I need some new hiking boots.

I need a good new pair...any recommendations? Maybe on brands...and places to shop.

I used to have Timberland, but they were expensive and not 1/2 bad, but I think I can do better for the price. (In the $100 to $150 dollar range.)

I got some cheap steel towed Brama boots at Walmart, but they a crap and hurt my feet. No amount of breaking in makes it better.

I have found waterproof...and insulated...but not *both* together! That's seems silly! If I ear them in snow, I want them insulated, but if they aren't waterproof as well, when the snow melts, the insulation will just act as a sponge. My feet already sweat a lot on boots. Insulation may make that worse..but at the same time...I sweat anyway, and in thin bad boots in the winter that just makes my feet freeze after a while.

I went to Farm King...but the boots there were in the $200 - $400 range! I swear I am not making this up, but some of those boots have tags that say "Ask us about financing!"

I could shop online...but I like to try before I buy.

Well, it will be spring again soon. Maybe I won't need insulated as much when it gets rainy and warm. But by then, I'm usually back to waterproof hiking sandals. Or just tennis shoes on mild nights. Tennis are not quite "survial chic" as I like...but comfy...I may get some hiking tennis...but my feet sweat easy. Hence the sandals.

Last two pairs have been Solomon's. Not too expensive and really comfortable.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/s...=Search&008=&gclid=CK71vZyz7ZECFSGWGgodnR7MwA

Here's my hunting boots. 800 grams of Thinsulate and they're waterproof. I have yet to own a pair of Wolverine's that were not comfortable.

Here are the boots I finally got:

Timberland Chocorua Trail GTX (Waterproof, Goertex, lightly insulated)



They retail for around $89 to $100 but with a sale, a coupon, and free shipping and a first time buyer's discount, I only payed $50!!!

I saved enough to be able to buy a pair of these:



Not the best pic...MUCH better/prettier close-up images HERE!!! And they are darn comfy as well I even ditched my old whie tennis shoes and just use them for when I need shoes to put on for cleaning and dirty projects. (I have OCD, and spilled something on he white shoes anyway, so am uncomfortable using them except as dirty work shoes...but they were cheap, and I may get another pair for my kids basketball games...they were under $30 anyway...)

Those boots I got are *damn* comfy, and I haven't even needed to buy the waterproof hiking sandals I wanted (still want but can't afford 'till a sale) I just wear the boots with 1/2 socks with my shorts!

Here's the Keen "Daytona" waterproof hiking sandals I plan to get at the first available Fall sale:



Only the specific one's I want have somewhat darker brown leather. (These are a REAL lifesaver durring Arizona monsoon seasons when the sidewalks turn to rivers!) They make a version with toes, which would offer extra protection when hiking, but I think those would be too hot, and could fill with sand (when I take my kids to teh beaches in Florida, or the sandbox at the playground.)

I also have some very nice looking brown outdoorsy-looking waterproof flip-flops I use around the house (or around my ex's house when I don't want my big clompy boots on) and runs to the store or gas station or trips to the pool or just in the yard...

Or, you know, you could wear something beside hippie shoes.

The Spartans wore sandals.


Tell THEM sandals are hippie shoes.


Go ahead.

I dare ya.

Thanks, I think I'll look into those as winter gets closer...

I was thinking of the added practicality of having toes covering when out hiking around (especially in the bush, with bugs and nasty plants) but also worried that all sorts things like rocks and dirt and water and sweat would accumulate there...

I town, I want my toes free if I have on sandals, so I'd have to get a second pair for hiking. Maybe if there is a sale...