Best Boots Made in the USA for 2017 – AMERICAN GEAR GUIDE

Source: Best Boots Made in the USA for 2017 – AMERICAN GEAR GUIDE

I was thinking of writing about hiking boots made in  the USA but before I did I had found that somebody had already beat me to the punch. This is an excellent article from American Gear Guide from June 13, 2017. If you wanted a broader look at other boots made in the USA, then I would suggest USA Love List from 2015. Each year the choice of hiking boots gets smaller and smaller. Danner is the number one maker of American hiking boots, however, now more than 70% of their boots are imported.

Best American Made Hiking Boots

By Matt Mullins   June 13, 2017

The following are top quality boots made in the USA. However, everyone’s feet are unique and each boot fits differently. The best boots won’t do you much good if they don’t fit your particular foot shape. I recommend trying on boots to find the proper size. With this in mind, I have chosen retailers with a stellar return policy, competitive pricing, and affordable or free expedited shipping.

Chippewa Apache Rugged Boot – Men’s

​The Chippewa Apache Boot (model 20080) is a hidden gem. For such a high quality American made boot it’s surprising that it often sells for well less than $200. This isn’t your typical modern hiking boot, think of it as an ultra comfortable throwback to the hiking/work boot of the early 1900’s outdoorsman. These Chippewa’s come with supple leather, classy waxed laces, and beefy Vibram soles. Chippewa also makes an 8″ upper version and models with different soles.
​Click here for current pricing from Amazon

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Danner Women’s Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boot

​The iconic Women’s Mountain Light is a stylish yet very capable hiking boot. These premium leather boots have a waterproof and breathable liner, Vibram soles, and offer solid ankle support. This is the same boot as worn in the film and found on the cover of the best selling book, “Wild“.

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​Click for Current Pricing from REI.com

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Danner Men’s Mountain Light II Boot

Classic boots built with premium leather uppers, Gore-Tex liners, and durable Vibram soles, these will last you through countless trail miles. Like the women’s Mountain Lights, they of course provide great ankle support.

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Merrell Wilderness USA Backpacking Boot – Men’s

A solid backpacking boot with lines reminiscent of the good mountaineering days of old. These Merrell’s have premium waterproof leather uppers and super grippy Vibram Roccia soles. They also offer superb ankle support.

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​Click for Current Pricing from REI.com

(This is Merrell’s first foray into Made in the USA. The Men’s Wilderness boot is made in Michigan. Made-in-the-USA with our most premium materials, this durable leather boot with iconic Norwegian welt construction may take time to break in, but it’s built to last a lifetime. JLA)

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​Danner Mt. Adams Hiking Boot – Men’s The Mt. Adams are a lighter weight, waterproof hiking boot utilizing a leather and nylon upper paired with a Gore-Tex liner. They’re equipped with durable vibram soles and abrasion resistant toe caps. Click for Current Pricing from Amazon ​Click for Current Pricing from REI.com

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KEEN Durand Mid Waterproof Hiking  & Work Boot – Men’s and Women’s

A great choice for a waterproof and breathable hiking boot. This one’s ultra comfortable from the get go (little break-in required). If you like a wider toe box, KEENs are a go to.

Men’s
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Click for Current Pricing from REI.com

Women’s
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​Click for Current Pricing from REI.com

(I had purchased a pair of Keen low cut Durand’s excellent quality, but they definitely run at least a half size smaller than it says. JLA)

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Danner Light II Boot – Men’s & Women’s

Another classic Danner boot made to last. The Mountain Light II is crafted in Portland, Oregon with nubuck leather, a Gore-Tex liner, and Vibram soles. This is another good choice for those looking for ankle support.

​Men’s
​​Click for Current Pricing from Amazon

Women’s
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Danner Crater Rim Hiking Boot –
​Men’s & Women’s

The Crater Rim is a rugged waterproof backpacking boot crafted with high quality leather and a Gore-Tex liner. These boots have 6″ uppers and Vibram soles that meet US Forest Service field requirements. Perhaps most impressively, these are boots issued to US Special Forces.

Men’s
​Click here for current pricing from Amazon
Click here for current pricing from Backcountry.com
Click here for current pricing from Moosejaw.com
Click for Current Pricing from REI.com

Women’s
​Click here for current pricing from Amazon
Click here for current pricing from Moosejaw.com

Peter Limmer Custom Hiking Boots When it comes to hiking boots, Peter Limmers are the crème de la crème. Handmade in New Hampshire, there is simply no substitute for having your boots custom made for the shape of your foot.