I've been looking to get buy hiking boots for my upcoming hike in the Smoky Mountains.
However, almost every single one I've found has been developed for Winter usage.

Go during the winter, problem solved.

there has to be a local store near you that sells hiking boots :/
for me, it's mark's work warehouse (here in ontario, canada), but there are other places
you must not be trying very hard tbh

columbia and merrell make nice hiking boots. order some off of ebay or amazon if you srsly can't find a pair locally (doubtful)

im sure you will find what your looking for at walmart np they got all kinds of boots if not go to a place that specializes in them. marks work warehouse is good (canada) but depending on how high up you are it can also get quite cold so thats probably why alot are designed for winter.

I recommend using boots that Wildland firefighters use. Our job consists of a lot of hiking with very heavy packs. I personally use a brand called whites and the model smoke jumpers

Buy LL Bean. Good for life.

Toe shoes?

I've hiked long and far and it comes down to personal preference and the faith you have in the strength of your ankles - BUT

I hate hiking in boots, trailrunners are the way to go. Lighter, they dry faster, more comfortable, less ankle rubbing, everything about them is superior.

I like north face because i have a wide foot and they have a few wide models but merrill and patagonia are solid brands aswell. Spend the extra money on the shoes because cheap shoes fail and give you blisters.

Yeah, unless it is going to really wet you are wasting your time with hiking boots. I use my ascis gel lytes for nearly all of my hiking, and have some waterproof trail runners as well if I need them. Just because your are going 'hiking', does not mean you need 'hiking boots'; why wear heavier more uncomfortable shoes on a long walk? Makes no sense at all, unless you are mountaineering or going over a glacia.

This post was edited by Psychonautica on Aug 9 2015 04:54am