READERS COMMENTS

Merrell and Columbia are both of poor quality. I go on real hikes and they don't hold up in upstate NY.

Darrin
Posted: Jan 24, 2012 Darrin

I see the flag wavers have arrived with their usual uninformed bleating.
Back when I lived in the US of fallen Empire I worked in a couple of factories.
They sure weren't this nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_KBV0aFCf0&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Posted: Sep 10, 2009 Douger

Kathy's comment about the country ofmanufacture is something I always consider, too. While it is often impossible to purchase gear not made in Asia, I try to distinguish the countries in Asia. The Philippines is one country of origin for some good outdoor gear and I have lived there and feel good buying their products. Check out Habagat as a source in that country.

I fondly recall my first real pair of hiking boots...Vasque Sundowner's made in Italy. Note that LLBean makes a close copy of this boot and it's made in Italy. I tried on a pair last weekend when there was a 20% discount. It's a real boot!
Posted: Sep 05, 2009 Grafton Iceman

I agree with most of you the bands listed suck, merrel not getting mentioned is a sin. For good more affordable "shoes" look to Hi Tec. I know what you are thinking but look I have been in the bussiness for 15 years as a buyer, I go to all the big shows and every year Hi-tec has several shoes that are solid and cheaper then the rest.

As for the other comments trail shoes are way better in almost any condition than traditional boots. If you have not tried making the switch from boots to approach shoes or trail runners you are diffently missing out, unles of course you still carry all your old gear that weighs 60 LBS.
Posted: Sep 04, 2009 Anonymous

"When did $100 become "shoestring" budget?"

Evidently when you work for BP magazine. I tried to get a job once, they didn't hire me.

Damn!

Not a mention of Merrell, either.
Posted: Sep 04, 2009 Bugman

I normally hike in a $30 pair of Crocs. While they don't provide any ankle support, neither does your "boot" (looks like a shoe to me). Occasionally I'll wear my $45 Propet hikers and carry my Crocs as camp shoes.
I've never paid $100 dollars or anything even close to that for a pair of shoes, and if I get my way I never will.
Posted: Sep 04, 2009 dropkick

"When did a shoe become a boot?"

I looked at each companies web site. Only Columbia uses the term "boot" calling it a mid-cut boot - which I think is an honest description. None of the others call these boots, calling them approach shoes or hikers. I think this one slipped by the editors.
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 Andy

This touches on something that's been bothering me for some time. First of all, ALL the backpacking gear I've seen is all made in China, Honduras, Vietnam, etc., etc. I think it's a given that the workers making this stuff aren't treated or paid very well. I have a hard time dealing with the idea that some 10-year-old child in some sweatshop is working 16 hours for pennies a day with no breaks, no benefits, and no safety making clothes so I can go out and have fun. Secondly, since the cost of labor in those countries is so low, why are these products then brought back here and a huge price tag slapped on them? There is NOTHING in the North Face line or pretty much the other lines that's what I would call affordable. A thin windshirt with an $80+ price tag doesn't cut it with me. I'd like to Backpacker look into who is making this stuff and where, and how. Most importantly, I want to know how the workers are treated. End of rant.
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 Kathy Handyside

It looks like it breathes all right.
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 Laura

I agree, $100 is expensive for these type of "shoes". And no coverage of Lowa, Asolo, New Balance. Looks like advertising for expensive "shoes".
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 Rattushomo

100.00 may be cheap to you but under 50 is what the real world deals with! I meet people all the time hiking in casual "running" shoes ( we used to call them Tennis shoes and they Aren't BOOTS!!
Posted: Sep 03, 2009 Billy

When did a shoe become a boot?
Posted: Aug 18, 2009 magnus

The Adversary North Face shoes are great. I have a pair and I think that they are a steal.
They seem to get more and more comfortable every time I wear them.

Posted: Aug 17, 2009 Oliver Seemore

When did $100 become "shoestring" budget?
Posted: Aug 12, 2009 Jim

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