What To Look For
Look for a shoe that fits your style of hiking. If you are doing light, daytime hikes, you will want a lightweight, flexible shoe built for comfort and durability. If you are planning an extended backpacking trip, you will want a slightly heavier shoe that is built to endure multiple types of weather conditions that also provides extensive ankle and foot protection and support. All hiking shoes should provide traction and durability to withstand rough and unpredictable terrain.
Common Pitfalls
Buyers often do not realize that the time of day they purchase their shoes can make a big difference in the fit. Because feet swell over the course of a day, you may find that hiking boots you tried on in the morning may feel too tight when you wear them throughout the day. The evening is the best time to purchase your boots, when your feet are at their largest. If you do shop for your boots in the morning, add an extra pair of socks to ensure that you do not end up with boots that will be too tight.
Where To Buy
Hiking boots can be purchased at sporting goods stores such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority and REI. They can also be found online in greater variety. Be wary of purchasing hiking boots online unless you have first tried them on in the store to be sure of the fit.
Cost
The best hiking boots will range in price from $60 to $200. It is possible to find sales and special deals on hiking boots but never sacrifice quality for cost.
Comparison Shopping
Consumer Research noted that the Vasque Breeze GTX XCR is waterproof and ventilated and is offered in three widths for $140. For heavy backpacking or rugged terrain, Zamberlan 760 Steep GT at $260 was recommended. L.L. Bean offers the Trail Model Hikers II, Mid-Cut for $60, which was rated as comfortable and providing good support; however, it is not waterproof and only comes in medium width. For day hikes, Keen Voyageur Low at $100 was recommended as well-ventilated and lightweight. It is not waterproof but dries quickly.
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