Originally posted by reeftool My work boots are Red Wings and they are very comfortable and I have hiked in them although they are just too heavy for all day hikes in the mountains. I have had a pair of LL Bean hikers for several years and they have held up well but are now past their prime. They are very light and waterproof and also discontinued so I'm shopping for something new myself. I'm leaning towards a pair of Keens. I have wide feet and it's difficult to find a good hiking boot. I tried a pair of Merrill Moabs and they turned out to be one of the most uncomfortable boots I ever owned and I donated them to a homeless shelter after a couple of months.
Oh yeah. I have to wear steel toes at work. That need was how I discovered Redwings in the first place, as after much trying on of shoes I found their boots to be the most comfortable.
The Irish Setters that I bought for my days off shoes are full leather uppers, I'm not sure what the soles are made of, some sort of artificial material, but they are very comfortable, and no heavier than a pair of Nike cross trainers.
And they are waterproof, which is very nice indeed.