Boots?

[badseed1980]

Hey folks,

I am in need of some new hiking boots. I expect to use them for stuff like hiking the trails in the Middlesex Fells, which means yes, trails, but frequently hilly and rocky trails. I'm thinking a midweight boot is probably what I want. I would greatly prefer to spend under $200. Waterproof would be good, and breathable is important. I don't want boots that make my feet feel really hot if I'm hiking on a nice warm-ish day, and they don't need to keep me warm at 20 below. Any recommendations? I'm looking at reviews online, but there don't seem to be many boots that have a lot of ratings to compare, and most of the ones that do are super pricey, so it's not easy.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Comments

[hippie1025.livejournal.com]

I always like the various Merrell boots I've bought. If only they would stop discontinuing the style that I like just in time for me to buy a new pair... ;)

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Heh--I hate it when manufacturers do that! The boots I have now are over 10 years old, and are falling apart at the seams, literally. It's about time I got a new pair.

[nepenthedreams]

I prefer hiking shoes - if you don't need the ankle support. Much lighter.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I kind of like the ankle support, because I do on occasion do some rougher terrain.

[leenah.livejournal.com]

place to buy boots, if you don't mind returning them if they don't fit: Sierra Trading Co. excellent prices on closeout merchandise. i've gotten amazing deals there.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was thinking about either going through them or going to an outlet store somewhere.

[lothiriel-1.livejournal.com]

Keen makes several styles of hiking boots that are well within your budget. I wore a pair of Targhee mids whilst tromping around Scotland 2 years ago, and they're still comfortable.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Excellent, thanks!

[disownedheidi.livejournal.com]

Go to REI. Online reviews are rather useless, as shoes have to be comfortable on YOUR feet, not someone else's!

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I'm looking mostly for reviews of quality, features, dependability, etc., so I can decide which ones I'm interested in trying on. Getting a pair that fits only to find out six months later that they leak water, are unbearably hot, or fall apart quickly would suck!

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

That's two recommendations for Merrell. cool!