Hiking 411 | Choosing the Right Boots

One of the best things you as a hiker can invest in is in the choice of a good pair of boots. Besides a disastrous accident, nothing makes a hike go bad like the wrong set of boots. Well-made boots are comfortable and will provide the grip and support required to overcome any hike.

Long hikes put immense strain on the ankles and feet. That, in turn, is transferred up to your legs and affects your back and your whole body. Whether or not you get blisters doesn't really matter. A strong base is required.

Hence, support is important. Good pairs of hiking boots provide additional rigidity and 'springiness' that feet and ankles are hurting for in the wild. You'll want to be sure you can push from the ground, boulders, and other exteriors without having to worry about your hiking footwear. Having faith in your boots is one less thing you'll have to worry about on the trail, and instead you can enjoy your hiking trip. If you wear the wrong kind of boots you can be pretty sure your feet will be hurting - you may wind up even twisting an ankle.

Even though all boots made these days use enhanced materials, a big component of the best hiking boots is still the old mainstay leather. What's so good about leather? Leather hiking boots are tough, water-resistant (when treated), stiff, and have great thermal and moisture characteristics.

While the word 'comfort' has a luxurious ring to it, in hiking, it isn't just a luxury, it's crucial. You'll want to be able to journey on without worrying about your feet blistering or being chafed. You'll be spending many hours in your boots without moisture build-up or extreme warmth or cold.

Choose comfortable hiking boots that feel good on your foot. Size is only the start. Spend the time and money to get a pair that is comfortable on your feet the second you try them on. Boots will wear in, but if they don't feel good right away they seldom will later.

Remember though that a good pair of hiking boots is not a pair of tennis shoes. Expect them to feel stiff and to hardly give on the outer sole and about your ankle. They're created that way in order to do their job.

Your trek will involve climbing over damp rocks, slick gravel, cracking hills and mucky hiking trails. No boot is perfect at eliminating all of these issues, but different types of boots vary in their capabilities. Some perform just like your favorite pair of tennis shoes. Others rival nail-studded ice boots.

Well-made boots have a range of materials and geometries that keep slipping on damp rocks to a minimum and traction ability on flaking hill grades to a max. At the very least, they should have Vibram lugs with some type of tread. Looking almost like tires, they are more of a plastic, less rubbery sort of substance.

A gusseted tongue helps to keep rocks and dirt out of the boot. Look also for waterproof hiking boots with treated leather, rubber, or other specialized composites. Damp boots can lead to problems with your feet. Gore Tex boots have superb thermal properties.

Further factors depend on what sort of hiking you intend to do. If you're an experienced hiker, you'll most definitely have more than one pair of boots, which is fine, because well-made boots last for years. You're receiving a good deal, even if you're paying $125-$200 + per pair. People will easily spend that much money on shoes over the same timeframe.

You will most likely need a pair that is pretty high-laced if you're hiking through rough ground. You need bracing above your ankle. How high is your preference, just be certain to get ample support.

Wear socks that resemble what you will use on the hike when testing out boots. Thick, cotton, blend, or moisture-wicking hiking socks are great. If you test them while wearing just casual socks, you can't really determine the results.

There are about a dozen main manufacturers and they all have low and high-end brands of boots. Hunt around and read Internet hiking boots reviews from people that actually OWN them.

Best Hiking Boots

Choosing the Right Boots