So, I need me some hiking boots, it seems. Problem is, I’m stationed in Korea, and the selection on base sucks. Also, I am not sure how to get a proper sized boot if I’m ordering online. If I have one of those shoe-sizing gizmos, do I want to order whatever matches the numbers my feet get, or do I want to go a size or two over, or what?
In any case, recommend me some good boots. Preferably under $100 or not too far over it.
I’m not enough of an expert on hiking books to tell you what’s what, but some online vendors will not ship overseas. If that’s the case if you can get it shipped to a trusted friend in the US, USPS will ship to overseas Military APO addresses for very reasonable prices (much less than standard overseas shipping).
http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/addressingtips.htm
Here are some online boot reviews
http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/gear.tcl?gear=Hiking-Boots&gear_cid=350161
http://www.backpacker.com/gear-guide-2010-boots-footwear/gear/14105]
The best hiking boots are the ones that fit your particular foot shape and size as close to perfectly as is possible. In order to find that, generally you need to try them on. Every manufacturer fits differently.
Generally, your hiking books are going to be at least a half size to a full size larger than your casual shoes, so you’ve got plenty of room in front of the toes. Your toes should never touch the end of the boot.
If you can get a Brannock device to measure your feet (you’ll probably need a friend, because you take the measurements standing straight up), make sure you’re measuring not just the whole foot length, but also the arch length. Some people have long toes and some people have short toes, and it’s also important that your metatarsals sit in the right place. If you’re toes are shorter than your arch and you size to whole foot length, you’ll end up with your metatarsal heads in the toe box and your toes won’t have enough space to lay flat. So, size your boots to whichever measurement is longer on your longest foot and since you can’t try them on for fit, go up a half size. It’s better to end up with a boot slightly too long than slightly too short. You can always add aftermarket insoles and/or lace more snugly to accommodate extra room, but if your toes are cramped, you are screwed. Don’t forget to measure width as well. Some boots you can get in wides, some you can’t. Some medium widths fit wider than others. Also, do you have a wide forefoot but narrow heel? High instep? Low arch? It’s hard to recommend a boot without knowing all those things, so your best bet is to go to an experienced boot fitter, if you can.
As far as price goes, there are a few brands that are priced lower than others but still offer great quality, but expect to pay at least $100 for a decently constructed boot, unless you need a backpacking boot, then you should expect to pay at least $175+ for a sturdy, well-made backpacker.
Disclaimer: I work for REI and my post represents my own personal opinions, and does not represent REI.
The only particular thing about my feet is that I have low arches with pronated feet. My shoe size… seems to depend entirely on which shoes I’m wearing. My boots are Size 8EE (black Cocorans) and 8 Wide (fuzzy green Bellvilles), my low quarters are 8.5 Wides, and my dress shoes are size 8.5D. Also, my running shoes are size 10’s. 
The only problem I have with some of my footware (the low quarters and the green fuzzies), is that with the orthopedic insoles I wear, the shoe/boot feels like it is pinching on the top part of my foot, like there just isn’t room for the foot inside the boot. It can be rather annoying in the low quarters when I’m walking around base, with the boots on my last hike, it was agonizing.
I’ve looked up both of the brands that are available in the BX here, and they both get good reviews, so I will probably just buy whichever of those I can find that fit more comfortably.
Is you orthotic full or partial? If it’s full, did you remove the sockliner (the insert that comes with the shoe) before putting your orthotic in? If not, the orthotic + sockliner took up too much volume, leaving not enough to accommodate your feet. How much volume you need is not something the Brannock device is going to tell you; you need to try on the boot to see.
I think it’s safe to assume that your hiking boot is going to be closer in size to your running shoes than your casual shoes. But then some running shoes have very narrow toe boxes and typically good hiking boots will not be quite so narrow.
Your conclusion to buy the one that fits most comfortably is a wise one. Go try it on with your orthotics (if you’ll be wearing them in the boots) before you buy. Good luck!
I have always been very happy with any Vasque footwear that I have had—Expensive but worth it…
Ditto that. Vasque is priced at the upper end of off-the-rack hiking boots for their respective class, but I’ve had them break in faster, wear longer, and generally be more comfortable than any other boot I’ve worn. Actually I haven’t even bothered to properly break in the last couple pair of Vasque trekking boots, other than to wear them around home and work for a few days to get the fit adjusted. They’re also some of the better boots I’ve had about being water-resistant and comfortable when wet (although good Smartwool socks and polypro sockliners will help with any boot).
REI should ship oversees, and has a flexible return policy, but I agree with Brown Eyed Girl that you’re best to get your feet measured with a Brannock tool and then give yourself a little room for a medium to heavy sock.
Stranger
Gonna buy some boots tomorrow probably during my lunch break or after work. I’ve got a pair of orthotic insoles that take up only the back half of the boot when I wear them. They’re fiberglass, and generaly quite comfortable, but I’m wondering if a softer orthotic like the Dr Scholll’s inserts might suit my needs better in hiking boots as far as the upper foot pain goes.
The only problem with trying the boots on to see if they’ll be comfortable, is that the pain on the top of my feet never happens right away, it usually takes a while. Guess I’ll just have to try my luck. 
It depends what type of terrain you’ll be hiking on, and whether your feet run hot or cold.
I tend to prefer a lightweight goretex or event boot, but some people hate membranes and prefer well-proofed fullgrain leather, or they accept that while their feet might get wet a decent pair of boots will dry quickly too.
That depends on what’s causing the pain. A cushioned insole provides more shock absorption and cushioning to accommodate for lack of natural cushioning in the bottom of the foot. A semi-rigid or rigid orthotic is designed to reduce pronation, supination and keep the heel contained. Then, there are all kinds of products that treat specific problems (i.e., metatarsal pads, heel cups, etc.).
If you’re going to treat the problem, you’ve got to know what it is.
Have you seen anyone about this?
My Vasques have close to 1000 miles on them, and are still in use. Fantastic shoes, very much recommended. Number-one brand on the Appalachian Trail (in 08, at least), and I don’t recall any complaints.
Merrells are super-comfortable, but don’t expect durability.
Not really sure who I’d talk to about it, but I can check to see if my base has a gait clinic like my last base did, and see if they have any suggestions (if my base lacks that, I might just try to get in touch with the guys at my old base)
I bought a pair of Vasque Breeze… goretex and ventilated. Best shoes I’ve had, period. A little ove $110 and have been great for almost a year. They do run about 1/2 size small… i.e. I were a 9 1/2 and ordered a 10. YMMV.
later, Tom.
Well, I’d mention recurring pain to your doctor and find out if they’ve got a podiatrist or specialist that can determine what’s causing your pain and treat the problem directly. It beats guessing and spending money on the wrong orthotic that isn’t designed to accommodate your specific issue. Also, they can recommend therapies that will actually treat the problem, so you may eventually be able to retire orthotic devices.
Orthotics don’t have to be a permanent solution for many foot problems, but can be more of a crutch to alleviate pain while healing and conditioning.
Something to do when I have time I guess. Somehow I doubt that our base has a podiatrist, since we don’t even have an Optometrist, but it won’t hurt to ask.