What do you guys recommend for good hiking boots? My last pair have fallen apart.

Depends entirely upon conditions, but for "normal" situations - relatively dry, no snow or ice, no technical climbing, and a pack weight of less than twenty-five pounds or so, a good pair of running shoes does it for me. If the terrain is rocky and rough, I often go to a mid-weight, leather and fabric hiking boot boot. The most versatile is an approach shoe - for me they work for general hiking, bike riding (I still pedal in old style cage pedals) and lower grade rock climbing.

Stay away from high tops. They constrict your muscles and provide unnecessary weight. They are worthwhile in a work environment where you are swinging picks and shovels, etc.

The most important characteristic of any boot is fit. Your best bet is going to a good outdoor store and getting expert sizing there.

I've had very good luck with L.L.Bean Cresta boots. I prefer the leather version over the nylon version, but they'd probably perform the same.

I recently bought L.L.Bean's "Waterproof Trail Model Hikers, Mid-Cut", for daily running around, and they are OK, but not as comfortable as the Cresta boots.

I find Goretex lined boots make my feet hotter & sweatier, but when out in the rain or morning dew regular nylon boots are almost unusable (my feet get REALLY soaked).

There is the key right there.

The shoes/boots that work for my low arch, low volume feet (no matter how wonderfully thought out and constructed) are WRONG for people with a differently shaped foot.

Since 1999, I've put countless miles on multiple pairs of these Lowas. Mostly hiking in Shenandoah National Park on rocky trails and around DC. These are also my winter boot - coupled with Gore-tex gaiters (and Smartwool socks) these keep my feet comfy and dry in two feet of snow and blizzards. I took advantage of a recent sale to keep another pair in reserve. REI should be having another 20% members-only coupon in the next month or two.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Women's

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


But feet and boots vary so highly recommend trying on several pair with the socks you plan on wearing. And wise to carry a blister kit on the first big hike, just in case you made a mistake.

Good luck!

Right boot for the environment and job, there is no one boot for everything.

Boots that fit and you don't notice! There are shops that will allow you to try out various pairs.

I've had good results recently (very comfy) with Rockport Valverde II for general use but these are now virtually impossible to find. I bought them about 8 years ago and now have finally now started to use them in the last year. Previously I had used some Berghaus Alto Treks purchased in the 1990s. (think Brooks bicycle saddle equivalent) I still have a pair of more rigid soled Berghaus's still in the box dating from 1994.

So I'm currently out of date as to what is available out there. But I will still stick with Leather rather than a fabric boot

If you do find a pair of boots you don't notice after a month or so, go back a purchase a couple of other pairs! Hopefully it will take you 10 years before beginning the search for the boot holy grail once more.

I use Asolo hiking boots that are not Gore-Tex. I cannot hike in Gore-Tex boots, they cause my feet to sweat and hurt. Gore-Tex and the waterproof, breathable properties are effected by dirt and mud. So, G-T boots will not breathe at all when dirty or muddy and any percieved advantage is lost.

There are places that Gore-Tex shoes and boots are convenient, like in the city on rainy days or places where they will stay clean.

One more thing about hiking foot gear - insoles are important too. I often substitute aftermarket insoles for the original. It makes a difference.

I have two pair of military boots. A hot weather pair for warmer times and an intermediate cold weather pair for when it is cold or I want water proof. Both Bellevilles.

They are fairly heavy, especially the IWC, but pretty comfy.

A big advantage is they can often be found new on eBay for <$50 shipped.

I need boots with ankle support. Otherwise my ankles hurt.