Boots for Building?

[raisingarizona13]

So I've been hired on for a four month gig with ACE to be a trail crew leader on the Heart trail project here on Flagstaff. I've been working on this and the Little Elden trails reroutes now for three years and I did the alignments for these as a volunteer. I'm really stoked since trail building is all I really want to do and I want to make it my profession, that real world stuff just doesn't work for me.

Anyways, this is a question for builders, what boots do you like for trail work? I have been using some logging boots but they make my feet hurt if I walk far in em. I love them for working but they are heavy and this project is going to require some heavy hiking in and out of the site as well as some extremely steep side slope bushwhacking to flag the line. I think I want something water proof and that doesn't let sand into them. I like a higher boot for support and they need to be sturdy but not too heavy. Any thoughts? Thanks.

If anyone is interested in following my trail stuff I post it up on instagram, raisingarizona13. I would post in here but I can't get pictures on my computer and for some reason I can't log in on my phone.

[hick]

Depends on what you’re building and how. If you’re drilling or using a rock drill for breaking rock, Alico Guides are hard to beat if they fit... I always looked for something that is all leather with a stitched on Vibram sole. Whether doing hand work or machine work I used my feet a lot to finish trail (Kick rocks, kick berms, compact dirt, etc..). Something comfortable and durable and don’t expect to get more than a season out of them if you’re working a lot of hours. Hope that helps a little!


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[Dee Hubbs]

Short gaiters over your boots do wonders to keep dirt/stones out of them. They look dorky but worth every penny.

[evdog]

I got this pair a couple seasons ago and they've held up well so far. Heavy duty enough I can use my feet a lot to move dirt/rocks. They're not the most comfortable for hiking longer distances but my feet are getting used to them. Got them at redwing shoes. Can't recall if that is the brand or if they are something else.

If you have to walk long distances you could wear some lighter trail runners for the approach then put boots on at the work site. You can get cheap lightweight gaiters for them at REI for $20. I've been wearing these for biking the last few months and have gotten exactly zero rocks and sand in my shoes since. Highly recommended.

[snowaddict91]

Alico Guides are hard to beat if they fit... I always looked for something that is all leather with a stitched on Vibram sole.m

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Great boots and a good price at STP. if you want something beefier a scarpa fuego or the like may be what you're looking for. They are STIFF when new though.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Just followed you on IG. I'm bike_stem.

[raisingarizona13]

Just followed you on IG. I'm bike_stem.

Cool. I followed you back.

[raisingarizona13]

I might have to carry my boots in for now but after my first paycheck I'm going to look at some leather mountaineering boots like the ones hick suggested.

Thanks for the replies.

[kidwoo]

Ones that fit so that you don't rub the ball of your foot raw from standing on weird slopes and leveraging tools all day.

Nothing else matters. Just get some damn stiffies.

[evasive_MT]

Depends on what you’re building and how. If you’re drilling or using a rock drill for breaking rock, Alico Guides are hard to beat if they fit... I always looked for something that is all leather with a stitched on Vibram sole. Whether doing hand work or machine work I used my feet a lot to finish trail (Kick rocks, kick berms, compact dirt, etc..). Something comfortable and durable and don’t expect to get more than a season out of them if you’re working a lot of hours. Hope that helps a little!


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I have a pair that’s 20 years old. They’re hard to kill. Heavy AF, though- I don’t wear them backpacking anymore. But they are my choice for trailwork.

[bodywhomper]

Zappos (and REI) can be helpful with trying on lots of boots to get a handle on fit and return them for full reimbursement. I used to order online at REI, have them shipped to the store near my home, try them on in the store, return the ones that don’t fit, and take the one(s) home that I wanted to think about more. Similar strategy using Zappos.

Tall boots, you might want to think about tactical boots. Also, what about snake gaiters?

[kootenayskier]

I wear basic Blundstone boots everyday for trail building. They’re durable, comfy like slippers, easy on and off, no laces to catch when bush bashing, and provide plenty of protection yet they make your feet strong.

[toast2266]

I wanted a metal toe in mine for some protection from chainsaws. I had a tough time finding something that had a metal toe + tall enough to keep dirt out + fit well (most options were super roomy and wide).

Ended up with some redwing / irish setter Mesabis. 9" cuff, aluminum toe, and light enough that they don't feel clunky. They're still a bit wider than I'd like. I haven't had them that long, but so far they've been good.

[gravitylover]

I have a couple of pairs of Keen boots from the work boots category that have treated me well. Right now I have an insulated pair for winter and colder weather use and an uninsulated pair for the other 2 seasons. Both are waterproof with a toe insert and aren't terribly heavy. Sorry I don't remember the model names.

[XXX-er]

.

Anyways, this is a question for builders, what boots do you like for trail work?

. Any thoughts? Thanks.
..

its just like ski boots or runners or shoes or any piece of foot wear ... they have to fit or they will hurt

Last time i bough hiking boots I tryed some boots on, bought the best the pair at each of the 2 stores in town and i told them I would be bringing a pair back so you can't really beat them up outside and expect to return them so I wore them around at home in the house for at least an hr ...keep the best pair

[DoWork]

I generally wear mountaineering boots for mountain work, and steel toe leathers for metal work. I like the support and beefy sole when I’m mountainside, and most shop boots just don’t consider that kind of usage, and it’s just a matter of time before you roll an ankle with a shop boot. My go-tos are the Asolo 6B+ GV, and I haven’t even broken them in yet from several months of abuse. Breathable enough to stay cool in warmer weather but with warmer socks work great in cold temps too. MEGA stiff shank, awesome heel cup and ankle support but with a really well thought out articulating cuff. Very comfy and I love the way the one piece upper hugs your foot when you lace up tight.

I don’t wear gaiters unless It’s winter, but my days of wearing shop/welding boots on the hillside are long gone.

[DoWork]

The real question, though, is if they’ve given you Rogue hand tools yet or if you’re still breaking the ones from the hardware store haha there’s no going back to normal stuff from those either!

[californiagrown]

Tall boots, you might want to think about tactical boots.

This. there are a number of really high quality tactical boots out there that would fit your bill really well... waterproof, lighweight, tall, vibram sole etc. The only issue is if you actually need hard/steel toe, or need protection from machines. And this is obvious, but make sure you take the time to break them in a bit before using them for actual work.

[toast2266]

The real question, though, is if they’ve given you Rogue hand tools yet or if you’re still breaking the ones from the hardware store haha there’s no going back to normal stuff from those either!

Truth. The 70H is a champ.

[jamal]

mtb missoula just got a couple of those. I like.

As for boots I just wear my asolo hiking boots. Trailwork is about the only time I put them on and after a few years they're not particularly worn. I'm not doing it full time though, just volunteer days (but last week I think I logged at least 15 hours).

[evdog]

I used to have a pair of Asolo's. Ended up using them mostly for trailwork. I was impressed how long they lasted. 5-6 years of fairly heavy use. Hoping the work boots I bought last a similar time.

[bodywhomper]

This. there are a number of really high quality tactical boots out there that would fit your bill really well... waterproof, lighweight, tall, vibram sole etc. The only issue is if you actually need hard/steel toe, or need protection from machines. And this is obvious, but make sure you take the time to break them in a bit before using them for actual work.

You can get them meeting various atsm stds. Here’s an example: https://uspatriottactical.com/bellev...-boots-coyote/

[3PinGrin]

You can get them meeting various atsm stds. Here’s an example: https://uspatriottactical.com/bellev...-boots-coyote/

Those all look like tall expensive tennis shoes. Wimpy soles, no ankle support, etc. Hammering soles on rocks and shovels all day would be better served by a burlier boot IMO.

I like steel shanks (or at least nylon, fiberglass, etc) and heavy leather in work boots, but it does add weight. Logging boots seem like they would suck for trail work because of the tall heels. Great for soft soil/duff to dig in, but not necessarily for trail work and hiking on established trails for access.

[bodywhomper]

Those all look like tall expensive tennis shoes. Wimpy soles, no ankle support, etc. Hammering soles on rocks and shovels all day would be better served by a burlier boot IMO.

I like steel shanks (or at least nylon, fiberglass, etc) and heavy leather in work boots, but it does add weight. Logging boots seem like they would suck for trail work because of the tall heels. Great for soft soil/duff to dig in, but not necessarily for trail work and hiking on established trails for access.

Yea. I don’t know those boots, but I was pointing out that some tactical boots are made to meet various safety standards.

Maybe these are mo better, for a mere small price. https://uspatriottactical.com/danner...ts-desert-tan/

My own experience, with a stiff shank, if the heel don’t fit, the boots will break you in rather than the other way around.