gamergonehiking wrote:As for a specific recommendation; can anyone recommend a good quality, lost cost hiking boot? Ideally I want something that isn't very weighty and is waterproof also.
Plenty of people here will tell you what is comfortable on your foot is most important. Everyone's feet are different.
But in terms of what works for other people - what do you currently walk in? How strong are your ankles? What sort of weight do you expect to be carrying and what terrain?
In terms of possibilities out beyond the 99th percentiles are those successfully walking for weeks in snow in bare feet carrying 30kg packs. Others are happily walking around simple bush tracks in full, heavy military or mountaineering boots.
Most people on here will cluster from trail shoes (light weight, not as durable, need ankle braces if weak ankles) to leather hiking boots (scarpa, etc). In between you have lighter boots like Salomon and Merrell make. Merrell etc may meet your requirements of lower cost and not too weighty. Not sure why you want waterproof? Pros and cons I'm afraid - no right answer for everyone.
So in a long winded way I have told you nothing!
Maybe suggest some models you have considered and for what usage and we might be able to be more helpful.
