"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
John Muir

A good solid versatile hiking boot is a must on any trip. Do your research and try on a number of different boots before making your decision. Test them out well before any serious hike.

Choosing Hiking Boots........

Best Rated Mid Weight Hiking Boot of 2008

Scarpa Mustang GTX

Scarpa Mustang GTX Hiking Boots

Tough and versatile for hiking, trekking, and backpacking.

Features:

Upper: Suede
Lining: Gore-Tex®
Midsole: Comfort-flex
Sole: Vibram® Megane Lite
Last: BX
Weight: men's 695g
Gore-Tex to keep you dry
Ankle flex for bi-directional flex
Easily tensioned lacing system
PU wedge for shock absorbtion, microporus wedge for lightness
Vibram sole offers excellent traction
Reinforced toeboxs

Find this boot at US Outdoor Store

Second Place Mid Weight Hiking Boot

Vasque Sundowner

The Sundowner GTX Shoe by Vasque has a reputation for comfort and old-school style, which may explain why it’s as common at the grocery store as on the trail. It’s also equally at home under the weight of a pack on a usual day hike. Features: Upper: 2.4mm Waterproof Smoothout Leather Insole: Bimodal 2 Midsole: Medium Density Rubber Outsole: Vasque Classic Lining: 3-Bar Knit Nylon Footbed: Dual Density EVA GORE-TEX Padded Collar Weight: 3 lbs. 6 oz. (1531gm) men’s 9

Vasque Sundowner GTX

Find This Boot at MooseJaw

Best Rated Heavy Duty boot

Kayland Vertigo High

kayboot

Find This Boot at the US Outdoor Store

Recommend for off-trail hiking and backpacking with heavy loads. Based on field tests of 110 hiking boots, the editors of Backpacker Magazine give the Kayland Vertigo High the 2007 Editors Choice award, praising the sturdy construction, eVent lining and good fit. Field testers at Backpacker magazine say this hiking boot is well constructed and provides enough support for carrying 50-pound loads

Event® Lining
Active last
Vibram® Tsavò Sole
Shock absorber microporous + I.A.D.S. Midsole
E.C.T. insole TREK Insole
Suede 1.6/1.8 mm Upper
710 gr
Level of Rigidity 4

Mens Hiking Footwear

Altrec
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
Moosejaw
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)
Patagonia
REI
Sierra Trading Post
US Outdoor Store