>>2592962People will recommend lightweight goretex lined REI boots because they don't know any better, that's all they see on youtube. Those boots will break and smell horribly after a few months and are not made for daily use. I ran through a lot of these.
You should only buy these hiking boots when you have a specific trip planned and upcoming for which they are perfect.
Otherwise stick to shoes (for hiking) and regular /out/ boots. They will last for years of daily use compared to hiking boots.
1. Lightweight unpadded leather boots for savanna terrain or weather (especially high temperatures 80F+), you will still sweat in any closed boot, but it won't be "mushy" because there is no padding. Use for anything from hiking, light offtrailing to work.
2. Lightweight padded leather boots for mountainous terrain and regular offtrailing, light forestry work, non-tourist hiking (virgin trails, mountain trails). (if >80F you will sweat too much in these after 2 or 3 days of wear they won't dry)
Those two are my go-to boots: Iron Ranger + Bergler. When you want to go on trails during hiking season I would stick to cheap running shoes like asics trailrunners.
You will need more boots for different weather and terrain:
3. 3-4mm leather heavyweight boots for offtrailing steep terrain, rocks, thickets, lumber, logging. You'll need the thicker military grade leather for durability (its also basically chainsaw proof), and the heavier stiff-frame sole for uneven terrain.
4. High rubber rand goretex hunting boots for steep terrain or wet conditions in autumn, mild winters. (Not for daily use but when you need to be fast and surefooted on terrain, not trails)
5. Rubber-leather muck boots for wet conditions work, hiking, treks, etc. (consistent rainy conditions, fells, taiga, arctic)
6. Rubber muck boots for very wet conditions (swamps, moores) (no pic)
Muck boots are the best out boots for winter and long winter trips when insulated.
