The One Thing I Spare NO Expense For

The old saying “you get what you pay for” does not apply unilaterally to every situation and circumstance, after all I’ve had a $15 steak that was just as delicious than a $50 steak occasionally (external factors at play beyond the quality of the cut of meat).  Yet it often rings true that if you are willing to spend a bit more you’ll often get a more quality product.  In the prepper world this resonates for many of the things we hold dear, weapons (fancy a $200 CZ pistol….I think not) or outdoor gear and supplies.  I’m a middle of the road sort of person when it comes to most things, I like to look for bargains but sometimes I’ll shell out some coin for what I believe to be exceptionally high ROI items. There is however one category that I unilaterally spare no expense for, items I will never go cheap on because it has been my experience in every instance that the more you pay the better.  Any ideas as to what I’m referring to?

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It’s my paws! Aka the feet.

It’s my feet!  I’ve written this over and over again but I’ve seen grown (strong) men brought to their knees by nickle sized blisters or chafing, feet and care of them are of the utmost importance!  Heck a couple months ago I managed to tear off a significant amount of skin training on the mat (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) and I was quite hobbled because of it!  I couldn’t even wear a shoe when driving because the pressure would cause my foot to throb, it was awful.

I don’t consider myself a wealthy sort of chap but I do know how to save for large purchases or stockpile in moderation.  I buy good quality socks (Smartwool being one) every paycheck or so and am a big fan of Keen shoes for the trail.  Today I made the big jump and dropped some coin on some hiking boots I’ve had my eye on for quite a while, the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX.

Salomon Quest 4d 2 GTX Review

Salomon Quest 4d 2 GTX

These Are SWEET.

Look, I’m that guy who might have a surplus ALICE pack on his back, $15 Wrangler pants and a beat up T shirt but you’d better believe there are some quality socks and shoes on my feet.  Initial impressions of the Salomon’s tell me they are quite possibly the best boot that I’ve ever slipped my feet into, they feel that good.  Yet only time will tell after I’ve taken them out on the trail and broken them in properly.  However there are other reviews out there which highlight just how good the Salomon’s are, check one of them out here at this link.  Here is their overview:

The Salomon Quest 4D II GTX, our Top Pick for Fastpacking, exemplifies the latest design innovations in hiking boots. Salomon has built a midweight hiking boot that remains true to the comfort and function of their award winning trail runners, while providing the support and ankle stability that hikers and backpackers expect from a boot. “Fastpacking” applies the modern alpinist’s light and fast approach to backpacking. By carefully selecting the minimum amount of lightweight equipment necessary for self-sufficiency, fastpackers cover long distances quickly. Sometimes breaking into a run when terrain allows, they may cover 20 miles in a day, often many more. It’s not uncommon to cover 150 miles in a week when fastpacking, a term used interchangeably with ultralight hiking.

From the ground up, this is a high-performance boot. Nimble enough for running, and stable enough for harsh terrain, it eats up the miles. The Contagrip sole provides excellent traction across a range of surfaces on the trail and off. The 4D Advanced Chassis gives foot support and great torsional stability. The uppers combine several materials that are flexible and supportive at the same time. The lacing system was our favorite, and the comfortable ankle collar gave us peace of mind when bombing down steep grades. Does it sound like we like this boot? WE LOVE IT!

FWIW, here is a nice video review of the Salomon’s.

Go Cheap At Your Own Risk!

To each his own, a phrase echoed over many forums when it comes to gear choices.  Yet what I can tell you is that going cheap on the feet is a gamble which has a high probability of ending in tears.  For those of you old enough to remember the knock off jungle boots with the plastic type sole, fancy a long roadmarch on those anytime soon?  Heck no!  I can state with 100% confidence that all the bugout gear in the world will do you no good if you can’t take a step without wincing in pain.  If you can spend the money on good socks and even better boots your feet will thank you!  FWIW I purchased mine locally at an REI, at $230 they weren’t cheap but quality never is.

Update: 7/21/15:  Just wanted to add an update as to the waterproof capabilities of this boot.  This past weekend I rode (motorcycle) all day Sunday, most of it in a very strong thunderstorm.  Luckily my suit kept me dry but I was getting blown all over the road and it was raining VERY hard, for a LONG time.  I was wearing the Salomon boots during this adventure and my feet stayed completely dry.

 

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    • Xman315 on July 12, 2015 at 1:28 AM
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    Love my Salomon’s so much I bought (4) pairs. I caught a sale about 6 months ago. Since then they have updated this model, but from what I can see its “mostly” cosmetic. When the time is right Im going to rotate them in my BOB’s as I don’t want to have a “new” pair of boots to break-in at the “wrong” time. Although I can honestly say I don’t think they need the “standard” break-in period like boots did back in the day. Regardless, I cant see wearing anything else while im hiking and camping. Absolutely love em.

      • PJ on July 12, 2015 at 11:03 AM
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      Thanks for sharing your experience and the endorsement of the Salomon’s. That must have been a heck of a sale to grab 4 pair!

        • Xman315 on July 12, 2015 at 11:43 AM
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        $138 a pair on Amazon, and it was closer to 9 months ago. I actually purchased (2) pairs of the 4D and (2) pairs of the 3D. The 4D were slightly more at about $150. I will admit it was some what of a gamble having never tried them on. However, the last 2 years it was an overwhelming win-win on the reviews, so I pulled the trigger. lol, I actually have a pair on right now as I type this. Im a contractor in Afghanistan (Non-Combative).

          • PJ on July 12, 2015 at 11:54 AM
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          Looks like you lucked out on the gamble, I have bought boots online but only those which I have already owned and knew to be true to size for my foot. With these I’m definitely glad I was able to try on a couple different sizes and other brands before finally deciding on the Salomon’s. How have yours held up in AFG?

            • Xman315 on July 12, 2015 at 6:08 PM

            They’ve held up pretty well. I have seriously narrow and relatively flat feet and questionable knees to boot. So for me to “co-sign” on any foot wear is a big deal. I’m looking forward to hiking and back packing in them when I get home.

            • PJ on July 12, 2015 at 8:31 PM
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            Good deal please keep us updated on how they work for you. I wore mine around all day just to start the break in process although it feels like I could go hiking immediately with no issues. Wearing them around it immediately became apparent just how much support these provide, be it in the ankle or the sole of the foot. Extremely comfortable but like wrapping my feet in level IV body armor.

    • Jeff on July 12, 2015 at 1:34 AM
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    I so agree. Although my boots are original custom-made Danners, bought at their shop in 1973 and kept carefully in condition.

    And my nightstand pistol? A $300 CZ; it’s never misfired once. It shoots where I point it and feels like an extension of my own arm. I would not be without it 🙂

    Carry on!

      • PJ on July 12, 2015 at 10:50 AM
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      Jeff

      I knew the CZ comment would catch some flak! Glad you like yours 🙂

    • NRP on July 12, 2015 at 11:30 AM
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    $200, $300 for a CZ? you guys are paying wayyyyy to much.. HAHAHA
    Actually I like 80% of the CZ Line of firearms

    Very timely article on the boots. I been looking for about a week now for some replacements, I will defiantly be checking these out, Thanks

    NRP

      • PJ on July 12, 2015 at 11:54 AM
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      Timing is everything! Go out and try some on, you might like them.

    • rhc on July 12, 2015 at 5:33 PM
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    Can’t disagree with one word. You truly get what you paid for. During my career I tried several brands and wound up with damaged feet. Nothing hurts worse that your feet if you have to be on them for 8-12 hours a day. Due to having a narrow foot, found Danners and never looked back. In the market for hiking shoes, just wish somebody would make a narrow so I did not have to wear boots all of the time.

      • PJ on July 12, 2015 at 8:29 PM
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      I hate to admit it but when I’m dropping some serious coin on footwear they have to be aesthetically pleasing as well. Danner’s are amazing from what I’ve heard but they just don’t suit my fancy.

        • rhc on July 14, 2015 at 5:46 PM
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        I have never liked the looks of Danners but when it comes to narrow widths, not much to pick from. Keep up the good work, enjoy reading your info. One if not the best IMo.

          • PJ on July 14, 2015 at 8:04 PM
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          Thanks RHC! Now if we could just get the other preppers to buy in to that line of thinking. 🙂

  1. I’ve learned my lesson with cheap shoes way too many times. Thanks for the review!

    • James on July 31, 2015 at 10:16 AM
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    Footwear is important, but a handful of gravel, branches or something similar in the eye and you are really, REALLY hurting. It doesn’t matter how good your firearm or training is or how much ammo you have stocked; if you lose your accuity of vision at the wrong time it can have grave consequences. I don’t need corrective lenses, but I take protective eyewear very seriously.

      • PJ on July 31, 2015 at 8:02 PM
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      Great point James, walking through the woods at night definitely increases the chances of getting poked in the eye. Sometimes wearing eye protection at night is bad too, as it often fogs up.

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