i personally can't afford multipule shoes, so i have to buy on for both mine outdoor stuff and for everyday wear. Which is a beter choice ? millitairy boots or civilian hiking boots. i have been wearing a millitary boot for a year and i like the support it offers and the protection of your foot. I have never had a real hiking shoe, but i know they usually last longer on hard surfaces and have beter shock absorsion.

Our concept of a hiking boot used to be some massive leather affair with deep lugs and a norwegian welt. They wieghed a ton and tore up the soils we were traveling over. Somebody finally realized these were mountaineering boots more appropriate for the Matterhorn. There is no hiking boot per se, just as there is no 'survival' knife. Once again, look at what people wear regionally for different conditions. If it's pouring rain a set of rubber Wellingtons, snow traditional mukluks, light trail use moccassins( running shoes). If your bushwacking old growth forest then a pair of logger type or the old mountain boots might be needed. You have to think about what your feet need and not what everyone is wearing first.

I used to wear Army boots all the time because they were issued to me and were free. I loved them. Quick in lacing, waterproof but on the snow or wet surfaces they were worst than ice skates. But one got used to it. Than for one trek I got Scarpa backpacking boots. Now it was a totally different concept. They were warmer (more problematic in the summer), more expensive, not as high and heavier. I wear them now and swer by them the same way I sweared by Army boots. Since I work as an EMT I go between hiking boots and Army boots. I really hate changing like that since my feet can't really get used to either shape. In the end you have to try out what's good for you.

Here are some boots I used in the past:
http://www.scarpa.co.uk/hill/delta.html
http://www.scarpa.co.uk/hill/sl.html


Matt

If economy is an issue, I'd go with the traditional heavy leather hikers that Chris mentioned. The initial investment is a little high (these can be found used in decent shape although I don't know why, you couldn't pry mine off me), but the norwegian welt on these let them be resoled with new Vibram bottoms very inexpensively, and are crampon or other tool compatible with the lip they provide.

Some people also like to be inconspicous about their appearance, and avoid the "militant" look. I like the traditional heavy hikers because once they're broken in to your foot (seems like an eternity), they are really comfortable and super protective for your feet. If you protect the leather and treat it well, they will last a very long time. Seek the advice of a local shoe repair shop for care. Italy probably makes the best ones, expect to pay over $150 usually. If funding permits, a cheap pair of military or other boots that allow you to only wear the good boots on alternating days will really allow longevity. Nothing will last very long with day after day usage, they need a day to relax and dry out, so alternate them.
Good Luck,
Run

Look at the photo gallery on www.mod.gov.uk - all those Royal Marine Commandos (and the SAS who aren't in the pictures) are wearing hiking boots.

well i don't really care who else wears them, just how the fit me. i narrowed the choice down to civilian hiking boots and militairy boots, because of mine budget and availbilty ( or however you spell that ). i feel pretty naked with sneakers on, because the don't protect the feet. haven't figured out what to buy yet.... lets hope mine boots stays in one piece untill i have bought some new shoes... ( large crack on the sole )

btw that link doesnt work

I use Scarpa Manta boots, which are quite expensive. However, I've used the Scarpa SL Attack in the past. They're cheaper but still excellent quality. They are 'lasted' for UK feet - so they're broader than most Italian boots.

While you are shopping for replacement boots, you might try silicone sealant or a product called Shoe Goo to fix that crack in the sole of your boot. Just a thought...

hmm... would be nice, but i just wrecked whats left of that boot after a 5 day long hike though the ardennes. The back side of the soll apparendly wasn't as strong as the stiches and now there is a huge u shaped crack approsimate 1 cm from the side and back side of the boot. Large enough to stick you fingers through. I already wondered why mine feet got as wet as it did..... <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

i decided i would buy some reasonable cheap civilian hking boots, since im still growing and don't want to buy expensive shoe's and throw it away after light ware, because i have grown.... a lesson i learned on the hard way while buying BDU trouwsers, went from XS tight and S comfortable to M tight and L comfortable. had to throw 6 BDU trouwsers away in less than 18 month's because they were to small...