>>207549Go to a local outdoor shop, tell the nice man what kind of activities you want to do with the shoes (Just hiking forest roads? Alpine environment? Boulder fields? Crossing streams frequently? Crossing Glaciers? The hardness of the sole varies depending on the environment. Other criteria are whether you can use crampons, whether they're water tight, breathable, give ankle support, etc) and let him give you some suggestions. Try them on. Walk around.
Make sure they fit well.
Lowe and Meindl are good brands amongst others.
>things to steer clear of?-buying online without trying the shoes on.
-buying shoes without knowing what you're gonna use them for
-cheaping out on shoes, they're the most important part of your gear, along with your backpack.
-don't wear doc martens or shoes with steel toe cap
don't forget to bring the socks you intend to wear while wearing the boots. I suggest a think synthetic pair and another pair of thick wool socks or other trekking socks. These should fit well, too. Avoid cotton.
