Thanks that’s good advice. I’m thinking keeping an extra set in the jeep for when I go just in case I need them.

 

[Sobchak Security]

I either wear Lowa Renegades or Salomon X Ultras. I almost always have a pair of sandals in the Jeep for swapping out post hikes here in CO. I've been meaning to try a pair of the Lem's too.

 

[Terrymo]

Danner. It’s what all the Jeep fashionistas are wearing.

 

[backs1de]

I would need to know about what kind of winter use you intend before making a recommendation, like most people agreed “waterproof” is bullshit for most brands.

I would go to REI and try in keen, Merell, Solomon, redwing and Danner (my favorite boots by far, I have mountain 600 and bull runs ) those are the only brands that have waterproof models and will keep your feet warm / dry. Again it depends on use needs (light snow? Hiking in snow?) and how much you want to spend.

prepare to spend $200-400 for a good pair of boots which will last you more than a season.

try them on, walk around, look at stitches, leather, sole quality, support, do they have a metal shank for support? (No metal shank = floppy boot that bends too much)

one other option is a slip on boot for putting in fast when boots are needed, I carry blundstones in my jeep in case I need boots and just rock sandals or trail shoes depending on weather. Lacing up boots takes forever so it might be a good option if you just need them for random occasions.

good luck!!

 

[bfg]

Wasn’t for sure where to put this figure this might be a good spot.

Wondering what everyone is wearing when they go off road for footwear?

I’m looking at hiking boots specifically the merrell moab 3 mid in both the jeep version and the goretex.

I’m looking for something that is going to be comfortable, durable, and waterproof.

I like the Jeep ones but they aren’t waterproof. Will also be using them as winter boots.

Pro/cons of this boot or any other recommendation appreciated.

Sponsored