[Upstream]

Those are all good stores and I need to get back to see if their inventory has changed. BTW, there is one very knwledgeable guy at Outside World (Neville?) who is usually there Saturdays. But it can be a wait for him as he spends the time needed with who's there in front of you.

[JOHNKIES]

On the NC side one store not mentioned so far is Mast General Stores in several locations including Asheville, Hendersonville and Greenville, SC. They have very good staff and while their selection may not be quite as broad as some stores, they will order about anything for you. Service is their strong point, but prices are competetive. I always liked the Clairmont REI in Hot-Lanta; their other stores seemed like their market was really more for people who just wanted to look like they spend time outside. Their staff just did not seem as sharp for the real outdoor user.

I have really owned only one pair of boots and used them in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Canada, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina. Have no idea how many miles - but they are on their second vibram re-fit. Mine are Lowas, all leather and I bought them in 1975! Buy good stuff, take reasonable care of it and it will last!

[Neusewader]

I had a pair of Vasque Sundowners and the sole delaminated while at Wilson Creek. It was kinda funny - clomp, shhhhhhhhhhhhlap, clomp, shhhhhhhhhlap, clomp, shhhhhhhhhlap

Still looking for a replacement.

[Richard]

It's well worth trying different brands cause they fit and are sized slightly different, and models within brands to help zero in on the right fit... Pay attention to your arch length (heel to ball of foot) in addition to overall length. Arch length may be more important...and can be measured approximately using the Brannock devices found in boot departments. But that is still a guide. The true test is how it feels with your most likely sock combination.

Fine tune boot fit by trying different sock combinations and thicknesses...and also by trying different insoles. I think a boot should feel pretty good in the store. Don't buy thinking a tight spot or something uncomfortable will "break in"... Breaking in may be necessary but not to fix a problem...

[Mocs123]

I don't know how much weight that you will be carrying, but as long as it is less than 35 pounds, I would recommend trying trail runners instead of boots. They are lighter (1lb on your feet = 4 on your back), more comfortable, and dry faster. I was always a big one peice leather boot fan until I tried trail runners, I can now go farther (15-20 mile days regularly), and faster (3-3.5 mph) than before, and my feet don't hurt at the end of the day.

The downside is they don't last as well as boots, but I still get 700-800 miles per pair out of mine, which is good enough for me. Most AT thru hikers finish wearing Trail Runners, even if they started using heavy boots, and those guys spend 5-6 months on the trail so they figure out what works and use it.

[kirkg]

I've always wanted to order some boots from Russell Moccasin, but just can't make myself fork out the dough.

[rbphoto]

Diamond Brand is great!

My old Vasque Sundowners (pre-China mfg) are still holding their own, and I expect them to for quite some time yet.

My felt-soled Weinbrenners, on the other hand . . .

R