Footwear of Hut Crews

[Bergamo]

i am curious. I haven’t been out much in recent years. Do the Hut Crews now wear trail runners instead of the formerly worn Limmer Boots?

 

[Ear Drum]

I believe they are generally in trail runners. Perhaps others can chime in, this is just an anecdote:

We hiked up to Galehead (mountain and hut) a couple weeks ago, and I specifically recall pausing at a water crossing to allow a hut croo member to pass, with their load of trash on their way down. I watched them get a foot wet in the water, and saw runners, not boots.

They also still have those wooden external frame packs. I haven't ever tried one on, but they look miserable. I suppose it's tradition, and perhaps a good way to transport their heavy loads.

 

[dave.m]

I can only speak about the RMC crews. Until this year, I hadn’t seen a 3-season RMC (or AMC tent site/shelter) caretaker in anything other than trail runners. This summer RMC had a caretaker who grew up wearing Limmer’s and still wore them. The exception.

On the other hand, I noted that the RMC trail crew that was working on Lowes all had Limmers.

Perhaps when I wear out my Fabianos, I’ll try Limmers next. I should be so lucky to live that long. I’m

 

[DayTrip]

I can only speak about the RMC crews. Until this year, I hadn’t seen a 3-season RMC (or AMC tent site/shelter) caretaker in anything other than trail runners. This summer RMC had a caretaker who grew up wearing Limmer’s and still wore them. The exception.

On the other hand, I noted that the RMC trail crew that was working on Lowes all had Limmers.

Perhaps when I wear out my Fabianos, I’ll try Limmers next. I should be so lucky to live that long. I’m

I'm guessing Fabiano's are old? I don't even know what they are....

 

[KRooney]

I'm guessing Fabiano's are old? I don't even know what they are....

I didn't either, so I looked them up. They're a brand of alpine hiking boot, full welt. Probably cost about about $400 new. The type of boot you get repaired, not replaced.

 

[skiguy]

I didn't either, so I looked them up. They're a brand of alpine hiking boot, full welt. Probably cost about about $400 new. The type of boot you get repaired, not replaced.

Fabiano actually originated out of a shoe repair shop in Boston by an Italian immigrant. Scarpa eventually took them under their hood and sold Fabiano as there High End Line adjacent to the already existing Scarpa line. While working in the Outdoor Industry full time back in the 90’s we sold both brands. Both boots were considered top end when it came to the Norwegian welted boots. Yes they were pricey boasting a price tag between $300-$400 now over 30 years ago. Fabiano was also one of the premiere Tele Boots in the pre plastic boot era filling the need for “stiffer” boots.

 

[KRooney]

Fabiano actually originated out of a shoe repair shop in Boston by an Italian immigrant. Scarpa eventually took them under their hood and sold Fabiano as there High End Line adjacent to the already existing Scarpa line. While working in the Outdoor Industry full time back in the 90’s we sold both brands. Both boots were considered top end when it came to the Norwegian welted boots. Yes they were pricey boasting a price tag between $300-$400 now over 30 years ago. Fabiano was also one of the premiere Tele Boots in the pre plastic boot era filling the need for “stiffer” boots.

Thanks. Am familiar with Scarpa, but not Fabiano.

 

[Crazylegs]

I don't often chime in but I couldn't resist. Bought a pair of Fabiano Rio's from Black Dome Outfitters located in Asheville, NC when I was living there back @1996. Still have them. Need to have the leather reconditioned and the boot re-soled but they are great, albeit heavy, sturdy boots.

 

[skiguy]

I don't often chime in but I couldn't resist. Bought a pair of Fabiano Rio's from Black Dome Outfitters located in Asheville, NC when I was living there back @1996. Still have them. Need to have the leather reconditioned and the boot re-soled but they are great, albeit heavy, sturdy boots.

Black Dome..that was another classic!

 

[SVT]

Someone triggered my way-back machine.....for my first ever backpacking trip in the Whites (Mt. Madison via Madison Gulf Trail), I purchased a pair of Rio's. Still have 'em and they still work, not that I use them for hiking any longer. One resole and regular leather maintenance was all they needed. I think I bought them in 1983 for $99 at Farrs' Sporting Goods, Manchester, CT. Even used them in on my first winter climb up Lion's Head, lol. What a great purchase they were, never experienced any issues. Later in life I was fortunate enough to be the New England rep for them and Scarpa, as the brothers' Fabiano (can't recall their first names) became the US distributors for Scarpa for a short while. I also still have an old pair of Scarpa leather mountain boots (Cervino?), full shank and all. Sorry, this is what happens to me sometimes.

 

[Quietman]

Speaking of "Domes", I still have my 1st pair of Nike Lava Dome's, the "first" trail runners from 1982+\- (they were marketed as "approach shoes"). I had WMNF rangers telling me multiple times that these were unsafe for hiking and that I would be needing rescue for ankle injuries (true story). Never happened. Been using sneaker style shoes since then.