Elden Ring Nightreign is now in the wild, and my experience thus far can be summed up as “wow this game is hard.” I had a few runs over the weekend and, masochist that I am, went in fairly blind. Bad idea: Every single one ended when a party member picked a fight they shouldn’t have, and we got brutally wiped by something gigantic. But at least in multiplayer it felt like we had the teensiest…

I would like to know the thoughts you have about your boots, what they go through, and why you do or don’t choose a certain brand.

I want to say publicly on this subject, Blundstone boot soles fall apart. It doesn’t help to use shoe goo bc they crack on even more levels. I have acquired two pair of used blundstones. Honestly they look good to me but don’t wear them ever in salt, or snow, or rain. Not swamp. That said I do end up wearing them in salt snow rain swamp because sometimes I didn’t think I would be in that terrain but then I am.

So best boot worst boot and why.

Ty in advance 🫶🏼🐕🛶

I apologize for my lengthy gap between receiving the question and my answer. I, probably like most people, get flooded by requests to help "families in need". I put that in quotes because I have received identical messages from multiple accounts. Some change names within the post, some don't bother. A second set of identical messages come from accounts that hint at being in Gaza but won't actually say it. I won't get into just what I think of such people. Boots. We're talking boots.

My boots, or choice of boots, aren't necessarily best for hiking. I wear steel toed boots because in my younger days working in warehouses and doing local driving and deliveries I managed to break every toe on both feet (except big toes) at one time or another. Thirty years ago steel toed boots were not good in winter. Because the steel toe would, as metal tends to do, get very cold in snow or slush.

Newer steel toe boots will usually have Thinsulate and remain comfortable even in winter. I use mink oil to waterproof them and periodically add a fresh coat. My preferred boots are 6", that is 8 to 10 eyelet so that I have ankle support.

I have in the past bought cheaper boots. At Walmart of course. That's a waste of money. The soles crack or the stitching between sole and body stretches, allowing moisture in. They usually barely last a year.

I've worn Wolverine boots. Very comfortable but not very durable. The same with Caterpillar brand workboots. They're more durable than the random brand cheap boot, but not by a margin to justify the cost. I would love a pair of Red Wings. My dad had a pair of those that lasted him a dozen years of factory work, but the intial outlay of $250~300 for the style I wear is just a bit much. Yes they're worth it over time, but you still have to buy them at that price.

My chosen brand is Timberlands. They're comfortable, sturdy, and pretty durable. My boots regularly get wet, muddy, covered in snow, slush and salt. They get scuffed and banged up moving between pallets and freight in the trailer. Oil resistant non-slip soles are a necessity. Technically speaking they'd also be decent hiking boots. Add a cushion insole and they're great for walking. The steel toe would protect you from stubbing your toes on rocks or branches. They are fairly heavyas far as footwear goes but I don't really notice it. They're treated to be waterproof but I always add mink oil to the leather. Depending on which model I get they're about $110~140.