I’ve found good hiking boots are more important than expected. I’ve had my share of miserable boots that held more water than they repelled. They seemed built to provide top speed slipping and sliding down hills. I think they were designed to help podiatrists make money from sore feet.
So, finally, I bit the bullet and bought high-quality boots. They made all the difference. I had no idea the difference they would make!
If you are ready to buy a good boot to explore the Badlands, pick one that will prevent cactus and thorns from penetrating. That’s why cloth shoes and sandals are not good.
Pick one that supports you on uneven terrain. That means:
I’ll tell ya right up front, I love my Vasque boots. And they’re not paying me to write this.
After trying several brands and styles, I’ve settled on Vasque. I’m not paid to promote Vasque, but they meet my requirements. If you’re going to put your legs to work on a stroll through the country that does not include concrete or blacktop, then this is for you. Oh, and in case you missed it, Vasque is NOT paying me for this recommendation.
I’ve hiked in everything from cowboy boots to tennis shoes, steel-toed work boots to rubber waders. For the last 17 years, I’ve hiked in only Vasque (with an occasional trek in Red Wing Irish Setter boots).
I’ve never hiked barefoot, but if I did, I don’t think it would feel any more lightweight than my Red Wing Irish Setters. They surprised me because I thought my Vasque were as light as any hiking boot could get. Then, I shopped at the Red Wing Outlet Store in Red Wing, MN. I settled on a pair of tall Irish Setter 3-season boots. They’re good for Fall, Winter and Spring. They’re insulated and waterproof.
I tried them one long hot hike this summer and eventhough they are comfortable and hold the trail very well, they are too warm for me.
So now, based on my academic and experiential lessons on hiking footwear, are my guidelines. Here’s what to look for in boot selection.
If you’re old enough to remember your parents taking you to an authentic shoe store for new back-to-school shoes, you recall the rig-a-ma-roll of sizing and selecting. You remember sitting in that Naugahyde chair with the steel armrests, the little slanted platform on the salesman’s stool, the sliding measuring tool to get the right length and width of the shoe. Red Wing shoes stores are like that. I always buy my Vasque boots from a Red Wing dealer. The salesman suggests laces, insoles, and treatments to make the boot last and give me the best service. (By the way, any time they need new laces or cleaning for that first year, Red Wing does it free.)
I literally have 3 pairs of Vasque boots sitting by the door. My #1 pair are the ones that I keep treated with silicone, clean and ready for adventure. My #2 pair used to be my #1 pair of boots, but that was 6 years ago. They’re nearly treadless, so I just wear them when mowing the lawn, or putzing around the house. Then, there is #3. They’re shot. Completely useless for anything except going out to the mailbox, or the garage for a moment’s errand. They don’t lace up anymore. I just slip them on and off, leave them by the back door. They’re about 10 years old.
I’ll admit, the Vasque boots I wear take a chunk out of my bank account, but they are comparably priced with other boots their quality. In fact, they can be considered economical because they are tough enough to wear for several years. So, they turn out to be a bargain.
We’re out hiking, walking, strolling, camping in the Badlands nearly every week. If you’re ready for a tough trail with your new boots, try the Achenbach trail in the North Unit, or head into the back country along the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Your boots will make all the difference. Whether you choose Vasque or another brand, make sure they fit well, protect your feet and have good tread. Don’t slip.
Where to go on your back country hike in the National Park
Twelve Course Ukrainian Christmas Christmas in the Beautiful Badlands brings friends and families together. Traditions…
Bison Power Bison may be the largest North American animal in North America, and that's…
Christmas Cookies, Sweet Treats for the Holidays What could be better than family…
Stay warm while you are on a winter road trip Yeah, I don’t want to…
Turkeys are not supposed to be here...but here they are! 1. Immigrant Turkeys That's right. …
6 exciting books about the Badlands: myths, and legends, lynchings, murders and killer blizzards that…
View Comments
Red Wing Irish Setter are especially durable. I've been using them for the last 10 months, and maybe they're running at a high quality.
They certainly have a long and durable reputation. I've owned several pair. We stopped at the Red Wing store in Red Wing MN the other day and picked up a pair of high-top 3-season Red Wing Irish Setters to wear when it turns cold and nasty. Looking forward to it.