Skookum wrote:
> I plan to try to get myself back in some reasonable shape by hiking
> which the area i live in (Northern British Columbia) is well endowed.
>
> I won't be doing overnight stuff an see that "hiking shoes" rather
> than boots are recommended on some general websites (example:
> http://www.abc-of-hiking.com/hiking-boots/hiking-boot-types.asp).
Buy a copy of the last edition of The Complete Walker for general hiking
information, including boots etc. It's new enough to review hiking
shoes, too.
> However, unless advised otherwise, I'd like to get footwear that would
> work when the snow flies. Then, I'll still stick to beaten paths but of
> course there'll be wet and cold.
>
> Are some brands and types more experienced folks would recommend or
> should I have a different pair for winter?
Ankle high boots with Goretex or other waterproofing liner, plus gaiters
for winter when the snow gets deep, or for muddy trails. In theory, get
a boot that is made with as few seams as possible, because thread
breaks, usually when you're a long way from the trailhead.
I wear Montrail Torre GTX boots because they fit my feet well (though
they have more seams than I'd like), but you should buy the boot that
fits you, from an outdoor store where they take the time to fit your
boots.
As another example, my wife buys Merrell boots (or REI--made by Merrell)
because they fit her feet well.
Low top "hiking shoes" (or whatever they're calling them this week) are
supposedly good if you know the trail isn't all that rough. I've been
known to wear running shoes or tennies sometimes on an easy trail.


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