When choosing a hiking boot, there are a lot of different things that come into play on deciding which type of boots to buy. Money can be a factor, as well as durability and style and before you buy a pair of hiking boots it is important to know what you want and how much you are willing to spend on them. Here are a list of the top five hiking boots and what makes them each so good for hiking.
If you are looking for a light-weight hiking boot, the High-Tec V-lite Radar 2 Event Low might be the right shoe for you, and is priced about 105 dollars. This might be a little steep on price, but if you are looking for a boot that is low-cut or mid-cut and is more like a traditional shoe than a boot to provide more comfort this would be the shoe. The boot is good for day hikes, or backpacking trips and is also lighter than the average boot, although you do lose some of the ankle support with these. These shoes are designed to need less break-in time, very breathable shoe and also very durable and waterproof. This shoe is for the men who are looking to get out for a day and take a hike or maybe even the weekend warrior, but does not seem to be the most supportive if you are a hiker who enjoys the longer weekend trips, as the ankle support you will need does not exist on the low-cut shoes. With a weight of less than two pounds per pair, this hiking boot is sure to be one of the most comfortable shoes you can buy, and also being waterproof is always good for those summer trips out on the water and mountains. The only thing about these shoes is they are not good if you are carrying more than 25 pounds on your bag, and they also are only in wide-width.
Another good hiking boot is the Keen Targhee Two Mid, because it is a compromise of the traditional boot and the low-cut boot. This boot provides the lightness and flexibility of a traditional shoe but also the ankle support that many people are looking for. They are breathable shoes, waterproof, have a nice toe area, and are very comfortable for most people who are just out for a normal hike, not in a to rugged terrain. You can get these shoes for about 120 dollars, and they might be in the top five picks but they are not exactly worth that kind of money, so if you are looking for these shoes you might want to shop around first. They have good traction, but only support a backpack up to about 35 pounds.
The Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Gor-Tex XCR are a full-length hiking boot but are also lightweight in nature. These shoes provide the support and durability that is needed for the more active hiker and the more rough terrain and also are waterproof. If you are a more avid hiker then these would be the shoes for you, and unlike regular hiking boots, these boots are very lightweight so they will not weigh you down. No break-in time is needed and they also weigh less than two pounds a pair and have one of the best ankle supports. The outer membrane of the shoe keeps them dry even if they were fully submerged in water. The price of these shoes average to about 140 dollars, but the price is worth it if you are a very experienced and active hiker.
Heavy-duty leather backpacking boots like the Kayland Vertigo High are also another option for the avid hiker, but are more expensive. These shoes are about 200 dollars and are just as light as the other shoe options, but are good for those who are looking for the extra heavy duty shoe. They have one of the best full-ankle supports and are also one of the most durable shoes, and can last for a long time. These shoes are sturdy enough if you are carrying a 60 pound pack on you, and also provide lasting comfort to help you on your way. They are breathable, waterproof, and provide a lot of comfort to the user, except people who have very wide feet. This shoe is a little pricey, but if you are always hiking and are wanting to know they have comfort and durability along with ankle support it would be worth the money.
Lastly. the Columbia Frontier Peak GTX is another great option for a fairly reasonable 120 dollars. They are long-lasting and very durable and able to handle most terrain. They are waterproof which will provide you with the protection you need in any wet environment and also have a waterproof upper. These boots are breathable and durable and sure to last, and provide comfort for the long hikes. They also look more like a traditional hiking boot, and provide more ankle support than other shoes, but also are a little heavier than some other shoes. This is a great option for people who might be looking to get the comfort and support from one shoe without spending a lot of money.
You can also look around at different sites to find these shoes listed, some places include:
www.amazon.com
www.ebay.com
www.overstock.com
www.zappos.com
www.Timberland.com
