If you have a lower instep it may feel like your feet have too much room to move in hiking ... boots and notice a difference. The friction-free crisscross cuts down the friction on both laces ...

The KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof ($170) is a comfortable mid-height hiking ... PET in the laces — which so far have proven durable when yanking on and lacing up these boots.

The Keen Tempo Flex stands out among trainer-style hiking boots – it manages to be solid, supportive and lightweight. Keen's new Bellows.Flex technology adds comfort over long distances ...

Scarpa's R-Evo GTX hiking boots mean business ... weather stays relatively mild, these boots will be more than up to the job. One small niggle is the laces, which are just about long enough ...