GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS - The Keepers List - My Private Collection
Team picture. Out of more than 230 pairs of boots and shoes tested these are the ones that have earned a spot on my "keepers" list and a place in my closet. Yes, I do wear them all.
Leno has his cars. Hefner has his girls. I have my boots. All great collectors have the same issue to deal with though. They can't keep them all and they can't pick just one. However, unlike Jay and Hef, space is limited at my place so if my wife is to have any room at all in the walk-in I have to draw the line somewhere. This is where it is currently.
FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT
Brooks Beast for running-motion control, heavily cushioned to take a daily pounding
Brooks Cascadia for walking and running-very flexible, very light, good cushioning, no structure
New Balance 908 for mountain biking and trail running-super light, structured sole
Montrail Hardrock 08 for trail running-very stable. Best and rough terrain runner/walker period.
Montrail Hardrock Mid GTX for trail running-same as above with a little more support and Gore-Tex protection
MIDDLE ROW, Left TO RIGHT
Kayland Contact for hiking and backpacking-in moderate to difficult terrain (eVent)
Lowa Ranger GTX for hiking and backpacking-best all around boot. All leather, on heavier/stiffer side of range
Hanwag Cheyenne GTX for hiking and backpacking-great all around boot. Leather and heavy duty nylon, on the lighter side of range
Asolo FSN95 for hiking and backpacking-mid height, very supportive, structured and responsive
Lowa Renegade Mid GTX for light hiking and duty wear-quietest boot tested on all surfaces
BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT
Sorel Conquest for extreme cold weather and snow-snow camping, work and snow shoeing. Heavy duty (insulated)
Lowa Creek for cold weather and snow-light duty, ski hill, work and running around town (insulated)
Danner Santiam for cold weather and snow-hiking, hunting and backpacking (insulated)
Lowa Tibet Pro GTX for heavy duty backpacking, hunting and light mountaineering-Strap on crampons compatible
Scarpa Escape GTX for heavy duty backpacking, light mountaineering-step in crampon compatible
Hanwag Mountain Light GTX my favorite for backpacking and hunting difficult terrain with heavy loads in warm to cool weather
Danner Pronghorn for hunting birds, Antelope and Muleys in flatlands and foothills
NOT PICTURED
Danner Recon 200G is still the best duty/black boot available-Gore-Tex (insulated)
Salomon Explorer GTX for fastpacking and trail running-very durable, runs narrow
Danner Quarry for work-rain or shine, day in and day out. Does everything well
Lowa Silberhorn GTX my non-plastic mountaineering pick-is crampon compatible
Scarpa Liskamm
Nice collection, huh? Kind of ridiculous I know but it keeps me busy and out of trouble. Still looking for winners in the tactical and packer or riding boot category so there are at least two more spots on the "A" team to be filled. Remember, feet vary greatly and what might be perfect for me won't work at all for you but these are all first rate, high quality products that I recommend without hesitation for the appropriate purpose. Just make sure you spend plenty of time training in yours before heading out to the boonies. Game day is never a good time to discover you have a problem.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Posted by Wade Nelson at Tuesday, October 06. 2009 
Categories: Feet
Tags: best hunting boots best running shoes best trail shoes best hiking boots best trail running shoes best boots
Categories: Feet
Tags: best hunting boots best running shoes best trail shoes best hiking boots best trail running shoes best boots
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