I want some suggestions on comfortable hiking/walking boots.Where I walk is muddy at least half the year. I also cross a few creeks, so I need an 8” boot.I’ve used “Muck” type rubber boots, they seem to rub my feet raw.Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Good quality leather boot (Danner) and a good waterproofing treatment (Huberd's shoe grease).

You're welcome.

ETA: And wool socks.

The problem with most waterproof footwear is that it has to keep water out, so it doesn't breathe, either. Then your feet sweat and eventually rub raw, even with a quality pair of wool socks. I've taken to wearing ultra-breathable tennis shoes so they dry faster if they do get wet, and just do my best to avoid the worst of the mud and take them off if I have to wade (I carry a pair of water shoes when I hike).

For everyday walking around in that environment, a good pair of properly treated leather boots like the Danners Gustofer suggested are probably your best bet for staying dry and still being breathable, but you don't want to submerge them, nor would I enjoy hiking a full day in a pair of heavy boots.

Kinda vague with your info...what region or, part of the country and how many miles are you 'hiking'?
If you've used Muck boots prior, but they didn't fit right....have you tried Bogs?
Waterproof hike boots are going to come in a broad variety...most general hike boots aren't higher than 6" mid-height; taller boots are usually in the hunt-boot category which also means a lot more weight.

Lowa Zephyrs have been my go to hiking boots for about a decade now.
They are comfortable and not heavy. I don’t think they are the most attractive boots due to the rubber side lugs but if you hike rocky areas at all they help very much to protect the sides of your feet.

https://www.lowaboots.com/coll...riant=49454554022208

How good of a boot do you want, or not want ? A better answer needs more information about conditions, use, loads, and miles.

But as Black posted above, you won't go wrong with Lowa boots. But you'll need to match the boot to the above considerations, since Lowa has boots for lightweight hiking in the summer, to HD backpacking or alipine use in harsh winter conditions.

One consideration is to use traditional height boots (ankle) and then in times of excessive mud or needing to cross a sstream (depending on depth and distance) utilize Goretex gaiters from Outdoor Research. Their Crocadile gaiters are the bombproof.

Danner Vicious have been good to me

Without knowing where you are, it also may be more beneficial to have a high drain boot and don't worry so much about getting wet.

I can attest to the quality of Zamberlin boots. You’ll have to decide if they fit your feet.

More info on my location, conditions, etc….
I’m in the Midwest, I’ll walk in temps from 10 degrees to 90 degrees, so I probably need at least two different types of boots….mud at different times, woodland terrain with creeks to cross that are usually 8 inches or less in depth at my crossings…I’ll walk from 2 to 5 miles in a session.

I hike over 300 miles a year with about four of those being 20 miles at a stretch. Mostly I wear trail running shoes and not boots but this stuff along with good socks are both critical for my foot health.

https://a.co/d/7M6KNNB

If that link doesn’t work, it’s a product called Body Glide Foot Glide. It’s similar to a deodorant stick but specifically made to prevent blisters and chaffing.

I can use it and do 20 miles with 1,500’ plus of elevation and my feet look perfect afterwards. My hikes cross streams and I just let my feet get wet but I’m in a warmer climate. I have found Body Glide at local vendors such as Mountain High Outfitters, REI, and the regular Body Glide at Walmart.

Hope this helps.

To prevent blisters, wear a pair of thin dress socks and a pair of hiking socks over the thin ones. This from me wearing combat boots for over 35 years.

Can’t go wrong with Lowa or Meindls.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
Good quality leather boot (Danner) and a good waterproofing treatment (Huberd's shoe grease).

You're welcome.

ETA: And wool socks.

I'm with Gustofer: I have two pairs of Danner boots and just bought my wife a pair. The reason I have two pair is that one is lighter weight, more for hiking in warmer weather. The other pair is heavier and more suited to snow and winter.

Except, sometimes wool socks rub me the wrong way. Sometimes a thinner, slippery pair of socks is better.

Go to REI or someplace with a lot of boots. Try them on. At REI there is usually someone there with good knowledge who can help. Find what fits. Danner makes a good boot, Lowa, Asolo . . . all make good boots. But you have to see what fits you right.

I can't use Asolo at all. Lowa usually fits me, as does Salomon. But you have to try them.

And yes, waterproof means your feet will tend to stay sweatier, making good socks even more important.

I would be wondering about Merrill Moabs, which are Gore-Tex lined. I know they’re useful for hiking where you might have to cross a stream or whatever, but no idea if they would be good for daily hiking in mud.

Then there’s the classic LL Bean Maine Guide boot which has a completely waterproof shoe part and leather above that.

I’m asking rather than giving advice.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
I would be wondering about Merrill Moabs, which are Gore-Tex lined. I know they’re useful for hiking where you might have to cross a stream or whatever, but no idea if they would be good for daily hiking in mud.

I used to be a huge fan of the Merrel Moab line, but am kind of souring on them. In recent years, I've had various durability problems from the arch support simply flattening out in a few months time to a sole that fell half off walking in Home Depot. I wonder if their push to use recycled materials may be to blame, or maybe I'm just unlucky with boots. Are we really "saving the environment" by having to replace boots 2-3x as frequently as before?

I'm seriously considering going to a higher end boot like Kennetrek, Crispi, etc, but haven't done the shopping yet.

I used and abused a pair of Merrell Moab Ventilators for about 10 years. Then I got a pair of Merrell Zion low trail shoes. I like them and they hike well but I have some ankle issues so I recently also got a pair of Danner Jags for more ankle support. I will be putting them through their paces for the first time in Sedona, Page, and Grand Canyon this spring. They are waterproof.

Moab are comfortable as road sneakers. I don't like them for trails where gravel / rocks are prevalent. I can feel every pebble.

Soft dirt trails sans rocks and pavement are okay. For me, it's like walking barefoot otherwise. Salomon are better for me. Danner is great.