What you need depends on what you'll do, but it may help to keep these features in mind:

Sturdy and durable sole.

Full-grain (thicker) leather.

Good cushioning

Insole support

Ankle support

2torial #0530: Learn2 Shop For Hiking Boots (Continued) Consider other factors Boot uppers are of leather only, or a canvas and leather combination. The all-leather hiking boots are generally heavyweight hikers, while the leather and canvas combination is often a lightweight hiking boot. The all-leather boots often seem more like a hiking boot or look better with a pair of jeans, but a leather and canvas combination boot is often more comfortable. Boots made of all-leather are usually more water resistant.   Do your boots need to be water repellent? (Note: the word 'waterproof' is not used because here waterproof is a relative term) Not all boots are treated to be water repellent, but many are. Gore-Texí is the best known. It is placed between the materials of the shoe, like a water repellent sock. There are many other built-in water repellent materials, which often work very well. Water repellence adds cost, so you'll need to decide whether it's necessary or not. Will you be hiking in wet weather a lot of the time? Will you be walking through shallow streams? Many people don't need water repellent boots, but it's a nice feature to have. For a less costly option, try the treatments sold at outdoor stores. In addition, one-piece, full grain leather boots, tend to protect you from water, even if they haven't been treated. Step 4