Help me figure out which hiking boots to try?

So I've decided to try ankle-high hiking boots as a casual shoe option.

My feet are fussy, and my balance is crap, so I need a really sturdy shoe if i'm going to be out walking any length of time, especially on Seattle sidewalks.

Instead of taking the road (sidewalk?) of least resistance and getting shoes that just blend in with my outfit as much as possible (in this case, a black version of the athletic shoes I usually wear), I thought I'd try making a style statement with a hiking boot.

This would be the footwear I'd choose if I were going out for a walking-intensive day that would also include going out to eat, shopping, and other activities where I actually want to look fab (as opposed to just looking casual or sporty).

So, clothes of choice would probably be jeans of any colour, and some sort of feminine or boho top and accessories.

Now that you have an idea of what I want, which of these should I try?

I'm leaning towards either of the Timberland options because I support fanufacturers who use recycled and reclaimed materials.

The two Timberland options Angie sent me:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ti.....origin=key...

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ti.....767994?ori...

But...There's always a but isn't there?

This pair sounds like it is a little more sedate and fashionable. Is it? Can someone describe the colours this one comes in?http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bu.....wordsearch

Any other options I should be looking at?Your post

10 years ago

MuseumGal

Veteran

So, just to clarify, these would be for city/casual wear, not actual hiking?
The first pair of Timberlands look more city/fashiony (though still comfy) to me. The second pair have a lower shaft and look more like a traditional hiking boot. The third pair is suede - do I remember that you live in Canada, or someplace quite cold and snowy? It is certainly the most fashiony of the three - the wine suede is gorgeous.

Suz

(website)

I second MuseumGal's observation that the first pair look more like city boots (they are somehow refined, yet a bit rugged) and the second pair are more like traditional hiking boots, albeit a relatively sleek version. I would do city sidewalk and maybe pathways in parks in the first pair and light hiking trails and wet sidewalks in the second pair. The second pair are waterproof. Huge bonus for Seattle.

The third pair come in beautiful colours. They are made of suede and have a somewhat casual, rugged look with a toe that is "worn in" looking and a visible label in the front of the boot. The wine (a sort of rich claret) would be a lovely colour for you, or the charcoal. I am not sure whether the olive (dull greyed green, on my monitor) or the cognac (warm light brown) or the taupe (which is oddly warm looking on my monitor) would work for you.

In all things like this, I would tend to listen to Angie, especially since she's worked with you in person. She's really good at this! Of course the final arbiters will be your tender tootsies!

Robin

Active Member

Yes, these are for city wear. I'd love to go hiking, but alas, no one to go with.

Thanks for the feedback, both of you. It helps to have an idea of how these come across.

I'm in Seattle, so more rain than snow.

Your reply

JAileen

I have a couple pairs of Timberland waterproof hiking boots. I do wear them hiking, but also in town when it's wet or icy. I do not like wet feet! You might want to look at Timberland's website. There's a nice selection of waterproof versions of both hiking boots and also city style boots.

http://www.timberland.com/shop.....ginIndex=0

Well. If it were me, for city wear I would choose boot #1. It's really lovely, sort of like a refined paddock boot, with a bit of a 19th century flair (yet modern). My only hesitation is that I'm not sure it is waterproof, whereas boot #2 is.

Other brands you might consider for waterproof are Aquatalia or La Canadienne. Pricey, but well worth it if the last fits your foot.

Diana

As others have already mentioned, #1 looks the most refined and sleek. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that it has a taller shaft than the other two. I'd call it mid-calf. Although this is my personal favorite style of boot (and my favorite of these three) keep in mind that mid-calf has some disadvantages depending on what jeans you want to wear them with. It won't work as well with something like straight leg jeans that are not wide enough to go over the taller shaft but too bunchy to tuck into the boots. On the other hand, they are easier to wear with tucked in skinny jeans and leggings because the pants don't keep wanting to creep out the way they would with lower shaft boots.

#2 looks like a classic Timberland hiker to me. I used to wear these as snow boots, so I know they are really warm, waterproof, have excellent traction, and are very comfy. They are likely the most stable and sturdy of the bunch. They look more rugged though. If these are like the Timberlands I used to have you might have to break them in a bit and they may be a bit heavy for everyday wear.

#3 is a lovely wine colored suede. It also comes in charcoal (dark grey), cognac (medium red brown), olive, and medium brown (they call it taupe but it looks like brown to me), all suede. As others have mentioned, suede is not as practical for rainy Seattle. The laces on this one don't go all the way up but rather you wrap them around the ankle and the top part of the shaft is open. It's a fun rather boho look, but I personally find it a little fussy. Also, because of this I'd say it probably provides less ankle support.

One last thing to consider, Robin, is that all three of these styles are lace-up only. There is no zipper for easy access. Are you OK with undoing and doing all the laces every time you take them on and off?

Traci

The second ones also come in a warm brown and grey colorway.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ti.....=related-3...

I feel like if you are looking for a supportive boot, these are the right ones. The first and third pair are lovely, but I feel they're likely to be more hiking boot styling, but not so much in the function you need.

Can you get to a store to try them out? All our opinions go out the window when you actually get them on your feet.

I just ordered the grey ones Traci linked to. I will be wearing them when we go birding. Sometimes it's a little snowy, but these will be easier to walk in than actual snow boots. I do realize my needs differ from yours (my town is less stylish than yours, for one thing).

If you order from Nordstrom, there is free shipping both ways, so you can easily try on boots without worrying about returning ones that don't fit.

mountainwave

I have these in purple.

http://www.ahnu.com/women-shoe.....#038;cgid=

Category