Women's Vasque Zephyr II
Picking out a pair of hiking boots is one of the most important decisions we make as hikers or backpackers. Here are a few areas to consider when choosing the boots that are best for you.
The most important consideration is the type of hiking you will be doing. Where will you be wearing your boots—on easy day trips, longer hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, or expeditions? Once you answer this question, you can determine the style of boot to choose.
What style boot do I choose?
Light hiking boots (or shoes) are designed for shorter day trips over easy terrain. They combine lightweight materials, flexibility, and breathable fabrics for optimum comfort on shorter hikes. This style of hiking boot has gained in popularity over recent years because of the versatility that the shoe or boot provides and the ability to transition from the trail to the street seamlessly.
Hiking and backpacking boots provide better feet and ankle support for hikes when you are traveling a longer distance or carrying a light to moderately weighted backpack.
Mountaineering boots are specifically designed to provide support for carrying heavy loads over multi-day trips. They provide excellent ankle and foot support, a necessity for longer journeys. Some models are comprised of two parts: the flexible inner boot and the hard outer shell (often made of plastic), which is designed to accommodate crampons for snow and ice hiking.
Men's Merrell Moab Ventilator
What cut is right for me?
The cut of the boot has a lot to do with the style of boot you choose. Light hiking boots or shoes are often low to mid-height, with the mid-height boots wrapping just around the ankle to provide support. This cut is great for lightweight travel on well-maintained trails, but the downside of a low-cut hiker is that sand, dirt, or debris can find its way inside the shoe, causing discomfort. Hiking and backpacking boots can be found in the mid-to-high range of cuts. Often, the higher the cut, the more support and durability the boot will have. Mid-to-high cut boots will provide better ankle support than a low-cut hiker, as well as keeping debris out of the boot. Mountaineering boots will have the highest cut to provide superior and continuous support over a long trip.
Shoe construction
There are a number of innovative fabrics, materials and technology that can be found in hiking boots today that serve a multitude of purposes. The materials that are used to construct a hiking boot will greatly affect its performance on the trail.
Leather or synthetic? Leather boots will definitely be the most durable and long-lasting choice, but there is often a longer break-in period after purchasing a new pair of leather hikers. Boots made with synthetic materials will weigh less and have a considerably shorter break-in period, but don’t expect them to hold up as well as leather. However, many companies combine the best of both worlds by using leather and synthetic materials together to blend comfort and durability.
Water resistance is a selling point of many hiking boots. If this is a feature you are looking for, find a boot that features a water resistant layer within the boot construction. Gore-Tex® and OutDry® are both examples of a water resistant membrane that are integrated within the shoe’s construction.
Another feature that can be found in hiking boots is the Vibram® sole. These soles are comprised of natural and synthetic rubbers, and provide excellent grip, traction, and durability in a variety of conditions and terrains. While not all hiking boots will have Vibram soles, it’s hard to miss that yellow octagon on the sole.
Koflach Degre Mountaineering Boot
How do I know if a pair is right for me?
Okay, so you decided on the style and cut you are looking for. You may even know what kind of materials you are definitely looking for in a hiking boot. Once you have narrowed your field of choices, the best way to find out if a boot is right for you is to try them on. Go to your local outdoor retail store, try some pairs on and keep these few tips in mind:
- Bring your own hiking socks. This will be crucial to determining proper fit. Wear the socks that you will be wearing if you are hiking.
- Try on shoes or boots later in the day; your feet swell over the course of the day and it’s important to remember that when hiking, feet are prone to swelling, especially over long distances or on hot days.
- Walk around in them. Some outdoor retail stores offer a climbing ramp, or even a fake rock for you to climb around on. Get the feel of walking up and down and notice how your feet move in boot.
- Do your feet slide around inside the boot? Does your heel slide up and down in the shoe when walking? Leave wiggle room for your toes. You should be able to move your toes but not your feet inside the boot. Proper fitting hikers should hold your foot comfortable without being binding.
Overall, no matter how expensive the boot or how comfortable it fits in the store, it’s always best to start out easy with your new pair of boots. Walking around a store or your house is quite a different experience from walking ten miles on a trail. By starting out on shorter hikes, you will be able to break in your boots and avoid blistered feet after a long day of hiking.
