Hiking boots

There has got to be some hikers on here; can't have horsey, outdoor loving people and not haha.

The bf and I have taken up hiking, like actual in the mountain, all day hiking and the running shoes just aren't cutting it anymore. Fine when we were sticking to the coulees, but had a couple rocks bruise me through the bottom last good hike in the mountains and the walk back was just fun Also a little waterproof-ness would be nice.

So I'm looking for brand recommendations, tips for finding a good pair, things to look out for, that sort of thing.

I was up in Calgary at the Bass Pro Shop a couple months ago and was very disappointing by the women's boot section. It was all heeled, fashion boots at that time, so if anyone has any stores to check out too that'd be great. I'm not opposed to online ordering as long as there are good return policies.

Thanks!

I've had good luck with Vasque, lasting 2 yrs each pair. I wear my hiking boots all the time, I don't wear other shoes unless need dictates.
My latest pair are Lowa, according to the manufacturer they should last more than 6 years, I bought them through REI so I can exchange/return them any time they get wear on them. Other than the insole wearing out on the first pair they've held up really well.
Both brands have really good traction, nice foot bed to keep thorns and such from reaching your feet (we have black locust on our property, 3" thorns didn't ruin the boots). They had gore-tex so never stayed wet for long.
The way I found the Lowa's was by doing a product comparison and reading product reviews on REI's website (incidentally I live 4 hrs from any store). I loved my old Vasque, but on reading the reviews last year they apparently had suffered in quality, and on trying on a pair in the store in March found the new ones had a base that felt wobbley.

REI, and probably a great many sites will let you look at a group of boots at one time and see their specs. Look for ankle heights that will feel comfortable to you, and if you plan on walking on hard trails (rock) then you need a tougher sole than if you are hiking on dirt trails. I tend to look for Vibram soles, they wear like iron.

I'd recommend looking at product reviews by people who had bought the one's you are looking at. Especially the con's list, if a topic comes up more than 2x it may be a real problem. Then go find a place that has the one's you like and see how it feels. If the boots don't meet what you find comfortable on first fitting, they won't feel good on a hike, they wont break into be more comfortable, just looser.

I would definitely stay away from ordering online until you have tried on the same exact boot.
Fit is everything.
If you have an REI in your area, it would be beneficial to make a stop there.
Your feet's comfort is extremely important!

I personally like a 1 piece leather boot that doesn't have a lot of seams ~ more waterproof and leather molds to the shape of your foot, I get less blisters, and usually last longer than synthetics.
I have Zamberland's and they are by far, my favorite pair of boots I've ever owned.

Buy quality if you can. A good pair of boots can last a decade or longer.

I'm sure you could find reviews at Backpacker's website.

Usually, you can't return the boots once they've gone outside. Wear them inside as long as you possibly can...days, weeks.

I LOVE my Ariat hiking boots. I bought them for ugly weather and trail riding, but I've used them on some intense hikes.

BootBarn - Ariat Women's Terrain Hiking Endurance Boots
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My wife and I backpacked a fair amount until we got horses.

She really likes her Vasque.....

I love the Ariat barn boots, I have 4 pair all at different stages of wear and horse smell. I do everything including hike in them. Get the waterproof ones!!!!

I have had a couple pair of vasque, I found them big and heavy, when I got tired I tripped over the the bulkiness of them.

Hiker : Old Indian word for bad rider.

My Dad swears by Vasque, for both mountaineering boots and hiking.
But, my mom and I love our Merrel's. We both wear mens because they are wider, mine are similar to these; Perimeter Gore-Tex Men's Hiking Boot with Vibram Sole Technology - Merrell.com - J50755 . I love, love, love them! We do lots of backpacking in the summer, so these are great because they offer lots of support, are very comfortable, never had blisters, waterproof, and they work well for snow travel too. In fact, I use these with gaiters instead of winter boots :) My only complaint is that they are a little bit heavy, but I've had them for 7yrs and they are still going strong!

Boy friend=scared of horses. So he be hiker.

I like hearing good news for the Ariats. My Ariats that I ride in have a LOT of miles and holding up just excellent.

I'll have to look for some Merrels or Vasque to try out. Sadly the closest REI is over 5 and a half hours away. I'll have to do some searching for other outdoor stores in Southern Alberta.

Thanks guys!
Looking at these brands I've at least gain some info on the gazillion different types.

I like roper horse shoes best - they are super comfy, and mountain horse brand second.