Which boots should to get

Before asking which pack-bag-boot/etc...Read the pinned thread at the top of Gear
"Brand does not matter. Seriously, it really honestly doesn't. Synthetic hikers will last less than 1000 miles or so, some half that. Mass manufactured shoes are mostly the same in terms of durability.

What matters is the fit - the shape of the shoe, the size of the shoe, how it fits on your unique feet which are not like anyone else's and may require more width, more length, or less, more volume for broader or taller feet, more or less arch support -- you may need an orthotic to replace the stock insole, you may not. That's not going to be anything that anyone can tell you how to get -- we're all in the same boat. Go try on shoes. Have your feet measured.

Goretex or non? That's your preference. Some environments it makes sense to have waterproof shoes. Some people hate them. The Goretex is a liner in the shoe, and it can wear out faster than the actual shoe, leaking before the shoe needs replacing for other reasons.

The shoe should protect your feet from the pounding it takes doing miles on rocky trails. It should have good traction. Stability is a function of the sole, not the ankle cuff -- and anything less than a full boot does not give you ankle support. Mid height hikers or trail shoes do nothing directly to support the ankle. They do have a solid last in the sole, to support the foot, and exercise can build the muscles in the ankle so you have your own support.

Thru hikers on the PCT frequently wear trail runners, sneakers, Teva sandals or even go barefoot -- your shoe choice depends on what you perceive your needs to be, on your feet and what they need, and partly on where you hike. If you have problems with foot pain, ongoing blistering, or other foot issues that you can't resolve, seek professional advice from a podiatrist."

Fit. Fit. Fit.

Beyond that, I'd say forget Gore Tex unless you are doing extremely cold and wet hikes. Hot feet makes sweaty wet feet.

O.R.A.N.G.E.

The thing I've learned about hiking boots is that you really don't know what you have on your feet until you've put a few miles on them.

I had a hard time finding boots to fit my size much less comfortable after a few miles. The one luxury I had when trying to find the right boots was that I work close to an REI and a gym. I was able to test boots out at the gym without marking them up which allowed me to return them as needed.

Howdy, hello, hi hi and how ya doing...

New guy here. I'm looking at a trip down the Jones Hole Trail as my first ever attempt a backpacking next late spring, but think I'd really like to make this a regular hobby.

I likewise have questions about boots. I read the new person sticky post and all of those replies as well as this thread and associated replies.

Mainly, my question is this: In June of 2016, I badly fractured my ankle and fibula in several spots. Thankfully I am mostly recovered at this point, but I feel like I should take this into account when deciding what type of footwear to buy. I'm not too much of a brand snob, but a lot of the ones I've seen I have literally never heard of. That correspondingly makes me skeptical whether they're worth $300. A friend of mine has some Vasques, and I like Keen and the aesthetics of Salomon. I do plan to visit a brick and mortar store to torture some poor shoee salesman eventually, but can anyone recommend an over-ankle style boot? If not a specific model, then maybe just a brand?

I currently have 2 different pair of Keen casual shoes and have found them to be wonderfully comfortable and durable, but I concede that it's not like I have taken them on extended hikes by any means.

Thanks in advance for feedback, sorry if this question has been more specifically answered in another thread that I didn't see.

ryster , I wonder if this is more a question for an orthopedist? You may or may not benefit from the added boot height. And, as you plan on, definitely hit a few good stores and have some conversations with people who really know how to fit shoes. You probably won't find a whole lot of helpful advice here, since most of us wear lightweight hikers or trail runners. Also, if you don't own any, look into trekking poles. I expect they will be far more effective at preventing further ankle injury than heavyweight high-topped boots.