My 17yo is taking his first “real” trip this summer via Menogyn. Until now we have done day-trips and stayed in cabins or campgrounds.

His feet seem done growing and he’s looking for something that will last. He has $150 in REI gift cards plus my dividend to use. I have a pair of Danner Leaf’s that I like, but would be interested in hearing other folks recommendations for a good all-around hiking boot to take him into his college years.

Great to hear he's getting a pair of hiking boots...that means he'll be in the woods!

My favorite pair of boots is also a Danner boot but I can't remember the name. I've had them for at least 15 years and they are still going strong.

Thought I would share Outdoor Gear Lab's recommendations for some comparisons to consider.

My current hiking boot is the Asolo TPS 520 EV . I purchased these at REI about a decade ago. I have replaced the sole once, the insoles once, and the laces about a half-dozen times but the remain the best boot I have ever owned: including the Vasque Sundowners I also wore for a decade. The Asolo TPS 520s are a bit heavy but are great for rocky and root covered trails as they keep my toes and soles protected from abuse. These are waterproof, full leather, Gore-Tex lined boots so, I'd suggest choosing something different for canoe tripping, but for hard-core hiking, outdoors activities are everyday college-life footwear the Asolo TPS 520 is a great boot.

REI also carries the Zamberlan Vioz GTX . This is the boot my 19 yo son chose (primarily as an act of rebellion) . The style, construction and price of the Zamberlan is comparable to the Asolo, but we just got that pair before Christmas so I cannot attest to the durability as I can for the Asolo.

Good luck

If it’s his first real trip then you need to take him to Goodwill and buy the oldest pair of leather boots you can find that are still in okay working condition. It’s a right of passage kind of thing.

For all around, I might suggest Keen boots. They are my work boots and am on my third pair. Very comfortable and reasonable tough, I really abuse them.

If you go for a BWCA only pair, can get in the under $100 range, be careful of or aware of a sole that is too thin and you can feel the rocks, or live with it.

For true hiking boots, serious mileage in rough terrain, you are looking at a totally different animal. I am a leather welted boot only for hiking only but then you are talking a whole different price range (+$300/$400). Can be re-soled multiple times and will last for a very long time. They won't come apart on the trail.

Tough for a Corvette to go off road or a Jeep to race.

My son really liked the Merrell Moab 2 Mid (NOT waterproof version) for all his Menogyn trips. Now I think they carry the Moab 3 which seems similar. The Merrill Moab Mid is what all the Boy Scouts wear also and I have started wearing them with great success.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid

Hope he has a wonderful time! My niece will be on Femmes and my nephew on a Nor'Wester this summer. My son has aged out but hopes to return as staff one of these summers.

Thanks for all the feedback people!

Yamarva— it’s his own money so i can’t force the goodwill boots ;)

straighthairedcurly: "My son really liked the Merrell Moab 2 Mid (NOT waterproof version) for all his Menogyn trips. Now I think they carry the Moab 3 which seems similar. The Merrill Moab Mid is what all the Boy Scouts wear also and I have started wearing them with great success.


Merrell Moab 3 Mid

Hope he has a wonderful time! My niece will be on Femmes and my nephew on a Nor'Wester this summer. My son has aged out but hopes to return as staff one of these summers."

My 17 year old did the Outward Bound Voyager program last summer and they recommended the non-GoreTex Merrell Moab's. He had no complaints.