Hey this is my first post in the travel forum so if this is in the wrong place please feel free to delete/move or if there's a thread somewhere that avoided my search a link would be great.

So I'm working in Glacier National Park this summer and going on a road trip in a few weeks that shold involve a medium degree of hiking. In the interests of breaking in a new pair of hiking boots I want to get a new pair in the next few weeks. Does anyone have any reccomendations or pairs of boots/brands that they particularly enjoy or advice in looking for a new pair of boots. Aside from that is there a better way to approach this then just going to REI and asking the people there. I used todo a lot of hiking back when I was an eagle scout but have been out of the woods (figuatively and literally) for a few years during most of college.

Additionally, because I'll be getting 2-3 days off in a row at Glacier I'm interested in getting a small pack. I've got a Kelty backpack but for 1 or 2 night trips I don't need a huge pack only something small that can carry a change of clothes/socks/tent/sleeping bag/ground pad/etc. If anyone knows something like this I'd apprecaite the input.

Thanks

Go to a place (I think REI does this) that has a ramp or test track. It seems kind of nerdy, but it really has a use; to see if your toes hit the front of your boots or if your heels slip (yay, blisters!). Also it will help determine your comfort level is on descends/downclimbs and if there is any slipping.

If you're doing longer trips of 4+ days, you might want to spend the money to buy some mountaineering boots. How much fjording or water crossing will you be doing? I have yet to go to Glacier, but I think there is a fair amount of water there. You might want to get waterproof construction or liners.

For brands, I like Scarpa and MEC brands (MEC is the REI of Canada), but basically I'd say just go with what fits for comfort.

If the boots are leather, soak them in warm water all night. Then the next day, put them on still wet and wear them all day. The boots will form to your feet.

What kind of boots you need: Check out Rocky boots. They make excellent boots for hiking and for any outdoor activities.

thanks for the responses. I'm not entirely sure how much fjording/water crossing I'll be doing in Glacier as I'll be doing mainly 2-3 day hikes on my days off but I will be in Zion and Yosemite in the next few weeks on a road trip and will proally be doing some trekking through water there. Guess I've got a trip to REI in my future this week.

I just bought new boots at REI and found them to be the place to go. The staff is generally quite knowledgeable and they have a great selection for all levels of hiking intensity.