My guide to perfect boots / shoes. I work in an outdoor dealer in Germany. I've seen a lot of experience and a lot. Socks: The best socks for any weather are merino wool socks. The heavier the boot, the thicker the sock. The best is 70% merino, 30% nylon. The best are falcon, smartwool and woolpower. Boots: For most people, full leather without Gore-Tex is best. Can stand a lot of weather if cared for properly. Gore and synthetics work best for cold temperatures (below 18 degrees Celsius) or when you're in an area with a lot of rain. The heavier the backpack, the stiffer the sole for the boot. You should also really mess your foot up. I wear a British 10 in normal shoes and a 12.5 in heavy boots. The heavier the boot, the bigger it should be. If you want to use crampons, please buy them even bigger so that the effects of the movement are not transferred to the foot. If you slip in the heel, there is a catch to prevent this. The hook closest to the heel should be tightened until you no longer slip. If it still slips and you can no longer tighten it, the trunk is not for you. Lighter boots work well on light terrain, but if you want a boot for all activities, choose a stiffer sole. I don't really know much about the American boot market but I can reccoment a fiew european brand: Meindl: german, for wider feet Lowa: german, for slimmer feet Hanwag: german, for most feet ( I own the Hanwag Lhasa and its an absolut dream to wear) Break-in period: You should buy your boots at least 2 weeks before a big trip so that you can shrink them for at least a few days. I wear mine at work or at home to break in. Just use it as your everyday shoe for a few days. Daily care: You should always remove the insole after use so that the shoe and insole can be tried overnight so that you have a test shoe in the morning. Please also brush off dirt or water from the outside of the shoe so that it cannot dry out in the material. Leather in particular can suffer if there is dirt on the face fabric for too long. Routine care procedure: For a full leather shoe: You need a beeswax, a brush, water and a cloth of any kind. First of all, you want to make sure that the shoe is cleaned completely. Therefore, gently wipe the inner leather with a clean cloth to remove salt from the sweat. Remove the insole and rinse it well under running water if it is made of a textile. If it's made of leather too, just use the cloth you used in your shoe and clean it thoroughly. Then continue outside, where you can perfectly clean the shoe with a relatively stiff brush and plenty of water. In addition, the shoelaces should be removed and the tongue set up before cleaning, making sure that there is no dirt left behind. Now dry the shoe slowly to ensure that the leather does not dry too quickly, otherwise the leather will tear and discolour itself. Just leave it in a well-ventilated room overnight without the effects of one direct heat source. When the bone is dry, use the beeswax and a soft brush and cover the outer leather completely with a thin layer of wax. Make sure that the seams are completely covered and there are no dry spots. Now you can move on to the inside of the shoe and apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the inner leather. Normal cream from Nivea is perfect for that. Care for textile shoes: if the shoes are made of a textile outer material, the shoe should be cleaned in the same way. You just don't have to apply wax and cream, but only spray the outside of the shoe with a Gore-tex impregnation spray. Care for the large membrane The membrane only needs to be carefully cleaned. Most membranes are equally good. Some companies use their own membrane technology, which is no worse than that of gore itself. Care for the soles. Because soles are glued to the upper part of the shoe nowadays, soles fall off faster than before. Therefore, it is advisable to insert the rubber parts of a shoe, be it the rubble protection or the sole itself, and back and forth with a product that contains silicones. After some time, they escape from the rubber and it becomes hard and hard. Please be careful after using Rubber-Care. It will make the sole slippery for a view hours of walking This care should be carried out again after about 10-12 days of use in order to achieve the longest possible lifespan of the boot I would always go for boots and not shoes because they hold the ankle firmly and protect the foot area better from rain and dust. If a gaiter is used, a high level of rain proof can be achieved. Now get out and have fun with your perfect boot. Leave a comment if you have any critical Feedback or questions, thanks !!

@fragu123

4 жыл бұрын

Julian Kurt ....great, thx. for your efforts in writing things up! I use Zamberlan Vioz 996 GTX and I am very happy with those... funnily enough, my cleaning and caring procedures are as recommended by you👌👍😉

@beibit49

3 жыл бұрын

Julian Kurt, thank you for your experience. Please tell me where you can buy excellent hiking boots made of leather, with Vibram, without gortex. Thanks.

@ika5666

3 жыл бұрын

@@beibit49 One of the best ones is made using yak leather like Hanwag Lhasa II.

@beibit49

3 жыл бұрын

@@ika5666 thanks!

@stephenwhittier6439

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your input.

Another detail for all you Bootaniacs: Lowa (LOrenz WAgner) and HanWag (HANs WAGner) where brothers and founded their brands almost at the same time. As both brothers learned from their father and both wouldn't sell their brands (HanWag was sold only under strict conditions, because their was no descendant of Hans), you can still see their quality as equal and very good.

Thanks for taking the time to make this boot comparison video. Nicely done.

Your review has been very helpful. I purchased the Hanwag Alaska GTX, U.K. size 9, 'wide' and I'm very happy with its fit. It has a very secure, reassuring feel.

Thanks for doing this video. Very helpful and informative. I'm just as, "Particular" with my footwear. Refreshing to see that I'm not the only one that takes it this seriously.

Good grief this was helpful!! Thank you for putting this together. I appreciated that you spoke a little to the fit of each.

I do like a bluntly honest review! You know your stuff. I'm currently breaking in a pair of Meindl Vaakum's (so far so good). Don't know if it's the same in the states but you can get Meindl's resoled, officially to original specs and with Meindl soles in the Uk, shame to waste good leather uppers that are good and broken in. I was hoping you reviewed some Altberg's among that lot as that's probably my next purchase though a no bones review is always welcome!

Thanks for taking the time to make this boot comparison video. However, can you let us know if you have any comments on Ecco and Merrall products? Thanks in advance.

The asolo's are produced in my hometown (Sibiu-rRomania). Never knew... :) Thx a lot for this video, since I'm looking into buying this type of boot anyway....

@danielesavi1969

4 жыл бұрын

In the 90's and 2000's many historical Italian brands of mountain sports footwear (almost all originating from the province of Treviso) have delocalized part of their production in Romania. Asolo is one of them.

Awesome video! I cant decide which ones to go with so I'll just buy them all to test and decide.. EPIC!

@crafter170

4 жыл бұрын

Meindl......trust me

@jaysonallen3100

4 жыл бұрын

@@crafter170 I went with the Hanwag Alaska gtx and km very pleased thus far.

I started with a pair of Redwing boots that had quality, but lacked support. Next were Vasque hiking boots and I discovered how proper fit keeps the toes from sliding forward and strengthens the ankle area, low on comfort, but they were a big improvement. The third pair were Vasque as well. The next pair were made for REI by Raichle and were extraordinarily comfortable, with glove leather, padded tongue and perfect support. The soles saw many miles and minimal wear over their 14 year life.

Thanks for sharing. I didn't realize Cabelas brand are offering Meindl. Ended up buying a pair of Meindl in the UK.

One of the best detailed boot reviews I've seen in awhile. That being said, I've been researching the Hanwag Alaska GTX and after watching your Video, I've decided to give them a try. I have the Lowa Tibet gtx and stand by the quality and durability. Should of bought the wide version since they run a bit narrow. They can take a beating though. The Asolo Powermatic GV are great for lighter loads on rough terrain. My Gronell Klondike boots are serious heavy weights that will last decades. But surprisingly , my Salomon Super Mountain Expert boots are still going strong. They were built for life! Being a gear junkie, I appreciate great reviews. Great job, Well done!

@alpineexposure333

8 жыл бұрын

They cane be tricky. A harder sole made to withstand rock and shale does not like ice. Snow, not even an issue. On slimy rocks under water seems to grip okay. Just tested that the other day now that the snow is melting in and around the lakes and rivers here in Alberta. Hope that helps.

@RizetoPower

7 жыл бұрын

you seem to be a boot expert. what are they the best boots you've ever tried?

@alpineexposure333

7 жыл бұрын

I would have to say for casual hiking the Hanwag Alaska GTX (wide) is a great boot with a very nice fit and the Cabela's 200-Gram Alaskan Hunter™ Boots by Meindl are awesome for colder conditions. For extreme mountaineering I would go with the Hanwag Omega GTX or for high elevations and winter conditions, the LA Sportiva Spantik Boots are my top pick. Both will stand up to severe Terrain. The Nepal Evo is also a good choice, but some find they are not the best in cold conditions. Hope that helps, Cheers.

@RizetoPower

7 жыл бұрын

yeah you are definitely an expert. you should upload reviews.

awesome,awesome,awesome video....exactly what i was looking for thank you

These are all the boots in looking at now. But a few years back I couldn't afford a $400 to $5,6,700 boots. So I found vasque snowblime ultra-drys. There $200 bout got them on sale for $150. Hands down own of the best boots iv ever had specially for $150! For young guys or New to hiking hunting, backpacking and the budgets tight. The vasque snowblimes are your best bang for your buck! I wear the hell out of these boots and there still kicking strong! Time for them to be backups and get more of what I want.

This was super helpful man thanks!

Great pairs of boots! Could you do a video with the boots on your feet? How bulkier is the Hanwag boot in comparison with the Lowa? Thanks.

I like Superfeet Greens and SOLE Ultra. Superfeet Greens are pretty standard volume, good support and particularly good if there is chance of inside getting wet. SOLE Ultra is much higher volume which can solve issues of boots being slightly larger than expected when combined with whichever sock combo. They offer a great support with cushioning. The downside is that if they get wet, they will take longer to dry than Superfeet.

I wear the Lowa Ranger GTX. It's an awesomely comfortable boot! I would highly recommend it!!

Excellent review

Have you found the 3/4 rand to be a disadvantage over the full rand? I plan on hiking on gnarly uneven terrain with heavy brush and lots of rocks. I'm concerned about the back of the boot not being protected

I’ve just purchased what promise to be a superb boot, the newly released Mammut Trovat Tour High GTX.

Straight forward, Concise, easy to understand.. lots of points/info 100% detailed A *** Could you review some Altbergs in the future please.

Not sure if you addressed this in any of the other comments but it might be helpful to comment on the stiffness of the shank if you still recall. I'm sure you sent some of these back. I personally have tried several of the high end makers as well and like you said "fit" is the most important thing, however stiffness of the shank for weight bearing for hauling a heavy pack is a critically important part as well. Any input is appreciated. I can put my input in on the Hanwag Ancash which is supposed to be similar to the Hanwag Alaska. It has some stiffness in the shank (slightly less stiff than the Lowa Tibet), however a will flex at the ball of your foot. I have other Zamberlan (Ibex & Pamir) boots that are much stiffer in the shank. Great all around boot though. Have become my all around favorite. Very nice review though. I'm watching for the second time. A very good overview, thanks for doing it!

I crossed a himalaya peak in a Pair of Wallace Hoppit Gino opido Goretex extremes last year , best boots I’ve ever seen.

HanWag all the way ... I have the double stiched model (Bergell Top) and hike with them for officially 10 years now. The particularity of the Bergell Top is that they can be easily resoled while other may not (traditional design. modern designs cant be most of the time). I had them resoled this year. Treated/wax em last 3 seasons only. Great shape. I will eventually order another pair of Bergell. But I just cant see the end of the trail with mine. And they went a long way already. Great boots.

Great review... Have you tried any altberg boots my favourite boots are the altberg bergen boots....

It would really depend on your foot and what you are going to do. This season I'll be doing most of my hunting/hiking in the Tibets. That's not to say the Hanwags are any worse- they certainly aren't- they are just different. The Hanwags are stiffer and sturdier. They are top notch all the way around. And yes, the lacing system on the lowas and hanwags are better than the others, for sure. I've smashed the hooks on my meindls countless times.

Great review... What is the style of asolo... I can't find it.

Iv had th lot and the best for cold wet soggy ground for me have been hanwag trapper top gtx .. comfy warm dry in the soggyest conditions like both meindl and lowa .the thing that opens the can of whoop ass for me is the agressive soles on the hanwags .. theyre hard wearing and solid but roll in a natural way .. and never slip in the sloppyest of mud .. the soles really bite in .. for toughness the lot . Id buy these boots again .

Awesome. I didn't know that, thanks.

Hi, great review. How do you rate Wolverine? Cheers

I want to know what shoes or boots on your feet when you make the video? Thanks

Nice independant review, very good, Maybe you can come up with an endurance follow-up review in a while.

Thank you for that detailed review! Have you ever tried boots by "HAIX" (German brand)? They have some really interesting types of boots, e.g. the "KSK Elite", the "Scout", "K2" or "Colorado". I also own several pairs of boots and my favourites are the "AKU Tribute II" (Italian brand) and the "HAIX Airpower P6".

no Scarpa boots?

Last year though the mid soles blistered and crumbled. I tried injecting rubber sealant for the 2012 elk hunt and they held just long enough to haul out quarters, but that was it, sob sob.. I have since tried many various pairs and found that I am spoiled as nothing lived up to my Raichle's, but, I finally found a comparable boot and bought the Hanwag Yukon's. I look forward to breaking them in and seeing how they compare.

Which one would be the pick for a wetter climate, steep creek and river banks plus sand

Opinion(s) on the Lowa Renegade GTX plz? Especially on sizing--I usually wear 9.5 American, but hiking boots that I've bought in that size all seem too small.

Here we are ten years and two months after the publishing of your video. It is time for an update with current models! TYIA.

I'm curious about those Asolos. Did you keep them??

Hi, Which Asolo model is that?

Are the soles still double stitched underneath the water proofing rubber strips? Or are the soles just glued??

Is the sole of these Kenetrek Hardscrabble boots stiff enough for use with C1 crampons?

Thank you! Lots of good info here. I have been wondering about Hanwag boots. I felt the same way about the Lowas as far as their comfort. I have owned about ten pair of Meindl shoes and I have to say they are the best quality boots I have ever owned. The German company has been hand-making boots for over 300 years. The boots Cabela's sells are not the same quality as the ones they make and distribute to other outdoor store like AJ Brooks in Canada. I have their Super Perfekt ones for extreme alpine hiking, and their Kiruna GTX for winter Both genuinely double stitched (not like the glued ones that Cabela's sells), their Air Revolutions that won European Outdoor Magazine of the year, and more. Of course these are not hunting boots, but even Cabela's hiking boots are not the same. I do like the Cabela's Perfect hunting boot though don't get me wrong. That's how I fell in love with Meindl boots in the first place. They were my first Meindl boot. Then I went to their website and found out their enormous selection that weren't sold by Cabela's. Now I order mine through AJ Brooks in Canada now. Anyway I was thinking of trying the Hanwag ones next. I did look at the website with all of their selections and noticed they all look like the Meindl brands. Seriously! Look at both of their websites www.meindl.de and www.hanwag.com/

Apples to oranges comparison, but thanks. Good review on selected models.

all I want is one pair, this dude orders every boot just to check it out. my life sucks! lol

What are the boots you have on your feet in this clip?

I've got 2 pairs of Meindle size 11 I no longer fit it, Ive barely worn them, never even been hunting,hiking with them just a few times out to break in, makes me sad, I now have 2 pairs of Kenentrek size 12 that I put insoles in and they fit perfect. wondering if i should keep the size 11 Meindle in case I ever go back down in size? anyone speak from experience on this?

Would love a pair of high end boot. Unfortunately, none make a width that will fit my EEEE width feet so I'm stuck with Merrel moabs that have an unusually large toebox in wides.

@ADyess086

5 жыл бұрын

S1alker Lowa makes wide boots like that

@druspork7737

2 жыл бұрын

@@ADyess086 I realise your post is three years old, but NO Low do not make EEEE boots. This is the response I got from Low asking exactly that question: Our wide fit boots are designed to fit width E or 2E, 4E may not fit our wide boots however we do recommend trying them on to be sure.

@carl8568

Жыл бұрын

​@@druspork7737 How do you determine the E size of your foot exactly?

Zamberlans have the best quality I have ever seen in a boot. I just can't find a pair that fits me properly. I think their sizing may be a bit off.

@bencormfg8460

8 жыл бұрын

I just sized a pair today. I'm a US 12 and the Zamberlan US size 12 fit perfectly

Good video sir. You seem to be a very humble type of person. I admire that quality in my fellow humans. All good looking boots. the Germans do make excellent boots. Those boots cost a fortune! But, I am not hating. Just wondering if you are hiring? Lol. Have fun putting some mileage on those boots. I wish you many great adventures my friend.

Hey, my friends. 🙋🏻‍♂️ HanWag Ankash II (trekking). What size do I need? For example: my foot size is 24 cm, EU: 38. Do I need add: 0.5, 1, or 1.5 cm? 1 socks, or 2 socks, so won't need tape my feet. Thanks.

Which ones do you keep

Would you recommend any of these boots for your big and tall guy I’m 6’7 and about 300 pounds and I can go through a brand new pair of Red wing/Danners about 6 to 10 months. Trying to find a premium brand.

@whiteyfisk9769

Жыл бұрын

Get the Kenetrek

How does the meindl sizing compare to kennetrek?

hanwag alaska gtx are the best for hunting and survivalling they give good support

What is your size, and what is your boot size? How much of a size match are they?

How was the width of the Zamberlans? Are you familiar with their Tofane model at all?

@Geotubest

9 жыл бұрын

icychap I recently bought a pair of Zamberlan Tofane model. Stunning boot. Superb fit, quality through and through.

@icychap

9 жыл бұрын

Geotubest I have the same and they're amazing!

@Geotubest

9 жыл бұрын

icychap Indeed.. glad the Zamberlans are working out for you! Cheers.

You can have any color you want. Long as it's brown with black sole.

German companies provide good products as their aim is good products at a reasonable profit, buy german, you seldom go wrong, oyeah i am born and raised in the uk, brashers sold out, they were good boots

Kenetreks must have gone up in price. Theyre over $400 now for the hardscrabbles.

@ADyess086

5 жыл бұрын

jay parry gone up a lot over the last 3 years

@aurtisanminer2827

5 жыл бұрын

A lot of things have gone up in the last 3 years!

Or the Hanwag Atlas GTX of course... ;-)

My personal favorite here are the Zamberlan´s. I was a huge Meindl fan, but I can confess that no one and I mean no one makes boots like the Italians do.

@antonioallocca8431

6 жыл бұрын

trex250 what mode is the Zamberlan? I can’t find it...

@Am5634

4 жыл бұрын

Just bought Zamberlan today

@sdemosi

Жыл бұрын

The Vioz Lux is such a beautiful boot. Not just functional and well made but actually beautiful in its design and detailing. The sole unit is like something from a race car.

@mr.bnatural3700

11 ай бұрын

I bought a pair of Zamberlan Tofane for my wife; she won't wear them because they are "too nice" and have a "delicious smell like a shoe store from the 1960s-70s". Eventually her Meindls will wear out.

Very good review, thanks. It's unfortunate that many boot makers are moving away from tried and true leather and offering almost exclusively synthetic boots made of multiple pieces of fabric and "leather" which, in my experience, fall apart rather quick in rough terrain. I used to like scarpa, but they've just dropped the Manta and Escape, two good leather boots.

I have crispi for 5 yare and they still good , for may expiriance crispi👍

@tomasmarcom

6 жыл бұрын

CRISPI!!!!!!

Good rundown on boots. I'm a Zamberlan fan, and like you say, they're comfy. Looks like you got over $1k worth of boots in your living room...

@antonioallocca8431

6 жыл бұрын

Do you know what mode the Zamberlan is?

great buuuuoot!

An update on this video will be great

Good day, long time use of this type of footwear, there is a small experience, my boots more than three or four years will not live through the skin cracks in the crook of the nose, at the junction with the bottom, too, and not very vibramami It pleased me greatly across slippery and wear are not persistent, and then another, and crumbled rubber skiff full of shoes. I would like to consult from the example below, which boots a reliable and long-lasting wear with a rough, as many of them are now produced in third countries, Lithuania, Croatia, China? Lowa, Meindl, Hanwag, Kenetrek, Zamberlan, Asolo

Wouldnt.toutch lowa boots again, the high leg combat gtx, nice looking boot yeah but less.than a year down the road and the sole will have worn through the polyurethane midsole causing splitting and breaking up of the part just under the sole.unit.. Never had this problem with meindl boots, even after walking through the soles over five years of destruction testing in sea water and everything!

@ADyess086

5 жыл бұрын

Tom Hughes wow

Do you have wide flat feet?

CRISPI Hunter GTX (or Black Hunter).

scarpa??? crispi???

Who is the best ?

Las botas Bestard son muy buenas y son Españolas .Te las recomiendo . Bestard coto o Bestard explorer

Boots are funny things. A lot of gear you can break down the specs and get a pretty good idea of what you'll be dealing with. But when it comes to boots, the specs may help you narrow down the choices but at the end of the day it's all about fit and comfort. One size definitely does not fit all.

... we have the Alaska Hanwag Men and the Lowa Tibet Woman ... ✌️😁✌️... Perfect ... we dont want to miss Them ... Every day Boots ... Austria Terrain.... every weather .... Mountain Or Low Terrain ... we dont Brusch them ... only Washing with low warm water then let them dry ... then give them boot Leather fat ... also the rubber band around the shoe ... Not the Sole down under ... Complete shoe around ...Not to much ...then put them in the dark Wood Shoe cabinet ... 😁👍

@carl8568

Жыл бұрын

Boot leather fat?

I need a boot that can withstand the temperatures of the moons surface.

Danner makes some great usa made boots with similar quality to fine German made shoes

@sv1dkr

4 жыл бұрын

JakeFromStateFarm Merrell is also a danner brand I have the rat boots but still not serious use on them

I wore Lowa Trekkers for an 11 mile mountain climb and experienced the worst pain of my life, be careful about ordering boots online without trying them on in a store first.

@drs-Rigo-Reus

3 жыл бұрын

Lowa is for women!

Sorry to leartn that R.V. Opps is no longer trading. bought some real gucci / Hard terrain kit from them in the past.

i cant find any boots for wide feet, high instep and sized 7.5 to 8 that dont cost a rent check. any ideas anyone? great vid hun!

Your welcome. For any further Questions, I'll kindly answer.

Crispi?

@ADyess086

5 жыл бұрын

Richard Gibbs not sure crispi had even debuted at this time

loved the vid but you forgot one you've got all the great's here but you forgot haix !

@sonicstep

4 жыл бұрын

I've seen those. They lack sufficient lower lacing points to keep the foot secure.

Similar story to Adidas and Puma, the first was founded by Adolf "Adi" Dassler, twentyfour years after the foundation by his brother Rudolf.

It's 2015 now and these boots have all gone up in price lol

@sonicstep

4 жыл бұрын

It's 2020 now and they've gone up further in price 😒 😁

Сходие задачи приводят к сходим решениям

meindl or lowa?

@ghostintheshell3736

Жыл бұрын

Loweindl

They all look almost the same from this view...

yard work? Any of these will be great. They are built for side hilling steep shale and bushwacking through the willows. Go with the most comfortable. Stay away from those boots you mentioned- they are disposable for the most part.

zamberlan...best boot there

@antonioallocca8431

6 жыл бұрын

weirdshibainu do you know what model the Zamberlan is, can’t find anything that looks similar on the Zamberlan website. Thanks

redwings, barf

Pass on Zamberlans!! I had a brand new set break two eyelet hooks on my first trip into the wilderness. After the hunt Zamberlan and the small town retailer ignored all my efforts to initiate a return. Bought Kennetrek and haven’t had any problems...and nothing but a pleasure in all conditions! Back to my point...”Suck it Zamberlan!!”

At first my thought was what a dick, he can waste money on six pairs of boots. But it really boils down to I'm jealous. Take care and I appreciate the info. Cheers

@dryflyelk

10 жыл бұрын

Ha. I usually buy from places that are very good with returns, so I buy several, find the one that fits best, and send the rest back. Good way to go if you can - they are all so different.

Why do they all look the same?

Meindl bad bad bad.

And I can confess that bavarians do make shoes like italians. Absolutely!

I want to choose a boat to use in the city, not for outdoor, so it should not slip on surfaces like parquet, which would you suggest? 1.Salomon XA PARO 3D MİD GTX 2.Salomon X ULTRA 3 MİD GTX 3.Salomon QUEST 4D 3 GTX 4.Merrell MOAB FST 2 MİD GTX