Picking the Best Hiking Boot - 10 Hiking Boots Comparison!
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- KEEN TARGHEE 3 NO LONGER RECOMMENDED. • RETRACTION! 📢 Keen Tar... Like many others in the comments, my lugs have started to unglue. Shame; everything else is fabulous. I just can't recommend a shoe that disassembles itself.
Merrell, Keen, North Face, and Salomon: who makes the best hiking boot for warm climates? I ordered 10 pairs of boots to test on the treadmill, and I'm only keeping one. Well, maybe two.
⚡ COUPON CODE = REGRESS for big discounts on my favorite Bluetooth earbud hearing protectors: bit.ly/3AimpBg ⚡
Brief Notes:
- Darn Tough merino wool socks add an extra layer of cushion between you and your terrain. Never gotten a blister while wearing them. And they're made in America! 🔥 shrsl.com/4lp1i 🔥
- Salomon Quest 4 GTX is tall, flashy, light, and comfortable. It absorbs impacts and shields your foot from rocky terrain better than any others in my limited test. It doesn't fit my wide foot, though, so if you have normal feet and don't mind a little swampiness in your toe box, this could be your perfect backpacking boot. (Men: amzn.to/2X2YUuH | Women: amzn.to/3lCoT6h)
*- Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Mid Hiking was my wife's choice.* The Ultra wants to walk, run, and climb. Even lighter than the Quest, it fits like a running shoe and just sorta disappears and becomes a part of your foot. It lets through more rocky bumps than the Quest, but overall it feels more capable when the going gets technical. It comes in Wide, both for men and women! (Men: amzn.to/3is32fM | Women: amzn.to/3jxvaxq)
- Merrell MOAB 2 Mid Hikers in Gore-Tex (Men: amzn.to/3Cq7LGK | Women: amzn.to/3lBqBoq) and Vent (Men: amzn.to/3AhlHBk | Women: amzn.to/3lDuc5C) models both feel stable with wide outer lugs and a Vibram sole. Both of them move naturally and breath well. The only weird issue is a palpable hump under the ball of the foot.
- Merrell MOAB 2 Tactical Waterproof 8" boots look great and retain that sneaker fit. The nicely rounded Vibram sole is quiet enough for stalking game. It feels like it's missing a little EVA under the toe box, and its waterproof membrane doesn't breathe as well as Keen.dry or Gore-Tex. If you live farther North than me, though, I think you'll love 'em. amzn.to/3Akrshk
- North Face Hedgehog Futurelight feels like nothing. Easily the lightest of the group, it fits well, has a smooth liner, and breathes better than any of the other waterproof membranes. Buy this one if you're looking for an around-town boot or if your trails don't get very rocky, because you will feel every pebble under the soft sole. Good luck finding it right now. I managed to find a pair at my local BassPro.
- Keen Targhee III Waterproof (Men: amzn.to/3AgKRQj | Women: amzn.to/3lGMjYe) was my favorite in this test, but don't overlook the Targhee Vent (Men: amzn.to/3Aj8iIY | Women: amzn.to/3An5877). They both come in Wide, and to me they have the most natural foot-conforming shape out of this whole lineup. Yeah, they're a little heavy, but the perfect dynamic foot roll and solid protection from the sole and wide toe cap make them worth the couple extra ounces. These boots just plain want to MOVE.
If you want to see more videos like these, become a Patron of the Destructive Arts! For a buck or two a month, Patrons help keep the cameras running and receive sneak peeks and bonus footage. / thesocialregressive
Kyle Broderick, The Social Regressive
00:00 Test Parameters
02:40 Salomon Quest 4 GTX
07:57 Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
12:44 North Face Hedgehog Futurelight Mid
16:14 Merrell MOAB 2 Tactical WP 8"
20:18 Merrell MOAB 2 Mid GTX & Vent
24:32 Keen Targhee II Waterproof
27:23 Keen Targhee Vent
28:02 Keen Targhee III Waterproof
32:40 Darn Tough Socks
33:20 Conclusion - Sport
I just got back from Colorado. I made the exact right choice. The Keen Targhee 3 Mid WP in 11 Wide (amzn.to/3AgKRQj) was nearly perfect out there. Even in 80+ degree direct sunlight my feet never felt too hot, the waterproof membrane was impervious to running water, and the comfort and stability levels were off the charts. I don't think any of the others would have performed quite the same way for my feet. My wife loved her Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Hikers (amzn.to/3jxvaxq).
Did they fall apart yet. Mine made it 5 months.
I have always worn keen newport and uneek shoes but have noticed they use a bad glue these days..They are trying to go all green and it's hurting the quality of the shoe/ boot. I want these boots but after seeing all the photos on Amazon of sole delaminating and thread coming off I will probably look elsewhere.I bet I have owned 15 to 20 pairs of keen..I have always loved the style and product but am skeptical now.
I love how the dog is looking for the best place to start digging and escape! lol
Excellent review. Thank You. Subscribed.
I'm on my 3rd pair of MERRILL MOAB Mid waterproof boots and NEVER felt a "bump" in any of these boots. They are excellent boots. I also use the MOAB low show for desert hiking and wading in streams when hiking requires it. Great for both purposes.
I want to try the moab 2 in the woods and feel what they're really like.
What's the sizing like? Would you suggest going up half a size?
@@topperharley2532 \Measure your feet I am 9 - 10 UK and it is all different left foot bigger than right but im 28 cm this is good and merrels are 10 - 28.5 a bit larger and same bump there that he talks about it but they are good MOAB 3 i got some for my mum as well
I thought the 10.5’s I ordered felt walked in already. Great review. I’m a big Tecnica fan, wider in regular fit.
I'm now on my 2nd pair of Keen Kovens. Only boot in this class that can last a year of hiking without failing. But then again the rocky terrain of the Magalies Mountains in South Africa is considered by many some of the harshest rocky terrain and some of the harshest on hiking boots in the world. So getting 11 to 12 months out of a "PU style" boot that hikes every Sunday, is something very few boots are capable of doing. Salomons, you are lucky to get 6 months out of them in that terrain. Only other boots that outlasts the Keens are pretty much full grain leather boots that weigh allot more and the weight is significant and a huge compromise.
Great review, thanks 👍
I own the salomon ones for about 2 years and to be honest I never have a problem with sweet or blister and for me have been one of best boots I own in a while. But like you said, no all the boots works for everyone. Nice review.
I agree with you regarding the toe crease pinching. Got the salomon quest 4 gtx but I have to return them since it kills my toe. I heard that the Salomon quest element gtx are more flexible and don't have that issue.
Keen Targhee III: I just took them out for an 8 mile hike over moderately rocky terrain - horrible. I felt every single rock through the balls of my feet - horrible. Returned them the following day for a pair of Oboz Bridger Mid BDry Hiking Boots (wide). Keen has been solid in the past, but increasingly disappointing with newer products. Will try the Oboz soon.
What's the best boot? The one that fits your feet. For me it's Salomon and Merrill. Can't wear Keens because my heel lifts in them.
Best answer. I think you're right. Fit is the most important thing.
I too love keens. Here’s something to consider. You may have left out the best one. The KEEN VOYAGER. Which is basically a taller ventilated targhee 2. The targhee 3 looked good but have an inferior sole to the targhee 2 and voyager. Strange but true. Try it and see. You’ll agree.
Thanks! I'll give them a look.
I just bought the salomon quest 4 gtx today as I needed a boot for work and general use as for my job I'm stood between 8 to 11 hours straight so after something supportive and comfortable and I like a nice comfortable boot for general use too. I went to an outdoor shop and they measured my feet and it seemed to fit nicely to that one more than another one which I think was also salomon but will see how they do
How did you like them?
They weren't too bad. Didn't get as forgiving as I would of liked though
Thanks man!!
I only use Merrells and Salomons. I can tell you positively that Merrell moab mids are the exact same boot either in Med or wide widths. They just use a slightly larger insole insert to make the difference.
Interesting. I like the fit, and I may come around to them again someday.
Great review. But I think you've tested the "wrong" Salomon Quest, you should've checked the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX. They have the structure similar to the Quest you've tested but the materials are similar to your favorite Keen Targhee III Waterproof. I've hiked in those in Arizona mountains where the temperature starts at 40F and might end at 80F in full sun. No swamping and the reset is just about perfect.
I had wondered if the old one might be better. Could be worth a try.
I also have the 4D 3 GTX. I’m glad I spent the extra money. Found out about a year later it’s one of the lightest high top boots I could find. If I were to buy again it would be the same boot. Although these seem to be very durable and won’t have to buy again for a long time
I also walked in about of foot of snow. Some packed but mostly soft snow. My feet stayed warm the whole time
I was about to say the same thing, the Quest 4D is one of the best outdoor boots I've bought. I live in the high desert on the edge of the Cascades and they handle all hot summer, very cold winters very well. Sand, mountains, or lava rock, check!
Great review, I really want to get a pair of the keen targhee iii mid in wide (uk size 10) but can’t find them anywhere, any suggestions?
I got mine off Amazon. Zappos should have them, too.
Wow, what a helpful, thorough review! As a true review should be. Rarity these days when the "influencers" on commission rule the net. Thumbs up! I'd subscribe if only had seen more clothing and footwear as well as EDC stuff being reviewed on the channel.
Just wait for my next channel. It'll be oriented more toward outdoor clothing and gear. Ain't sure when I'm launching it yet, but if you subscribe to this one, you'll hear the announcement first. Thanks for the comment!
I wear, Keen, Oboz and Salomon. Look into the Oboz, you may like them.
I wear Merrill mid height boots daily to work and on most days off. Here in Upstate NY the waterproof ones do great for me.
Also, have tried Solomon and was hugely disappointed. They were narrow and didn't hold up to daily wear. My little toe poked through the mesh on the side.
That's pathetic! I hope their tactical boots are tougher.
all solomons are way too narrow
@@barronjames. and WAY to expensive
Salomon makes great hiking shoes Keens are great as well...
I really like the fit of the merrells but i always get meta pain after a few wears. Cant go wrong with the keens, comfortable right out of the box but the waterproofing never lasts very long. I love the solomons but are way too narrow
You should try Lock Laces. Although I think the aftermarket metal lace tips are better than their End of Lace piece.
I'll check them out. Thanks!
Overall, what’s the durability difference (if any) between the moab and targhee? I’m looking to buy a pair and want something that can be a light duty work boot along with a hiking/walking boot.
At this point, I would recommend the Keen Durand II. My Targhees fell apart, and the MOAB is more like a sneaker than a boot. The Durand is less flexible, but after break-in, it's a very good backpacking boot with a tougher build.
most my hiking is in Rocksavania. I need a high for ankle support and a hard sole to keep the rocks from destroying the bottom of my feet. I’ve owned Danners, which would not support my ankles, Merrill’s, which fell like it has no sole. I swear I could feel twigs through them. Nothing beats the Solomon’s I had and will be buying again.
That's how I felt wearing them: supported and insulated from the rocks. I wish they had fit me.
I have the Salomon Ultra 4, love them so far. Used to wear Altra Lone Peaks but my ankles aren’t doing so good anymore after sprains lol
Trail Runners freak me out. The trails near here are really rocky and crazily angled. Nothing but Mids and higher for me now. What do you think of the Ultra's lacing system?
@@SocialRegressive I should have specified they are the mid gore tex. Gonna put some more miles on them hiking in Durango and Grand Lake, CO the next couple days
@@SocialRegressive I get the point of ankle support, but on the minimalist side of shoes the shorter heel creates less leverage on your ankle in the first place.
I wish there was a better selection of shoes, especially boots, with thinner soles/heels.
doggo at 11:05
" get the tail, get the tail, get it!"
"I'm trying!!"
"try change direction."
"OMG tail changed direction too!"
🤣
How is Regatta? Regatta Samaris ll Mid etc?
Got the Targhee IIIs. Very nice, stable and comfortable. But only lasted one year with moderate weekend hikes. Seams on all 4 sides unglued and fell apart and rubber sole wore down to holes in some areas.
Mine are just more starting to come apart after a year of relatively light use.
@@SocialRegressive So I bought LOWA Zephyr GTX MID TF. Very nice so far. Built like a tank. Will see how they hold up....
Naaaaaaa! You’re not sending them back to us!!!! Bank on it 😆😆😆😆😂🤣
I have Keen I like a lot, I saw an add online for Canada Goose boots? They go for 495$ never tryed them, pretty expensive.
That “speed bump” feeling on the ball of foot goes away, I personally think it kind of spreads out the toes a bit and feels good after a while
Thanks for letting me know (a) that I'm not crazy and the bump exists, and (b) that it smooths out. I may give the Merrells a try. Thanks, Scott!
I have the same issue one is a little bigger then a ten the other is a 9.5 wide. so you always have to fit the bigger foot and the other goes along for the ride I finally bought Oboz 10.5 wide
How many "millimetres" is 'one size difference', it's a serious question. Can anyone say with certainty ??? Thank you.
I liked the feel of the Moab2 but like a lot of low cut hiking boots they don’t have any ankle support. My favorite boots were rocky C4t but they were discontinued and they were slicker than greased owl sh*t in the mud or snow.
Agree on the moab 2 mids... they have the able support of an extra pair of socks. Check out oboz sawtooth ii
@@holystromboli I ended up buying the Strongfield’s little to hot for summer but very comfortable and supportive.
@@Holledel nice
Haw haw. Dog is distractingly funny!
I use the Colombian all leather hightop. I use them everyday on the farm mucking and what not. Boots keep my feet dry and comfy.
I tried those a while back. Not quite my fit, but they seemed solid.
you need the altra hiking boots. They're wide and really light
Merrill makes awesome boots
Is that your new ride in the thumbnail?
Wonderful review. Is there a rattlesnake under the table?😂
Hahaha! We get some loud critters around here. My last scope review featured a soundtrack produced by a very excited male cardinal.
Have the same issue, on foot 13 EE and one foot 14EE.
You should try vasque boots. I have a pair of breeze II GTX for like 5 years.
I tried a pair once and they had the usual width problem. Haven't tried the breeze series yet, though.
@@SocialRegressive normally I wear wides as well and found them to be alittle bit of a loose fit but took shape after while. Ymmv.
I have that prob. I get one boot from each size to make a pair and then check out. Look into good oil soaked leather work boots edit: With a Dr scholl's charcoal insert.
I'll probably mod these keens down the road like that.
I don't know if you were the one with the sprinklers on but man that was really bothersome as a soundtrack, maybe closing them before making an exhaustive video would have been a good idea. Otherwise your video was excellent and extremely informative, a bit disappointed that you did not have Oboz, Danner, Vasque, Lowa, Zamberlan, Scarpa, La Sportiva and or Vasque boots. And you are correct with the Salomon 4D 3 GTX they are narrow boots but I have narrow feet so quite happy with mine.
I tried on a few of these, and they didn't fit me at all. I didn't even bother testing them. The wide Lowa backpacking boots weren't too bad, but they would have required a long break-in period to see if they would eventually fit me right. As for the sound, those are cicadas. If I switch them off with a shotgun I'll probably get in trouble.
@@SocialRegressive man you are just not made for hiking, so many good boots you tried and still having difficulties with you size, what a bummer!
@@labellaescrima1996 😂😭
@@SocialRegressive really cicadas that loud, wow never knew!
Lowas and Zamberlans over here!!!!
I'm trying one last pair here: Lowa Explorer GTX Mid. They seem like they would be a good hardcore backpacker's boot. Firm and built for the long haul. What model do you like?
@@SocialRegressive Lowa Camino for a sort of everyday boot. Lowa Renegade for lite duty hiking boot. Zamberlan 960 Guide GORE-TEX RR for hunting in Idaho and Wyoming. My heel fits the Zamberlan “Last” they used when making the 960’s.
Most people have that same problem with the feet, I do
Asolo Fugatives for the win. Or Lowa boots.
I tried a lowa backpacker's boot. Not bad. I think with a little break-in they would work for me.
In my opinion Keen make the best hiking boots
But the Vibram they use are not so good in some shoes.
I wish they develop their own like Salomon.
I could not quit watching Daisy.
Gotta keep an eye on her. She's up to no good.
So what would be the best boot for a fused ankle?
One that your Doctor recommends.
@@cvr527 that would be great if any doctor would recommend a set of choices. Thanks for trying to give a helpful reply.
That's a great question, and a bit out of my depth. Seems like the Salomon quest would be the best of this bunch since it provides a tall ankle support and a squishy heel strike with a smooth roll.
@@SocialRegressive thanks for reply I will check them out at store. If they don't do the trick then that is 1 less shoe I have questions about wearing.
fused ankle and you want to hike, take it easy there buddy! Only leather ankle boots will do the trick but they are extremely heavy and costly. Meindl, Hanwag, Garmont, Red WIngs, Aku, might do the trick but very very heavy boots.
Daisy really stole the show. (:
Daisy wants her own channel. 😂
We'll call it "The Littlest Hellhound."
I also had a wide foot usually size 8 so i bought a keen ridge flex size 9, Thanks for the reviews
Check out the Salomon Forces Quest 4D GTX 2, those are insane boots, best boots i've ever owned so far.
They're based on the previous Quest boots, but are developed for the military, thus being way more rugged. They're only a little bit more expensive than the regular Quest's but totally worth it!
I just bought some and yes, they are the best most comfortable boots iv ever owned!
It’s certain a mine field . Don’t look at reviews everyone’s feet are different , sizes are all over the place , what you also may like the look of may be a nightmare as I found , I wanted some AKU for years after 2 miles the arch lof the foot was absolutely killing me . I currently wear Garmont . I’ve worn merrell, Salamon , Noth face to name a few good ones I’m 1/2 size up in all but North Face . I will save the merrell are very roomy I have skinny feet but strangely are comfy but won’t buy again . Keen I felt a heavy boot but believe some of the later models they have some how lightened them . But they overallwernt that comfy . Size zip are a nightmare you can feel the top of the zip on your leg , but I have skinny legs lol .
1st MOFOS! I wear 4e shoes. Skinny shoes become intolerable very quickly. But, at least both of my feet are the same 🙂
Crikey. That's a truly wide pair o' feet. Who makes good 4E shoes?
Daisy is stealing the show from you; she is having a blast chasing her tail and chasing whatever that bug was that she ran over towards you when you first turned around. She is just out having fun
Little showboat! 😂
Yes but that’s a good thing. I love my little chaweenie dog. She is my little angel and yes I spoil her as much as possible lol
Keens
That seems to be where I'm heading nowadays. They feel flippin' good.
I have 3 pairs of Merrill Moab 2 i would NEVER change Big miles
I should have picked the Moab. The Keens felt great, but fell apart.
Wonderful...you ordered a bunch of shoes, sweated in them and returned them...classy. Absolutely disgusting behavior. Your mom must be real proud.
I helped break them in for the next guy. I won't say I'm a hero, but I will point out that we don't all wear capes.
New gen military boots
I only buy Solomon’s
I can see why. My wife loves hers.
Can you sell me the ones you will not use, please. OsoYolo, Antigua Guatemala.
5.04. watching the dog... what is she doing there...
keens are good for wide feet
I stock wides all the time and I hate Amazon
I wish there were more stores in my city that did that.
thanks! 🙂helped
Sorry but your dog stole the show. I had to back up and watch it again.
11 1/2eee, it's damn near impossible to find a shoe let alone a boot that fits comfortably so I feel your foot pain.
That's rough.
Yo I got something for you when you hit 70k subs
Miles of scootering!
Good drop on the Keen, their soles don’t last.
Boots are like cars. Germans or Italians . The rest don't count.
But best cars are japanese car
salomon + northface = same company = same trash
All the boots featured in this video are definitely treadmill runners and stair steppers. Terrible.
Hiking boots todays are mostly junk because of their vibram soles. Modern soles are cemented onto the shoes instead of sewn. If you are in mud and water you will get the heal slapper. The cement releases and the heal slaps as you walk.
not the Meindl, Dr. Martens,
if you still have the solomons is an 11 I will gladly take them off your hands