How do I select BIFL walking boots?
How do I select BIFL walking boots?
Ive had a couple pairs of walking boots in the past and none of them have survived more than 6-8 3 day hikes and I'm sick of replacing them. What are some points to look for in good walking boots, where should I look to buy them from in the UK, how much should I look to be spending as a rough guide?
Cheers!
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I just recently went on a search for the perfect BIFL Barefoot-style hiking boot, as I find those to be the most comfortable. The most promising boot was the Jim Green Barefoot Ranger. The quality was excellent, and due to it having entirely stich-down construction, it would be trivial for a cobbler to replace the sole. Unfortunately my feet are very wide, so even with the Barefoot version having a wider than normal design, it was ultimately uncomfortable, and I had to send them back.
For people with normal feet, though, It would be a great BIFL hiking/walking boot if you like the zero-drop barefoot style, as would Jim Green's non-barefoot boots. They tend to have the best price for the quality of materials as well.
There are many more options available in normal, non-barefoot styles of boot. As others have said, look for stitch-down or goodyear welt construction, and if well cared for, the leather parts of the boot should last a decade or more.
Thanks for mentioning this. I've had problems with boots because I seem to need zero drop. Otherwise I get pains in my arches after I've worn them.
I've settled on Lem's, and while they're great. The super wide toe box might be worth looking at for you. I've been really impressed with how durable they are, and they have a waterproof goretex lining, but the sole isn't stitch down. Whenever the sole wears out I'll probably try the Jim greens, because of the stitch down sole.
Lem's were on my shortlist to try, but I was able to snag some Vivobarefoot FG Tracker's off ebay for an amazing price, and I've been super happy with them.
I did read of some Lem's owners successfully resoling they're boulder boots. Apparently it's possible to sand down the soft outer sole flat, and then glue on a new sole to that. Might be worth asking a local cobbler about before buying a new pair when yours are getting on in years ^^
I'll have to look into that. I'm more worried about the sole separating from the upper, but if I wear through them first I'll give it a shot.