Backpacking boots

[oldjeda]

Sorry for the long post.

So here’s the background:

Foot doctor says I need to start wearing a much stiffer boot or face major surgery in the near future. Too many years of bush running for this old bush ape. He said to find a 6” backpacking or trekking boot with a very stiff sole or shank that will reduce the upward flexing of my toes. Got the plan.

Here’s the issues:

I have fairly big wide paddles for feet so I need size 12-13 in an extra wide boot.

I also have been genetically “blessed” with legs that are bowed and now look more like parentheses than legs _( )_ therefore, because I walk a lot, I wear through the outside heel on any footwear within 6-8 months.

Here’s the problem:

I know I’m looking at expensive boots but in Lethbridge, there are only a few stores to shop. I’ve been to all of them and none have my size/width/stiffness currently in stock and ordering in will take months because of all the issues covid has brought on with production, supply and shipping. Due to the high cost of the boots I’m needing, I also need to find a boot that has a replaceable sole. Which also means I need to locate someone who can replace the sole. Can’t afford to replace $300+ boots every 6-8 months.

So far I have been able to find some good options locally but none allow me to check off all the boxes regarding size, stiffness, width, replaceable sole or a place to get the sole replaced.

Any help or direction as to potential suppliers would be appreciated. I need to expand my search area.

Thanks all

[Penner]

I don’t know if it is just me but I also have wide flippers and I find looking for wide footwear is not easy even around Edmonton. For me online isn’t the best option as I find I want to try on the footwear to see how overall comfort and fit will be as it varies from brand to brand.

I find Campers Village has about the best selection so if your in Calgary at some point you can give them a try. MEC also however they were on a anti shooting/hunting path so I purposely avoid those stores. May be a few specialty stores in Calgary to look into.

Keen makes wide footwear not sure you’ll get the stiffness you will need as they are more of an average brand. Lowa make a good boot. There are many others but wide boots are not as common. I suspect you’ll need to spend some coin to get a quality boot. Good luck in your search.

[1899b]

Originally Posted by Penner

I don’t know if it is just me but I also have wide flippers and I find looking for wide footwear is not easy even around Edmonton. For me online isn’t the best option as I find I want to try on the footwear to see how overall comfort and fit will be as it varies from brand to brand.

I find Campers Village has about the best selection so if your in Calgary at some point you can give them a try. MEC also however they were on a anti shooting/hunting path so I purposely avoid those stores. May be a few specialty stores in Calgary to look into.

Keen makes wide footwear not sure you’ll get the stiffness you will need as they are more of an average brand. Lowa make a good boot. There are many others but wide boots are not as common. I suspect you’ll need to spend some coin to get a quality boot. Good luck in your search.

No sense boycotting companies that are anti shooting or hunting. Go down that rabbit hole with some of your own investigation and you will see everyone is anti shooting and anti hunting. Your own credit card company is probably one of the biggest.

I bought a pair of North Face hiking boots at MEC that lasted a good 13 years. Due for another pair….

[pikeslayer22]

Contact lathrop and sons and chat with them.

[Sundancefisher]

Mark’s Work wearhouse has boots.

Sounds like a fairly hard match though.

Stiff, large, wide, replaceable sole.

If you find one they usually don’t feel the best till broken in. I suspect finding a replaceable sole will be tough.

If you find a pair that’s awesome you should buy a few of them cause styles change frequently.

[icecold]

Check out Irish setters there's a variety of styles and a few places in Calgary that sell them. Bought a pair few years ago and couldn't be happier.

[MountainTi]

Bit of a drive but head for Bozeman once the border opens up and check out Schnees. Once you figure out what you need I'm sure you could do the rest of your business by mail/courier

[urban rednek]

Skip Mark's, their selection of hiking boots are only suitable for urban weekend warriors. Cabelas selection isn't any better at this time.

Look at the Mountain and Alpine rated boots available from the big European manufacturers. They have soles that range from really stiff, all the way to unbendable. Note that they will be heavier than regular hiking boots.
Any boot with a Vibram sole is repairable, just find a good cobbler. My Mammuts have been fully resoled once ($125), and the heels have been replaced 3 times ($36). They are likely on their last repair as the leather is starting to separate from the rand after thousands of kilometres.

While MEC will definitely have the largest selection, I would check with stores like Norseman Outdoor Specialist in Calgary and Valhalla Pure Outfitters first. Besides online ordering, VPO has a store in Canmore.

[57charlie]

Your post says “backpacking boots “, but it sounds like you’re looking for daily wear footwear. Did you ask your Podiatrist if he/she knows of any one that could match your specific needs. I would think they would have some resources for you to follow up with.

[pikergolf]

Lowa Ranger, wide, would suit your needs.

[Twisted Canuck]

I have worn Irish Setters for a few years, work and hunting. While they are quite good, I finally bit the bullet and ordered custom boots at Nicks. Stupidly expensive, but from all accounts a boot that will last many times longer, and can be resoled repeatedly.

https://nicksboots.com/

Lots of stuff on YouTube, you can see how crazy excellent they are made.

I had to do a couple dozen measurements, and was surprised to see how different left to right is, most people are. The downside is the wait, I ordered 2 months ago and expect it will be 2 or 3 more before I get them.

[dth_]

Check out Crispi boots-- they make high quality trekking boots in EE width. I think Great North Precision in Kelowna is the only place in Canada that sells them. Kenetrek also makes a wide boot. I have never tried them on for comparison, but from all the research I've done I've read that they have a more North American fit, which may work better for you than some of the European boots.

I wouldn't hesitate buying boots online. Most reputable outfitters have a great return policy. In my own experience, I bought a pair of Hanwags from Monods in Banff through their website. They shipped fast and unfortunately didn't fit well and they issued a return label painlessly. They did not have the right size for me, and I ended up ordering from Valhalla Pure outfitters. I've ordered gear from them before and been very happy.

[Dolly’s Mom]

I’ve had feet problems all my life and swear by my Handwags. They’re stiff, have a supportive footbed and come in a wide version. I haven’t done it yet but you can have them resoled.

[Lefty]

Wide feet is a problem in the boots you are after. My feet are much smaller but finding a boot wide enough is a problem too. size 7 here. Tried Hanwags widest boot and it is not wide enough. Lowa was the same problem for me. If I get serious mountain hunting again Lathrop and Sons will be getting a call.

[CNP]

Originally Posted by Dolly’s Mom

I’ve had feet problems all my life and swear by my Hanwags. They’re stiff, have a supportive footbed and come in a wide version. I haven’t done it yet but you can have them resoled.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hanwags. European made. Stiff sole, its like a built in step. Mountaineering boots.

Awesome Adventures Ltd in Lethbridge has them.

https://www.awesomeadventures.ca/footwear.html

[marky_mark]

Originally Posted by dth_

Check out Crispi boots-- they make high quality trekking boots in EE width. I think Great North Precision in Kelowna is the only place in Canada that sells them. Kenetrek also makes a wide boot. I have never tried them on for comparison, but from all the research I've done I've read that they have a more North American fit, which may work better for you than some of the European boots.

I wouldn't hesitate buying boots online. Most reputable outfitters have a great return policy. In my own experience, I bought a pair of Hanwags from Monods in Banff through their website. They shipped fast and unfortunately didn't fit well and they issued a return label painlessly. They did not have the right size for me, and I ended up ordering from Valhalla Pure outfitters. I've ordered gear from them before and been very happy.

Crispis are good boots
The berksdale sf have a really stiff shank too

[calgarychef]

The border will open soon, go you to Great Falls and to Scheels.
Try on some Kennetrek mountain extremes. They come in different widths and you can get 3 different arch supports…or use orthotics in them. One of the nicest boots you’ll ever have, I had my first pair resoled at the same time I bought a second pair. You’ll put hundreds and hundreds of miles on them.
Expensive as hell but worth every penny.

[oldjeda]

Thanks all of you. I knew I’d get some help but I’m overwhelmed with the amount of help. Just to confirm, I am definitely looking for a boot (6”) with a high flex rating, not a runner as 80% of my wear and tear is off road on hillsides. You’ve given me information on lots of brands and companies I wasn’t aware of so I can now do more research. I’ll also have to make a trip into at least Calgary to try some out. Possibly into montana as well.

I hate to not be shopping local but I've been to every place in Lethbridge that carries decent backpacking boots and none have my size/width/flex rating in stock. And wait times for ordering is currently ridiculous.

I’m really pleased to hear about online return policies and also the possibility of re-soled. I’ve never worn out uppers in my boots. Only the heels and outside soles.

Much appreciation to all of you.

[urban rednek]

Here is the link to the Boot Repair thread from 2019:
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=365785

It would be handy if members updated it with any other quality boot repair shops they know of in Alberta.

[Vantage Point]

Originally Posted by CNP

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hanwags. European made. Stiff sole, its like a built in step. Mountaineering boots.

Awesome Adventures Ltd in Lethbridge has them.

https://www.awesomeadventures.ca/footwear.html

Hanwag's have been very comfortable boots for me with long term foot injuries. Definitely get my vote.

[guysmiley]

Originally Posted by icecold

Check out Irish setters there's a variety of styles and a few places in Calgary that sell them. Bought a pair few years ago and couldn't be happier.

Same here. Love my "wing walkers" or at least that's what I think they were called. Comfortable, look good and water proof.

[oldjeda]

Talked to Norseman and Campers village. They both have several makes in my size so I guess I’m heading north to the city sometime next week.

Thanks again

[crazy_davey]

Originally Posted by oldjeda

Talked to Norseman and Campers village. They both have several makes in my size so I guess I’m heading north to the city sometime next week.

Thanks again

Did you try Awesome Adventures like CNP suggested?

[hilt134]

Stop by the alberta boot company. Last time I was there they had custom options pst cowboy boots. Maybe they could make you a good old school set or just a proper foot measurement if you decide to try your luck online

[graybeard]

Originally Posted by hilt134

Stop by the Alberta Boot Company. Last time I was there they had custom options pst cowboy boots. Maybe they could make you a good old school set or just a proper foot measurement if you decide to try your luck online

I have the same foot problem......Alberta Boot made me a pair of roper boots. Best decision I made and add; surprisingly reasonable.

Good luck

[oldjeda]

Yes I’ve been to awesome adventures a few times now. Great little store but they don’t have anything that fits my big flippers. Also no promise of if or when other stock is coming in.

However I still managed to spend get some impulse shopping in while I was there

[Desert Eagle]

Two options I have used are Kenetrek and Scarpa.

Kuiu carries the Scarpa and the 6” boots I got this year are stiffer than I expected. The 8” boot they have is even stiffer. Kenetrek has a sizing tool you can print online and verify before you order.

They are both easily found online (not sure about your size though)

[mindoutside]

I also have somewhat wide feet and narrow heels. I found merrells fit that profile. They have some fairly stiff/back packing options

[Fitscottn]

Originally Posted by mindoutside

I also have somewhat wide feet and narrow heels. I found merrells fit that profile. They have some fairly stiff/back packing options

I have the same issue with foot shape.

The Solomon quest 4D are working pretty good, but not perfect.

PAC boots from Kenetrek are what I am eyeballing right now, just unsure how well they will fit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Au revoir, Gopher]

Originally Posted by Fitscottn

I have the same issue with foot shape.

The Solomon quest 4D are working pretty good, but not perfect.

PAC boots from Kenetrek are what I am eyeballing right now, just unsure how well they will fit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Another duck foot here. Some of the Solomon footwear works for me, but some doesn't. I will have to try some merrells. I can't imagine what it is like being able to order footwear off the internet

ARG