A few years ago my favorite pair of hiking boots gave out. I had picked up a cheap pair at an REI garage sale, and they worked fine for family camping and short hikes. Having decided to try and get back into more serious hiking, trekking and the likes, I decided it was time to make the investment in a new, good pair of boots. Having just waded through all the choices out there, I thought I would post some thoughts on how to go about choosing the best boot for you.

The first, and most important thing is to know what kind of hiking you will be doing. You don't want to buy too much boot, they will just be heavier and leave you more tired and sore at the end of the trip. Without scientifically breaking it down, your basic categories and their uses would include:

Categories

Trail Running Shoes: These are super light, offer decent to great traction, require no break in period and generally wear like a pair of running shoes on steroids. In other words, they are comfortable for most people. They are not waterproof though, and don't offer a lot of support. These would be suitable for someone doing family camping, short hikes on mostly maintained trails, and carrying only a hydration pack.

Light Weight Hiking Boots: Offering more support than trail running shoes, these can often be found in waterproof (Gore-Tex) versions. They are still relatively light weight and flexible, requiring minimal break in, if any. They have moderate support that makes them useful for backpacking with lighter packs (weekend trips, or week long if you pack light or are on maintained trails). These can be found in different cuts, and offer more or less support based on that. The main advantage is the combination of support and light weight. You know the old saying, a pound on the foot is worth five in the pack.

Hiking Boots: I don't have a better name, but you know them when you see them. Full grain uppers, higher cut, relatively heavy (over three pounds). These are meant for carrying heavier packs for longer durations over tougher terrain. Usually have a mid to high cut, giving more ankle support. Different levels of waterproofing is available as well.

Cut: Boots come in low, mid, and high cut; each going up higher in the ankle and thereby providing more support. You know your own ankles, so look for something that provides enough support without going overboard. I have ankles that give out a lot due to ankle injuries earlier in life, and I tend to be a bit of a clumsy hiker, so I opt for a high cut. The additional support has saved me more than a few times and is worth the minimal weight gain. If you don't have problems, or don't plan on any hiking on rougher terrain, a mid to low cut is probably better.

Upper Materials

You can find boots made with lots of different materials for the uppers. Full grain leather offers more support, more waterproofing, but less breath-ability and more weight. Split grain leather or synthetics are often combined with mesh materials to offer lighter weight, greater breath-ability, but less support. These can also have great waterproofing, as they can be found with Gore-Tex linings. Generally, I find that leather uppers require a little more maintenance than other materials.

Sizing

Go into the store and get sized, period. Make sure you go towards the end of the day when your feet have swollen from being used all day. Put different boots on each foot and spend your time walking around, try to get a good comparison of how they feel. Feet are very unique, and not all boots fit equal. Manufacturers make changes in models too, so don't assume that because the version five years ago worked, the current version will too. I really appreciate REI for boot purchases, as they will take them back if they don't work. It makes the purchase a litttle less nerve wracking!

Socks

Don't spend all your good money on hiking boots, and then skimp on socks! Cotton socks will get sweaty and can cause blisters, leaving you to potentially blame the boot! Try out some different brands and materials, even try a silk liner underneath to find what works best for you.

Break In

Ok, so now you've bought your perfect pair of boots. Make sure to spend some time breaking them in, just in case. Wear them around on a weekend, take some shorter hikes first, etc. They might not need it, but you'll gain some confidence knowing that you won't have problems on your first important trip.

And just in case, carry some mole-skin along with you on the first trip!