If you enjoy the outdoors and travel often, get your hands on a pair of KEEN Anchorage boots.  In a “high-security world,” having a pair of boots that easily slip on and off at the airport is a requirement.  In my experience, I was able to wear the KEEN Anchorage boots on a plane to Quebec City and then use them the next day during a quick snowshoe hike.  My plans were to use the boots only on plane flights and casual dress situations – and they are perfect for that – but they performed flawlessly in snowshoes.  The boots did more than I expected, including keeping my feet dry and warm while steeped in pristine Canadian snow.

SCARPA is a rare company.  It has a history that most boot manufacturers don't have: It originated in northern Italy, it's family-owned, and focuses purely on crafting the best boots for mountaineering.  I'd have to agree.  I have a personal history that reflects SCARPA's quality and reputation.  My father bought me a pair of SCARPAs – as my first pair of hiking boots – back in the late 80s.  They were a simple leather boot with a sturdy sole and offered padded ankle support.  I remember waterproofing the boots with beeswax and worked hard to break-in the boots before a long hike.  SCARPA has come a long way in the construction of its boots.