As many different hiking boot styles as there are hikers, depending on the type of hiking you intend to do, there are specific factors to consider when selecting your boots. Therefore, I will categorize hiking boots (or hiking footwear) into four major categories in this article, corresponding to the four main types of hiking. To find the Best Hiking Boot, click here
The four varieties of hiking boots we’ll talk about are:
1. Sandals and hiking boots. For quick outdoor strolls, rummaging around in camp, and use during leisurely breaks in a strenuous hike.
2. Boots for day hikes. For moderate hiking, including day hikes or quick hikes through rugged terrain.
3. Footwear for hiking. For longer, more strenuous hikes, such as multiday backpacking excursions.
4. Boots for mountaineering. For the most challenging ice climbing, mountaineering, and hiking.
Of course, there is some overlap and a lot of mixing.
Most individuals who use anything other than hiking boots also use items from one of the lower categories. For example, when I go camping, I bring my hiking shoes and day hiking boots for the shorter, less strenuous hikes with the grandchildren. Another instance is how ice climbers frequently arrive at Arethusa Falls in day-hiking boots before climbing into mountaineering boots.
In most cases, it will be acceptable to purchase a more robust hiking boot than you need. One exception is that if you don’t need mountaineering boots, you might find them too heavy for a short day hike. Don’t go too high-end. Because higher-quality boots are likely to last longer, even the additional cost of purchasing “more boots than you need” may save money over time.
Let’s now discuss the general worries and factors to consider when selecting a pair of hiking boots.
Remember that wearing shoes is meant to protect your feet. This amounts to the following four objectives:
1. Comfort in season
2. Defense against jagged edges and pointed objects
3. Motion
4. Maintaining dry feet
I think that’s it.
Almost everything you read about “support” is exaggerated. If you put a lot of “support” on your feet and ankles, the natural support system deteriorates from underuse. You don’t necessarily need ankle support unless you have a specific weakness in your ankles, whether genetically predisposed or brought on by an injury. You won’t need any additional “support” if you allow the muscles and ligaments in your feet and ankles to perform the functions they were created for.
However, you do require arch support. Why? Because your feet were made for walking on a soft, natural surface that fits your feet’s shape. Your arches are under undue stress when a rigid, unyielding shoe sole is fastened to the bottom of your foot. The boot’s base needs to fit snugly over the shape of your foot and maintain that shape as you walk. Arch support is that.
What about hiking boots for men versus women? The proportions are the only thing that genuinely differs. A woman’s foot typically has higher arches and is narrower than a man’s for the same foot length. Accordingly, hiking boots for women have been created. If you’re a woman with low arches and wide feet, the hiking cops won’t ticket you for wearing “men’s” hiking boots, and if you’re a man with narrow feet and high arches, don’t be afraid to look at “women’s” hiking boots. Buy hiking boots that fit your feet.
Socks are a must-have. In the winter, you’ll need several pairs of warm socks, so ensure your hiking boots have room for them. Also, bring the type of socks you plan to wear on hikes when you shop for hiking boots to test the fit with the socks on.
Try to find high quality, and be prepared to pay for it. You will also have to pay more if you want the newest styles in fashion. I typically look for last year’s high quality, allowing me to get the quality I want without paying for the class I don’t care about.
Here is a quick guideline to help you determine what to expect: Your hiking boots cost significantly more than your backpack. The proper boots will likely cost 1.5 to 2 times as much as the right backpack for a particular type of hike.
You would be wise to look at sixty-dollar day-hiking boots if you only intend to go on one-day hikes with a forty-dollar daypack. However, suppose you want to hike the Appalachian Trail from beginning to end. In that case, you’ll need at least a $100 expedition backpack, and you should seriously consider spending $150 or more on your hiking boots.
Hiking boots involve complex engineering trade-offs. Lightweight is preferable. Strong is good. Long-lasting qualities are advantageous. Good traction and holding power are present. Cheap is a good thing. But heavy boots are not light. High-traction hiking boots deteriorate quickly. Only lightweight is inexpensive among the four qualities of durability, extended wear, good traction, and lightweight. Consequently, these four qualities are compromises in every pair of hiking boots.
