Out with the old.....

Remember these? Oh, so do I. Fondly.

My 6-year-old hiking boots. They went a lot of places with me. Over most of the western US. Over a good portion of southern Illinois. Served double-duty during snow storms.

Alas, all good things must come to an end.

And so today, I opened up the closet and got down the box that has held my "spare pair". Spare no more, they've been promoted.

Just take a look at these.



It's like a really bad "before and after" shot. For God's sake, they still have the tags on them.


I'm not sure what Gore-Tex does, but I think it's good. Very good.



Sheesh. The inserts don't even have footprints on them yet. Or burrs. Or grass seeds. Or any of those assorted plant cling-ons that I always manage to run into. This is going to take some getting used to.



Just ignore that chicken on the floor beside me.

A fond farewell to a trustworthy friend

Hikers understand the value of great boots. They are the most important piece of equipment you have. My fondness for my hiking boots is well documented. I love my boots so much that I went out and bought a spare pair for when the first one's wore out.

I bought those first ones in 2003 before my first trip to Yellowstone. They will have to be retired after this trip. This is why.










And that little bobble cost me this.


My own fault for not thoroughly checking over my equipment before beginning such a hike.


It's not as bad as it looks.

The Best Boots on the Planet

Originally submitted at Sierra Trading Post

Closeouts . Lowa's best-selling Renegade mid hiking boots are quality day hikers with a Gore-Tex® waterproof breathable membrane system and bi-injection midsole for great comfort and stability. Gore-Tex® blocks outside moisture and lets skin moisture escape, helping to avoid blistering. Mesh lining...

Lowa Renegade Mid Hiking Boots - Waterproof Gore-Tex® (For Women)

Fantastic comfort and long-lasting

By Field Researcher from Carbondale, IL on 6/20/2008

5out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels true to width

Pros: Durable, Stable, Comfortable, Water Resistant, Great Traction

Best Uses: Wet Weather, Backcountry, Cold weather, Day hikes

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

These are the best boots I have ever owned. They have the comfortable feel of tennis shoes and they are hard-working, long-lasting field boots. I have taken them on 8-week backcountry field excursions in Yellowstone, on day hikes in the Midwest...I even climbed a mountain in them. After 5 years, I thought I'd wear them out on a 5-week camping trip to the southwest, but they just keep on going. I bought a replacement pair 2 years ago that I've yet to take out of the box. These things just don't wear out. And I think they are as comfortable after 5 years as they were the first day I wore them.

I thought that the plastic lace holders were going to be a weak point, but they haven't given me a moment's problem. They are sturdy and stable. I haven't even worn the laces out. And perhaps most amazingly, after getting them wet, muddy, sandy, gritty, silty, and slimy, they seem to dry out and still look presentable. If they quit making this model (and my present pair and spare pair ever wear out), I may just quit going outdoors. I'll never buying anything but Lowa.

(legalese)