View Full Version : All Leather hiking boots
msfirehiker
01-18-2010, 03:31
Was wondering about who makes an all leather hiking boot, i own a pair of 10 inch tall of Corcoran boots for work, I would really love an 8 inch all leather boot? any thoughts
Toolshed
01-18-2010, 08:26
Not too many make an 8" leather hiking boot. ther are the more well-known brands such as Vasque, Asolo, Salomon & La Sportiva, then there are Lowa, Zamberlan, Wolverine and a few others that are not as popular (Not due to comfort, but due to regional supplier coverage).
I don't know of any that make a FGL 8" Boot. what I would recommend, though it to check out the Danner or Limmer Website. These bootmakers are more specialize - Danner in Logging/Hunting boots and Limmer in personalized design construction (Though they did branch out a few years ago into some shelf stock models.)
I have always liked Danner boots and my first few pairs were FGL Danner Mountain Lights. They may have a boot with a heavier duty 8" rise that is FGL but more of a hunting boot, but could still fulfill your needs.
Toolshed
01-18-2010, 08:34
here is a 6" Boot FGL http://www.danner.com/product/boots/explorer+mens-womens+hiking+boots.do
and one with 6.5" of support: http://www.danner.com/product/boots/expedition+gtx+brown+nubuc+hiking+boots+-+6.5.do
I am curious.....Do you plan to do a lot of long distance hiking or more mountain terrian style hikng? I have had 6" rise boots and found they were a bit of overkill. I prefer the standard 5" rise, as it is less weight to carry all day and offers a bit more flexibility for my ankles....
Good Luck
garlic08
01-18-2010, 09:50
I don't wear them any more, but when I did I always had the best luck with anything Italian. Good luck--fit and quality are critical in those things.
I wish there was some way I could go the boot issue line of basic training and once again get that pair of Army issue that I put on the first time, stood in the shower in them until they were soaked, walked in them until they were dry before taking them off, and having then a pair of boots that fit like a driving glove. Not one blister, and that was with a heavy pack and many road marches.:D
traildust
01-18-2010, 10:28
I wish there was some way I could go the boot issue line of basic training and once again get that pair of Army issue that I put on the first time, stood in the shower in them until they were soaked, walked in them until they were dry before taking them off, and having then a pair of boots that fit like a driving glove. Not one blister, and that was with a heavy pack and many road marches.:D
Jack, They are available on line and at Surplus stores. What size are you? You want jungle boots, the basic boot, jump boots. I think I got all of them in a duffle somewhere. They would last maybe 500 miles, unless you spit shine them everynight.
Old Grouse
01-18-2010, 10:34
Funny, I remember being in love with my Corcoran jump boots back in the day. A couple of years ago I ordered me up a new pair...hated 'em and sent 'em back. Go figure.
Toolshed
01-18-2010, 10:38
Aha... Corcoran=Jump boots. Always wanted a pair. Could never spring for more than the basic army issue back then.... They did look sharp, though....
msfirehiker
01-20-2010, 13:00
here is a 6" Boot FGL http://www.danner.com/product/boots/explorer+mens-womens+hiking+boots.do
and one with 6.5" of support: http://www.danner.com/product/boots/expedition+gtx+brown+nubuc+hiking+boots+-+6.5.do
I am curious.....Do you plan to do a lot of long distance hiking or more mountain terrian style hikng? I have had 6" rise boots and found they were a bit of overkill. I prefer the standard 5" rise, as it is less weight to carry all day and offers a bit more flexibility for my ankles....
Good Luck
I personally have had 6" danner boots used for hiking,
But every third day im in my cocoran 10 inch model 978's, my feet are in them for around 20 to 24 hours a day with some breaks for airing out, for those of yall who want to know they are made by the cove shoe co. Here in PA still,
they also produce forgive my spelling Matterhorn boots also, you can pick up a pair of 978's off of WWW.BOOTBAY.COM (http://www.BOOTBAY.COM) for around 115.00 bucks, the sizing says tru to size but order a wide if your a reg.
Ive a co-worker that wears Matterhorn he swears by them.
Might pick up an less expensive pair and try on a short 4 day trip.
By the way the reason I prefer an 8 inch or taller is that my ankle rolls quite often, so thats why i also wear the corcorans, other than there tought boots for my line of work and they hold a shine, its hell on the trail when you roll an ankle
I love my basic training boots too. Someday I'll get them resoled so they'll last forever.
Blissful
01-20-2010, 14:27
yes I was going to say a military type?
srestrepo
01-20-2010, 14:29
not sure what you mean by the eight inch requirements but vasque makes the sundowner all leather hiking boots... i use those and they're super comfortable.
If the boots have to be 8" tall I can't help. I haven't worn tall boots for many years.
I had Raichle hiking boots, when I started mountainclimbing.
They never wore out.
I "googled" Raichle hiking boots.
Raichle has many models of leather hiking boots for long wear.
I had some nice Italian light hikers in all leather. I never wore those out, either.
Now, I wear Salomon or Merrill light hikers and I am considering wearing trail runners. I wear Good Feet "Max" insoles and I select light hikers that have some leather or synthetic leather under the ankles. This, and the torsional strength of the sole material or built in arch support prevents the lightweight shoe from rolling out.
Look at this http://www.csuchico.edu/~sbarker/injury/ankle/ankle_rehab.pdf (http://www.csuchico.edu/%7Esbarker/injury/ankle/ankle_rehab.pdf) for your ankles.
It is possible you may need to be fitted for Good Feet Exercisers (http://www.goodfeet.com/products-3step-exercisers.html) insoles: "The Exerciser family of supports help reposition your feet into a more ideal position, balancing and aligning your whole body. Exercisers are ideal for everyday wear and can take the discomfort out of walking and standing."
Think of it as an expert horseshoer. Don't whinny, or neigh as a horse.
It works for me. I can wear the more lightweight hiking shoes.
I think the rule is "a pound on the feet is two pounds in the pack" or something like that.
Shutterbug
01-20-2010, 23:25
Was wondering about who makes an all leather hiking boot, i own a pair of 10 inch tall of Corcoran boots for work, I would really love an 8 inch all leather boot? any thoughts
I have worn some of the expensive boots in the past, but find that Bandy II boots meet my needs:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4840910
After about six months of wear the seam that holds the toe to the heel tends to open. They are easily repairable, but at $34 a pair, why bother?
If you can't find an 8" boot, or you can't find one you are willing to pay for, than you can try reducing your pack weight.
Reducing your pack weight should make ankle roll over less of a risk, so that you can walk with a lower boot safely.
I have worn some of the expensive boots in the past, but find that Bandy II boots meet my needs:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4840910
After about six months of wear the seam that holds the toe to the heel tends to open. They are easily repairable, but at $34 a pair, why bother?
wow...what do those things weigh? 4lbs? ouch! :)
I have a pair of all leather boots and love them, except for their lack of tread, which I keep meaning to fix. They are unpadded, which keeps them light and very versatile. The logo says HMO and I have no idea where I got them. They weigh 16oz each, size 12, 6" high.
These people make some very interesting leather footwear:
http://www.arrowmoc.com/mocasins.html
Shutterbug
01-29-2010, 17:21
wow...what do those things weigh? 4lbs? ouch! :)
Nope! Shipping weight is 5 lbs. They do keep one in good shape.
SassyWindsor
01-30-2010, 02:01
http://base1.googlehosted.com/base_media?q=http://mhoimages1-1.teztech.com/ProductAttributes/242-2531.jpg&size=17&dhm=ee1b2d5f&hl=en (http://www.google.com/product_url?q=http://www.mountainhighoutfitters.com/Products/Men%27s%2BSL%2BM3%2BBoot.html&fr=AOmnQRtqm_n-X5ONWmJlRHYf-ZUch0Xkt3f9jHG6dwat1R3wYsegzUnWg9KUjFCZ7lrsGKfyoj-ua15gGNHwdDv0dNjaXHAUNGWaM1oO9F1xCP7dpRVUSml-RPBXgNvzFK-d81jRqNOG6lZvzGpY3fYAAAAAAAAAAA&gl=us&hl=en) I have a pair of
Italian Made Scarpa "Sherpa" also "SL-M3" (pictured). Have a pair of Swiss made Raichle's that are also all leather. All with Vibram Soles. The Raichle's also has inner leather. I will never wear a shoe/boot made in China if I can buy/order from somewhere else. Most footwear in the USA comes from China. Scary.
randyg45
01-30-2010, 02:38
Aha... Corcoran=Jump boots. Always wanted a pair. Could never spring for more than the basic army issue back then.... They did look sharp, though....
I won the money for my first pair playing poker at Fort Gordon before going to Benning for jump school. :banana
check out a pair of 8" altama LiteSpeeds I have been very happy with mine as a hiking boot and as my everyday work shoes (on my feet 12-14 hrs)
Nope! Shipping weight is 5 lbs. They do keep one in good shape.
no thanks! my inov8s are only 11oz! :)
Shadowman
01-31-2010, 14:05
I used Vasque Sundowners for both my hikes and they lasted years beyond that for less streneous use.
My point though is that I have seen thru-hikers that did quite well without official hiking boots. An all leather work boot (without the steel toe) may be an option. The important thing on the trail is to have a boot that the inner sole liner is removable so the boot and insole will dry out as much as possible over night. An 8" will dry slower than a
6" not just because of the added mass but also a longer exit hole so to speak.
Was wondering about who makes an all leather hiking boot, i own a pair of 10 inch tall of Corcoran boots for work, I would really love an 8 inch all leather boot? any thoughts
Eight inch boots are for hunters who wear them because all the other hunters do!
I just Googled "8" boots" and found a mess of resources. Of course, I can't give you any idea of how they'd work for you - you would have to try them on for yourself.
It's not likely you'll find anyone here that currently uses tall boots - the adage is "A pound on your foot is like five on your back" - so true. I partially blame a chronic knee pain on heavy boots which caused a damaged knee joint (car vs. me on bike - I lost!) to separate every time I lifted the boot (custom made Limmers) and come down misaligned, causing pain with every step.
This hasn't happened at all since I went to low tops - try them - your body will thank you. :)
msfirehiker
02-01-2010, 01:18
Hey thanks for all the ideas, Ive looked at several options and i think the i have narrowed it down to two or three options
rapchizzle
02-01-2010, 13:28
I've had Vasque, Bass and currently Wolverines, all full leather and I gotta say it's too bad the Vasques are a half size too small because those were some comfortable boots and they still in great shape!