Hiking boots, anyone?

[Jolt]

Definitely try a bunch on to see what fits you, and make sure you wear the socks you'll wear hiking (and here's another recommendation for the double socks--a thin synthetic liner with a thicker wool sock over it; I use this system and have never had a blister from hiking). You don't want them too tight or too short, but you don't want your feet sliding around in them either--that can cause blisters. The size of boot that fits you may be a bigger size than you wear for regular shoes, because of the thick socks; my boots are an 8 1/2 when normally I wear a 6 1/2!! Waterproof is a very good thing! I can't tell you how many puddles I've stepped in or unexpected stream crossings I've had when there's recently been a lot of rain, and soaked socks are really the pits! As for places where good deals can be found once you know what fits you, check www.campmor.com and www.sierratradingpost.com. I got my boots (Vasque Picacho) from Sierra Trading Post for about 40% of the regular price. Happy trails!

[Darby361]

I hike a LOT - almost every weekend with the Appalachian Mountain Club. I tried many many boots, and ended up with a pair from REI - Lowa ($180) and they are worth every penny. I hike in both hot and cold conditions with them. When trying them on, be sure to use their wedge that simulates hiking down hill. It is very important to make sure your toes do not hit the front when hiking down hill or you will end up with blisters! If you have an REI near you - go there, they spent 2+ hours with me making sure I got the right fit. To try out boots, I would take them to a mall (indoors) and walk around for a few hours.
Trish

[yellow]

I'm a big fan of trail shoes (not full on boots) for day hiking. I have some Vasque shoes right now that I love, but have also had good luck with the North Face shoes. Lighter than boots, and for me typically more comfy all around. Seems like I gravitate to my trail runners a lot too. I was worried about my floppy ankles at first but now believe that wearing shoes when I hike is better for them (but then I also think that trail running has made them dramatically stonger...I haven't turned an ankle in a very long time where I used to do it all the time in the past. Coincidence? Maybe. But I think my feet and ankles are just stronger. But I digress...)

[surgtech1956]

LL Bean

[Kimmyt]

Hmm yeah like the other ladies said, it depends on your foot and what you're going to be doing. Personally, mostly I hike in sandals especially if it's toasty out. For some reason, my feet hate the idea of socks in the summer, and high boots no way! But if you will be carrying heavier packs or backpacking, the ankle support on a regular boot is helpful.

If you're doing lighter things, you can look at some trail running shoes or the lightweight hikers places carry now, or you can check out (my fav) chacos or (The Boy's fav) keens.

i LOVE hiking in sandals and haven't had problems even in rougher terrain like hiking through the desert with packs up to 30 lbs on (granted these are only hikes lasting 1-2 hours, no longer).

[Jolt]

Oh, boy--now I've really got the itch to go hiking (well, actually I was getting it anyway but this discussion made it way worse)! The hard part is finding anyone to go with when there's not an AMC trip happening.