Hiking boots recommendations?

Teris

Jr. Member
May 28, 2020
31
46
California
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Prospecting
Hi guys. I'm looking for hiking boots I can use year round in Southern California hiking a few miles AND that can handle being in the river. I want something I can take home, dry out and reuse without getting destroyed too quickly. Flip flips and water shoes aren't great for the hike in and I'd rather not change shoes. Any suggestions?
 

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I used to wear my waders for the hike in as well. That is until I snagged one and didn't know. Nothing worse than hopping into 36 degree creek water and finding out one wader is filling up. Makes for a miserable day of mining.

That has happened to me so many times, it is the pits but the worst is crossing a river and you make that one step that is deeper than the length of your hip waders, feeling that cold water work its way down the boot to your toes but on those hot summer days its not so bad, maybe a little squishy. I will add the worst to wear are chest waders, if you ever fart in them you will now what I mean, LOL
 

Adidas Hiking Shoes from Khols. I often go on long hikes, and "boots" are way too heavy/ clunky..preventing the agility needed to not fall off of a cliff, slippery bedrock, etc. They're only 60 bucks at khols...I picked up 3 pairs lol. They're not water proof...but can't have it all :dontknow:
 

That has happened to me so many times, it is the pits but the worst is crossing a river and you make that one step that is deeper than the length of your hip waders, feeling that cold water work its way down the boot to your toes but on those hot summer days its not so bad, maybe a little squishy. I will add the worst to wear are chest waders, if you ever fart in them you will now what I mean, LOL

My creek rarely warms up for to not be uncomfortable cold. I was working a hole shoulder deep when I stepped just a little too far into the hole. Yup, I got that cold flood down my leg. I did invest in chest waders after that. Worst part of chest waders is when you get that "urgent" calling and gotta drop them fast.
 

I use Columbia hiking boots. They are waterproof but I’m in the desert so they don’t get wet too often. :laughing7:
 

I use Columbia hiking boots. They are waterproof but I’m in the desert so they don’t get wet too often. :laughing7:

I love my Columbia boots although I will say I go through the sole tread in just a couple years. I don’t wear them into the river.
 

Not sure if this helps, but when I hunt, I wear Schnee's. I hunt (like animals, not gold) all over Alaska from the tundra to the mountains and they're fantastic. Waterproof and strong. I don't wear them while mining because I'm a super snob when it comes to my hunting gear. lol. They're fairly expensive though.
 

I'm a White's guy. Been wearing Whites for ever and current boot is 10-11yrs old now and will go a couple more yrs before a re-build (Whites seem to be good for 1 rebuild from my experience with a rebuild almost like new). Spendy but built and if you spend any time on your feet out in the brush might as well have a good SUPPORTED boot...imo. I wouldn't recommend them for in the creek (Vibram sole slippery) except for the first couple days breaking them in, they fit them tight. jmo

https://whitesboots.com/firefighter/the-original-smokejumper/
 

I really like my scarpa zodiac plus gtx, but they might give you sweaty feet in the desert
 

Just another thing to consider. I'm liking my knee high waterproof socks. Waterproof as high as regular rubber boots, but with the ankle support and traction of your hiking boot. Good padding as well.
 

Just another thing to consider. I'm liking my knee high waterproof socks. Waterproof as high as regular rubber boots, but with the ankle support and traction of your hiking boot. Good padding as well.

I never knew these existed, thanks for mentioning them. So what boots do you wear over them?
 

Sadly for me , my hiking days are over !! If I can't drive my 4x4 ATV to the spot , I just don't go! NEWS UPDATE: I don't go out anymore than I have to !:BangHead: And I miss the heck out of it!!
 

Hi guys. I'm looking for hiking boots I can use year round in Southern California hiking a few miles AND that can handle being in the river. I want something I can take home, dry out and reuse without getting destroyed too quickly. Flip flips and water shoes aren't great for the hike in and I'd rather not change shoes. Any suggestions?


I have had great experiences with Solomon Speed Assult boots I have worn them for years. They are not water proof but are light, dry quick aggressive sole, light ankle protection. Downsides the traction is awful on ice, and your feet will get cold if you wear them in snow as they will get wet and some people dont like that they dont have laces but they use a draw cord so easy to adjust as your feet change after a long day. will admit I may be a little biased and mostly wear salomon but for a 3 season boot I would check them out. Merrell would be a close second I have also had positive experiences with them I think there moab is their below the ankle but they have similar that offer some ankle support. Good luck finding a good pair, nothing will make or break your day like a bad or worn out pair of boots.
 

Sadly for me , my hiking days are over !! If I can't drive my 4x4 ATV to the spot , I just don't go! NEWS UPDATE: I don't go out anymore than I have to !:BangHead: And I miss the heck out of it!!

If you were out here you could follow me around on your ATV and sit under the canopy drinking cold beer while I keep you supplied with paydirt to feed the drywasher.

You are welcome anytime when you are ready for a road trip! :occasion14:

canopy.jpg



GG~
 

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Danner makes a great boot! But expensive leather boots in water? Not a good idea. That tears them up.
 

I just picked up a pair of LaCrosse 4xAlpha waterproof for hiking from amazon. Here are some of its reviews from (https://shoesmentor.com/types-of-shoes/boots/best-snake-boots/). They are comfortable enough and the best snake boots among some other cheap brands. Plus they're great for stickers and cactus spines. I used to do archaeological surveying and knee-high wraparound snake guards which make my hiking so much easier.
 

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