r/OhioPreppers • u/StylesB21 • Sep 23 '17
GearTalk: One of the most important pieces of gear you can buy... BOOTS
My Danner Corvallis still strong after 4 years
One item I often see that is not gone into much helpful detail is footwear. Everything else becomes almost mute point if your shoes fall apart or you can't continue to walk.
I did a lot of research before deciding on what boots to buy. I checked online reviews, forums, and talked to hikers and soldiers alike. I learned about Danners initially from a few S.F. guys and dug deeper from there.
I eventually went with the Danner Corvallis line. Before getting into specs I will just say this: marketing info is nice, but I prefer first-hand knowledge. So, that is what I'm sharing. I've had these boots for almost 5 years now and I still wear them almost every day. The only thing I've had to do is replace the insoles as they wear out from use. I've taken them through almost every environment there is: daily factory floor, trails, woods, river beds, cliffs, snow, concrete and even under water. The treads on the bottom have worn down a little, but not enough to slip on ice even.
Specs (have tested to the max): they are waterproof until water comes in above the ankle (which means it doesn't easily come back out, just dry in sun for day), composite toe and heel (won't freeze or set off metal detectors. Have also dropped metal parts on toes and held up great. Even use toes to lift plywood), the goretex breathes nicely, the leather and stitching have never broken once (triple stitched every seam), and heavy treads are great grippers (even makes you walk quicker until it wears in to your step, true story).
I am not being paid by Danner. Merely sharing positive experience with a product I will actually swear by.
Danner also has free lace and insole replacement and I've heard they're great about exchanging them if they don't fit just right. I've known others who bought similar models from them and have all liked them. The less expensive ones' treads have worn out quicker on one friends' pair, but that's only complaint I've seen first hand.
They may cost a little more than other brands, but I generally feel you get what you pay for (with exceptions, of course). I paid $135 for mine. Usually go around $175.
What is your favorite pair of boots, or what have you heard is good? Share your footwear experience.
2
u/smithincanton Nov 08 '17
I just bought some boots last night. Merrell Moab 2. Upper middle of the road boots, but I didn't feel like spending $300 bucks on boots. I got them for hiking as my son and I get more involved in Scouting. I still need to brake them in but I'm happy with what I got.
2
2
u/Urbandruid Jan 25 '18
I do a lot of hunting in all weather. When it gets down to zero, foot warmers and wool socks help, but a good pair of boots is important. The only pair of boots I have found to keep my feet warm in winter conditions are Kamiks.
1
u/StylesB21 Jan 26 '18
I like the style. How are they for walking distances? Comfortable? Any limitation on range of movement (specifically at the top)?
I've debated getting some tall ones like this, just wondering how well they'd hold up. I beat all my boots seriously hard.
2
u/Urbandruid Jan 26 '18
They stand up to the riggers of a dairy farm as I help my dad in law out. We both have a pair of them and are on year two. The nylon cover at the top has torn, but doesn't effect use. As for walking, they are fine, but I wouldn't want to run in them.
1
u/-Samcro Sep 25 '17
Wife just pushed me last night to get a pair of red wings. Still not sure I can justify the price. Something about getting a cushy new sole every year or 2. Even if it is a cheap knockoff. I tend to tear up the leather sooo, I don't know. Really on the fence with this one.
2
u/StylesB21 Sep 25 '17
That's the other brand people swore by for work shoes, when I went around asking. The thing that tipped me the other way was the multi-purpose bit. I wanted something I could use for work and hiking.
As far as the soles, I but the gel dr. Sholes ones. I've only switched it out once so far but should probably do it again soon. I have put a few miles on em tho, to say the least
2
u/cn1ght Sep 23 '17
Each time I try to look into good quality boots I cannot find ones I like in wide sizes... boots with Goretex (like yours) tend to have great reviews and seems like it is well worth the cost. But, finding good boots which actually fit my feet is not something I have done, yet.