htt

I am currently wearing Nike ACG Air Zoom Tallacs during my hikes. They claimed as Nike's lightest hiking boot. Even though I feel that they are broken in, I am still getting hotspots and blisters. I made sure I got the proper size and such. Well I'm in the market for new shoes now. This is where I need help. I do a bunch of shopping at REI since they have a store in Houston. REI classifies their men's hiking boots into two catagories. 1. Waterproof "Day" hiking boots and 2. Waterproof "backpacking" boots. Right now I am merely day hiking. In the next two months or so, I will begin backpacking. Should I stick with the day boots or get something fit for backpacking? I'm assuming backpacking boots have more support and are heavier (don't like the added weight).

Thanks.

ploddinTod

I was a day hiker for years using a light hiking boot (Hi Tec Sierra Lite). When I converted to backpacking, I didn't change boots because I liked mine so much. It depends on your feet and ankles. You may not need that much extra support. But you definitely need to find a boot that will eliminate your hot spots and blister problems. The fit of the boot combined with the right hiking sock is the key to solving this problem. You don't necessarily need to buy a heavier boot. Also the waterproofing will tend to make your feet hotter because it cuts down on the air flow to the interior. If you're mostly hiking in fair to hot weather, I'd skip the waterproofing for max air flow and cooling. You could always add the spray on waterproofing if wanted. This is just my opinion, I'm sure you'll get others.

htt

After yesterday's hike at Lost Maples, I definitely need something with enough support for my ankles. The shoes I had provided ample lateral support but it could of been better. Speaking of socks, I landed across some socks where each toes is seperated. Gloves for you feet. They are made by Injinji for runners. The sock is made with CoolMax moisture wicking fabric and nylon. The socks don't seem thick at all. I wonder how good this would be for hiking?
I narrowed my search down to the Asolo FSN 95 (lightweight day hiker) and the Vasque Zephyr backpacking boots. Both are Gore-Tex lined. The Asolo boots are about a pound lighter weighing in around 2lbs 13oz.

toejam

Feet are strange and unique pieces of equipment. I've had a lot of bad luck with boots. I'm about convinced that you have to learn by experience and be willing to keep trying things until you find something that works. Most places to buy hiking boots aren't going to have a boot fitting genius working there to help you out - you are going to know best what works for you and what feels right. Try to identify what is causing the hotspots with your current boots and avoid that with the next ones.

I'm agreeing with Tod that waterproofing is overrated and more likely to keep your feet hot & sweaty. I've hiked in wet snow all day in Vasque Superhikers and got a toe wet by the end of the afternoon - most non-gortex well built leather boots from good companies are very water resistant without adding a semi-breathable layer of gortex. The dumbest things I've seen are low-top gortex shoes. I can't figure out what good a layer of gortex does when the water runs in around your ankles.

On the other hand, my next pair of boots will probably be Vasque Zephyrs. If you are going to spend serious money on the boots you may as well get good support because inexperienced backpackers always carry packs that are too heavy.

My old Superhikers became too small for me when my arches collapsed due to middle-age. Since I spent $200 on them I kept trying to use them and lost many toenails due to toes hitting the end of the boot, especially going down hill. I swear they fit right when I bought them! I had some Montrails that had lumps in the liner at the heels that gave me awful blisters the second day on the trail. I had Technicas that fit perfectly and felt great when I first put them on but tore up my heels on long hikes. I wore them out and never figured out what the deal was with them. For the last year and a half I've been wearing the best fitting boots I've owned - they were $20 at WalMart.

Remember that your feet swell a bit on the trail - the front part, not the heel. So get plenty of toe room but make sure they cinch down tight enough to keep your feet from moving around. If they are a little too big you can correct it with inserts, but if they are too small you have to throw them away.

lost_but_found

There is a bunch of good information here.

I wear a Gore-Tex low top adventure shoe. I have strong ankles so I like the freedom. But the Gore-Tex helps keep the morning moisture from grass out of your shoe and does allow you to manage low water with dry feet. I am with toejam that a well built leather boot is going to keep your feet dry with or without Gore-Tex.

I am a firm believer in finding what works for you. REI will let you wear their boots all around the store. Wear a pair of your hiking socks to get the proper fit as well.

If there is any little movement, somewhat uncomfortable spot, or bunching, it will be magnified tremendously after a full days hike with the stone on your back. So keep that in mind when choosing your next boot. Scrutinize and critique them to the max. This is one of the most important buys for your overall comfort on the trail. Ask the person at REI to measure your foot and recommend something, but always go with your intuition. If you can't find anything that feels right, don't settle for less! Keep looking.
Good luck!