David's Question:
I'm looking for a Gore-tex mid-height day-hiker type boot. Any recommendations or suggestions?

— David Hansbarger

Karen's Answer:

	Karen Berger Karen is a hiker's hiker. She has finished the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails — making her one of the few who've completed hiking's"triple crown." Meet Karen Previous Answers Hiking Forums

David, my recommendation on boots is always based on fit rather than brand. I've actually been looking for a lightweight Gore-tex boot for some time. Three models that I've tried that have performed well have been the Asolo and the Vasque Clarion, and the Vasque Skywalk IIs, all of which are fabric-and-leather boots with Gore-tex inside. But the tragic fact is, none of these boots fit me like a glove, and after several hundred miles on each pair, I sighed and went back to my old reliable mid-weight leather hiking boots, which I keep thinking are too heavy, but which never give me foot problem and fit like they were custom made.

I'd also say that for day-hiking, you may not need a hiking boot or Gore-tex, depending on where you hike. Backpackers use boots to help them support the heavy loads they carry (although many long-distance hikers are now cutting back on the weight they carry so much that they actually hike in sneakers). Day-hikers don't have those heavy loads, so unless you're going to be tromping around in mud or on really ankle-bending terrain, a trail shoe might be the ticket.