# Backpaking (boot) Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 16, 2012, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207 "2012-12-16T19:14:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SanDiegoTim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85e7bf/32.png) [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/1 "2012-12-16T19:14:07Z")
Would this boot be a good option for backpacking? [http://www.ebay.com/itm/MENS-DANNER-TAN-TACHYON-military-boots-tactical-footwear-swat-/360530952488?\_trksid=p2045573.m2042&\_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D4202448654834580616%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D3%26sd%3D170958168229%26](http://www.ebay.com/itm/MENS-DANNER-TAN-TACHYON-military-boots-tactical-footwear-swat-/360530952488?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D4202448654834580616%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D3%26sd%3D170958168229%26) ---
**Author:** ![chacoguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/2 "2012-12-16T20:03:09Z")
What kind of terrain? ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/3 "2012-12-16T20:03:36Z")
It doesn’t look like one to me, certainly not a 3 season one, perhaps OK for winter if it’s waterproof (and obviously comfortable) ---
**Author:** ![SanDiegoTim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85e7bf/32.png) [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/4 "2012-12-16T20:26:23Z")
> [@chacoguy](#): > > What kind of terrain? If I had to narrow I down I’d say what you’d exect on a Rim to Rim hike at the Grand Canyon. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/5 "2012-12-16T20:32:33Z")
> [@SanDiegoTim](#): > > If I had to narrow I down I’d say what you’d exect on a Rim to Rim hike at the Grand Canyon. No, I don’t think that would be a good fit for that type of hike. Rim to Rim is fast and light, basically a trail running shoe would be my choice. The footing is good so high ankle support isn’t really needed. Also, I wouldn’t buy a boot for a hike like that without trying it on in the store. Different manufacturers have different lasts so there’s no way of being sure how this will fit you. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/6 "2012-12-16T20:39:22Z")
Why the interest in these boots? For that money, you can get a nice pair of top-name hiking boots or trail sneakers. And they won’t look completely ridiculous, as a bonus. ---
**Author:** ![gracer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e7dd6/32.png) [@gracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gracer)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/7 "2012-12-16T21:00:43Z")
Go to a proper shop, get something light and under your ankle. There really comfortable shoes now, not at all like the heavy walking boots. They last and you don’t need to walk around in them before. They’re not as heavy duty, but you don’t need that. As an extra, I’d recommend gaiters as they are so light and keep feet dry and if necessary protect your legs from heavy brush. I have no if there would be any water where you are, I’ve never to those parts. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/8 "2012-12-16T21:16:08Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > Why the interest in these boots? For that money, you can get a nice pair of top-name hiking boots or trail sneakers. And they won’t look completely ridiculous, as a bonus. Danner _is_ “top-name”. However, if the OP is interested in hiking, he or she should look into Danner hiking boots. [http://www.danner.com/boots/#activity=52](http://www.danner.com/boots/#activity=52) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/9 "2012-12-16T21:22:51Z")
Looking at that website, the boots in the OP list for $140 and are recommended for “combat training and for daily use,” not hiking. ---
**Author:** ![SanDiegoTim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85e7bf/32.png) [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/10 "2012-12-16T22:56:15Z")
Yes, I’m aware this boot is designed for a military application. I was just wondering if it might have a cross-over application for backpacking. On the subject of the Rim to Rim, I did it a few weeks ago with a lightweight low cut shoe, which most seem to prefer. However, for the downhill on the So Kaibab, which is steeper than Bright Angel, I would have preferred an ankle-height boot for additional support. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/11 "2012-12-16T23:06:49Z")
That eBay seller is offering those shoes for five cents less than the price the manufacturer is offering them at. So if you want to buy those exact shoes, why not buy them directly? And if you don’t want those exact shoes, but want hiking boots up to about $140, you might try a local store. REI, for instance, has boots specifically for hiking for less than that. And the store clerk will help you size and fit them. (And I vaguely remember a post from someone here who said that REI accepted a return on boots after the purchaser found they didn’t work well on the hike.) ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/12 "2012-12-16T23:59:23Z")
> [@SanDiegoTim](#): > > Yes, I’m aware this boot is designed for a military application. I was just wondering if it might have a cross-over application for backpacking. It may have some crossover applications but only to the level of tennis shoes or bunny slippers could in theory be used for such hiking. Yes you could do it but why would you or anyone every want to. ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/13 "2012-12-17T03:18:33Z")
I’d use them for crossover only if you really need them for the other use. Also I’ll note that as a brand Danners are OK but have a known break in problem. If you do go with them (which I’d suggest against), be sure you give them an adequate break in. . ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/14 "2012-12-17T04:03:38Z")
Never heard of break in described as a problem before. Heavier, more durable boots will usually require a break in period. But on the plus side, they will usually last forever. ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/15 "2012-12-17T04:11:58Z")
As a seasoned hiker I would stay away from any boots like those and look at a good quality pair of hiking boots, go to a store and try them on. No way I would buy boots on line unless I had had them before. I love my Garmin boots, I have had about 10 pairs of boots over hte years and these are by far the best for me. Scarpa boots were my favourite but I think my foot has widened over the years so they are now too barrow. I have used trail runners (salomon sense) with great success in the Australia mountains [google Grampians] and I was worried about ankle support but noticed no real issues and I have twisted many ankle over the years. I use these when i am doing short fast lightweight hiking in summer. When I am with slower groups, in winter or doing more sightseeing the boots come out but I look at my runners in a complete different light now and I think that I will probably convert 100% to them but damn my Garmonts are great. ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/16 "2012-12-17T04:17:28Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > Never heard of break in described as a problem before. Heavier, more durable boots will usually require a break in period. But on the plus side, they will usually last forever. Always break in boots/shoes before going on a hike. No exceptions to this rule IMO, please note I have been a hiker and part time hiking guide for over 25 years, so whilst only my opinion it is one that I push pretty hard. 😉 > [@kanicbird](#): > > It may have some crossover applications but only to the level of tennis shoes or bunny slippers could in theory be used for such hiking. > > Yes you could do it but why would you or anyone every want to. As an FYI lots of people use Dunlop Volleys for hiking down under, just google ultra light weight hiking for my cite. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/17 "2012-12-17T04:24:04Z")
Note that [the last time you asked for advice about hiking boots](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=630496), REI was also recommended to you then. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/18 "2012-12-17T22:25:30Z")
> [@sisu](#): > > As a seasoned hiker I would stay away from any boots like those and look at a good quality pair of hiking boots, go to a store and try them on. No way I would buy boots on line unless I had had them before. I love my Garmin boots, I have had about 10 pairs of boots over hte years and these are by far the best for me. Scarpa boots were my favourite but I think my foot has widened over the years so they are now too barrow. I personally like Vasque boots, but this just goes to show that everybody has a different fit in hiking boots, and different brands fit people differently. Regardless of what brand of boot you select, getting a good fitting from an experienced hiker is crucial, especially if you don’t have much experience in selecting boots. REI, and other outdoor enthusiast specific stores (as opposed to a general “sporting goods” store like Dick’s or Big Five) will be able to provide this service, as well as offer a wide selection of good quality hiking boots and shoes to try. REI will also let you bring back (somewhat used) merchandise (at least for members), so that gives you the opportunity to try out the boots in actual use. Yes, a good set of dedicated hiking boots will probably run you more than the $140 tactical Danners, they’ll also be far more comfortable for long hikes. The Danners which, you will note, are at the far low end of the Danner product line, appear to have no solid shank, which makes them essentially heavy high top tennis shoes and questionable for heavy backpacking. (The tread doesn’t look particularly suited for serious outdoor use, either.) There is a lot of backpacking gear you can go cheap on to save some money, but you don’t want to scrimp on boots; the difference between good boots and bad ones is the difference between just being tired at the end of a 15 mile hump, and having blisters and planters fasciitis. Buy the heavier tent, the cheaper sleeping bag, last year’s backpack, a cheaper stove, but don’t cut corners on footwear. That being said, if you are not carrying a heavy backpack, I would tend to agree with **sisu** and others that a hiking or trail running shoe is probably better for your needs. The whole notion of “ankle support” in a boot is (mostly) myth. The advantage of hiking boots over shoes is that they provide more protection to the foot and ankle over uneven terrain and bush, generally keep feet dryer, and help prevent overstressing the plantar fascia when carrying very heavy loads (\>20% of body weight) long distances. However, they can also be detrimental by limiting the natural flexibility and range of motion of the ankle as well as removing sensitivity to the ground, which can actually increase the potential for injury. If you are carrying a lighter load, a more flexible and lighter shoe along with careful foot placement is probably better. If you really want to reduce loading on the knees and ankles, the use of trekking poles or a hiking staff is far better than stiffer boots, though I personally don’t care for poles for fairweather hiking. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2012, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/19 "2012-12-18T00:13:13Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > SNIP > Stranger Quoted for truth, well said mate and yes boots come in different shapes and this is probably the most important part overall. Now shall we have a debate on waterproof vs non wp? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![SanDiegoTim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85e7bf/32.png) [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2012, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207/20 "2012-12-18T00:46:53Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Note that [the last time you asked for advice about hiking boots](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=630496), REI was also recommended to you then. I indeed purchased a pair from REI. I received excellent advice and used them on the Rim to Rim. In hindsight, however, I probably would have gone with the anckle height vs. the low cut I purchased. Nevertheless, I’m very satisfied. This inquiry was “out of curiosity.” [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpaking-boot-question/644207.md?page=2)