Hiking boots...

[br82722]

Not sure if it was mentioned yet, but LAPG is a good place to catch closeout sales on boots. You have to act fast because the popular sizes sell out quickly.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/dastiidx8unb.html
http://www.lapolicegear.com/danner-4...rom-boots.html

I picked up some Goretex Bates combat boots from them a couple years ago for $35/pair. Still have them.

[palepainter]

I like Bates, But they are not cheap My winter pair is going on it's fourth Year and other than scuffs and a tear in the rear of the liner I think they still have about 2 years left.

I prefer Bates too. They are light, comfortable and solid. Around 100.

[theGinsue]

...no toe jam.

MMmmmmm. Toe Jam

[patrick0685]

if your close to one i would go to REI they will spend tons of time making sure you get a boot that fits well for your foot and they carry a lot of different brands for hiking and backpacking. One lady helped me over two days pick out the perfect boot. I got Salmons for 200.

[patrick0685]

oh ya if your government or mil or police you can get the oakleys for alot cheaper at usstandardissue.com, sweet deals on some of there sunglasses too.

[cbs]

I have to agree with the Danner Boots,I have been hammering them for three decades now. the best boot made and very little break in time.

[glock56534]

I would stick with a good mountaineering boot (not a hard shell type, of course). My last pair of Asolos lasted me well over 10 years and through several mountaineering and backpacking trips. I got my second pair of Asolos last summer and haven't turned back, they are extremely comfortable and durable. They run around $200-$250, but are WELL worth it as they will last you for several years.

Hope this helps.

[Gritty]

Check the REI garage sales. I found a pair of Asolos for $85 (normally $195). There are deals around if you hunt for them.

[Ah Pook]

For me, Merrells have been the most comfortable and longest lasting boots I own.

I wore out two pair of Lowas in a year. Keens lasted eight months. Merrells are on their fourth year.

[BPTactical]

Die hard dedicated mountaineering boot guy here. I have yet to see a combat/tac boot that supports your foot the way a mountain boot does.
The last pair of all leather boots I had were Fabiano's and after 9 years and 2 sets of soles I had to retire them because the leather was breaking down and leaking. I still use them around the house. 9 years worth of boot for 250.00- not a bad investment.
My current boots are LaSportiva Makalu's that I had shipped in. Nice and stiff, light and GoreTex lined.

OT- what weatherproofing do you guys like? I like NikWax or SnoSeal. Rub it on the boot cold and then hit them with the blow dryer till it melts and is absorbed. Keep putting it on until the boot will take no more.
Once a year before winter after that.