Hiking Boots

Hi there all.

In my opinion if you do have the cash go for the LaSportiva Tibet, i have a pair and it is good. It stretches a bit and that is the only drawback. It works very well in snow and wet conditions. The best pair of boots i ever had was a pair of Tecnickas. Some of the Hitec boots are also good, but get something that is waterproof. I used a pair of Merrals for walking to and from climbing crags and i was not impressed. Have alook at the Montrail, it is a very good boot at a good price.

Just remember that you must be comfy with the boots and no 2 people have the same tipe of feet so you need to find what works for you. Get a pair of gaiters(snow) as that helps to keep your boots dryer for a little longer.

Hope it helps.

Thanks for your responses.

I went to Drifters and spoke with a person who works there.

The La Sportiva Tibet is too expensive at R3 500, although they cost only R2 700 at mountainmailorder (www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=640)

I'm thinking of buying the La Sportiva Typhoon.

Thanks again.

Regarding gortex, the beauty with this material is that it is breathable. Thats what gortex boots are designed for; breathability.

I detest Hitec because none of their boots have closed tongues. Personally, a closed tongue is a non-negotiable requirement for hiking boots. In my opinion, a boot without a closed tongue cannot be regarded as waterproof. Also, Hitec are fond of material, as opposed to genuine leather.

This is why I like the local Jim Greens. They come standard in genuine leather, with a closed tongue.

I used to have La Sportiva Thunders and had to take them back as they weren't even close to being waterproof. The Goretex layer only went halfway up the inside of the boots! Maybe they've fixed this on the newer models?

Traded them in for a pair of Tibets and am very impressed with these!

Hi everyone,

as the thread states: I'm in the market for a new pair of hiking boots.

I'm having a pair of Beck's which might still last me for the better part of the year, but I'm intending to buy a pair & walk them "in" before some serious hiking.

Haven't decided what I want to spend, but I want a proper hiking boot this time around. Is thaere a store that I can buy some (more serious) Scarpas?

Heard the Montrails are pretty good too. How about the Torre GTX?

Any other suggestions?

Thank you.

Jacques

From what I know (used to sell hiking boots a while back), the Montrail Torre GTX are fairly lightweight i.e. not as rugged as some Scarpa's. I would use them for light trekking - a few days in 'Berg at the limit. I decided on a pair of Asolo Flame GTX (found on gumtree for R1500) as they seemed a bit more robust and supportive. However, it looks like the soles won't last very long on these and would suggest a boot with Vibram soles (based on past experience). Take a look at the La Sportiva Makalu when you're in CT - I think mountainmailorder has them...They're old, but bullet-proof.

Good luck

Thanx for those replies so far. Checked on mammothoutdoor & mountainmailorder. At Drifters & phoned Hikers Paradise.

Seems like the LA Sportiva Karakorum with Gortex www.mammothoutdoor.co.za/la-sportiva-karakorum-mens-mountaineering-boot-p31995.html

or the LA Sportiva Makalu www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=469

or the La Sportiva Val Di Fem at Drifters (R3 300) are the "best" money investments for boots.

The Montrails has a different rubber lining along the "bend-side" of the boot & I'm pretty sure it'll start to deteriorate there quite quickly.

Will let you guys know on what I've decided.

PS: Has anyone tried to import boots from (eg.) Italy or the USA?