How to pick up a best hiking boots
May,14,2021
The right hiking boots can mean the difference between a great outdoor vacation and being stuck in a tent with blisters and aching feet.
When preparing for a hike, there is much to be done. First of all, proper care must be taken in ensuring the body is fit and able for a hike. Secondly, each hiker must make sure they have the proper equipment - camping gear, proper hydration, the right clothing. Most importantly, of course, hiking shoes. Hiking shoes are a fundamental part of the hiking experience.
There’s a lot involved in figuring out what boots to get and knowing if you made a good choice. Some main parts to keep in mind when looking at boots,
Let’s take a look at them,
Sole - the bottom of the boot, responsible for gripping the ground, absorbing shock, and protecting from sharp objects. Soles need to be flexible to allow a natural gait, but also stiff enough to support the foot.
Upper - everything above the sole. It's job is to snugly hold the sole to the foot and to protect the foot from scratches, twists, and pounding. It should repel water and allow perspiration to breathe out.
Inner - Padding and linings are placed inside boots to increase comfort and help with moisture protection.
Insole - your foot stands on the insole and it should fit to your foot exactly for proper support. Insoles with good arch support are quite important.
Tongue - the cover for the opening where you insert your foot.
Scree Collar - around your ankle, there needs to be padding that keeps loose dirt, sand, pebbles out of your boot.
Lace - laces are used to tighten the fit of the boot.
What kind of hiking boots will be suitable for you? That’s a key question.
The type of boots you require all depends on the type of hiking you are going to do , how much support you want, and how much you can pay.
Some types of hiking styles as follows
Hiking Sandal - You can safely hike in sandals with sturdy tread and strong straps. Sandals are light so your legs work less to lift and step, but they have virtually no support for your foot. It is a good idea to have a pair along on treks to use as a camp shoe and for water crossings.
Hiking Shoe - Shoes provide comfort and easy hiking by using light materials such as nylon and suede enforced with some leather. They are flexible and require minimum break-in time. You could probably buy a pair and start hiking and wearing them around for a day.
Mid-weight Boot - This is the boot that most hikers and backpackers will use. Typically, mid-weight boots are made of synthetic material with leather enforcement sections .No matter what trails you plan to hike, a mid-weight boot with waterproof will be a good choice.
Mountaineering Boot - intended for climbing mountains and are closer to ski boots than hiking boots. They offer extreme support for feet and ankles with attachment points for crampons for hiking on ice.
When it comes to choosing a boots, you might take the following points into your general considerations,
Boot Weight - the lighter boot, the less work for your legs.
Arch Support - keeping your foot comfortable and supported under load is important.
Protection from Injury - stubbing your toe and twisting your ankle are the two big ones. Ankle support is more important the rougher the terrain becomes.
From my descriptions of the different hiking styles, you probably already know that I recommend a mid-weight boot for beginner hikers. It is flexible and can be used for easy day hikes and extended backpacking treks.For basic day hikes, and long distance hiking, a hiking shoe is also a good choice. A shoe might be a bit more comfortable and you could wear it for every day walking.
When preparing for a hike, there is much to be done. First of all, proper care must be taken in ensuring the body is fit and able for a hike. Secondly, each hiker must make sure they have the proper equipment - camping gear, proper hydration, the right clothing. Most importantly, of course, hiking shoes. Hiking shoes are a fundamental part of the hiking experience.
There’s a lot involved in figuring out what boots to get and knowing if you made a good choice. Some main parts to keep in mind when looking at boots,
Let’s take a look at them,
Sole - the bottom of the boot, responsible for gripping the ground, absorbing shock, and protecting from sharp objects. Soles need to be flexible to allow a natural gait, but also stiff enough to support the foot.
Upper - everything above the sole. It's job is to snugly hold the sole to the foot and to protect the foot from scratches, twists, and pounding. It should repel water and allow perspiration to breathe out.
Inner - Padding and linings are placed inside boots to increase comfort and help with moisture protection.
Insole - your foot stands on the insole and it should fit to your foot exactly for proper support. Insoles with good arch support are quite important.
Tongue - the cover for the opening where you insert your foot.
Scree Collar - around your ankle, there needs to be padding that keeps loose dirt, sand, pebbles out of your boot.
Lace - laces are used to tighten the fit of the boot.
What kind of hiking boots will be suitable for you? That’s a key question.
The type of boots you require all depends on the type of hiking you are going to do , how much support you want, and how much you can pay.
Some types of hiking styles as follows
Hiking Sandal - You can safely hike in sandals with sturdy tread and strong straps. Sandals are light so your legs work less to lift and step, but they have virtually no support for your foot. It is a good idea to have a pair along on treks to use as a camp shoe and for water crossings.
Hiking Shoe - Shoes provide comfort and easy hiking by using light materials such as nylon and suede enforced with some leather. They are flexible and require minimum break-in time. You could probably buy a pair and start hiking and wearing them around for a day.
Mid-weight Boot - This is the boot that most hikers and backpackers will use. Typically, mid-weight boots are made of synthetic material with leather enforcement sections .No matter what trails you plan to hike, a mid-weight boot with waterproof will be a good choice.
Mountaineering Boot - intended for climbing mountains and are closer to ski boots than hiking boots. They offer extreme support for feet and ankles with attachment points for crampons for hiking on ice.
When it comes to choosing a boots, you might take the following points into your general considerations,
Boot Weight - the lighter boot, the less work for your legs.
Arch Support - keeping your foot comfortable and supported under load is important.
Protection from Injury - stubbing your toe and twisting your ankle are the two big ones. Ankle support is more important the rougher the terrain becomes.
From my descriptions of the different hiking styles, you probably already know that I recommend a mid-weight boot for beginner hikers. It is flexible and can be used for easy day hikes and extended backpacking treks.For basic day hikes, and long distance hiking, a hiking shoe is also a good choice. A shoe might be a bit more comfortable and you could wear it for every day walking.
