Quote:
Originally Posted by
Piobaire 
So, I plan to take up hiking, now that I'm 50# lighter. Nothing extreme, just 1-several mile trips, rocky/sandy terrain. I plan to hike into some easy accessible local sights, eat lunch (I have a good day pack that carries plates, silverware, cups, wine, water), and hike back out. So really, nothing extreme. Price is not a big factor, just want some brands/models to research for me and Mrs. Piob.
From what you have posted it sounds like you will be carrying a fair amount of weight on your back. Even though 15-20 lbs does not sound like a lot of weight, a single mistep + unnatural weight on your back can end very badly, so definitely don't be so quick to dismiss ankle high boots. I know that there have been times when I was hiking that if I did not have good ankle support I would have been badly injured. Brands to look into: Montrail (I have about 100 miles on my Torre GTXs and am pretty happy), Asolo, La Sportiva, Vasque but there are plenty of others. Also, you may be tempted to buy boots online because of the lower prices, but nothing beats getting fitted by a knowledgeable person at store who knows what they are doing.
