Hiking boots

Buy in a store and choose from what they have to offer even it they are a little more expensive. Take your normal kind of hiking/tramping around socks with you or buy something typical of what you might wear in the store and make your decision. Folks that hike a lot buy pairs of boots for different situations and in different sizes. Bigger for more sock and so forth. But I think in your case, if you think in terms of day hikes and something that is comfortable and gives you good support will work well for you. Half the time I wear standard cotton crew stocks around and seldom switch for day hikes.... as long as they fit. That is crucial.

I think you will be well served with Merrell Ventilators or the high top version. A lot of folks I know wear their hiking boots/shoes all the time.
 
I have spent a lot of time trying to find the ideal boot for my needs. I have been a big fan of the leather Vasque Wasatch, as the rubber toe rand I felt greatly increased the life of the boots. Sierra Trading Post is a great place to look for discount high quality boots, but beware internet-order sizing issues. As the years go on and I lighten my pack more and more, I tend to hike just in Five fingers, and save my boots for trail work and conservation projects.
 
Lot's of great advice here. I'm another one who has stayed away from Gore-Tex boots/shoes. If you spend any significant amount of time outdoors, you boots/shoes will get wet as will your feet. The best option is an unlined boot or shoe (outside of extremely cold temperatures) that dry fast; always pack a dry set of socks along if you're going to be on the trail for extended time.

Very good advice on trying on your boots/shoes when your feet are swollen from all-day walking/hiking or working. I've had to pair special attention to this and a wide toe box is mandatory for me.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on...

ROCK6
 
Thanks for all the help thus far, everybody. This thread has developed in to quite the treasure trove of hiking shoe knowledge. I hope someone else can make use of this thread in the future (they'll have to learn the search function though, first. Am I right?! Just kidding)

Anyways, I went through the entire thread and reread what everyone has been saying. A lot of the suggestions were really nice, but just a little more expensive than I would feel comfortable spending. While I would have loved to buy from the local store, I couldn't resist the savings from STP. Money doesn't grow on trees for college students, so sometimes you have to go against your morals. I'm going to make it up by buying gaiters and maybe a pull-over fleece or t-shirt. The shoes I ended up choosing were the Patagonia scree shields. I will be sure to inform everyone as to their fit and the likes when I get to try them on.

Thanks again for all the help!
 
While I don't have "hiking boots" I have worn and used several boots for work. My "boots" I have settled on for price vs performance are Red Wing Loggers. I hike in them, hunt in them, and work in them 6 days a week. They never let me down no matter what I put them threw. Now keep in mind they are not lightweight at all so if that matters toss them right out the door but if you are looking for a solid dependable boot for a good price you really cant go wrong with Red Wings. Now if you want the best you can get and are not afraid to throw down some serious money on a pair of boots Whites will last you a lifetime.
 
Unfortunately, both of those options are wayyyy out of my price range lol. One day, however, my income with meet up with my taste in footwear (and most everything else for that matter!)

The local outdoors store (Appalachian Outdoors) had a pair of Red Wings from their Heritage line that caught my eye before anything else. Partially because I'm also searching for a pair of classy boots I can wear out to the bars and such with a nice pair of jeans! I checked out their website and found a couple pair, but they're really expensive! The three I really like are the 1907, Iron Ranger, and style 9156 Genuine Handsewn. Oh well, a man can dream.
 
If you're looking for 'social' boots, you might find something from Timberland that's to your liking in that range. They've been in that space for quite awhile, and not too ungodly expensive.

As for your trail needs, based on your initial indication (dirt trails, light loads), you could go in just about any direction. You'd probably want something waterproof (for mud, puddles, etc), but could probably get by with a trail shoe.

As for me, I like Danners...I picked up a pair of combat hikers for a good price at a local store a little while back (see photos)...haven't had a chance to break them in yet with everything else going on, but hope to soon. If you get on in Danner's 'Breakroom' you can sometimes score some awesome deals. But it would probably be best if you test drove a couple pairs of Danners at a local store to see what's your size.

Also, the Sportsman's Guide also often has boots at good prices, so might be worth checking out.

BOSS
 
The Danner Mountain Lights are one boot you should try on if possible. They're heavy enough for on-trail backpacking, light enough for woods-walking and dayhiking, and sturdy enough for off-trail bouldering and scrambling.

I've been wearing them so long I think my feet have formed to the shape of the boots. Since my first pair (over twenty years ago), I've never had to go through a break-in period. ;)

It seems their prices have gone up since 1989 though. :(
 
BOSS1 said:
If you're looking for 'social' boots, you might find something from Timberland that's to your liking in that range. They've been in that space for quite awhile, and not too ungodly expensive.

As for your trail needs, based on your initial indication (dirt trails, light loads), you could go in just about any direction. You'd probably want something waterproof (for mud, puddles, etc), but could probably get by with a trail shoe.

As for me, I like Danners...I picked up a pair of combat hikers for a good price at a local store a little while back (see photos)...haven't had a chance to break them in yet with everything else going on, but hope to soon. If you get on in Danner's 'Breakroom' you can sometimes score some awesome deals. But it would probably be best if you test drove a couple pairs of Danners at a local store to see what's your size.

Also, the Sportsman's Guide also often has boots at good prices, so might be worth checking out.

BOSS
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Bob W said:
The Danner Mountain Lights are one boot you should try on if possible. They're heavy enough for on-trail backpacking, light enough for woods-walking and dayhiking, and sturdy enough for off-trail bouldering and scrambling.

I've been wearing them so long I think my feet have formed to the shape of the boots. Since my first pair (over twenty years ago), I've never had to go through a break-in period. ;)

It seems their prices have gone up since 1989 though. :(
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Danners were out of my price range, unfortunately..

But my boots came in! I wore them around the house last night and they felt GREAT. Don't feel stiff at all, which makes me a happy person. I can't wait to go out and test them out in the woods ;)
 
Sorry to chime in late,I also just purchased a pair of hiking boots my choice was the Vasque Breeze, gore tex lined, vibram sole light weight,a good boot for warmer weather.They are also on clearance on several web sites.
Tracker 2
 
I'm considering a pair of LL Bean's low-cut Waterproof Trail Model Hikers. About $90. Anyone have any experience with these?
 
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