Originally Posted By D Lee
They are not necessary for support and stability, in my opinion.

I've found the extra support of something reaching or covering my ankles helps me, especially after 10 miles. It's not a matter of twisting or rolling, just how sore I am at the end. But then my history and your history are probably different and that's why different types of footwear are sold.

Originally Posted By D Lee
Increasingly, boots and shoes look alike to me. I recently saw a pair of medium weight hikers in Walmart for $16. They looked about like the expensive made in China hikers, fit fine. So far so good.

I'm just about convinced that some foreign factories that make footwear for the big names (New Balance, Merrell, etc.) will make very similar or identical generic brand footwear also. I'm on the lookout for American made footwear but nothing is sold locally. Footwear is an item I prefer to purchase in person. What I have seen online is simply heavy. Probably long lasting, but heavy and unfortunately not available locally so I can't see how they fit.