What To Look For
When it comes to hiking boots for men, the most important aspects are comfort and stability. The boots must be sturdy enough to prevent ankle twists and other injuries, but they also must be flexible enough to prevent slipping and provide surface grip to uneven surfaces. The boots also should have excellent linings and soles for superior comfort. Look for boots that are completely waterproof, or have some way of becoming waterproof, such as with an oil or other product. The top brands of hiking boots have these features and some even come with anti-blister heels. Backpacker Magazine cites the Raichle Mountain Trail XT GTX hiking boot as the best in its class for support and flexibility. National Geographic Adventure recommends the Lowa Boots Men's Elite Desert Boot as one of the top performers among hiking boots.
Common Pitfalls
While it is not necessary to spend a fortune on hiking boots, there is truth to the old statement that you get what you pay for. The less expensive brands of hiking boots do not offer the comfort and quality of more expensive brands. In fact, with frequent hikers, it may end up costing more in the long run if you purchase cheaper boots because you will have to replace them more frequently. However, there is also no need to over-buy. Only purchase a boot designed for the kind of walking or climbing that you will be doing.
Where To Buy
It is possible to purchase hiking boots from almost any sports or outdoor store. Two excellent stores that offer a wide variety of hiking boot brands are Altrec and REI. Both of these stores offer online and offline shopping in locations around the United States. Look on the store's website for a location in your area. Altrec sells many top brands of hiking boots including Timberland, Hi-Tec, Merrell, Keen, Zamberlen, Lowa and The North Face. REI offers many of the same brands in addition to Vasque, Salomon, Asolo and Scarpa.
Cost
Most quality hiking boots cost between $100 and $250. This encompasses a wide range of comfort, style and features. The Raichle Mountain Trail XT GTX hiking boot costs just under $190. The Lowa Boots Men's Elite Desert Boot costs just under $300. Sometimes sporting stores will offer sales that bring the cost of high-end sneakers down to a more reasonable price point for those who hike less often.
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