Why Bring them? WHAT!!!? these are as important as a snowboard when you go snowboarding. You have a better thing to wear HIKING?

What kind should I get? Just some Nylon and leather boots will be fine. They will allow your feet to curve naturally as you walk. A steel shank is a bitter-sweet invention. Some people like it (me being one of them) because they are great support for your feet and you don't feel every little rock you step on. Some people don't like them because they do not allow the foot to bend as much, thus, affecting your efficiency. When you get boots, wear them around the house for a couple days or weeks to allow them to mold to your feet. This will save you a lot of pain such as blisters, and sore feet while you're on the trail. This also allows you to decide if the boot is right for your feet.