By Eric Hagerman

If you’re spending a few grand to get to the Himalayas--or even just a few hours getting beyond the sprawl of the suburbs--make sure to spend a few extra bucks and a few extra minutes to get the right boots. Because if you don’t, you might end up spending half your trip in pain. Here’s how to find a boot that works like it should.

Fit
Take the time to get exactly the size you need, since poor-fitting boots can be, quite literally, crippling on a long outing. This might mean looking for a brand with a variety of widths--surprisingly few companies offer narrow or wide boots--or, for women, going with a gender-specific boot, which should have an anatomically correct shape (called a "last"). At the very, very least, be sure your toes don’t touch the end of the laced-up boots when you walk down an incline, and be sure your heel doesn’t lift more than a quarter of an inch when you walk.

Materials
All-leather uppers eventually mold to every little lump and contour of your feet and can be reconditioned and revitalized for years to come. Synthetics like Kepertech and Kevlar are often lighter and more scuff-resistant, but they may not provide equal comfort for every foot.

Sole
Molded or stitched-down? Molded rubber soles allow for infinitely inventive tread designs, they can utilize different rubber compounds--stickier on the outer lugs, say, and denser on the load-bearing lugs--and they are light. And contrary to popular belief, many of them can be resoled. It’s probably what you’ll wind up wearing. As for stitched-down soles, there are few rational arguments to be made for them, other than their classic looks. Regardless, if you’re going to be doing any high-alpine trekking, look for a sole that will accept crampons.

Construction
The more weight you plan to carry, the more ankle support you’ll want. With leather boots you can simply gauge the thickness of the material. Leather boots should have as few seams as possible, since seams are where they leak--and rip. Also, a boot with a full-leather lining will last longer and fit better than one without.

Waterproofing
Leather can be made waterproof quite easily by treating it with a wax or silicone spray. There’s little justification to pay extra for a waterproof-breathable liner such as Gore-Tex, which can result in making your feet overheat. Besides, Gore-Tex is only as good as your boots are tall: Step in a knee-deep stream with ankle-high boots and, well, you get the picture.

Eric Hagerman is senior editor at Outside magazine.