Boots for adventurers

So as the title (cheesy, i know) suggests, I'm looking for a pair of adventure-dress boots, both terms to be taken as you please. I posted this in the RM Williams thread, but I realized that maybe I wasn't specific enough. Basically, I have bad knees, so I need a boot that is lightweight, comfortable for long walking, has some good arch support for my idiotically flat feet, and that can put with with a little rain or mud, is durable, and doesn't NEED to be babied—which means, if I travel, they can be worn a few days in a row and can survive without proper trees for a bit, and which can also look appropriate if I need to look presentable.

My budget is around 400 dollars, so my choices so far are either RM Williams, or Wolverine 1000 Mile. Any help figuring this out would be awesome, as I need a new everyday shoe. I'm also considering the Red Wing beckman chukka, but i'm not sure how comfortable those are and the soles look heavy. I find that ridgeway boots are really heavy and I don't really like that.

As is the silly custom in my family, whenever one of us finds something amazing, we buy 4-5, one for each brother, our dad, and possibly our uncle, so, my the fate of our feet is probably literally in your hands. Thanks a lot!

You might wish to consider these. Not exactly heavy duty for serious hiking etc, but I have a pair of the predecessor
model which looks almost identical for over ten years and worn regularly. They are still in great shape.
I also have the model shown, purchased a few months ago. So far, so good.

http://www.comfortoneshoes.com/1803-Shoes-Campo-Brown-Leather-Ankle-Boot_p_14084.html

For more classical (and expensive) options, you should look at Veldtschoen waterproof boots:

http://www.tredders.com/shop/Alfred_Sargent_Kelso


http://www.sdworkwear.co.uk/products/Hoggs-Rannoch-Veldtschoen-Lace%2dUp-Boot.html

I love the AS Kelso but my problem with it is that it's just far too heavy. I have worn a very similar pair of boots from Sanders with Ridgeway soles and they're just really heavy and start to hurt. I have wanted a Veldtschoen boot for a while, actually, my only concern is, as I said, their weight.

Alden.

P. Bateman said:

Alden.

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I was actually thinking alden but I wasn't sure how light or comfortable the neoprene sole was. Any advice on models other than the indy?

Clarks Desert Boot in brown waxed leather? These are very light. If they don't have enough arch support, then just add an aftermarket insole.




The Alden Indy comes in a mix of sole types. My favorite is the Commando sole. Lighter than a true lug sole, but still good traction. Still going to be heavier than you want, probably.

Kai said:

Clarks Desert Boot in brown waxed leather? These are very light. If they don't have enough arch support, then just add an aftermarket insole.




The Alden Indy comes in a mix of sole types. My favorite is the Commando sole. Lighter than a true lug sole, but still good traction. Still going to be heavier than you want, probably.

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Actually, that's what I've been doing...for about four years. I was wearing the brown suede and went to beeswax. The problem is, they do have **** arch support, and to be honest, crepe isn't all that comfortable to walk distances in. It gets painful.

However, I'd like to switch to something a bit more durable and less disposable. That's why I was thinking of RM Williams, as I love chelsea boots and I want something thats a bit rugged, and that lasts a good long while.

From what I've felt, alden is pretty heavy. I used to really like the indy but with the Jcrew model and the Alden crazy, I'd like to avoid looking like everyone else on the subway.

I'm not a big fan of the Indy or the original 1K, just personal preference on my part. My feet are so flat that foot Doctors have told me I have the flattest feet they have ever seen. Wasn't a problem the first 50 years but now wear black superfeet insoles so the built in arch support, or lack of it, in boots is not an issue any more.
A few of my semi dress boots:

Left to Right: AE Bayfield in CXL. Now discontinued but some sizes available through Lands End yet. You want to size up a half size from your normal 1 Last size due to the poron insole and wearing midweight socks. They are one of my favorite boots and I also own it in black calf

CXL has its strengths and weaknesses. For your purposes it should be fine. I have put mine through hell even busting through brush with them in the Mn. Arrowhead

And they always clean up fine and with HDLP they are waterproof

I am also having a pair made by AE right now in cappuccino shell. Did I mention I really like this boot?
Next to it is the Wolverine 744 in mahogany shell. Besides a boot whore I am a shell whore, there are still a few available but out of your stated budget. I have worn them for light hiking in the Az. desert and mountains and routinely shooting sporting clays. Next is the RW Beckman that you mentioned in Black Cherry featherstone leather. The fit is less than perfect for me, about the same as the Alden Barrie last with a wide heel. Except for the heel slip it is a great boot. The last is the 1K Krause which would also work for you. It isn't in my top favorites though, it is lacking a bit of something to me.