If you could have any new pair of boots...

[jackelope]

if you plan to use them for any average to better than average  hiking,  i'd stay away from pronghorns. those gtx's out of the 3 you mentioned would be my choice, but if you can have any boot made with goretex, i'd be looking at kenetreks, sharpas, lowa, etc. apples and oranges as far as quality. i have a pair of lowa's and a pair of raichle's, hiking boots and backpacking boots, and run the raichle backpacking boots almost always.

[Slider]

I'll take another pair of Lowa's if your buyin  I had a eyelet hook break on a 2 year old pair of Lowa Tibets. I sent them to Schnees to be repaired. They couldn't repair them so they shipped me a new pair!!!   

[littletoes]

Guys, for me its a basic call.

The folks that spend more time in the woods then most of us, are hikers. And there are hikers that spend time out there at all times of the year.

Match the shoes to what you do, hiking boots are rated for differant weights and differant types of terrain.
The more expensive boots take quite a bit to break in, NOW is TOO LATE. You should have purchased your boots long ago, and wore them all summer to be ready.

I don't do "light hikers", they don't hold up for me, and are not made for long treks in the hills. I also don't use regular hiking boots, my personal preference are known as "Mountaineering Boots". They are built tougher than hiking boots, and are stiffer, which means they are rougher to break in, but long treks over uneven terrain carrying a 40 lb pack sure makes it worth it.

Mine are a pair of Solomon's, Contra-grip Mountaineering boots. Cost me over $300.00 about 10 years ago....you tell me of another boot that is waterproof, that will last that long in rough country, and I'd sure check 'em out.

I'm usualy very rough on boots, and never get more than two years out of a pair.

[jackelope]

are you talking backpacking  boots?? or mountaneering boots like a koflach plastic type boot...thats what i know as a mountaneering boot.
my backpacking boots are way stiff...but not koflach stiff.

[littletoes]

Not all Mountaineering boots are the "Plastic" ones, there are stiff leather ones, that or heavy duty hiking boots. Hold up and carry you through, with a pack.

They are the types I've had the best luck with on heavy trails. Hunting boots have a ways to go yet to catch up.

[Intruder]

Lowa builds a great boot GTX Hunters are awesome,  also look up Scarpa their Liskaams are pretty nice as well and a few bucks cheaper than the Lowa's.

Do you know if the the Liskaam is insulated?

[GoldTip]

I just bought a pair of the Meindl Perfekts from cabela's, just breaking them in they are very comfy.  The sole is a bit stiff, but being a bigger guy (6'2"-280lbs) I break down boots pretty quick.  Have had good luck with Danner Frontiers as well, but they recently changed the style of them and they now don't fit as well.

[Intruder]

I just bought a pair of the Meindl Perfekts from cabela's, just breaking them in they are very comfy.  The sole is a bit stiff, but being a bigger guy (6'2"-280lbs) I break down boots pretty quick.  Have had good luck with Danner Frontiers as well, but they recently changed the style of them and they now don't fit as well.

I've worn Meindl's for over 10 years... they're really good boots.  Do your's squeak?  If so, it's probably the tongue.  Just keep it well greased.

[blackhorn]

I don't know if you live near or can make it to Portland, but the Danner outlet store is a great place to get your boots.  They often have "seconds" that have minor flaws, nothing that would affect the function of the boot, mostly cosmetic.  I picked up a pair of military spec "Mt. cold weather" boots that I love for $165.  They feel almost like tennis shoes, very light.  I hiked about 8 miles in them without breaking them in and they still felt great and they are water proof.   Just my two cents!!

[Bean Counter]

The big plus is that money is no object. The boots failed in the Gore Tex lining, so Gore is going to give me ANY boot I want that has their product in it. 

Naturally I'd choose a nicer boot under these circumstances. The problem I've ran into is that I can't find a single retailer where I can try on those nice Lowa Hunter GTX's so I may have to go with the Pronghorns. 

[Intruder]

Lowa Hunter GTX's so I may have to go with the Pronghorns. 

Comparing those 2 boots is like comparing a Subaru Forrester to a F-250 w/ knarly mudders on it.  Both fine vehicles but not really comparing apples to apples. 

[buckmaster_wa]

I have a pair of Whites, extremely spendy. I liked my red wings a lot better and they cost half as much. The whites are to heavy and the heel fits to loosely.

[cohoho]

Comparing those 2 boots is like comparing a Subaru Forrester to a F-250 w/ knarly mudders on it.  Both fine vehicles but not really comparing apples to apples. 
[/quote]

Couldn't agree more, if they are getting what YOU want, then go big with the highest quaility, Pronghorns are a good bird boot, but when compared to Lowa Hunter's, (well you really can't do that) heck get them in 11 1/2 and I'll give you cash for them or trade for a Ruger Single Six................  

[coonhound]

I would stick with the boots made in Europe:

1. Kenetrek
2. Lowa
3. Miendl


Coon

[Intruder]

I would stick with the boots made in Europe:

1. Kenetrek
2. Lowa
3. Miendl

Coon

Pretty hard to argue with that! 

Any one on here own Scarpas?  I've read good things but never talked to anyone who actually owned em.