I want to get the Jim Green Razorback boots because of their affordability, good water resistance, and the general comfort that I hear a lot of people have. My biggest worry is whether or not these would be good for hiking in the winter, especially how it fares with constant contact with snow and water, since they aren’t waterproof.
For context, I’d be wearing them around December - January in the Smokies. I understand weather is pretty random, especially in the winter, so is the worry large enough to get different affordable hiking boots? I would also be using these for hiking elsewhere as well.
I’m not familiar with this specific brand, but I’d be hesitant to go with non-waterproof boots if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the snow. When I spend a lot of time in the snow for mountaineering, my feet eventually get wet, even with Gore-Tex boots. I think it depends on 1) if you’re going to be going out in rain/snow a lot or if you’ll just be going out when the weather is nice, and 2) how much you care about having dry feet and waterproof boots. A lot of people these days are into non-waterproof boots, because they dry faster if they’re wet compared to waterproof boots, and even with waterproof boots you will often get wet anyways. And there are other benefits: Do You Need Waterproof Hiking Shoes? | Switchback Travel.
@Kieran
Would you recommend using something like snoseal to prevent getting wet feet? I don’t know if I’ll be out with a lot of snow or rain since it’s a bit too early to tell.
Bryn said: @Kieran
Would you recommend using something like snoseal to prevent getting wet feet? I don’t know if I’ll be out with a lot of snow or rain since it’s a bit too early to tell.
I’m not sure, I’ve never used it and am not very familiar with it
Probably not…I would point out that Jim Green boots are made in South Africa, probably with South Africa in mind and last I checked, South Africa is not known for particularly harsh winters
Zen said:
Probably not…I would point out that Jim Green boots are made in South Africa, probably with South Africa in mind and last I checked, South Africa is not known for particularly harsh winters
But South Africa does have a diverse weather pattern which includes heavy rains in and areas, if I’m not mistaken.
It sounds like OP is more worried about being wet than cold.
I could be wrong.
Zen said: @Freddie
Ah yea fair point. Either way though, not the best choice
I am a bit more worried about getting wet than cold, since I could just layer socks.
And I was planning on putting snoseal on the boots, to make sure that they become pretty close to waterproof. Would this be better to the point that I’d be able to hike with them and not get wet?
I might get roasted for this, but If you’re moving through the brush and and you’re worried about your feet getting wet and being warm, these are supposed to be good.
I’ve had my eye on them for a while, but we haven’t had a real winter here for a while. muck boots link
I wouldn’t. The Boots subreddit is obsessed with them, but in reality, they are what they are - good boots for the money and for some purposes. Winter hiking is not one of those purposes. You want a dedicated hiking boot, preferably leather, that you’ve treated with wax, and definitely with Gore-Tex. You’ll need to maintain the leather with something like Grangers Waterproofing Wax, which is what I use, or a similar product. I wouldn’t recommend Sno-Seal or Obenauf’s. They can cause issues with resoling with some cemented boots, and they reduce breathability greatly.
Some good options …
>Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo. Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX. Kenetrek Mountain Extreme. Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker, Hunter, or Extreme. Zamberlan Vioz GTX. Hanwag (many models).
I use the Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo. It works very well in winter with the right socks. I’ve never had issues with cold or wet feet.
Go with the one that fits best, and you’ll be very happy.
@Alden
Are there any good affordable boots? The Asolo looks good and maybe around the cheapest in the list you recommend, but (in the broke eyes that I have anyway) are a tad bit on the higher side.
Bryn said: @Alden
Are there any good affordable boots? The Asolo looks good and maybe around the cheapest in the list you recommend, but (in the broke eyes that I have anyway) are a tad bit on the higher side.
There’s really no substitute for a proper boot when you need one. That’s the way I view it, at least. Don’t focus on price so much. Focus on fitment and features to find the one that’ll best suit you. These are all boots that will last multiple resoles, so you’ll get your money’s worth out of them if they’re cared for properly. I definitely understand broke, but good boots are something I won’t skimp on. My body structure essentially demands it, and good boots will prevent a lot of discomfort and injury. They’ll take getting used to as they’re very rigid, but if you’re up in mountainous terrain, that’s what I prefer. It’s easier for me to balance.
Ultimately, you won’t know what the right boots for you are until you try them on. Don’t sacrifice on fit. There’s a boot out there for you. Do some research and find your Brannock size. That’ll help a lot, so you won’t be taking shots in the dark at the best boot for you.
@Alden
Yeah, I know you shouldn’t skimp out on good boots, I guess I was being a bit too hopeful.
I appreciate the help and advice. I shall look for these boots and get the correct sizing o7
Bryn said: @Alden
Yeah, I know you shouldn’t skimp out on good boots, I guess I was being a bit too hopeful.
I appreciate the help and advice. I shall look for these boots and get the correct sizing o7
Good luck, my friend! Once you find that perfect boot, you gain a lot more comfort on the trails. I was pretty miserable with most of the boots I tried. My enjoyment and comfort levels exponentially increased when I discovered Asolo. They’re the perfect boots for me, and I love them dearly. I hope you find the same!