Any recommendations? I am looking for some good, high-quality hiking boots and not sure where to start. There are so many options - thought I would seek out some wisdom here.

Thanks!

I was a Boy Scout, and I swear by combat boots. If you're familiar with Philmont, I used a pair at Philmont and had no blisters at all. Even used a pair for our 20 mile hike for the hiking merit badge and no problems. In fact, the only time I've ever had a problem was when I hadn't used a pair in a long time and I had out grown them, pushed my feet in anyway and went on a hiking campout with the scouts. Ended up with two dime sized blisters above my heels. And I also never used 2 pairs of socks. Just always a single pair of regular tube socks from Academy.

I'd recommend pretty much anything from Merrill. For summer hiking I'd recommend the kinda Sandle ones. Personally, is stay away from the combat boots/leather deals as they tend to be very heavy. But it depends on what they're being used for. 4+ day trek in wilderness I'm looking for light and quick drying.

Go find an REI and try some on. The biggest thing I've found is that you don't want your toes to hit the front of the boots on the way down.

I've got wide flat feet and recommend Oboz and Keen boots for my feet.

Vasque has been good for me.

Definitely leave room for toes on way down. If you are doing serious hiking, I would recommend buying boots with the least amount of stitching. (less stitching to come apart or get torn)

Vasque are great, Solomon too!

My go-to hiking boots in the last 2 years has been Keen. They simply seem to be the most comfortable on my foot. No offense to my scout friend above, but combat boots for miles and miles vs these higher end boots simply don't compare.

[This message has been edited by Suprafly03 (edited 2/2/2013 5:47p).]

I've used the same Vasque Clarions since August 2002, and were my daily wear for about 5 years. I'm half contemplating retiring them.

I've treated a lot of blisters, and pulled a youth and an advisor, at Philmont that were wearing combat boots. You can potentially get blisters with any boots not broken in, or worked in with weight.

New balance has come out with some new mid top hiking boots with some pretty aggressive soles. Saw them at cabelas in KC. May be something to consider. I think they were in the $130 range

I've walked countless miles with a heavy rucksack on my back in these. Best pair of combat boots I've ever worn. They size just like your running shoes.

http://www.extremeoutfitters.us/t8tacticaljunglebootgarmont.aspx

quote:

---

Go find an REI and try some on. The biggest thing I've found is that you don't want your toes to hit the front of the boots on the way down.

---

This. Use their little fake boulder to walk on/over to see how different brands fit your feet. Once you find a brand that you like, see if Sierra Trading Post has that model and size in stock. You'll save 50-80% buying from them, since they carry a lot of previous years models.

That being said, I am a big fan of Asolo.

I've worn Vasque for years but recently switched. The Vasque were starting to wear out faster. I'm working with a nice pair of Asolos now. Expensive but great boots. Go to REI and try on ever pair in the store. Walk around in them for a while before buying.

Here's what works for me. REI should have what you need. I'd check out their offerings for sure before making a final decision.

Good trail running shoes (with or without goretex) work fine for State park type hikes with no or limited elevation. I have some Soloman, but there are several good brands.

MOST of the Merrell and Keen shoes are for the light backpacking, more technical trails with some elevation. I think you'd be better off with high tops for trails with more than just a little elevation. These boots are a great option for the beginner, as long as you're not packing out a lot of weight.

If you're packing a lot, you need a very sturdy boot. Many good brands -- I like Zamberlan and Lowa -- but again, find a good fit for your foot at REI.

If you are going backpacking, load up and carry a pack around the store in REI. They don't mind. Bought a pair of Asolo there that I really like. Did Philmont last summer with no blisters in those boots.

Vasque.

Solid.

+1 on the asolos

I have a pair of Vasque. Light weight & very comfortable.

La Sportiva Ganda Guide

EOT...

Did Philmont with Asolos. Loved those boots.

+3 on REI


And I like Vasque

Love my vasque boots.

I used to be a huge proponent of Vasque, but their quality seems to have slipped since they moved manufacturing to china. Keen boots are comfortable, but I've found their waterproof layer (Keen dry) to be inferior to Goretex. If durability is key, find a European boot with all leather uppers that use Goretex.

Lowa and zamberlan

Danner Gavre GTC 6" Olive Military boot.