I'm getting into hiking and plan on doing some day hikes each month. I've worn my work boots, steel toe, on my outtings so far with no discomfort but have been thinking of getting some hiking boots.
Must be USA made though. Not shellin out for a pair that has made in China on the label no matter how good they are suppose to be. Recommendations?
What about socks? Wool blend? Used a pair of wool blended with cotton on my first couple of outtings as it was pretty cool but they'll be to hot to use in a couple of months. What's a good spring & summer type?

I believe that you'll find that most of us here hike in trail runners instead of boots. I resisted the switch for years, but when I changed I found that trail runners with anti-pronation support in the footbed provide far more support. I couldn't turn an ankle even when I deliberately tried to do it! It is the footbed that supports your ankles, not that piece of leather around the ankle.

As for socks, cotton is pretty much a no-no when hiking. It soaks up moisture and takes forever to dry (what's the last thing out of the clothes dryer?). On your feet the constantly wet (from sweat) cotton socks cause blisters, and on the rest of you wet cotton can lead to hypothermia. I've used both all-synthetic and merino wool-synthetic blend socks and far prefer the latter, although both are good at wicking moisture away from your skin. The wool feels dryer even if it isn't, and I have no problems with it in hot weather. Interestingly, in the past I couldn't wear wool at all--all hail those merino sheep!

If you haven't already found them, there are lots of excellent articles on gear and clothing selection listed in the left-hand column of http://www.backpacking.net/, the home page of this site.

Another good site for gear selection is Mark Verber's website. Lots of ideas for gear, including low-budget alternatives.

I also have made the switch to trail runners. From late Fall to early Spring I wear Omni Wool socks from Sams Club. I believe that someone has posted details that they are made in the US. For the rest of the year, I wear Thorlo light hikers as they feel cooler on my feet.

Hmm. Have to check out the trail runners. Hadn't considered anything but boots as that's what I always wear. Thanks for the help on the socks too.

Especially check the Verber site for info about socks! There are lots of options!