Traditional stitched leather hiking boot
I really want a traditional stitched leather construction hiking boot. All the ones I can find are expensive af, such as this https://www.hanwag.com/us/en-us/men/double-stitched/stuiben-ii .
I feel like I could maybe rationalize the price if it lasted a really long time. Do you think the upper would last many years of weekend hiking? The boot is at the price where it would make sense to re-sole every year or so, as long as everything else holds up..
Do you know of any budget-ish but still legit and well made hiking boots that fit what i'm describing? Have you owned a boot like this, and what did you think?
Stuiben II
An authentic Bavarian mountain boot made with a traditional double-stitched construction – a genuine classic
12 Replies
so i have not bought a pair of hiking boots specifically, but am into leather footwear and even making my own pairs by hand now
and i just want to say that in terms of both cost and performance, more traditional leather footwear rarely will ever outperform modern materials and constructions
performance wise from what i've heard this is especially true for something like hiking, where performance is of more importance than say someone who just walks through the city
cost wise resoles cost as much as buying brand new modern footwear, so you never really recoup your money
so i think when you're considering if said boot is worth it to you, its more about whether the traditional style construction, aesthetic, sustainability, etc. is worth it to you, not really whether its better in any utilitarian sense in most cases
for a hiking boot specifically, unless there is some sort of synthetic water barrier (which stuff, like the danner mountain lights have goretex), leather footwear will never be as waterproof as synthetic, and the cushioning you get from a modern synthetic hiking boot is generally better for hiking
if there is a synthetic water barrier in your boots, then the boot uppers will only last as long as that does in a sense, aka it wont last particularly longer than a modern hiking boot
modern materials and constructions are in most aspects just superior, since materials are developed intentionally to have better properties and also be cheaper at the same time (those two aren't mutually exclusive)
thats my two cents at least, but i won't say im very familiar with hiking boots specifically
The current hiking meta, if you will, is using trail running trainers, unless you're going up mountains, where you might need something more specialised.
Your best bet is probably to look at gently used boots secondhand. I'm on the same grind right now.
Some brands im watching atm: danner, Eddie Bauer, fracap, vasque
For weekend hikes, unless you're out in really bad weather or doing something very technical/loaded which requires ankle support just get some trail runners or trail runner/walking shoe hybrid IMO.
That's said Danner and Fracap etc look great, but they're just not as practical for actual hiking. The heart wants what the heart wants.
100%. i also hike in trail runners. Didn't notice we were actually looking for boots for hiking
I know
I just want traditional boots
It's not about performance it just satisfies my tism
I'll probably get both eventually
On a tight budget these are fine. They weigh a ton but if you're only day hiking and keeping it under 10 miles it's not a huge deal.
They're technically resoleable too, but the interior lining on mine feel noticeably worn down after only a few hundred miles so it's kinda academic for what it would cost to re-sole them.
With a coupon code and sale you should be able to get them cheaper that the $165 they're listed for.
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/91900025/men's-k-6-boots?size=&sizeType=&color=Timber
Men's K-6 Boots | Eddie Bauer
Get the Men's K-6 Boots at Eddie Bauer. Find your size and the available color options here.
I discovered those today!
Only thing is I wonder how they'd fit my wide feet.. no EE size
I think the price on the hanwags or Russell moccasins is justified if they survive a few resoles I just gotta save a bit..
Jim Green
African Ranger - Fudge
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text] The Boot that Puts Boots onto Rangers 50% of Rangers don’t have access to sufficient Boots and Gear and over 40% are required to purchase their own Boots. With the future of our wilderness areas in the hands of those with boots on the ground Jim Green Footwear and The Game Rangers
thoughts on these?
the tread pattern is interesting...
looks like a work/hiking boot hybrid tbh..
they have a 'barefoot' style of the african ranger with a more aggressive tread