14 replies to this topic

[DrCloud]

As children of the ... (well, call it several decades ago) ... we've had serious back-country equipment in our repertoire all along. But meanwhile, as it has aged, technology has moved right ahead. So it was that we decided we ought to look into what's available in the way of new boots for hiking -- Claire was griping about feeling stones through her soles, and my Vasques, after 20 years and a rebuild by Steve Komito, were falling apart, finally. After checking out several places in Estes Park that offer footware, we stumbled (har) into the Warming Hut, on West Moraine, a bit east of Dave's and the Shell station and so on. They're the place with the sign that says "Real Boots...".

No discount, Chinese crap at this place. And no do-it-yourself fittings, either. They take you in hand, measure your feet the old-fashioned way, talk to you about what you do in the way of hiking, and come up with alternatives from which you choose the most comfortable one. And they'll fix problems that arise after the purchase with all sorts of nifty tricks. Further, they'll show you lacing tricks to avoid those problems in the first place. (I learned more about how to lace boots during my fitting than I ever would have thought existed.)

So if you want cheap, expendable things to walk in, there are lots of choices. But the guys at the Warming Hut are carrying on the Steve Komito tradition in Estes Park of serious hiking footware (Steve still does repairs; used to be, decades ago, he had the go-to retail place). And the technology of boots has moved right along: I got some serious high-toppers that weigh less than my dress shoes -- probably the last pair of boots I'll ever have to buy. HPH

[HighPlainsMedic]

The first thing that hits the floor in the morning, to the last thing that leaves the floor in the night.. your feet are the most important part of the thing called "locomotion" in our lives.. If you were in the Roman army you would get whipped if you did not take care of your feet, in today's army you can get an Article 15 for a blister.. we hike on our feet, and depending on the trail, climate, year, it will be one of the most important decisions you will need to make. We research and research and research.. I weigh 18 stone plus and am over 6-4 tall. my needs are totally different than Barb's.. if you don't know what your looking at or have the "right questions" research may lead you to a dead end.. It is good those at the Warming hut can cut through the smoke and mirrors of the advertisements and ask the questions and provide the answers.. Thanks for posting this.. good info...

[jflo]

I go to the Warming House every time I'm in EP... Great info!!!

[cardinal]

I echo everyone's thoughts! Dave, Phebe and John are great folks and extremely knowledgeable. I go there everytime I am in Estes and sometimes multiple times.

[DrCloud]

Hmm. I don't seem to be able to edit my original post, so here, separately, is an ...

Update:

Claire and I both got new boots yesterday, she because she needed them and I because of, well, call it boot envy. So we tried them out this morning, on a day hike to Black Lake, via the Fire Trail on the lower part, so it was probably 7 miles altogether. Other than tightening them up a bit for the walk down, we just put 'em on and walked in 'em. These are high boots, with the tops of mine about 3" above my ankle bones, and my shins were surprised by this new phenomenon, as my old Vasques stopped just above the ankle bone. But the extra support made that Black Lake "trail" that much easier -- and the high tops do a much better job of keeping gravel and sticks out. I've got no reason to tout this particular brand -- it was just the one that felt best when I was trying them on.

And, I gotta say, it's just remarkable what people wear on their feet -- we saw people well past Mills Lake, headed upward in tennis shoes (not to mention running shoes) and sandals. No spike heels this time, though.

And here's a trail update: they're fixing the Glacier Gorge Creek bridge below Mills Lake (they started while we were up there), and we had to step in snow only a couple of times. There's lots of soggy places, though. HPH

[Monica]

This is very really helpful information. I like getting properly fitted for my boots.

[rcw]

Even though I bought a new pair this spring I will check out the shop. After 5 years and with plenty of wear left in them, Apparently my waistline and ear hair are not the only things still growing.

[Bill 007]

The Warming Hut saved our feet a couple years back with arch supports. They actually listened to our problems and came up with a solution in no time. Completely changed our hiking in a few minutes for $20 each. I fully expected to hear the "new boots" spiel, but not so! They made life long friends outta us that day.

Bill

Edited by Bill 007, 03 August 2011 - 07:52 PM.

[Mr. Jinks]

Socks. Smart Wool. Swear by 'em.

[Igloo Ed]

Mr. Jinks, on 03 August 2011 - 11:18 PM, said:

Socks. Smart Wool. Swear by 'em.

I have some Wigwam socks that are comparable to the Smart Wools but they seem to pack out just a little easier than the Smart Wool. I say seem because it's so close it's hard to tell.

[DrCloud]

Igloo Ed, on 04 August 2011 - 07:26 AM, said:

I have some Wigwam socks that are comparable to the Smart Wools but they seem to pack out just a little easier than the Smart Wool. I say seem because it's so close it's hard to tell.

I like SmartWool socks, too, but the Warming Hut guys don't. They say SmartWool is hot in the summer and that they wear out (especially in the heels) too fast.

So, on their recommendation, I got some "Darned Tough" socks (nice pun, actually), which are tightly knitted from CoolMax yarn. They're quite nice.

But for winter, no one is prying my SmartWool from my cold, stiff toes. HPH

[foxfire]

Warming House or Hut is good. Got a great pr. hikers there once. Sharon did as well. Always have more than one good pr. at all times. Thorlo Coolmax Hiking Socks and Smartwool both, depensd on time of year / weather.

Treat You Feet Right and They Will Treat You Right!

Fox (Cover Your Paw Pads) fire

Edited by foxfire, 04 August 2011 - 03:20 PM.

[Mr. Jinks]

And by the way, I've always found the Warming House folks to be knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.

[Mark Zemmin]

I have had good luck at the Warming House, as well. From equipment, to rentals (I go there for my Igloo sleepover needs), to ideas on trails. Knowledgeable people. They have a real passion for hiking and helping people enjoy hiking.

[foxfire]

Mr. Jinks, on 04 August 2011 - 05:06 PM, said:

And by the way, I've always found the Warming House folks to be knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.

Mark Zemmin, on 05 August 2011 - 02:56 AM, said:

I have had good luck at the Warming House, as well. From equipment, to rentals (I go there for my Igloo sleepover needs), to ideas on trails. Knowledgeable people. They have a real passion for hiking and helping people enjoy hiking.

Yes! Yes! Very Helpful and Knowledgeable

Fox