Comfortable Hiking Boots?

What's a good set of low profile boots for hiking the JMT? I'm not comfortable in high top boots at all.

Thanks in advance,

Well, since no one else has jumped in...

There are lots of choices, and lots of variables. Everyone's feet are different. You might look at Merrell's "Radius" model, which has a fairly wide toe box.

Right now, I'm using a pair of Montrail Hardrocks. I have used them for several out-and-back trips of mixed trail and cross-country in the Sierra. I will also use them for a similar upcoming loop trip. They are comfortable and appear to be reasonably durable, so far. I get dirty toes with them but I have with other shoes as well.

Yeah, there are lots of options. Since you said "boots" I assume you would like a low cut hiking shoe. Two of my favorites are the Merrell Chameleon II Stretch, although my forefoot moved around a little too much in it, I replaced the stretch laces with regular ones, and I'm now using Merrell Moab Ventilators.

For runners, I like Solomon XA Pro 3d, Montrail Hurricaine Ridge, Montrail Odyssey, and I just got the Salomon Puntera 2.

But fit is most important for shoes, so go try them all on and see what is best for you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I like the New Balance Trail Runners, 907 or 810. But everyone's feet are different, so the main thing is: Do they fit and feel comfortable on your feet? Both NB models are well-built, my 907's have taken a lot of abuse over two season's and they're still holding up.

I went to a couple stores and tried every boot/shoe they had in my size. I made sure I was wearing the socks I planned on wearing on the trail. I picked the most comfortable and that was that. BTW...I chose Vasque but I don't recall the model.

I wear Merrell Ventilator II mid-heights (come up just above the ankle).
I like them because they are NOT lined with gore-tex. The breathe good and dry quickly. They've held up good. I've had them about a year and wear them hiking/camping at least one weekend a month.

Tango61

Mine are Vasque, too--lowcuts, and I don't know the model name. I do know they fit and feel great. Wish I'd bought two pairs instead of one but they don't make this model any more.

I concur, although I have yet to give mine a thorough field test.

That's like asking ,"Which car should I buy?"; without knowing what level your driving experience is <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

A backpacking boot is THE most critical part of your gear, bar none. If you torture your feet with the wrong boots you can A) end up damaging them for life, B) leave yourself injured in the backcountry, C) you endanger everyone in your party IME <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Go to a reputable outfitter, find the best bootfitter in the place, by asking questions, AND telling them what you intend to do wearing the shoes, AND the weight of your pack you intend to carry.....ALL of this will make a difference in your comfort, and ultimately your trail experience IME <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

You just have to try on multiple pairs and see what works. I went to REI last year with boot A in mind and left the store with boot B. Boot A fit my right foot just fine but was way too tight on my left foot. I've never had that happen before. Boot B fit both feet equally well.

Replying to an old post but what don't you like about goretex?

In warm or hot humid weather, goretex guarantees wet feet due to the sheer amount of moisture from sweat. Yes, the sweat can eventually evaporate out, but typically the rate of sweating far exceeds the rate at which goretex allows such moisture to escape.

In cooler conditions or more arid climates, I've found goretex to work reasonably well.