Why Hikers Still Prefer This 100 Year Old Boot.

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What are the best hiking boots? Which ones do you want on a trail or up a mountain? Do you need gore-tex? Or lightweightness? One day we'll get there but TODAY we are looking at Hoka hiking boots vs. Russell Moccasin boots. Specifically the Hoka Kaha GTX 2 vs. the Backcountry boots. Which one is tougher, lasts the longest, is waterproof, is good for your foot etc.? What are the pros and cons of zero drop/barefoot shoes vs. extreme cushioning/stacks? Well today we'll jump into just that.
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The Iron Snail is a men’s fashion vlog starring a young man named Michael and featuring a snail no bigger than a quarter. The two are set on taking over the world of fashion by creating a clothing line to end all clothing lines. Until then, we’re here to tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about the best clothing out there, from the highest quality raw denim jeans to the warmest jackets to the sturdiest boots…the Iron Snail has got you covered. (written by Taylor, though Michael is sometimes known to talk about himself in the third person… xoxo)

[@DjKayD]

The obvious solution is to wear 1 on each foot and walk 30 miles and see which leg feels the best. Or you and your twin could have an Appalachian hiking race and see who makes it to the end first.

[@ML-762]

This is the way

[@Justobserving9291]

Science

[@noone-pg4lr]

No it’s not the different shoes will f up your walking pattern

[@ML-762]

@@noone-pg4lr prove it

[@noone-pg4lr]

@@ML-762 if the shoes are at different heights in the sole or heel it will disrupt your walking pattern

[@oogba71]

Hoka's tiny toe box makes them an impossible option from many

[@eunhyuekpark6159]

Agreed, and tiny toe boxes are not good for you feet in the long run.

[@X0MT0X]

The Russel Moccasins are the type of boot you could wear every day. They look good when grabbing coffee, going to a bar or even a long walk in the country side. The Hoka's seem great for their intended purpose but I don't think I'd get much use out of them as I prefer the lightness and comfort of trail runners when hiking personally.

[@w.c.russellmoccasinco]

Thanks Michael for featuring us in another awesome video! Loving how these are breaking in! We'll have to get you over to WI to see the workshop at some point!

[@ChristopherHill2293]

Hoka for anything performance-based for me, and the traditional option for taking my time. I've used Hoka Bondi's to aid me through various lower limb running injuries over the years and they do a great job. The rocker sole is a game changer for people with feet issues.

[@DuridPid]

The science ultimately says -- regarding high vs low cushion / barefoot -- that yeah, a mix is ultimately the healthiest. As much as I love my barefoot shoes and boots, and totally agree that they've made a positive impact on my health, the movement reads a lot like the ~2010 era keto movement. There are a lot of health benefits, but ultimately the answer is a healthy mix of footwear, exercise, and diet. On the hiking front however I would argue that pillowy stack height is excellent for SPEED in running, but if you're looking at longer distance hikes then harder boots are generally recommended.

[@indigoblue8600]

Best Factor ad I've ever seen lmao

[@cosmoelbrujo7829]

You make me want to try the Weathered Oak Backcountry

[@lillydav10]

As always, excellent video Michael 👊🏼

[@EggoAwfuls]

hands down the best factor ad I've seen.

[@orangeoctopusjim]

You’re the one I go to when I need straight answers on the classics - and you’re also the one the reveals new classics I didn’t know of. Thank You 🙏

[@bmc5180]

I love the effort put into this video. The ad spot reminded me of the movie Adaptation. Very nice!

[@bryanjones9356]

This was the best video you released since the waxed canvas jacket video. You're doing good. Keep up the good work.

[@mustafizrahman.]

Thanks for the video Michael your content is getting better and better! What’s the brand of black t shirt you are wearing friend?

[@garyv1483]

In surfing, the term “rocker” is used in reference to the curve of the board from the tail to the nose, specifically the section closest to the nose as that’s where you usually have the most curve or “rocker”. In Hoka’s case I think they’re referring to how the shoe cures upward toward the toe.

[@AndyAdventuring]

I've been hiking/camping/backpacking my entire adult life, and I would never wear a leather boot when new foamy hiking shoes are available. I can replace the Hokas. I can't replace my feet and legs.

[@AndyAdventuring]

Also, outside of winter hiking, waterproofing is a non-issue for hiking shoes. You should not be wearing waterproof shoes. You should be wearing shoes with mesh uppers. Walk through whatever you want. Your feet will be dry in 10 minutes.

[@mellamoisaiah]

Loved the comparison style video Michael! For anyone wanting some extracurricular reading (I guess technically listening), Stitchdown Shoecast did an episode fairly recently with Luke, the new owner/operator over at Russell.

[@adammcmillan2064]

Strong Anakin vibes at 3:56. More importantly, learned waxed curdoroy was a thing recently - would love to see you do your magic with it.

[@melgigz178]

I switch between wearing Hoka sneakers and boots when I don't have to wear my Steel cap boots at work. I used to wear Merrell Moabs for hiking and Asics sneakers.

[@DGlide120]

Gokey boots handmade in Tipton Missouri are made the same way in a true moccasin style. I do prefer them over Russell’s. Please check them out

[@tyler13]

I like it! Here for the ramp up!

[@TLavery707]

I love my Hoka's. I usually buy their shoes for everyday walking. I do not recommend doing anything else but walk in them. I have pierced the sole of 2 pairs. Walking in bark at a dog park I have collected pieces of wood stuck inside the foam soles. Also while kick starting my scooter, the kicker stabbed right through. The last example is my fault because I already knew it was the wrong shoe to wear! Either way pick the right shoe/boot for your body and the activity!

[@JoeyDecay]

I really liked this type of video. It's definitely was interesting comparing modern tech vs traditional construction, but I'll be honest. I'd watch any video that you made.

[@barnabymailed4184]

Loved it - do ramp it up! 👍

[@melb27]

Another banger 🔥

[@westonmarx1583]

Love to see a video of you trying a pair of drews boots. A pair of roughout loggers with your styling and the durability of a PNW boot!

[@archivedii]

Hello good sir, you talk about main pieces in one's wardrobe, but I think a video or two on accessories i.e. socks, watches, glasses would be sick :') Great videos though!

[@flmziflizmi]

amazing video !

[@joejulian3594]

Love it Micheal

[@kart182]

I really liked this comparison style

[@bmc5180]

I see you rocking the Wranglers!

[@smore270]

That Ad approach was one of the funniest I've seen in a while, I commend you on that haha most people probably skipped over it

[@chauncey_vw5015]

Waiting to see those logger types you had in the last video. Hows the flooding?

[@childcrone]

Well done & engaging review and comparison! I would not want to have my feet anesthetized (essentially all but immobilized in the case of the Hoka) and my toes gathered together out of alignment by either one of these boots. Ground feel and proprioception are so important to not falling and turning ankles.

[@ethan073]

I love this channel ❤

[@RolleiPollei]

I hike in a pair of handsewn moccasin boots from Yuketen and their amazing. I like my Yuketens more than my Russells.

[@knickknackchaddywack]

You look so good in this thumbnail?

[@donyconjux1]

Seriously. Like I'm expecting some funny fashion content here not trying to fall in love.

[@rsesters]

I haven't tried this pair of Hokas, but I have a pair of trail runners that I have used damn near every day since late 2018, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. Surprisingly the sole still has some life, but not too much more. The body of the shoe is wearing down more than the sole, which has never happened to me before. I also have issues with my right ankle so I have to be selective with my shoes or else I get a lot of pain when I step. I need to save up for a pair of these boots. I would love to try the Russells, but that is way out of my price point.

[@McGloin349]

I liked the video. Do more!

[@cooperrumph6868]

I definitely wouldn't run a marathon in Russells, but I wouldn't run a marathon at all lol. I think like so many other things they are built to do different things. Russells for longevity and hard use, Hokas for comfort and performance. You wouldn't take a Corvette rock crawling, and you wouldn't take a Bronco to the drag strip. Neither are bad, they're just different. like you, I like them both. Give us more versus videos!!!

[@garethbaus5471]

There are people who would take a Corvette rock crawling, orca bronco to the drag strip. Mostly for very expensive shits and giggles, but both of those things definitely happen.

[@MrLlama999]

I’d be curious to see a minimalist(ish) Altra lone peak boot or Solomon Ultra Mid vs the Russell. I think the feel would be more similar.

[@w.c.russellmoccasinco]

Would love to see that too!

[@eddgar-ce3md]

Solomon Ultra Mid are light, but they will start leaking after a short while. Then you and up with some hot, non-breathable summer mid cut sneakers.

[@aravindvinayakan]

Can we please get a video on that Bradley Mountain Wilder 10 Year Edition? 😲

[@eunhyuekpark6159]

Hoka are great if you are running trails, but I'll take the Russel's over them any day. The Russel's can be re-soled by a good cobbler for 1/4 of the price of the original boot. Russel's are pretty much a lifetime boot and will keep your legs/feet stronger in the long run. You can't re-sole a Hoka without it being cost prohibitive and you might as well throw it in a landfill when it wears out.

[@farklek]

This HAS to be the MOST underrated channel of KZbin! I've been watching you for a while you're great. This video is great. All your videos are exceptional. I hope you get 1mil subs asap! You're awesome! See you next time.

[@declanhayes7226]

I like that you say “hundrit”

[@ollieswift3456]

Manifesting me weaing the russells in a few years

[@PaulKaiser42]

I’ve owned hoka’s before and never found them to be as good as brooks

[@russelljackman1413]

I liked it!!! (Now, you know!) 😁 I have three kinds of Hoka's and I LOVE them!!! I would love to have a pair of Russell's---and not just because the name is WAY cool--hahahahaha, but because I know that they are very well made boots and the style is tried and true. If I ever win the lottery, I will certainly buy a pair. Thanks, Michael, for a GREAT video! 👍👍

[@SR-ob3wn]

Yeah, I’m sorry but $685 for these boots is absurd. I’m struggling to see what’s unique about the construction of these boots that justifies the high price vs other American made boots like Truman.

[@JoeyDecay]

​@@SR-ob3wn I mean it's hard to fond a true moccasin style constructed boot like this with premium leather, but I'm more of a working guy than a hunter or hiking guy, so for that price I'd probably buy a pair of Nick's.

[@SR-ob3wn]

@@JoeyDecay Purely based on materials and the type of construction I think it’s a hard sell for me even if they’re made in America. Obviously, the market sets the price though. Ever since COVID, the prices on boots and other heritage type items has skyrocketed.

[@JoeyDecay]

@@SR-ob3wn well ever since a certain president decided to borrow ton of money from the federal reserve at is really the reason. The more money in circulation, the less it's worth like anything else, but the real problem is the federal reserve. A private bank that lends the government money at interest creating perpetual debt. I think Woodrow Wilson was the single worst president in US history, he initiated the fed and income tax.

[@barrydworak]

I have a few pairs of custom Russells with barefoot style sole stacks. I go off trail where there are chunks of lava hidden by grass. Ground feel is key, and I can move fast without getting hurt. Take that away, and they are downright dangerous for my uses. Strictly for use on relatively smooth, developed trails, the Hokas are going to be more comfortable short term, but I chose barefoot style for a reason. Gore tex is useless IMO, where i have lived and hiked. The little grit on and off all of our trails will perforate it quickly. I suppose if it's fully enclosed in leather, it can be protected, but my triple layer Russells, when i keep them waxed, are waterproof, too, without an unnecessary membrane that just makes them less comfortable.

[@stank5096]

Iron Snail my beloved

[@SMarcey]

technology is awesome and new things are friggan rad. But its impossible to deny the draw towards a design that has stood the test of time over something thats new

[@DragonsinGenesisPodcast]

The two questions I have are how these boots hold up after longterm use as I’ve seen people complaining about diminished quality in recent years and who are these hikers who prefer them? Of the thousands of miles I’ve hiked and all the people I know who have done king trail thru-hikes including the AT and PCT, none of them have seen these on the trail and only a handful of leather boots at all. The only people I’ve ever seen wearing them are elderly park rangers who work in national forests.

[@dallasn16]

Exactly this. No one that hikes on a frequent basis wears these shoes.

[@TJMartinek]

Hoka's look amazing. But they wore out faster than any running shoe I've ever owned. On top of that for a company that makes nothing but shoes they made a LOT of silly mistakes that I would expect a company that makes nothing but shoes to not make. The laces were slippery and came untied literally every run, the foam at the heel folded over and made that annoying bump. They aren't dealbreaking mistakes but my other shoes don't come untied... why can't my Hokas?

[@carharttcarpenterpants]

I vote ramp it up

[@JulianM19]

Can you do a video on good corduroy pieces I like the look of lower wale corduroy but can’t find any I like.

[@tuca3537]

I really want a pair of the Russel moccasins that you have but I’m always disappointed to see they don’t have the brown color. Seems like they only sell black ones. Do you know if the brown will make a comeback?

[@albertxion513]

They can build you one made to order if I remember correctly.

[@lukekolbie2738]

We are launching a red-brown version soon!

[@TheseusTitan]

There are no boot materials that warrant $700.00. It has to do with profit margin on a product they know you‘re not coming back to buy another pair in 5 years. In order for the company to stay alive they have to charge more. What about arch support and support in general with a backpack weighing around 60lbs, which boot was better?

[@TheAngrySalad]

I really like your videos

[@basedury]

i love my hokas, but i’m not really into the tactical/techy look anymore and i only find myself using them to hike. i typically change back into cowboy boots after the hike.

[@jicalzad]

Easy: Hokas for hiking/sport, and Russells for everything else except hiking/sport

[@1114gabby]

Im old school...I like the Russels, except for the price. I don't mind paying for a good pair of boots but yikes.

[@johnf6267]

I love this guy. ha. I just watch to be entertained. although the 100 year old boot has my attention

[@Normski_Izodosa]

Forget tbe boots, this ad was so good I feel like he needs to switch industries

[@SaltShack]

You forgot me in the list of Russell wearers.

[@joshdavidson2833]

I want to know whether or not there’s boots that can be worn well in shorts, i live somewhere very hot but want to wear boots

[@prcr8tion]

$240 for Hoka😮 It probably cost less than $35 when they came out of the fully automated factory in China. Insane.

[@Commonsensepreps]

Yup, which is why I'd never buy them

[@sigh.sy.s]

wait. did he try the russels in the water

[@GoufinAround_]

The problem for me is that the Hoka uses Goretex which we can't tell the environmental impact of vs chrome tanning, I can't see if Russell uses Chrome or Veg tanned leather. Also, Hoka is an example of too much tech imo as well. When we remove the need for our body to be strong in order to handle certain types of movement, that's not a good thing. I think excessive tech, like hokas, and excessive lack of tech, like barefoot shoes, are not the best solutions. One harms our bodies ability to be capable on it's own, and the other just doesn't fit in the modern world, step on a tack by accident and it's right in your foot instead of the midsole of the shoe you know?

[@Justobserving9291]

Goretex isn’t going to hurt the environment. Poor political decisions by the politicians who allow mass homeless to overtake their city’s has a real impact on the environment. Those politicians are also making you scared of a naturally occurring gas in the air.

[@kylegreen7468]

what backpack is that? anyone?

[@MrStreetninja007]

I swear i watch these only for the comedy and wonder how many takes each takes lol

[@LinusScrubTips]

Ehh. A pair of redwings or grant stone boots are a little more than hoka. I see the benefit of hokas for certain individuals but I’d rather have traditional boots.

[@ahtsuji]

May be late King Birendra from Nepal wore those boots

[@witte2702]

wow. what an ad! (factor box)

[@JJ-zr6fu]

It’s not a coincidence max cushion shoes became popular right after barefoot shoes. Barefoot cultist say you’re stopping the performance of your foot but when you look at high preformed shoes barefoot design doesn’t exist.

[@albinlilius2471]

Hi michael

[@flt528]

Do you want disposable plastic junk that you send to the landfill, or do you want something sturdy and long-lasting?

[@lolgood561]

What backpack is he wearing ?

[@sammilanowski5779]

I believe it’s a brand called Bradley Mountain, he talked a little about it during a waxed jacket video from the same brand

[@lolgood561]

@@sammilanowski5779thank you

[@TheRealVergo]

Lookin like a yung Kevin James

[@michaellk2254]

2:20 ummm these are good year welted boots wym

[@away8886]

No they are not.

[@JoeyDecay]

If you made all the commercials in the world, people would watch more commercials... it's like superbowl commercials but funny.

[@forzaauctionhousetips8640]

Nice video, new apartment?

[@staceygram5555]

Well, one looks like the shoes a shuffle dance girl would wear, so I guess I prefer the other pair.

[@couchsofa2977]

i quit at 0:38 cause i hate mocs

[@rangerscoach]

The hoka sky kaha is the best. Durability can get stuffed get a new one when you blow through the old one. The kaha has seen me through every day of a 50-60 hour work week as a head chef and a shitload of hikes. It doesn’t have the lockdown of my Salomon quest gtx 4 but the hoka kaha is so comfortable I feel like regrading the comfort of other shoes to a lower level. I’m a heritage guy and love my beckmans selvage denim it all, but the kaha is the boot for a hiker or a person on their feet all day in situations you need traction

[@cwr8618]

$685. For a pair of boots.

[@oleksandraverchenko9920]

If anything true hikers stick to what they bought back then. Teacher at Uni who brought me the hiking was using gear and outfits from 80s and 90s. Upgrading only if something was damaged beyond repair and boy those people new how to make things that last, they all were losing color and looks but not utility. He was also having industrial alpinism sidehussle. For person not in a club he was looking like a broken hobo. For those who new he was museum of vintage and tried-and-tested gear. How to spot newb on a trail? He looks like he is just of a youtube gear recommendations for rich people.

[@clobberonline6812]

The Hoka's just don't look good !!

[@drsrsv8884]

Your humor is weird and funny😂

[@gjuby-_-5908]

can you do the test on smth like rick owens or balenciaga boots compared to smth like russel

[@CamMauldin]

First here!!!

[@CamMauldin]

I can’t wait I’ve been waiting for this!

[@TylerSnyder305]

Because looking at that modern crap with no boot qualities makes me want to throw up.

[@mistersmith3986]

I'm out at $685.00 See ya ✌️

[@away8886]

No one’s asking you to buy it dork

[@VEW7979]

FIRST!

[@idahoman325]

Lmao the non review review.

[@nickmagill3604]

i dont know many hikers that still wear boots to begin with. i see 90% altra lone peaks, maybe 5% hokas, and the other 5% are old men that insist on wearing 8 lb steel toe boots for some reason.

[@jonsonnenschein1253]

Russell Moc is a boot. Hoka is not.

[@manueljosephcalma]

They now have boots too.

[@karlschultz8995]

Sorry but I can't see how either of those would be good for more than day hikes in dry conditions, on trail. Are these really considered as hiking boots in the US? 😶 Good luck hiking the Scandinavian wilderness or the Alps with those...

[@f.kieranfinney457]

Neither boot is a backpacking solution though. Nowhere near enough support to carry weight over distance. For just hiking, the Russell is overkill. It’s something you buy to wear casually as well while only a knob would wear the Hoka’s out for dinner.

[@jaykwonzzz]

I downvoted for the Apple Watch. C'mon son. I didn't actually, but I wanted to.

[@TheIronSnail]

I wanted to see how far I hiked!

[@jaykwonzzz]

@@TheIronSnail Fair enough. ha

[@latetodagame1892]

Factor looks gross