Boots

[Z Smith]

Hi guys, my Boy Scout troop is going on a backpacking trip at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and I am thinking about getting a pair of Wested adventure boots. I want opinions if they will be okay or if there is a better option. It will be a 12 day trek and we will do anywhere from 2 to 11 miles a day, will the Wested's hold up and be comfortable, or is there a better option. I am also a tie down roper and wear Justin roper boots, are Indy boots built similar, so I could wear them to practice and not mess up my nice boots.
Thanks, Zane Smith

[Indiana Jon]

Depends on your departure date and if you have time to break them in. I would absolutely NOT recommend bringing new Wested boots on a hiking trip. I own them and now that they're broken in they are somewhat comfortable, but the break-in period was just south of agony. It took about a mile per day for three weeks and plenty of blisters before I found them comfortable enough to go hiking in, and even then my dogs were barking after I wore them on their first hike (approx. six miles).

Wested Adventure boots are not Aldens. They are an imitation. Well-made, yes, but a far cry from orthopedic footwear. Unless you're hiking in full gear for a specific purpose, I would recommend actual hiking boots for a 12 day trip.

[Indiana Jeff]

I wouldn’t recommend Alden’s nor any of the clone Indy boots for a trek. This is one of those times that modern gear is going to serve you best. Your feet (and knees, back, etc) will thank you.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Rudy83]

I concur,
I have the wested boots and (comfort-wise) would wear them on a trek of any length, no problem. However, the first weeks of owning them were filled with pain, binding, chafing and all other things that come with breaking in a tough leather boot.

Buying these to immediately embark on a long adventure would be a no from me. The boots will survive fine, your feet will hate you!

Also, they have smooth soles. Don't know how wild your trek will get, but I would opt for some (modern) lug sole boots.

Have fun

[Illinois_Jones]

Like Jeff said, don't do it. As a former US Marine and Navy Special Operator with countless treks under his belt I can tell you the modern stuff is vastly superior to the heritage stuff in terms of comfort. Besides, you won't have time to break them in. But either way, your feet and knees and back don't need that kind of punishment. And, honestly, the Wested's are primarily a glued construction on the sole and not anywhere near as durable as a true goodyear construction -- decent odds your sole starts coming loose.

[Z Smith]

Thank y'all, I will go a different route
Zane Smith

[IndianaDan]

For something like that, I would go with a pair of Merrill or Salomon hiking boots (no break in required) and a good pair of wool blend socks (Darn Tough).

[Z Smith]

I've got a few pair of darn tough socks, they are great.