best walking shoes/hiking boots

The best hiking boots are the ones that you have already broken in and have naturally molded to the unique contours of your feet.

I was hiking around Zermatt in July, so trails were in fairly good conditon, not too wet or snowy. I wore lightweight hikers,, nothing heavy or clunky as I knew I would stay on mostly well maintained walking trails. My dad is a climber and did some hikes i didn't do glacier bottoms where its all big ankle twisting rocks etc, his shoes were a bit heavier, but as Tom said, very very worn in,,

Tom is correct. Something you've already purchased and worn in. Since you haven't and are asking for suggestions I say go with Keens. Mine have been to Istanbul, London, Rome, D.C., Lake Como, Florence, Venice, Sierra Nevadas. They just returned from a daily morning sojourn to the Griffith Park Observatory in LA. Pricey but worth every penny. Comfortable and light weight.

At the end of May, the trails are likely to be wet, muddy, and/or snowy, so you will want something you can waterproof. The new lightweight hikers do not need much breaking in, assuming they fit correctly. But you should have several hours of walking in them(including up and downhill) before your trip to make sure the fit is right and the socks are OK.

Broken in ones that you can walk around in at home for 10 miles in a day without trouble. The very ventilated ones let in mud and water.

Well I know that, but I have to buy some, so what brand?

@ Claudia.... Keens.... thank you!

I've done a lot of trail hiking in Germany and find that light weight hikers such as Keen which I wore on my last hike work great. I find that most trails in Europe are well worn and maintained which makes for easier walking. Make sure your hikers are waterproof and broke in.

How about for city walking & cruise excursions to the historical sights? I love my Birkenstock sandals & think I will be just fine for Paris & Barcelona (6 days total) plus a 12 day Med. cruise in June...any thoughts? Also, my teens (boys) will need new shoes (which I will have them break in beforehand), but should they go with some kind of sandals because it's summer, or shoes? They do NOT want to look like tourists. Help, please!

which keen hikers are best I have keen newport sandals which was told not good in switzerlandso bought keen hikers palisades and they are good but heavier than I really wanted to pack... looked at Toyah Presidio and considering them one review said the Toyah has her slipping everywhere the surface is wet... so that does not sound so good..
any suggestions on keens that have worked for others.. I think keens are great -I have walked in my newports for hours and never want to take them off.. Also, my H was planning to bring just bringing New Balance and Ecco walking shoes.. I wondered if they would be ok for light hikes in the lauterbrunnen areal