Need Help With Boots

“I need some help with boots. My Asolo Fugitive GTXs are fairly worn out and I'm going to purchase a new pair of boots t the end of this year.

The only problem I've had with my boots is while hiking downhill on steep grades. My feet smash into the front of the boots and I end up with major bruising under a few of my toenails.

I typically wear REI hiking socks and I believe my boots are sized/fit properly. It doesn't seem to hurt although I do feel some pressure.

I'm looking to spend $200 or less. Thanks for any help.”

“The gear stores here have these incline devices that let you simulate going downhill as you try on different brands of boots. That's the only way to be sure, IMO. And just because you try them on there doesn't mean you have to buy them there. Once you find one you like, look online for a better price. Good luck”

“ive hiked in chucks before, it was nothing to rough. theres no arch support, and no grip, or anything. all in all, it could have gone better.”

“Sounds like a lacing issue. Lace so the boot is tighter across the top of the foot to stop the foot from sliding forward in your boot. also keep your toenails trimmed short. You can google different ways to lace your boots.”

“Strat amd BackSlacker covered the two best strategies I'd use. Some boots definitely will do better on your feet for downhills than others. There are also lacing techniques like the one BackSlacker links to that will help a lot if careful shoe selection doesn't do the trick.

Two other options are to use double socks if it won't make your shoes too tight elsewhere and to use some alternate insoles.”

“I'd venture your boots may be too small. Feet swell with hiking and a boot that starts the hike comfy can become uncomfortable as the hike continues. You should always size up a bit with boots, IMHO.

I'd also venture, there is a always a certain amount of toe smashing involved with particularly steep descents.

But try the lacing first and see how it helps. I often tighten up the laces before a big plummet.”

“I put quite a bit of pressure on trekking poles when going downhill which seems to me to ease up on the toes as well. For me the biggest thing is the toenail trim.”

“LL Bean Crestas and Scarpas for winter.
Toenail trim and lacing is important.”

“Shanez what size are you? I have a bunch of boots that I'd gotten on ebay for my kids 2 classes for backpacking trips that few took advantage of. I may have something you could use quality-wise, that's going to be far less than 2 hunnert, unless you're "icky" about used boots.”

“my dad got a pair of ll bean boots a long long time ago. hes 50 ish now, and he still wears them almost every day, and has, for as long as ive known him. there his "outside" foot wear. even if hes just going to check on the garden. he's worn the soles down so far that there is pretty much no tread left.
doesnt really solve any of your problems, but it is boot related.”

“I'm a size 12.

I also put Superfeet insoles in my boots.”

“Oh shnaz, well I cain't help with that. Ain't no 7th or 8th graders with 12ers!”

“LOL. No worries. Sierra Trading Post has some Mammut boots on sale for $160 plus I get another 35% off that. They are getting great reviews so I might give them a try. I just need to find a place where I can try them on first.”

“After some searching I have a new pair of AKU Suiterra Suede Gore-Tex boots on their way from Sierra Trading Post! WOOT! $104 is not too shabby of a deal either. :)”

“Those look cool. Send them back if they don't fit.”

“One little tip, your foot goes in the hole in the top.”

“Update:

I had a blowout on the side of the boots I purchased so I had to return them. They were nice boots but I'm glad I was able to get different boots.

I ultimately ended up with Garmont Tower boots.

http://www.garmontusa.com/garmont/outdoor/footwear/tower-gtx.html

As it turns out, mountaineering boots were the boots for me. I have abused the crap out of these boots and they have taken it in stride. (Punny, huh?) Whether busting through dry desert brush, "surfing" through loose scree or wedging my feet into crevices while rock scrambling, these boots have been up to the task.

They are still on sale for $175 at Sierra Trading Post. You can get a discount code for an extra 35% off.

One note about these boots; while they offer an uber amount of ankle support, they are indeed stiff.”

“Enjoy it while you are young - when you get older you'll be in trail runners like the rest of us old farts. I'm a fan of the mountaineering boots, but only climb mountains in them these days. You sould get some crampons and head up snowy peaks as long as you have the boots.”

“Stay away from Danner boots. Very bad customer support. Poorly constructed outsole. My Danner boots have less than 500 miles on them and are worn smooth. I need a good boot for next spring/summer. I will never consider a Danner and suggest you stay away from their junk.”