boots

[treeman82]

Which are the most popular brand / style of boots now for climbing in? I've been using the Red Wing insulated logger's boots for 4 years now. They are a great boot for most things. However, if I have to stand on gaffs in them for 4+ hrs, my toes start going a little numb, and I start praying to get off of my feet ASAP.

 

[BigJohn]

I stood on my redwings for 8 hrs a day and never had a problem. If I was to stand in my redwings for 8 hrs on the ground I would be takeing them off and going in my stocking feet. Maybe you need to think about wearing two pairs of socks. I like one thin pair and one pair of heavy insulated boot socks. Sure this sounds hot but not really. My feet are never sore nor do they stink. I have some of the pertyest feet I am told.

I would go with some Merrels or just a decent pair of Columbias. They have both been great boots for me. I know Roachy has some really cool boots that aren't too much money. Maybe he will chime in let in on that.

The Merrels are just hikers but I have no problem with hooks and believe I get my fairshare of time on the hooks and not by choice really.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Brand new boots, I wear two thick pair of cotton socks. I always size the boots with consideration towards the aftermarket insoles I'm gonna put in em. As the new boots loosen up, I go to three pairs of socks.

I stopped wearing hard sole boots a decade ago.

Anybody wanna buy a good pair of size 12 Wescos?

 

[Stumper]

Butch, Unless you have a wool allergy, try switching to a good heavy wool sock (or 2 if thats how you size your boots). I know that you are down there in LA where people think that wool is cold weather stuff for yankees. Trust me. I wore cotton socks for years and had soggy prune feet at the end of summer days. Wool is MUCH cooler in summer and my feet are in much better condition at the end of the day.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Cool!

Never thought about it. I'll give it a try.

Thanks!

 

[Newfie]

Right on with the wool. Standard issue socks in the army are wool. Much more comfortable and dryer than cotton.

 

[treeman82]

I guess I'll break out my wool work socks then.

 

[Husky372]

i dont wear cotton socks anymore the only socks i own or wear now is smartwool my feet love me for it.
butch what shape are those wescos in? how much? are they the loggers?

 

[MasterBlaster]

The Wescos are in excellent condition. I had them rebuilt for $225 by Wesco. And they are the 16" variety. Their just too friggin heavy.

 

[Bradley]

Big 10-4 on the Smartwool socks. No others can compare. I've got some that are about 4 years old and still great. I wear them exclusively now year round. They work as well in the summer as in the winter and are worth every penny.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Which Smartwool socks you guys wearing? They have a bunch of different styles and thicknesses. I assume the ones designed for hiking?

 

[Husky372]

my favorite are actually the mountaneering ones. a little thicker but i like'em.

 

[kowens]

my boss bought himself some new redwings loggers boot the other day wanted to buy we a pair no way by the end of the day i would be tripping over everything
to heavy

 

[Dadatwins]

Like my Redwing loggers seem to be very comfortable for me.
I have a pair of redwing hikers that are very comfortable. Used to swear by Timberlands before they became a fashion statement and now made like junk. As far as insoles go I prefer going to redwing and getting new insole from the folks that made the boot. New insole every few months makes boots feel like new again. Cost a bit more but last longer than Walmart $3.00 special.
Thanks for the sock tip, are they available at any sporting goods store?

 

[Jumper]

Originally posted by Newfie
Right on with the wool. Standard issue socks in the army are wool. Much more comfortable and dryer than cotton.

Agree totally however I could never wear the darn things because they made my legs itch something wicked.

Climbers up here wear a wide variety of boots for climbing from hikers to higher work boots, most having steel toes and plates because of the OSH rules.

 

[Husky372]

Originally posted by Jumper
Agree totally however I could never wear the darn things because they made my legs itch something wicked.

Climbers up here wear a wide variety of boots for climbing from hikers to higher work boots, most having steel toes and plates because of the OSH rules.

smartwool will never make you itch.

 

[roachy]

LOWA or Nike acg Merrill If they are light and can haold the hooks there for me ,sorry I could never go back to red wings

 

[Stumper]

David,-Never say never-a few people have allergic reactions to wool. However, the army surplus socks did make me itch but Smartwool are wonderfully soft and non-itchy. The Ducks Unlimited branded Merlino Wool socks are also very soft and comfy.:angel:

 

[Husky372]

your right stumper i was just saying that becuase i find wool to be very itchy but with these i have never had a problm. i also have a pair of smartwool gloves.

 

[Bradley]

Most good sporting goods stores have Smartwool. They cost about 11-13$ per pair but are worth it for comfort and longevity. They are guaranteed not to itch. I normally wear the "hiker" or "light hiker" models and have some "mountaineer" that are only used when the crampons get used as well. They are too thick for everyday use if it is above 17 degrees.