Boots for hiking in a rocky/sandy desert

B

baliodude

Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Messages
219
Hi guys, A pound on your foot is worth 10 on the pack, so

Can you recommend Boots for hiking in a rocky/sandy desert?

Something light/ not too hot, and durable ?
 
Well, who could say ;-) At least something not related to snow or cold ....of which we have little in Africa..... but rocks and deserts we have plenty. And don't think about goretex in a desert boot ....the sweat is trapped.

Current favourite desert boot is the Meindl Desert Boots. I weight in just a tad over 220 lbs and normally a light hunting packs add about 25lbs to that. I have found ankle support great, grip superb and ventilation top notch. I am really impressed with these German boots and so too, the SAS as they issue them. On and off is great as the lacing is metal loops and hooks and super fast. Overall I'll rate this boot 9.5 out of 10. Can be pricey. Just makes the grade for a heavier (70 lbs+) pack in rough terrian. Wear has been minimal and no damage to sole on rocky terrain.

Previous pair, Blackhawk Warrior Wear Desert. Just does not have the quality feel of the Meindl's. Lacing is slow, support is well below Meindls but comfort is superb. A cats whisker lighter than Meindl's but sole wore quickly in rocky terrain with small chunks coming off. Ankle support not enough for a heavy (70lbs+) pack on rough terrain. Rate it about a 7/10.

Danner Desert USMC issue. Built like a tank, great lacing, very confortable once broken in, soles are great for grip if a little stiff. Great ventilation. Quality on par if not beter material than Meindl's. Noticably heavier than the Meindl's and Blackhawks but support on ankle a notch above the above two. Superb for carrying a fully loaded pack (70lbs+) in rough terrain. Rate 9.5/10.

If you want a light/medium boot for desert usage with pack below 30lbs, I would get the Meindl. For heavy/medium usage in very rough terrian the Danners.
 
Last edited:
+1 on the Danner USMC boots. They are extremely rugged and breathe well for heavy duty boots. They are not light though.
 
tknife said:
+1 on the Danner USMC boots. They are extremely rugged and breathe well for heavy duty boots. They are not light though.
Click to expand...


Got a pair under my desk at work. Excellent boots and excellent people.

Also I am not sure if its there yet, danner will build your boot to spec, some online program they started or were starting soon.
 
For the desert i like to wear the israely scout boots. They are canvas top so they breath great. In hot weather thats a life saver. If you walk into water they dry very fast. They also have Zero support as the top is thin canvas. I had no problems backpacking with them. Always carry a pair in my car just in case.
http://www.zahal.org/gear/p3.htm
You can get better prices if you look around.

Sasha
 
For California's Mojave Desert, I prefer regular hiking boots if you are staying on clear paths.

For cross country, kicking your way through stickers, weeds and scratchy bushes, buy a pair of surplus American military desert boots. They just don't work in snow, is all.
 
Merrell Moab Ventilator. This boot was recommended from several buddies that have made multiple trips to the sand box.

The other boot recommended was the Garmont T8.
 
I've had good luck with the old Jungle Boots. They're light, ventilate well and provide decent support....and are also pretty inexpensive. The only downside could be the screen vents in the bottom but it's easy enough to close those off with some silicone or superglue.
 
I bought a pair of the Bates USMC desert boots from L.A. Police Gear last year on clearance price and really like them for hiking in the desert and mountains around Tucson. They are lightweight, cool and do a good job of protecting your feet from attacks from the side by rocks and thorns.

I almost bought another pair for when they wear out. Although the pair I have is still in great shape I wish I had picked up another pair. I wear a 9.5 EEEE and the 10 W is a good fit with a pair of sock liners and thick hiking socks. That's saying a lot since I can almost never find shoes that fit.

http://www.copshoes.com/c-bates-marine-boots-p-B-85501CL.html

Chad
 
Depends how much you're carrying. I rarely carry more than 45 pounds, usually more like 20-30. I only use Montrail Hardrock sneakers w/ shorty gaiters, breathable, light, comfy, good and flexible for climbing. Over long distances, hikes more than 2 weeks, durability might become a problem.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top