Recommend a GTX lightweight boot?

I tried these a couple of winters ago, and I didn't care for them. I sent them back after an outing. I had to go up a size to get the width for my foot, but my memory is that they still didn't allow for much room for extra insulation. I believe they were fairly narrow. There's also not much insulation in the insole either, so the cold from snow quickly worked its way up to my feet. I also remember feeling that the lacing system wasn't as secure or adjustable as I wanted it to be.

I'm in the same boat as you–looking for GTX winter boots. I just ordered the Salomon X Ultra Mid GTX boots because the previous versions seem to fit well when I tried them on in-store this spring. Their stated weight is an ounce more than the Roclites.

One thing–I'd stay away from Oboz. I used their Traverse mids last winter, and they use a PU lining for waterproofness. I could really feel the difference in breathability, even when sitting around in the house. I tried them anyway (they fit better than anything else I had tried on to that point), and discovered that the rubber on the outsole is not very grippy, especially in wet conditions (I had a few near-accidents when I should have had plenty of traction). Thankfully, a separate warranty issue got me a new pair, and I was able to off load them. Great customer service and very helpful, just an inferior boot.

Thanks Clayton.

I'd have already bought the Inov8s were it not for worries about the fit. It's too bad that so much of what they offer is so narrow because they really seem to build the shoes I'm looking for otherwise. EVerything that fits me, I love.

I'll probably stay away from those based on what you're saying and what my gut tells me.

Salomon was going to be my next choice. Adidas seems to be making a lot of light hikers now too, but based on my experience with their running shoes, they're also typically narrow.

"I just ordered the Salomon X Ultra Mid GTX boots because the previous versions seem to fit well when I tried them on in-store this spring."

I was going to recommend these. I use the low cut, non GTX version in summer and the Mid GTX in the winter. Indestructible. I had been doing a marathon a week I think for a year and the sole was still very very good.

If the GTX version does get wet it takes ages to dry. And if I do more than 50Km per day my foot soles feel completely battered but this is on very rocky trails. But grip and outer sole are good, and they are light enough to run with as well.

Good timing. I believe they're on sale at REI and I could return them if the fit is poor.

Thanks.

I too have the Salomons and like them because of the wide toe box. Durable as well.

I bought a pair of Zamberlan Crosser Mids for this hunting season. No complaints thus far.

Thanks for the tip on the Crossers. I'll keep those in mind if I don't like the Salomons.

Army Navy sells them (or did back in September).

I tried on a bunch of gtx mid hikers and ended up with the Salomon. I also tried on the Zamberlan Crosser and they were my least favorite, which surprised me. I have a pair of their Vioz boots and they fit great, so I was a little surprised that I didn't like the Crosser nearly as well.

I think they put a boot "last" on it, if that's the right term, so it felt kind of like a very light boot when I tried it on. I was looking for something that felt more like a basketball shoe, so I went with the Salomon.

"I think they put a boot "last" on it, if that's the right term, so it felt kind of like a very light boot when I tried it on."

I think that's quite an accurate characterization of the Zamberlans, they have a stripped down upper and more flexible midsole, but they're still a boot. Good heel cup and not particularly wide forefoot. 18 oz a boot in size 45. I wore them hunting all day Saturday in temps which never got above zero F. Thin liners and insulated RBH VBL socks made for happy feet, even when carrying a 70 pound load of deer down a steep mountain. I wouldn't wear these for "normal" backpacking but for hunting when you're moving slower (and thus not generating heat) and often carrying a heavy pack they get the job done.

Just an update on the Salomons—- Mine arrived in the mail this weekend from REI, and I had the opportunity to take them out for a few miles at a local park. It was nothing extreme, by any means, but the falling snow and near freezing temp at least showed me a respectable range of conditions.

So far, I like them. They cup my heels well, and while the toebox isn't roomy, there's enough so that forefoot doesn't feel cramped or restricted. I also found the rubber to grip reasonably well on slick, wet trail. Better than many other shoes that I've tried. Also, my feet stayed very, very warm in a medium-weight wool sock, but they didn't get stuffy or humid either in the short time we were out.

It wasn't a rigorous test, and it didn't push any limits, but all my first impressions are positive.

my issue is that I normally wear runners in size 14. so thinking about sizing up to 15 for layering. I'll be looking for something to pair with neoprene socks and Kahtoola KTS crampons. so far i havent found size 15 anything. i like the sounds of the Zamberlans, more of a very light boot than a heavy trail runner. Any other bigfoots out there had luck with a sz 14/15 boot, light, goretex, under $200?

I like the looks of the Zamberlans as well, might go with trying some of those. REI has them, but only up to 13. I'm worried a 13 might be a touch small for me too, especially with thick socks. Ideally, I'd buy a 14. Bigfoots have it rough.

The Zamberlans are long for the size, but on the narrower side of normal in terms of forefoot width. The width is great for me, but I do not have wide feet.

I had great performance from the vasque. I selected them for the tread and have yet to slip in them on wet rocks or declines.

After 3 years, ~750 miles I've substantially tore them up. Mostly due to abusively wedging them in granite cracks on scrambles. Depending on your usage plans I'd recommend these unless you regularly mountaineer class 3 and above.

I like my Merrill Moab Mid GTX boots.

Very comfortable, protective and about as light as possible for an over-the-ankle boot.

good info thanks everyone.

Dave, I like the forefoot space in Merrell Mix Master and Trail Glove. For me, even these light trail runners to have plenty space for neoprene and a thick wool sock. Do you have either of these shoes? Long shot but just wondering how the Crossers compare size-wise.

Adan, my wife had the gen 1 Trail Gloves, and based on my recollection of those, I think the Crosser Mids are comparable.

Thanks Dave! Sounds like I need to give those Crossers some strong consideration.

Out of curiosity I checked to see if NB has anything to replace their NB 1000 which was very popular on here and I found their 1099. Anyone have experience with these?

http://www.runhikebikeprague.com/2013/02/gear-review-new-balance-1099-hikingsnow.html

With my limited experience, I'm thinking that a light GTX boot with little or no insulation might be best for winter overnights. This way, the light GTX material can freeze and be dealt with in the morning, while my insulation (neoprene, thick socks, VBL) are dried in my sleeping bag. I havent really found this so far, most water resistant boots/shoes have some form of padding/insulation that might absorb water and freeze.

I am sending the Zamberlan Crossers back. Excellent light boot it looks like, I wish it fit me. Hey Wisner, get your ass over here and try these on before I have to ship them back!! You know you want 'em!

Now I'm trying the New Balance MO1099. Basically a non-techy-basketball-hi-top looking shoe or light boot. 200g insulation, snow specific outsole, waterproof welded upper. Not much beta on these, at least not from anyone who's opinion would help. Anybody have any experience with them?? I imagine not very breathable but if I'm changing socks often and using VBL when appropriate, this may work for cramponing, snowshoeing, and overnights in winter?

If this one doesnt fit well, I'm considering the Salomon Kaipo or the Vasque Snow Junkie. Feedback on those? I'm a size 14 and I cant spend more than $150-200 so that's what I'm working with.

1 thing that is not mentioned is the Adidas Outdoor Fast R or Fast X. It has gore-tex and a continental outer sole, very light and full synthetic.

I'm using fast x and it seems nice to me. The difference between the 2 types is basically weight, R is lighter.

Give these a look……

inov-8 Roclite™ 286 GTX®

inov-8 Roclite™ 282 GTX®

http://www.zappos.com/inov-8-roclite-282-gtx-black-blue

Saw this thread and just happened to post my pair of the 3d ultra gtx on gear swap a couple days ago… near new but only size 13 if you are interested.

Adidas and Inov-8 dont go to size 14 :)

Im not familiar with the sizing on Salomon. If a 13 runs a bit long, then it might fit me.