Lightweight Boots for Trail Work

[JonathanJ]

Hey,

Anyone have any good recommendations for really light boots? This is for work, I work on a trail crew with the Park Service, I wear trail runners off work when I backpack, hike etc. In the past I've been using a pair of Alicos because they're all leather and I can get them in wide and at a decent price.

I was looking at the OTB Bushmaster but they're no longer made I guess. I need something that can come in wide, something with support for overpronation is a plus too. I've tried the Asolo fugitive, and some others.

[Traveler]

Hey,

Anyone have any good recommendations for really light boots? This is for work, I work on a trail crew with the Park Service, I wear trail runners off work when I backpack, hike etc. In the past I've been using a pair of Alicos because they're all leather and I can get them in wide and at a decent price.

I was looking at the OTB Bushmaster but they're no longer made I guess. I need something that can come in wide, something with support for overpronation is a plus too. I've tried the Asolo fugitive, and some others.

There are a number of boots you can choose from, though they may not have a retail outlet nearby you. The NPS recommends of its volunteers (and requires of employees apparently) the use of steel toed shoes/boots. Today you can get composite toed boots that are a bit lighter. Moving large rocks, grading trails, tree work, and other routine work performed in trail maintenance frequently cause toe injuries. A page from Amazon gives you an idea of what may be out there for this work.

(http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=steel+toe+hiking+boots&tag=googhydr-20&index=shoes&hvadid=30959492661&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10301887175605961314&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_4ilp0sla1s_e)

[JonathanJ]

Thanks. We're not required to wear steel toe, I've never seen any trails guys ever wear them, that would be a pain to hike in. I'm tempted to just try the park issue Hi-tecs, cheap and light. I've also been looking at Lowa, the Baffin Pros, I have heard good things about and they can be used on fire as well, though I hear they don't last much past one season.

[mgNYC]

have you tried Keen? the verdi is available for both men and women and is my favorite lightweight boot. they run a little short, so try a half size up. I use job site soles in my boots ( I am old) and the combo is fantastic for light weight and comfort.

I use keen Targhee II in the cold weather though

http://www.amazon.com/Verdi-II-Mid-Hiking-Forest/dp/B00ANHOXC6/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1413553875&sr=1-1&keywords=verdi+ii+mid+wp

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NUUUZY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Mags]

I've been very happy with my Hi-Tech Latitudes. Would not be surprised if they are the same ones the NPS issues.

Nothing fancy. Just good "bread and butter" boots that are pretty affordable. I don't hike in boots except during the rare muddy/slushy day hikes..but I do use them for trail work.

http://www.pmags.com/gear-review-hi-tec-altitudes

[Old Hillwalker]

As a long time NPS and NFS volunteer and Certified Level B Sawyer it occurs to me that you need to reveiw this document:

http://www.nps.gov/noco/supportyourpark/upload/Job-Description-NCT-Trail-Maintenance.pdf

[JonathanJ]

Hey Mags, yeah those are the ones, my trails foreman wears them sometimes, I'm tempted to get a pair to try on the off season. I do like my Alicos a bunch, they just don't really have much in the way of support for overpronation, although I do wear superfeet in them. Anyone try Zamberlans? I get a pro deal on them, I've been looking at some of their boots online.

Old Hillwalker why do I need to review that document? It's just a basic job description for trail maintenance.