Great topic - reminds me of September 11, 2001 when many of my friends cursed their high heels.

I've been loving Lowa Renegade Gore-Tex hiking boots for over a decade. Have logged countless miles on several pair on all kinds of terrain, through streams, etc. Very comfortable, durable, great traction even on slick boulders and not too heavy. Bought a new pair last month with my REI dividend.

I keep a pair in my SUV (socks tucked into them) and have two pair at home (which is less than a mile from work).

http://www.rei.com/product/796065/lowa-renegade-gtx-mid-hiking-boots-womens


These Lowas, in conjunction with Outdoor Research Gore-Tex gaiters and Smartwool ski socks, have also taken me comfortably through several major snowstorms:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/43527?feat=gaiters-SR0&attrValue_0=Black


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