Backpacking/Hiking boots for wide feet?

[QuantumX]

Good morning guys! Since I have wide feet (4E) I'm having one heck of a time finding comfortable boots. New Balance have discontinued their over the ankle boot and now I'm stuck trying to find a manufacturer that makes rugged, sturdy hiking boots in widths. I have hikers that are at ankle high but was hoping to get a above ankle style for hiking in the fall. Does anyone have any information along these lines??

[stobes21]

I know all too well the difficulty of finding shoes in 4E. I picked up these boots this past spring and in limited duty they have done very well for me. Excellent waterproofing and minimal break in required. They may not be high enough for you, but perhaps the same brand makes a taller variant.

[xraygun]

I used to sell shoes to Oddball.com. They specialize in up to 6E.

[Blue Raccoon]

check out Red Wing and Irish Setters..

[Blade Boy]

You may want to look into a higher end pair they will last longer and be more comfortable, one thing I have learned is you get what you pay for when it comes to boots. DON'T mailorder footwear unless you have be able to try them at the store first.

[Mako72]

If you want a taller boot you might look at modern combat boot styles by Bates, Altama, or similar. Modern combat boots are basically a wolverine style thick cushioned sole with a fairly thin all leather base topped by cordura uppers. I personally like the newer combat boot style as I have bunons and can get a wide width, soak them in warm water for a couple hours and the lace em up and walk the leather until it forms. But I am a glutton for punishment. If you do that they will be like gloves when your done but you will be sore for a week or so, otherwise look at Redwing, Wolverine, or Vasque.

Jay

[ScoutHikerDad]

Have you looked into Asolos? I too have wide feet, and have hiked many miles comfortably in their FSN 95's (I believe that's the right model). They won a Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Award when they came out, and are often discounted at sierratradingpost.com (though with your sizing issues you probably don't want to order on-line).

[QuantumX]

Thanks for the information guys. I found a pair of Salomon Mega Trek 6 LTR GTX boots. They are not current production but they do fit. I'm breaking them in now.

[LibertyBeta]

Keen's tend to run wide and large. I've got 13 4E feel and keens tend to come to a nice fit. However, you may want to look into buying from an European dealer, as their sizing tends to be a bit more exact.

[scottish steve]

I wear UK size 9 in a G fitting and my hiking boots are by Brasher. I didn't have to break them in at all. Really good boots. I think the model is now discontinued, but there are some similar here http://www.tiso.com/shop/footwear/?eb=0&o=1&st=31

[mparker762]

Second the recommendation on modern combat boots. I've got Limmers and German para boots (the ones with the gusset for the Achilles) and prefer the para boots for comfort and support. The needed no break-in.

[scottish steve]

I've got one pair of army boots and I won't buy another. Break-in is actively painful for a long time, causing me bleeding heels and several miserable days saying to myself "just stay with it". Even when they are broken in, they're still harder on your feet than specialised hiking boots. The minute I put on my Brasher (Towa is the model name.) I felt invincible and that feeling has never gone away with not an ounce of discomfort. I can see no benefit compared to Brashers, Meindl etc. unless you're going to be in a scrap yard a lot. Even then, I'd just buy leather hiking boots

[Greyfox]

I highly recommend that you take a look at http://www.russellmoccasin.com/. The price is much better than you would think and they will make sure the fit is perfect.