Looking for good hiking boots. What's out there?

I've started my search for a nice pair of boots for me and my girlfriend. We'll be hitting the trails a lot more in the western NC mountains this summer and it's time to invest in some appropriate footwear. In the past I would have just picked something up from Walmart, but over the last few years I've been shifting my buying strategy to quality clothing items that will hold up for the long run while being better than cheap alternatives the whole time. I've been eyeing something along these lines for myself: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0983SXTD3/ref=twister_B0BKJKNGV5. They're probably more than I technically need since I don't expect to be doing a lot of overnight hiking with heavy packs, but they seem high quality and I'd rather be over-prepared than under-prepared when I'm miles away from any civilization. For women's shoes my GF has her eyes on a set of Tevas. What do you all like to wear for hiking?

Go to REI. Get their guidance.

Pretty much every time I buy boots anywhere else, I've regretted it. Their customer service is always excellent, and the return policy can not be beat.

The right boots are the ones that fit YOUR feet.

Trying them on is definitely preferred. A big place like REI, Cabela's, etc. will have lots of options. Everyone's feet are different.

That said, I cannot recommend Meindl strongly enough. I've had mine (currently called the Comfort Fit Hiker; I got them when Cabela's was selling them under their own label, but it's the same boot) for decades, used them hard, and only now are they starting to show the signs of age. Super comfortable for long hikes.

I've always had great luck with Merrell's. 

KEEN works for me every time.

eastpark said:

I've always had great luck with Merrell's. 

As have I.  Would definitely put them on the list to look for.

Whatever you buy, please break them in before any trips.  Not much worse than unhappy feet, and a broken in pair of boots will go a long way in preventing them.

Never been a boot guy.  I live in minimalist running shoes, currently by Xero.  But if it's boots you need, and I do understand that sometimes you need boots, I'd look at Hi-Tec.  Greater flexibility than your typical boots, and less likely to kill your feet before an extensive break-in period.

https://hi-tec.com/pages/our-story-2

https://hi-tec.com/collections/mens-hiking?sort_by=best-selling

Not crazy pricey, so if you're looking for a status symbol, look at something else. 

eastpark said:

I've always had great luck with Merrell's. 

Another vote for Merrell. I've worn pretty much nothing else for the last decade or so. It helps that they have an outlet store near me that always has buy one get one 50% off, too.

Merrell has become my brand of choice for hiking footwear (the under $100 models) and from experience don't like anything other than low-top height uppers. Lot more soreness issues with mid-tops when going up and down mountain trails - ankles need to move freely. Merrell's are lightweight, made very well, and fit my feet very well. Currently wearing the Boulder model, but the Moab models have been good too.

eastpark said:

I've always had great luck with Merrell's. 

I have been very happy with Merrill. I have a great all-leather rough terrain hiking boot and I run the lighter suede type in all seasons. The rough ones are perma-stained in red Hawaiian mud.

I also have run their safety shoes 2x as well but prefer something more rugged for work. The leather slip on steel toe is awesome for shop work here at home. 

Canoe. 
 

Anyway. Just go to rei and try on a few boots.  Asolo, dinner, keen Merrill.  Had success with each. Depends on how your foot is shaped and what you need. 

In reply to AMiataCalledSteve :

Trail running sneakers. For me boots are unnecessary and heavy.

I used to wear Merrells but the last time a bought boots (at REI) I went with a pair of La Sportivas.  Very happy with them.  They are very light, breathable, and water does not get into them. 

I went another direction and went with Keen full toe sandals rather than fight the waterproof battle, but I use mine in situations where that fight is futile. 

I liked them so much and how little wear that they've had that I bought a pair of casual-ish loafers to wear when I have to pretend to dress up for hockey games. These are awesome as well, great in snow up to 2 inches. Wouldn't wear them hiking though because of the slip-on design. Same sole as my sandals though, very grippy.

I have been eyeing some of their hiking boots as my next winter boot. I'll pull the trigger eventually, I know they're worth it, but they'll be pricey still.

So I'd go Keen. 

Definitely try them on before you buy! I checked out a bunch before the last pair I bought, and somehow ended up buying a pair of Teva hikers (yes, the sandal people). About 5 years later, they are still holding up well, and I'm notoriously hard on shoes/boots. The soles are Vibram soles, and even though they are worn a bit since new, they are still plenty grippy. They are waterproof and almost as comfortable as any pair of sneakers I've ever had. They rule for walking around in the city, too, especially in bad/winter weather. 

I used to recommend Keens and Merrells but not anymore. They have moved down market in quality a good bit over the last several years. I'm not getting more than 6-8 months out of their shoes before the soles fail but they are still charging premium prices for them. 

I will have to look into some of the other brands. I don't mind paying top dollar but I want more than Walmart quality for it. 

Asolo and Salomon always my go to

I have an ankle that never really healed up, so I have to wear boots with ankle support prettymuch daily especially while I'm out working, and have been going to REI and buying Zamberlans for about the last 15 years. most comfortable hiking boots I've found yet, their only drawbacks are that they are kinda heavy and kinda warm in summer.  But I get about 5 years out of them which is the best I've found so far. 

Jay_W said:

I have an ankle that never really healed up, so I have to wear boots with ankle support prettymuch daily especially while I'm out working, 

Exact same situation for me. Had a bad ankle sprain 2 years ago that still flares up occasionally. I now wear these combat boots when doing yard work. 

For myself, I used to have consistent ankle issues when I was younger. Once I switched to wider, lower drop shoes (like these, not as minimalist as the Xeros), my feet and ankles are much happier and I rarely experience a roll or sprang. They're lightweight, comfortable, and breathe well. If I step in water, my feet get wet, but on the flipside they dry quickly. These are what I wear for day hikes or backpacking as long as it's not too cold. 

What shoes do you wear daily? If they're comfortable, I'd seek out a hiking shoe/boot that has similar attributes. When it comes to water proofing (goretex or similar), they work well when it's very cold (snow), or for short periods. Eventually, everything leaks, with the tradeoff being waterproof shoes are very slow to dry, and despite the moniker, none of them breath well. If it's warm & wet, you're probably better off embracing the water and having a change of shoes & socks at the car. 

I'll echo the REI recommendations. It's not that they have a ton of insight (maybe more than the average shoe store), but they have a decent selection and a 1 year satisfaction guarantee, so you can try out a pair without fear of wasting money on something that may not be a good fit.