When I was a kid, I counted down the days until the next edition any outdoor catalog or magazine arrived at the Sawyer home. Boots, backpacks, tents, stoves, and who could forget the North Face Kitchatna saga. It was “the last jacket I’ll ever need,” or at least that’s what was pleaded to my parents.
After completing a 21-day Rayado Trek, 28-Day Trail Crew, and 2 Treks at Philmont Scout Ranch, I had become aware of the performance, durability, and well, nuances of how my feet adjusted to 4 different types of hiking boots. What was understood at the time, was that you could pretty much destroy anything, even a nice pair of boots.
In February of 2000, I walked to the mailbox and was, per usual, excited to see the latest edition of Backpacker Magazine waiting inside. Sitting in my parents living room, reading through the crisp, clean pages, there it was, “A Close-To-Perfect Boot,” from some place up in NH. Oh boy, “I needed them.”
Working as a Philmont Ranger during the summers of 2002 and 2003, I destroyed two pairs of Italian made Vasque Sundowners, which to my mother’s dismay, were promptly exchanged at REI for new pairs. Then in December 2003, I walked to the back wall at Footsloggers, my favorite local gear shop in Boone, NC, and there it was, the Limmer Lightweight, the “Close-To-Perfect Boot!”
They ended up being Christmas presents from my parents that year, and they were simply different from any pair of boots I’d ever seen or worn. The fit was perfect, and they were so beautiful that I was nervous to mess them up, so again in NM in 2004, another pair of Sundowners were destroyed.
It took a while to break them in, but eventually the 3.5-4mm leather insole began to mold, and take the shape of my foot. Incredibly comfortable, heavy loads, mountains, extended day trips, trail/conservation projects, they simply wouldn’t blow out, and gave me the confidence of no other boot.
After a few years of heavy use, the treads began to wear and it was time for a resole, so I picked up the phone and called the man himself, bootmaker, Stephen Peter Limmer. "Pete here," he said. “Peter Leemur,” I asked. A quick whited response, “I am not a small furry animal,” was returned before sharing the process of sending my boots in for repair.
After a few months, the boots were returned with a new sole and were even better than they had been before. In an age of planned obsolescence and throw away soft goods that simply don’t last, especially after heavy use, how could it be that these boots were even better than they had been before? I shared my gratitude with Peter and was in contact with him via phone a few times over the next couple years.
Why share all this? I never expected to become part of the Limmer boot operation, but sit here today because of the Backpacker Magazine article, from developing a relationship with a trusted pair of boots, and by developing a friendship with Adam Lane-Olsen, Peter Limmer, and Karl Limmer.
Thinking back, counting down the days for each issue of Backpacker was one thing, but walking to the mailbox to discover a crisp, glossy “Gear Guide,” was an annual highlight. It was a trusted resource that I analyzed, discussed with friends, and depended on when making decisions for upcoming trips.
25 years later, I was just as excited to read the 2025 Gear Guide online last week! Backpacks, tents, fun gadgets, and of course hiking boots and shoes. What has changed? Shifting trends towards lighter weight gear and footwear. What has not changed? The Limmer boot.
In this year’s writeup, the question is raised, “does anyone really wear traditional leather hiking boots anymore? If so, when, and why?” Thoughtful answers are included throughout the writeup, and we’re excited to share a few thoughts as well.
- Sustainable Purchase – Living in an age of planned obsolescence, which boots/shoes from 2000 are still being worn today? Which models from 2025’s list will still be worn by customers in 2050?
- $30 Per Year – When amortized over the lifetime of the boots, let’s say 25 years, including the cost of 3 resoles, Limmer boots cost roughly $30 per year. How much does an avid hiker/backpacker spend on outdoor footwear each year, or every few years.
- Support & Fit – The single piece leather upper is designed to hold the shape of your foot in place, not simply from underfoot with a material that will break down over time, but from the shape of the upper, stiff heel counter, and a gnarly nylon/fiberglass shank. Unlike other options, the Limmer boot will not squish out over time
With all said above, we know our boots aren’t for everyone. They are however for people who are tired of burning through disposable options, people who have unique fit/support issues, and of course for people who want to look great, as Peter Limmer Sr.’s design is timeless, simply perfect both in aesthetic and function (in our opinion of course).
Limmer has never been, nor will ever be known for marketing. We continue to focus on incrementally improving our boots and sharing the special story of Peter Limmer Sr. and his family’s rich boot making legacy in Bavaria and here in the United States. We adhere to the Limmer family’s commitment to both our Custom Boots made at Peter Limmer & Sons, and our production boots made by Limmer friends, the Meindl family.
On the 25th Anniversary of Kirstin Hostetter’s perfectly written article in Backpacker Magazine, we invite you to break a pair of our boots in, as we believe you’ll find them just as she described, “Close-To-Perfect!”
Chris Sawyer - Limmer Boots - Stock Side
Note - Copyright "A Close To Perfect Boot." Backpacker Magazine, February 2000, Written by Kristin Hostetter.
