How to buy boots

very useful info

Good info and advice - on everything except Keen and Merrell boots. I've tried them on several times over the years and they never fit me - which just goes to show that its all about personal preference (which the article also states).

I too have several pair of boots, all go-to in different weather and trail situations. Personally I like Lowa lo and mid boots, and love my pair of Danner's. But I arrived at that by doing what the article says, trying on a lot of boots.

Conventional advice and mostly correct (or at least not misleading). i was surprised to learn that most hikers prefer goretex lined boots. A good many with whom I have communicated feel there is little or no advantage to goretex. I have a pair of heavy boots with goretex. They were good to wear when the lining was new, and just as good, or better, when a lot of use had shredded the liner.

He would have done well to discuss more fully characteristics of boot soles. The type of tread, amount of overhang, and sole rubber stickiness are fairly insignificant on most trails, but become extremely important when walking off trail. I would also appreciate inclusion of "approach shoes" as an important category. For me, they are extremely versatile, workable for everything from trail hiking and bike riding up to lower level grade 5 rock climbs.

I think the article is right on in the discussion of boot height versus ankle sprains. It seems to me that the critical variable is good conditioning, not boot height.

And yes, fit is all important. Some brands fit some people well, and others not at all. I rarely buy boots mail order and much prefer to go to a good store.

For whatever reason I have always found military style boots to be the most suitable for me, even though I have never been in the military.

And though I served for 24 years, I strongly dislike military boots. Give me Scarpas or Vasque anytime.

...The hard part for me is retiring a pair. Going to buy new ones.

I picked up a pair of Vasque trail running shoes a few weeks ago, and so far I really like them. First pair I have owned.

I have a pair of Timerland boots I also wear fairly regularly. I think they are their Titan line, but they are actually very lightweight and very comfortable. I can't say they even required any kind of breaking in.

Rod

I have a tough time finding boots that fit me well. So far I've had good luck with LLBean's Cresta Hikers (in leather).

I tried LLBean's "Trail Model Hikers" (lower cost) didn't work well.

I tend to agree with the Gortex comments. I can do without it.

It´s not a matter of personal preference. Different companies have different shapes of shoes. People have different shapes of feet. Either the shapes fit your foot or the don´t. Lowa makes boots that fit my feet. A coworker finds a different brand comfortable. Needless to say that I can´t wear his brand for hiking vice versa.
I usually limit the number of boots I try in one session. After a few uncomfortable boots even the ones with a good fit don´t seem right anymore. Actually, I usually just go find a pair of Lowas in the right color, try them on and buy them.