Day 177: Which pair of boots has gone the distance, top or bottom? If you based your guess on the torn out D-ring and lack of heel tread on the bottom pair, you would be very wrong. If there is one adage to live by as a hiker, it is this: never buy cheap boots. The bottom pair, destined now for the garbage can, were purchased less than two years ago. A second identical pair is almost as worn, and that's just from the abuse they received during the fitness challenge.
On the other hand, the top pair is forty years old, and as my favourites, they've seen thousands of miles. They've been to the top of Mount Rainier and several other Pacific Northwest peaks. They've suffered rocky terrain, saltwater sand, volcanic pumice, soaking rain. They've been resoled four or five times, but the leather is still in good condition, if rather scuffed. The bottom pair cost me a whopping $69 at a national outfitter. I knew they wouldn't last. I shelled out $189 for those trusty, trustworthy Bambinos in 1975 (a lot of money in those days) and they'll be good for another several thousand miles. Unfortunately, the boot is no longer made, but if it was, I'd be willing to spend $400 on new ones.
Boots are an essential part of my wardrobe. I have eight pair. I am attentive to their care and feeding, drying them carefully when they get wet, sealing them against snow and water, keeping the leather soft and pliable. That said, I expect them to serve me well. I want them to go the distance with me, not wear out after a lousy 1500 miles.
