For shoes, Merrels are always good. For boots can't go wrong with Scarpas. Meindl are good for either.
Bizarre, I was going to post this exact thread yesterday, but I found an old pair of Gore-tex that'll do the job. I would have said 'kaleidoscope me some boots', though.
Different brands specialise in different foot types, don't go for a type go for what you need and what fits.
Avoid millets and blacks, find a local outdoor shop one not part of a chain as your find people working there with heaps of knowledge and experience, not 16 yr weekend staff who talk about PSP's.
My advice would be to find a specialist outdoor shop - one that doesn't have commission based sales. Normally these places employ enthusiasts who will make sure you're 100% happy before you leave the store. There won't be any rush either!
TRY THE BOOT ON PROPERLY. everyone has differenst shaped feet and preferences. Personally I really like my berghaus gore tex boots alot but my wife (who I share feet sizes with) hates them. if you're going to de any serious distances in the boot / shoe make sure you go to a proper shop and try it on with a walking sock inside it. don't just wander about the shop either, have a good jump up and down, making sure that it won't hurt your feet when you are traversing steep slopes and descending (when your toes get pushed in the front of the boot) obviously if you want to you can try it on in the shop, make your choices and then froogle for the cheapest retailer HT
Waterproof - goretex is a pretty good guarantee of this, others may be too but not so guaranteed. Sole - the best boots I've ever had all had vibram soles, hi-tec boot with a vibram sole is going to be your best bet for a mid-price boot. Bear in mind some boots have very rigid soles, probably designed for fitting cramp-ons to or for road walking, but if your walking over rough wet ground, rocky etc, get a softer sole as it will grip much better. Lining socks - silk are great but plenty others available (avoid cotton - it soaks up swet and rubs). Walking socks - wool is best as like silk it doesn't soak up sweat. Oh and get a hat
I wouldn't like to recommend a specific brand, as they all cut slightly differently, so it depends on the shape of your foot. Karrimoor boots tend to be quite narrow, Berghaus and Salomon quite wide, merrel fall somewhere in the middle. All good makes IMO. North Face also have a good reputation, but I've never tried their boots (my last three pairs have been Salomons) Depending if you want to wear two pairs of socks or not, have a look at the 1000-mile socks, great lined socks that guarantee blister free performance (and true to form I've never had blisters while wearing them, unlike some of the other combinations) If you're looking for somewhere to buy, see if you have a Field and Trek or Cotswolds near you, or look for a local independant.
Get a pair of military Pro Boots- These are probably the best out there IMHO. (All preference though ) Personally, I wear the standard issue military boots though, as these fit me perfectly and I like the height. -Leezer-
