When buying hiking boots, you should consider seriously the weight of your backpack. Your boots should be able to bear them. The only thing I didn't like about my LOWA Tibet boots is that they come with so many lace holes that I end up confused when I'm tying them up. Overall though, they pass the hardiness test. When I used them back in Norway, they were impermeable to snow. The rubber soles were so thick. I can't remember the last time I've been comfortable while hiking.
