I know so absolutely nothing about this topic. Have never owned a pair. Never shopped for a pair. Not sure I have seen a pair.

But. We are going to the Canadian Rockies in September and doing things like glacier walks and hiking. (not HUGE hiking but some) And the people who are organizing are saying HIKING boots.

If possible I would like to buy something that I will wear again after September!

What is the minimum thing here for me? I don't want to sprain an ankle for sure, but I don't want an (ugly) unwieldy boot I will never wear again.

What do you suggest?

What kind of foot do you have? I have an short, wide, high arched foot and I bought these. It's like wearing nothing and they are very comfortable.

Ginger

I'm not a hiker either, but check out Lowa shoes/boots, too. I bought a pair of their lightweight hiking shoes and they were very comfortable. I think I ordered them online from either Zappos or Shoebuy.

Thanks Ginger and Sophia,
I did look at the picture (very nice and tidy, Ginger) and also through the websites. Zappos has some nice shoes with good reductions.

Now I have to figure out what we really want to get.

Carol

L.L. Beans makes some light wgt hiking shoes and boots. Cabelas also has some. I always get Merrells just because they fit my fdeet like a glove and wear like iron. It would be nice if you could try them on before you buy them.

Sue

When I bought mine, I ordered about 5 different pair from Zappo's to try on when they offered free shipping both ways. The Ecco's fit my feet the best. Do you have an Earth Outfitters near you?


Ginger

Sue, it would indeed be lovely to try them on before buying them!

Ginger, I have no earthly (pardon that) idea about an Earth Outfitter, but I'll find out. We live about 1 1/2 hours from Ft. Worth and our nearest kinda big town is Abilene - only about an hour. I have a short, wide foot with high arches too, by the way. But (how I hate to admit this again) I am notorious for being on a budget and I've never even SEEN shoes/boots that expensive. Of course, I only look at the sale counters, tables, racks etc. But I do want a good pair (on sale hopefully) for hiking on this trip - so I'm going to keep that foremost in mind. (And I've been thinking about you too, and hoping that you are not in constant pain. I know you have an appointment on Wednesday and I'll keep you in my positive thoughts)

The one thing I've learned over my 50 years on earth is not to be cheap about my feet. I will wear these boots for years to come, God willing. The other thing you need is seamless hiking socks. They too are worth their weight in gold, although they're not very expensive. You can buy these on the Campmor site.


Ginger

I like dry toes and feet so I wear Smartwool socks year round. They make great hiking socks, and come in all different wgts. Treat you feet to a good hiking boot, and your feet will be happy.

My first suggestion would be to call the hike organizers (those who declared you need hiking boots) and ask for a recommendation.

Glacier walks may mean cramp-ons (spikes to stick to the ice that strap to your shoes). Things like that I'd definately wear a boot. Otherwise I'd go with a hiking SHOE, just so there's a higher chance you'll wear them again.

Check out these at Title 9. And also check out the selection at backcountry.com.

Whatever you do, try them on before you buy. And be sure to break them in before your trip.

The Smartwool socks are a great suggestion, too!

Please don't order boots through the mail, or get boots that aren't made for hiking. You will absolutely regret it.

A pair of boots that don't fit you well will give you blisters within half an hour, then you'll be absolutely in agony for every step of the remainder of your trip.

Go to a REI, EMS or similar outdoor specialty shop, even if that means a drive. Get fitted. They'll ask what, specifically, you intend to do in the boots. They'l have you try on several pairs, with the kind of socks (yes, smartwool hiking socks are good. one pair. you can do one layer of thin polypro wicking socks if your feet are very cold or very sweaty in winter). The stores usually have a steep ramp so you can feel how the boots fit when your feet are jammed toward the front, not just the toes but the tongue/shin. They should then discuss where the boots are tight/loose (loose heel is very bad), and if they might stretch or break in or if they're going to always be that way, if they are laced correctly, all kinds of information that you are not going to get just by walking around in your living room!
Also pick up some blister patches while you're there, and get advice on breaking the boots in.

This is not to say you need huge mountain boots -- those are mostly if you are doing multiday hikes with a big pack. I have a pair of Merrell day hikers (almost like glorified sneakers) that I wear on overnights with a light pack. But I tried on a lot of pairs to find out they were the right ones for me. You don't want rock hard, but stay away from anything too spongy/cushiony it shouldn't feel "like bedroom slippers" because your foot mushing around will eventually cause "hot spots" and then blisters.

When you are out hiking, your feet are all you have. What should be a wonderful experience for you becomes a nightmare. And if your feet are in such bad shape that you can barely keep up, and others have to carry your stuff, or have to turn back, it's a bummer for everyone. On a long hike, infection is a possibility. Not good.

The REI Web site, rei.com, has a lot of good information about how boots should fit,what to look for, materials, etc.

Bottom line: Go to a specialist shop. You might still get blisters, but you'll be better off than you would on you own.

Have a great time!

Wow, what absolutely great advice and suggestions you all have provided. I have read every word and I WILL go and try out shoes/boots as you all suggested (and Blue Hour insisted!) The seamless socks are a great idea. I hadn't even thought about socks.
Thanks again. I will print this off so I can be sure that the guys there know as much as you all do!

Bluehour,

I agree with 99% of your advice, but I went to 3 different shoe stores, one of them a specialty outdoor store, Earth Outfitters. I tried on about 25 pairs here locally and none of them fit my foot. I tried Merrel, Keen, Columbia, Timberland, Northface, Sorel, Mephistoes, Teva and Vasque. I ordered 5 more pairs in styles my local stores did not carry and got lucky with the Ecco's. So Mama, go to the stores FIRST as Bluehour suggests and hopefully you will find a pair, but don't be afraid to order from the mail if you don't find anything locally.

Ginger

I am a regular hiker and I love Salomon Treking boots. I haven't tried their hiking shoes but the hightop boots make me jump around like a mountian goat. If you have weak ankles these boots are great!
My Favorite boot
Lightweight hiking shoes
(Not affiliated with this company just a big fan...)
Tracey

My husband and I are both big Salomon fans, too. Their snowboard boots are the most comfortable I've worn.

I'm half-seriously looking for good approach shoes, and am diggin' the Symbio W's here! Now if they just made them with Stealth rubber soles, I'd be set!
Thanks for the link, Tracey!

I agree with Blue.I might order by mail when I already know size and the showe I want etc.RR