North Face Hedge Hog GTX
If you are looking for a general purpose hiking boot, then the North Face Hedge Hog might be the shoe for you. This shoe is referred to as a "fast packing" shoe due to its ability to allow the wearer to cover a lot of ground quickly. With many of the same features and benefits of a running shoe, the Hedge Hog features great foot-bed support and is extremely flexible. The tread gives the shoe a good footprint on a wide range of surfaces including wet slippery rock as well as dry ground. Speaking of wet and slippery, the Hedge Hog features a Gore-Tex lining that makes the boot impervious to water as long as the boot is not submerged. There is also excellent ankle support provided by the padded collar. The Hedge Hog is typically available for around $100.
Lowa Ranger GTX
The Lowa Ranger is classified by the manufacturer as a heavy load boot which puts it in the 50- to 60-pound pack range category. If you think heavy-duty boots have to be heavy-duty uncomfortable out of the box, then think again. The great thing is that the more they are worn, the more comfortable they become. This is a very rugged boot with wraparound rubber guarding the perimeter of the boot above the sole for all the bumps and scrapes encountered on the trail. As the GTX in the name suggests, the boot features a Gore-Tex lining which adds to the comfort of the boot by blocking water and moisture from the foot. This boot retails in the low $200 range.
Vasque Breeze GTX
The Vasque brand is known for being comfortable from the very first time they are worn and quickly become the go-to boot of choice. The Breeze is no different as it is available with Vasque's patented multi-fit foot-bed system. This allows the wearer to exchange the foot-bed to obtain the optimum fit, particularly in regard to arch support. Featuring a combination of leather and nylon construction, the Breeze is also outfitted with a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing. The tread is suitable for a wide range of hiking and this boot is good for light to mid hiking. The Breeze is available for around $140.
