Timberlands or Rockports or what?

[Bossy Monkey]

Not to go all Consumer Reports on you good people, but I no longer remember which of these was supposed to be good and which is the cheap knockoff. Since we thoughtfully exported all our manufacturing to China, I doubt seriously if it makes a difference. I spent a couple of hours in a chain shoestore to which I'd been given a gift card and finally emerged with some comfy Rockports, but would still welcome suggestions as to who if anyone is making good walking or hiking shoes these days. Whatchasay?

[eyepaddle]

1. If you want a hiking boot (as opposed to just shoe)

I say go with Vasque--I've had three pairs of Sundowners, and as soon as my current La Sportivas wear out, I am going back to Vasque.

The La Sportivas are good, but the Vasques just become one with your feet. Even in peak summer heat they were comfy, and oh so waterproof.

Damn, now I miss my Vasque's :cry:

[patcox2]

2. Neither. Bornn, Clarks, and if you can afford them, Mephisto.

Europeans know comfy walking shoes.

Especially Mephisto.

[RebelOne]

3. I bought a couple of Ryka walking shoes through QVC.

I'm not sure where they are made, but they are very comfortable.

[skygazer]

4. I'm wearing Dansko's for work

They're the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn - make me feel like I've gotten an all-day foot massage.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. I have some VERY nice shoes.....

sturdy, supportive, AND waterproof.......by Ecco......

The Walking Store carries them...pricey, but well-made. I don't know where they are made, though...


:hi:

[GOPisEvil]

11. Ecco makes a REALLY nice product.

I have a pair of their golf shoes. I can walk 18 holes and still have my feet feel fresh as a daisy. They were VERY pricey, but they last. They are a European company with plants spread all over the world.

[Tyrone Slothrop]

6. I'm wearing a pair of Rockport hiking boots right now

So far, they've lasted through about 3 months of a NYC winter, walking through all sorts of rain, snow and potholes and such.

And my feet have been comfy and dry the entire time.

So, I'm pretty happy with my Rockports.

[fight4my3sons]

7. I have to vote for La Sportiva.

They don't make the Makalu like they used to, but I still love them the best. My husband picked up a pair of Asolo that he really loves. Got them super cheap from Mountain Gear. He swore he would never wear anything other than La Sportiva, but he really likes these a lot.

[CAcyclist]

8. Dexters , definitely.

[Bossy Monkey]

10. I think those are the shoes I wore out traipsing all over Europe 20 years

ago or so. Loved them crazy mad, but I've never seen them again. As I recall, I got them on clearance at a local non-chain shoe store. I'll look them up online, thanks.

[livetohike]

9. I like Merrells

http://www.merrell.com/Main.aspx

I have had several pairs of Merrell hiking boots over the past twenty years and have found them to be perfect for hiking. :-)