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MCJnr needs new boots, specifically for a trip to the States later this year. He's going to effectively be wearing the damn things for three weeks solid, in a climate that we've been told will be hot, humid and rain most days, so I'm wondering about the right balance between breathability and waterproofing. Ideally lightweight and tough - cheap probably won't be entering the equation!
Any thoughts and ideas to narrow the search when we go to try some out?
Cheers
If you’re in north east, I’d be going to see Altberg.
Got all my boots there when I was a Squaddie, they offer a great range, a fitting service, and, well, they’re just all round a great company.
https://www.altberg.co.uk/stockist-boots/
Danner jags. The most comfortable boots I have every worn. Light, waterproof and breathable.
i know it's a cliche, but I've worn my decathlon fabric ones for weeks at a time (inc across Grand Canyon, and skiing holidays). A few years old now, and they're only just starting to go.
Something like this Boots
Haglofs do a great lightweight boot.
You're stuck between a rock and a hardplace there as waterproofing wise you would go for goretex but that will affect breathability.
I would personally be going for some lightweight fabric boots that have goretex. Make sure there is plenty of room in them as well as the feet will swell in the heat.
Wear a good lightweight sock with anti bacterial material and consider getting them in to a routine of using foot powder to help reduce dampness in the socks.
What sort of terrain will they be on? Does it need to be a mid or a high boot?
The other option is the lightest weight boot possible and just accept wet feet that will dry out quicker in the heat.
I'd go with non waterproof trail running shoes for comfort and easy drying and a lightweight pair of waterproof socks for any days it gets a bit colder. If shoes not allowed then same setup but with lightweight fabric boots.
In the grand STW tradition of recommending what you use, it's for too be Adidas Terrext Swift gtx boots. Light, comfy and pretty durable.
Where in the US?
The mesh/fabric with leather and goretex are good for hot. Merrell Moab was nice. Oboz traverse? I think it was was pretty good. Salomon gtx is pretty nice. Once the gortex goes (and it will, usually around where the forefoot gets creased) they leak like a seive. All leather can be waterproofed from the outside and are hotter but I've hiked in them in the mid 30s and they were okay.
Hot, humid and rain most days. Breathability is the key here. If you go for the waterproof route then his feet will be hot and sticky and will perhaps be prone to increased discomfort from swelling and fungal infections. If you go for a mesh/ fully breathable then feet will get wet but will eventually dry?
What activities are planned? How long each day? What opportunities are there to revert to normal footwear/
Have you contacted anyone in the USA with first-hand experience?
Where in the US?
Where is Waldo? With weather like at that time of year, gotta be south east. Georgia, Alabama, bits of Florida, maybe Mississippi.
Get him whatever fit well but get some miles in here before heading off. Pricier brands aren’t always better. My boys prefer fabric boots, I then give them a good lathering with Fabsil. Keeps most rain out.
Does it need to be a boot?
Without knowing what he's doing I'd be tempted by trail / approach shoes - maybe look at some of the sandalesque trail shoes - really breathable, get wet feet but dry quicker than proper boots / shoes.
Hot, humid, wet? Surely if you really need boots then jungle boots are an option....
https://www.military1st.co.uk/12825002-cordura-us-jungle-combat-boots-black.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5vKmkY-k4AIV6Z3tCh0DWQmjEAQYAiABEgKt-_D_BwE
Kinda retro trendy for a young lad too..
Sorry, not been able to catch up till now. Thanks for all the ideas and thoughts so far.
I'd also wondered about going down the "not waterproof but quick drying" option.
He's going to be in West Virginia for most of the time at the World Scout Jamboree - been told that temperatures will be high 20s with thunderstorms most afternoons. Obviously quite a lot of outdoor activities will be involved - there could be a 2 hour hike across the site to get to them though, and proper boots have been specified rather than approach shoes. Have to say, looks like an awesome trip if you Google "Summit Bechtel Scout camp"
They are also possibly going to Canada for a few days as well, and BC is looking a possibility, so could be anything from North Shore to the Rockies.
The scout camps are great things, I know quite a few people who have been.
I think something like a lightweight hiking boot will be fine for what they need, dont worry too much about it being waterproof as it will dry quick enough. Just make sure you educate them on changing socks and using foot powder. Get the boots off at night and stick some drying aids in them then leave the drying aids out to air during the day.
Well heat is a very personal thing but I have worn full leather in temps like that for quite a long time (Vasque Elias, Alico summit) with 2 pairs of socks and didn't have uncomfortably hot feet or boots filled with sweat. So he may be fine in almost anything he likes. The weight (the vasques are noticeably heavy feeling) may be more bothersome. Your feet so get bigger after a day of walking in the high 20s low 30s so watch the fit carefully.