Military boots

[Brandon_0384]

New to the forum, I have been searching around here but never posted anything.  My question is about hiking boots.  I am currently in the military and have been wearing boots for over a decade in the army.  I recently bought a set of Nike boots

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/special-field-boot/pid-558662/pgid-10968350

uncle Sam said that they were not authorized to wear due to synthetic leather.  Would these make a good boot for hiking the Colorado trail?  I have never hiked the CT or been on a thru hike.  I have plenty of field time and multiple deployments with no issues with my boots.  Any advice?

 

[keyboardtraveler]

I have looked at but never hiked that specific trail, but the boots look okay for that distance/terrain ( I think it's about 400km). high on the ankle and looks like it tightens nicely around the ankle to reduce blisters which is very important. Those boots also have a good design for hills with the curve.

[grizzled]

A couple of thoughts on those boots.  First, at least for the hiking/backpacking we do, I would be hating those soles.  They're going to be a handful on any steep trail with gravel sized rock.  And two, while I don't doubt the support will be all you need, you can get the same or better support in a LOT lighter package-and that weight on your feet does make a BIG difference.

 

That said, if you already have them, I'd certainly give them a try.

[toejam]

Hey G.I Brandon - we try to buy COMFORTBLE hiking boots/shoes. Helps you feel better at the end of the day.   I guess they'd work better than corfams, but I'd rather try my luck with running shoes (which I usually wear backpacking). 

Hiking boots/shoes are very much a personal choice thing. If your feet feel great in those boots after a long day hike, they'll be fine on the Colorado Trail. If not, look for something more modern, maybe lighter.

And thanks for your service.

[Brandon_0384]

I see that most hiking boots weigh around 2 lbs for the pair.  Mine weigh in at 2.2 lbs.  While a good set of running shoes would weigh less, the ankle support and durability would be less.  I think that I will give them a try and let you all know how it turns out.

[Da'engineer]

Personally you will never see me wearing boots while hiking I like freedom of motion in my ankles. Nike makes some comfortable boots for military Air Force has a bunch that are authorized to wear but I am cheap on my work boots and still have the same ones since tech school. 

I see army wearing those same boots all around JBER who said no to those boots?

[805gregg]

Wear what you like, and be your own judge, some will say to only wear lite trail runner shoes, which cost a lot but only last about 500 miles, I'm some where in between