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Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 11th, 2018, 10:21 am
by retired jerry
are they now made more cheaply, or are you more abusive on your boots? Or are you less willing to continue using boots as they start to wear out?

Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 11th, 2018, 11:01 am
by Guy
retired jerry wrote:
December 11th, 2018, 10:21 am
are they now made more cheaply, or are you more abusive on your boots? Or are you less willing to continue using boots as they start to wear out?
They are certainly of much lower quality construction than before. Which is a shame because I've pretty much lived in Hi-tecs for 30 years!

Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 11th, 2018, 2:36 pm
by Webfoot
Guy, are you using textile or leather Hi-Tecs? If the former maybe try these?

https://www.sierratradingpost.com/hi-te ... en~p~356cm

There is usually a STP coupon for an additional 20–25% off if you wait a few days.

Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 11th, 2018, 6:32 pm
by Chip Down
Wow, my extemporaneous rant is getting more feedbackthan most of my TRs.

I have goretex boots that are exactly as waterproof as a pair of sneakers.

Sweat isn't an issue. A day in rubber boots will leave my feet drier than 20 minutes in some "waterproof" boots.

I've never tried Scarpa or Sportiva. They don't feel right in the store.

I bought Hi-Tec Altitudes once. Destroyed them in less than 90 days, so they went back for a full refund. It could be argued that was the best boot value ever.

Not willing to try laceless boots (e.g. XtraTuf).

Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 11th, 2018, 7:23 pm
by Bosterson
1) Get a pair of 6 lb full grain leather welted Alicos (or similar).
2) Treat with a leather waterproofing product.
3) Break in over the first 1000 miles.
4) Wear for the next 40 years. (Resole as needed.)

I wouldn't personally do this, but I accept that the tradeoff for lightweight gear is that it wears out more quickly.

Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 16th, 2018, 8:56 am
by Chip Down
retailer story one:
Greeted at REI, asked what I was looking for. I said winter hiking boots, waterproof, preferably high to keep snow out. Was told almost all boots are waterproof, I can just buy a pair of mesh hikers and wear gaiters. Facepalm. I explained that most boots aren't waterproof. I explained that snow will get up under gaiters, so trail runners won't cut it. Conversation continued. REI guy was perplexed, couldn't understand why I was so picky. It was a pleasant, if slightly awkward, exchange. I didn't storm out angry, but we seemed to mutually agree it wasn't going to result in customer satisfaction.

retailer story two:
Decided to give Columbia a shot. I'm skeptical about durability and water resistance, but they do make some boots in my target niche. Turns out they're not true to size, and sizing varies from model-to-model (even within the winter boot series). And even at the flagship store, they don't have much size selection. I found a couple that fit well, but both were extremely uncomfortable, in different places. Still trying local retailers, but nothing yet. Not willing to order online.

retailer story three:
In desperation, tried Big5. Everything felt like it wasn't even made for human feet. But found one that was a pleasure to walk in, had a great lacing system, and looked like it at least had a chance of being waterproof. A bit snug though. I needed the next size up. Oops, discontinued. Damn. Big5 exclusive, can't buy elsewhere.

I'm thinking about giving up my hiking obsession. Maybe surfing would be easier.

Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 16th, 2018, 9:16 am
by Webfoot
Chip Down wrote:
December 16th, 2018, 8:56 am
I'm thinking about giving up my hiking obsession. Maybe surfing would be easier.
:lol: With all the discomfort to which you subject yourself I don't think so.

Which REI? Downtown Portland?

Did you get around to trying that pack I suggested in another thread?

Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 16th, 2018, 10:24 am
by Chip Down
Webfoot wrote:
December 16th, 2018, 9:16 am
Which REI? Downtown Portland?

Did you get around to trying that pack I suggested in another thread?
1. Yeah. One of my favorite stories about that place was when I wanted to try a mountaineering boot in the next size up, and I was told I should stick with the size I had tried on, but with thinner socks. He said there's no need to wear expedition weight socks with a boot that has 200g insulation. I assured him I was happy with my socks. Nevertheless, he persisted. I didn't even know what to say. He said "excuse me", and walked away. I wondered if he was coming back, but he didn't, nor did anybody else.

2. Too cluttered. I'll probably have to compromise though. Hey, stop trying to distract me, I'm obsessed with boots right now. (Oh, look, a sqirre...)

Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 16th, 2018, 11:25 am
by texasbb
Chip Down wrote:
December 16th, 2018, 8:56 am
I found a couple that fit well, but both were extremely uncomfortable, in different places.
I clearly don't understand your definition of "fit well." :)

Re: I'm so tired of boot manufacturers lying to us.

Posted: December 16th, 2018, 4:35 pm
by Chip Down
texasbb wrote:
December 16th, 2018, 11:25 am
Chip Down wrote:
December 16th, 2018, 8:56 am
I found a couple that fit well, but both were extremely uncomfortable, in different places.
I clearly don't understand your definition of "fit well." :)
Fair enough. I meant the overall size/proportions were good, but there was an annoying flaw. Like one of them dug into my foot with every step, where they flexed. Another was too stiff at the top, and chaffed my shin.

The internet is truly a wondrous place; I post a blog about my boot hunting adventures, and people actually respond. :lol: