I'm new, this is my first post here. I slowly moving towards some new hiking boots, to replace the cheap boots I have that don't fit and hurt my feet. I can spend up to about $150-$160. Most of my hiking is in south central Texas, in some large local state parks and natural areas, where I take long, all-day hikes over rocky terrain (see pic) and often in very hot, humid weather. I need a boot that breathes well (obviously) and can take a LOT of abrasion and that provides good ankle protection and support. FWIW, I'm 5' 11" and weigh 220 lbs.
I know the Danner Mountain 600 is good, but I've read that it's not good for sweaty conditions. Bass Pro Shop (15 minutes from me) has Keen Voyager Mids for $149. But I've read several reviews about them coming apart. Jeez, it seems like any boot you look at, some people wear them for years, and somebody else says "they fell apart in 10 minutes!"
Any tips would be appreciated, it's been a LONG LONG time since I bought some new hiking boots. Last time was some Vasque Hiker II's back in the middle 70s!
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In the 60s, 70s, and 80s I used heavy leather Vasque Whitneys. Then when Ray Jardine's PCT Hikers Handbook came out I switched to inexpensive running shoes. My pack with five days of food was 40 lbs when I was young and wore heavy boots, 30 lbs when wearing the running shoes. Now the pack is about 20 lbs for the same number of days. My pack, quilt, sleeping pad and tent together weigh about 5 lbs. Those four items also cost about $1800. It's too bad I couldn't afford that when I did most of my long distance backpacking.
Also, hiking 15 miles with leather boots was a major achievement. Lightweight gear extended my ability to make miles by at least two decades.
Now, in my early 70s, I wear Merrill Moabs. They are stiff enough to buffer feeling rocks, but light enough not to notice them on my feet. I wear the low-tops, but met a fellow last week while backpacking in Lassen National Park wearing the high-tops. I asked if they made a difference in terms of ankle stability. He thought for a moment, and unequivocally replied, "No!" They are in your price range. They also go on sale twice a year on the Merrill website.
You don't need boots unless you're carrying more than 40 lbs in your pack. Danner Mountain Lights are still made, but they're $400+, and are made for narrow feet.
Be sure to get shoes/boots wider than you normally wear. Your feet expand after a short time hiking (and as you age). Trying something on in the store - the shoe/boot should swim a bit. If it's snug it's too narrow/small. You want your forefoot to have obvious room! You can lace the shoe/boot so the forefoot is loose and heel/ankle tight. I wear a 14EEEE which if I could find, would expand to 14EEEEEE. I am not exaggerating here. If it feels too wide in the store, and too long, it's probably just right.
An important point is that since switching away from leather boots, or boots that are too tight, and/or too small, I have not had a blister - and that's the last 30 years of backpacking. Insoles have helped with that I believe.
In my opinion, goretex boots are an excellent example of how marketing creates a need, and then a market that addresses that need with a product (Line). They are fine for wading through puddles, but once wet, stay wet for days. I walked through a couple creeks last week in my Moabs and within an hour the shoes, while not dry, were no longer soaking. My socks were damp but not wet. 10 minutes of airing everything out and it was like I hadn't waded a couple creeks. Running shoes dry out even faster. And no blisters...
The key to using modern footwear is insoles. Toss the ones that come with shoes/boots. They are pretty worthless out the door. Here's an overview what's out there.
https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-insoles-for-hiking/
Another key is using two poles. If you have "weak ankles" which most of us do because we walk on flat surfaces, poles are an excellent buffer against turning an ankle. While they don't stop falling off an 1 1/2" high rock, they will keep you from falling so far you sprain ankle enough to not be able to hike. Modern shoes/boots do not protect the ankles like those old Vasques, no matter what a manufacturer claims.
Modern hiking shoes/boots aren't built to last like those old Vasque boots. Now the merrills last me two years before I toss them. One year if I wear them around town. (I also don't hike more than 20 days a year now) Running shoes should be tossed after being worn for six months, or 600 miles if you hike that much, probably the Merrills too. This is opinion of course. Go to "thetrek.co" and look at what long distance hikers wear, and find their discussions of footwear that works for them. Postholer.com also has forums that discuss gear.
