Real world boots

[Kilgour Trout]

Hey folks: A friend just got back from Peru where he was doing some actual archeology. While there his boots were stolen. For over a month he was forced to hike and work in a pair of boat shoes due to the fact Size 13's are tough to find in Peru. He has burned through two pair of hikers that have been advertised as guaranteed for life. He wants a real leather boot that can take a beating and be comfortable for long hikes. I know many have Aldens but are they really a Real world tough as nails boot. I was abit worried about the sole in terms of traction but outside of snow would it be a problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We are getting together on Tuesday to talk over what he should buy (and see pic of the dig). He just discovered COW but didn't have much time before being in the jungle.

Warm Regards
Kilgour Trout

 

[havershaw]

I personally have had great success with my Aldens. On the traction front, my shoe repair guy put a no-slip thin runner layer on top of the neoprene part of the soles of my shoes and that worked like a charm.

I wore one pair day in and day out for three years, and it only recently has started to fall apart (though I have had it resoled twice).

 

[Sergei]

Real world boots? Yeah, the Alden's are good orthopedic boots. For rugged, all weather hiking while carrying heavy gear, the Alden's fall short. My recommendation is to get good rugged mountainering type boots. The good news you can get them online. For rugged, good foot protection you want something like goretex and a good Vibram sole that grips in all conditions. My favorite brand is Raichle, but other world class brands are:
- North Face, Danner, Vasque, Salomen and Nike

Don't get the hikers, you want a "backpacking" class or mountaineering type boot.

One source is REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.):
www.rei.com

I like them becuase they have a good rewards program and they have a liberal return policy.

Good luck to your friend.
-Sergei

 

[Sergei]

Another suggestion is Matterhorn Boots. These are the "range rover" of boots for military combat, swat, police , etc. They run about $200US, but they take a beating. They come in various styles, but I would recommend the 8 inch, goretex, all leather upper boot. The advantage of Matterhorns is that you can source these boots from a lot of stores that cater to police and military crowd. I think Boot Barn carries these as well. Occasionally, I see new and used pairs on ebay.

 

[Kilgour Trout]

Thanks guys

Well..I spent lunch with my chum who was 5 week in Peru. Man...what an adventure! Took 4 days to hike into Machu Pichu, spent days in the Jungle alone hiking incan trails, dodging scorpions and tarantulas (in his only other boat shoes), avoided being knocked into the amazon by really big crocodiles and most frightening, managed to survive being assaulted by two sharks off the Galapagos Islands. I was scared stiff just listening how the two sharks approached him, how he got to a coral reef where he booted the shark in the head, saw it go down and when he put his face into the water to see, found the shark had went straight to the bottom and then right back up. He found himself with his face looking right into the blasted sharks mouth!!! He raised up fast swung with his arms and the shark disappeared again. He was still over 300 feet from shore. Well...the fact that he was eating a chicken salad sandwich at lunch today tells you he got back in one piece.
After hearing his story...and seeing the incredible pics, he went on to tell a few other experiences in his travels. Experiences involving lions, elephants and hyenas. (nasty creatures to say the least. I have a new name for adventure..his name is "Ted!"

Really nice humble guy with a way to get into trouble with all sort of creatures and people.

Had to share
Kilgour Trout

P.s. He is looking at the suggestions given and will hopefully join soon to offer his own thanks.

 

[havershaw]

um...

...with that story in mind...Aldens might not cut it.