Need Help Finding Large Sized Heavy Weight Hiking Boots....

RememberTheFallen

Adventurist
Hello all,

Figured I would ask on here since this seems to be a very diverse crowd with vast experience.

I need a new set of heavy duty boots. My previous go to boots were Vasque Sundowners. I went thru 3 pairs over the last 10-12 years. This last pair only lasted two years before the sole cracked. Sent them off to get resoled and was informed that the midsole(?) was broke and they were not repairable. My understanding is that they are now made in China and lower quality.

My recent search for boots is becoming a pain. My problem is that I wear a size 14 and not a lot of stores carry the size and I can not try them on. I ordered two different boots last month online and had to take them back because they were too tight. A pair of Oboz's and a pair of Ehnu's. Bought a pair of used Keen's today at REI or a super deal. Felt good in the store but got too tight on a shorter hike this evening. I think part of my problem may be that I have embraced the barefoot running thing over last couple of years and my daily shoes are either vibram five fingers or Merrill trail gloves. Maybe this has made my feet wider?

I bought another pair of lightweight running shoes so I am now looking for some heavy duty boot. I want them for hiking, back packing, heavy work, riding the motorcycle, and the zombie apocalypse. I understand the lightweight thing but I want a heavy weight, all leather boot for durability. I wore combat boots for 4 years, then wore them again in construction for another 3. I now wear high top Danner boots at work.

I am limited by choice due to size. I really liked the Zamberlains but they don't make 14's. Most of the other boots listed in a recent Overland Journal article do not come in my size either. I looked at the Asolo 520's but the sole design has a big arch in the middle that makes it difficult for motorcycle use. I do attend to use my hiking boots as replacements for my Sidi MX boots when riding hard. Only for more laid back rides with the girlfriend when we will be off the bike more than on.

So, any one have any recommendations for a heavy duty, do all hiking boot that comes in a 14 or 14W?

Thanks for any help!




Joe
 
I'm a 14 too, Joe. Wide.
http://www.russellmoccasin.com/new_products/minimalist_footwear.html The Thula Thula Minimalist from Russell. I don't have them yet but I've come to the conclusion that there's nothing else out there for the large-of-hoof.

I have these and they sorta suck: http://www.uspatriottactical.com/be...rch-tr102-minimil-ultra-light-black-boot.html
They aren't built on a true minimalist last and the fit is sloppy around the ankles and instep. Not to mention around the calf. They almost got it right...

I wear Lems for casual: http://www.lemsshoes.com/Mens-Boulder-Boot-Brown_p_87.html

For cold weather I have a pair of Keen something-or-others in a 14W that are good enough.

And Toesox rock...
 
Check out Limmer Boot Company, www.limmercustomboot.com
Ive got two pairs that I have been abusing for the last 15 years or so.
A local NH Company, traditional stitchdown construction, all leather throughout vibram sole, a traditional old school heavy duty hiking boot, they come in off the shelf sizes as well as custom fit models. pretty spendy in the 265-300 dollar range but look at it this way, it will be the last pair of hiking boots you ever need to buy as they are completely rebuildable. I own a pair of limmer standards for SAR work and general bushwacking, trailwork and abuse, and a pair of the lightweight model for everyday wear and dayhikes. I work outdoors in the woods every day and have for the last 10-15 years or so, and you cannot kill these boots. they are a great investment.
 
I was a huge fan of the heavy duty Asolo leather hiking boot. I'm halfway thru my second pair. I also really like the redwing logger boot. Nice for bikes. Especially if you have kick start back up. The low boots get stuck on stuff and tear up skin
 
Like the Danners and like that they come in extra large sizes. I believe their cheaper boots like the Mtn Assault are Chinese made now. The site says they are "imported" but doesn't state where from. China was the demise of my beloved Sundowners. Don't care for China too much.

The Asolo boots available in my size all have the high heel arch. I have never tried to ride a motorcyle with boots like this but I imagine that arch could cause some problems.

I am liking the Limmers. They come in giganto sizes (up to 16), are very heavy duty, not Chinese made ("made in Bavaria") and the shop helps with fitment. It seems you send them a foot tracing and they help you choose the best boot and closest size. That will help with my problem of having several different manufacturers size 14s being too small.



Thanks for all of the help gentlemen!
 
another option to go with might be a wildland firefighting boot like a pair of whites or nicks or wescos, similar price point, us made, you can get them custom fitted, and they would be great riding a motorcycle as well.
 
Once you've become minimalist though, everything else seems weird and fits "wrong". The Russells are totally custom, hand-made, and built on the anatomical Munson Army Last:
http://www.russellmoccasin.com/munson_last.html

Most boot companies build boots that force your toes together, have a drop greater than 5mm (often closer to 20mm), and have a toe-kick. All these things ruin your feet long-term.

Read these for starters: http://www.unshod.org/pfbc/pfrossi2.htm
https://nwfootankle.com/files/Rossi-FootwearTheprimarycauseofFootDisorders.pdf
 
Once you've become minimalist though, everything else seems weird and fits "wrong". The Russells are totally custom, hand-made, and built on the anatomical Munson Army Last:
http://www.russellmoccasin.com/munson_last.html

Most boot companies build boots that force your toes together, have a drop greater than 5mm (often closer to 20mm), and have a toe-kick. All these things ruin your feet long-term.

Read these for starters: http://www.unshod.org/pfbc/pfrossi2.htm
https://nwfootankle.com/files/Rossi-FootwearTheprimarycauseofFootDisorders.pdf

This. I've worn minimalist footwear for years. Most of my everyday sneakers are zero drop and I used to trail run barefoot in a pair of Five Fingers. Significant increase in the strength of my feet and ankles and when you start to look at the bio-mechanics, you begin to wonder who is actually designing shoes. The basics of it is to think about what actually makes an arch stronger. It's weight/force pushing down from the top, not coming up. Another great read on the subject is Born to Run.

Merrell and Vivobarefoot both make minimalist hiking boots. I have not yet tried either.

My current boots are Asolo Fugitive GTX. There is plenty of room for my toes and the drop isn't too bad. I have not backpacked in them. Just day hiked while carrying up to 35lbs of camera gear. I'm going on 4 years with them and haven't had any issues or complaints. With a good pair of wool socks, I do not have any issues in the snow.

You may also want to look at the Salomons. The lowers are modeled after their trail running shoes. The ones I tried on were wider than the Asolos and didn't quite fit me as well.
 
Danner Combat Hiker. Manufactured based on an Urgent Need requirement for forces in Afghanistan. Outstanding durability, support, and water resistance.

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Danners go on sale several times a year and you can pick up deals of 60% off. Subscribe to their newsletter and you will get email notification.
 
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