OldBill
Member
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2015
- Messages
- 531
There was a good discussion on bpbasecamp supporting boots as the preferred option for rough terrain vs the trend of using trail runners even for off-trail "high routes". I'm looking at replacement boots for bigger treks and there's always compromise. My more serious trips are usually the Wind Rivers in mid-to-late September. So, what do you like to use on
4-5 day treks of 30-50 miles
25-30 lb total initial pack weight
30-50% of that off-trail sometimes in rough terrain (scree, boulders, slabs, steep side-hills, downfall, marshy, thick underbrush/willows)
Late season at 10000-11000' in the northern Rockies (ie, cold, potential snow)
I'm returning Salomon Quest 4D's bought last year at REI since a midfoot pressure point on the left foot never "broke in". Right foot was fantastic fit. My 3 yr old Lowa Vantage worked well, though tread is shot and toe seams started breaking (Goretex is weak too, discontinued). Looking at Renegades, but durability especially with this terrain seems to be an issue. Scarpa Kailash were great but outgrew them and right foot always had to be double-socked to stop heel slip. Some say they're now outdated design. I like to protect my ankles and feet, but wouldn't mind a 2-2.5 lb solution (some suggest La Sportiva Nucleo).
Fit failures (mostly lots of heel lift): Vasque Talus Trek, Oboz Wind River III, Scarpa Zodiac+, R-Evo, Asolo Fugitive, Zamberlan vibrant 3d
Yep, hard-to-fit feet.

4-5 day treks of 30-50 miles
25-30 lb total initial pack weight
30-50% of that off-trail sometimes in rough terrain (scree, boulders, slabs, steep side-hills, downfall, marshy, thick underbrush/willows)
Late season at 10000-11000' in the northern Rockies (ie, cold, potential snow)
I'm returning Salomon Quest 4D's bought last year at REI since a midfoot pressure point on the left foot never "broke in". Right foot was fantastic fit. My 3 yr old Lowa Vantage worked well, though tread is shot and toe seams started breaking (Goretex is weak too, discontinued). Looking at Renegades, but durability especially with this terrain seems to be an issue. Scarpa Kailash were great but outgrew them and right foot always had to be double-socked to stop heel slip. Some say they're now outdated design. I like to protect my ankles and feet, but wouldn't mind a 2-2.5 lb solution (some suggest La Sportiva Nucleo).
Fit failures (mostly lots of heel lift): Vasque Talus Trek, Oboz Wind River III, Scarpa Zodiac+, R-Evo, Asolo Fugitive, Zamberlan vibrant 3d
Yep, hard-to-fit feet.
