What hiking boots would you recommend and why?

1. 85

   Linda Blissposted 12 years ago

   What hiking boots would you recommend and why?

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2. 60

   ThatYossarianposted 12 years ago

   It really depends on where you're going and what the conditions will be. For my trips I use Timblerland waterproof, Gore-Tex boots for day hikes. They were great for me. I'd say they a strike a fairly good balance between being lightweight and supportive. Other people that I know use Merrell Gore-Tex boots, which are a little more of an athletic fit but still very good.
   
   If you're going to be walking a number of miles, most recreational hiking boots will be ok. It's just a matter of personal fit (everyone's feet are different) and preference. The only major considerations are whether or not the specific style is made for your application. I needed waterproof because of the hikes we were doing in the smokies. However, if you're going to be in the southwest, you almost certainly don't need that.

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3. 91

   CyclingFitnessposted 12 years ago

   I'd recommend some that fit your feet well and provide good support around the ankles. Thinking about what you need them for always helps. If you're going on a long length trek say in the Himalaya's you'll need a boot more specific to that purpose than simply for walking the dog!
   
   I personally use Quechua Walking Boots at present however prefer to buy based on fit and purpose than a named brand.
   
   On the negative side I would not recommend Berghaus Walking Boots after a recently trip to Morocco where a fellow trekkers' boots tread simply disintegrated making them unsafe within just a week worth of use.

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4. 95

   Outbound Danposted 12 years ago

   Are you looking to buy new hiking or backpacking boots?  A footwear manager and backpacker guides you through the boot buying decision making process. read more

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5. 0

   BRIAN SLATERposted 12 years ago

   hi, the previous answers are both good answers, but both missed an important feature. Mens and womens walking boots are made differently. They are both made to the same exacting standards but womens boots are lighter in weight, slimmer in fitting, and are generally slightly lower around the ankle.
   
   Walking boots come in different grades, the grading refers to the seasons in which you wear them.
   A one season boot will be soft and flexible and should only be worn for low level walks in summer.
   A two season boot will be slightly stiffer, have a better sole, be either leather or fabric and can be used for low to moderate hills in late spring into summer up till mid September. As your from London you could wear these on the south downs, Brecon beacons, Derbyshire . Yorkshire or even some Lake district hills.
   A  3 season boot is the most widely used boot for general hill walking for all the areas above plus Scotland, the Pyrenees or general hillwalking in Europe. 3 season boots are slightly more stiff than 2 season, will have a solid sole normally made from Vibram which is a v good sole for general walking. Again these are made in fabric and leather.
   The final boot is a 4 season boot which isn't flexible becuse they are made to be worn with crampons. If your not already a competant walker I wouldn't recommend these for you.
   All the boots made from fabric tend to have a gore tex lining so you don't  get your feet wet. Some leather boots also have gore tex but it isn't necessary with a good quality leather.
   The price you will pay will depend on the fabric, the season(s) the boot can be worn and the manufacturer. Go to a walking shop and try several pairs on, wear thicker socks and try and buy a pair about 1/2 a size larger than you normally wear. Your feet expand when warm and you don;t want your toes rubbing when they hot. Hope this helps.

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6. 88

   alahiker28posted 12 years ago

   The only thing I wear is Timberland.  Honestly, I've NEVER had a blister.  I've led 22 mile hikes in one weekend without incident, while many others complained or had issues with blisters and whatnot.  I swear by my Timberlands.

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