Hiking Boots

Hiking Boots Basics

Feet do the hardest work while hiking. Every mile of walking, is another mile of pounding on your feet. Therefore, other than a bottle of fresh water, your hiking boots are the next most important essential.

Like many activity-related footwear, the style of your boot should match your style of hiking. Your feet get a very different workout whether you are on a light stroll through the trees verses the twenty mile backpack. Either way you plan to travel, if you are off road, a hiking boot is better than a walking shoe, sneaker or casual boot. Boots have the advantage of design and protection. Even on flat city trails, if you will be trekking across dirt, mud and rocks, a hiking boot should be your footwear of choice.

Boots provide superior traction, which is better for hikes on uneven terrain. Proper fitting hiking footwear also offers the best in comfort and shelter for your feet. At first, a sneaker may seem to be the most comfortable due to the flexibility and light weight, but after a long hike your feet will actually feel stronger and more refreshed in a sturdy hiking boot that provides the necessary support and security from rocks and hard trails. By the simple nature of the boot, it wraps your ankle and lower calf. This sturdy reminder also ensures solid footing on the trail.

Find the Perfect Fit

The perfect fit in hiking footwear is essential. Finding the perfect fit on your feet and the fit to your level of activity are equally critical. Feet spread and swell during a long walk and the constant up and down hills on uneven terrain can be hard on them. The longer the hike, and the more weight you carry, the sturdier your boots should be. Ideally, a good pair of hiking boots will be waterproof or treated water resistant. They should all have a complete shank, preferably steel. The treads should be deep and strong. While leather boots offer the best in durability and weather resistance, some of the best hiking boots are actually made from a combination of synthetics and leather.

Socks are as important as the shoes when hiking. Avoid full cotton, selecting wool or synthetic materials instead. Invest in a nice pair of cushioned hiking socks, blister-proof socks or create your own sock combination by using a thin under-sock with a thicker rag sock on top. All three of these sock options provide the extra comfort and the proper level of movement your feet need to prevent blisters.

Always test your hiking boots at a retail store. If you do have to order online, make sure they offer a good return policy. Better yet, shop locally, but purchase online. Then you can search for the best shoe for your foot and the best price for your pocketbook. Always try on a variety of boots that fit your chosen style of hiking. Look for a little extra space in the toe for downhill travel, and the proper fit around the width and height of the boot with your hiking socks on. Then consider trying them on without the socks. This is an expert method of looking for those little imperfections that feel fine in the store, but come out as you are on a long hike. If your bare feet feel comfortable in your boots, chances are they are the perfect ones for you.

Once you have found your perfect boots, wear them around the house for a few days to break them in and make sure it is the right fit. Then take them on a few trial run hikes that are shorter and easier than your usual adventure. Once they have passed all these tests, they are ready for a serious trip.

Buying

Hiking boots are expensive for a reason; they are a serious investment in your sport. Rather than the deluxe tennis racket, for the seasoned hiker, the boot is the prime equipment. Standard boots are built sturdy, have solid bottoms, extra padding and waterproofing. Check to make sure any boots you buy come with these main characteristics.

Popular Brands

• Asolo
• Boreal
• Montrail
• Timberland
• Columbia Footwear
• Danner
• North Face
• Garmont
• Merrel
• Tecnica

Popular Retailers

• North Face
• REI
• Shoebuy.com
• Sierra Trading Post

Consumer Reviews

As a great starting point, check out Consumer Search.com for an updated selection of the top rated hiking boots.