What Makes a Hiking Boot Great?
By: Marc Wiltse
How to evaluate hiking boots and footwear for comfort,
protection, and durability.
Choosing hiking boots and footwear is one of the most important
decisions you as a hiker or camper will make. They'll either make
your trip memorable or miserable. To find what's best for you,
ask yourself "What type of hiking do I do?"
Day Hiking (Light-weight)- Do you usually go for short hikes for
one to several hours during the week or weekend without a
backpack? Then you'll want to consider these. They're lighter,
flexible, and breathe better because they're usually made of
fabric and split-grain leather. They're comfortable for day
outings but you'll become fatigued and your feet will begin to
bother you if you try to hike with a pack or for an extended trip
because they aren't designed to support you like the hiking boots
below.
Backpacking/Hiking (Mid-weight)- Stiffer mid-weight hiking boots
provide more support and protection for shorter 2-3 day trips or
even day hikes with or without a light to moderate load. If you
hike for a few hours and want more support and/or up to three
days on or off-trail on easy to moderate trails get a mid-weight
leather backpacking boot.
Extended Backpacking (Mountaineering)- The best level of support,
protection, and durability for heavier loads and longer trips,
but they're also usually heavier. Supports heavy loads of
approximately 40+ pounds (could vary with hiking boot). If you
hike for more than three days on or off-trail with a moderate to
heavy pack on demanding terrain get an extended (heavy weight)
backpacking boot. If you need to attach crampons for glaciers
check to make sure the boots are compatible before you buy. For
cold-weather hiking it's critical to get waterproof insulated
boots that breathe to keep you dry.
Full-grain leather and Nubuck suede take water repellant products
well but keep in mind that they won't waterproof a hiking boot
NOT designed to be waterproof in the first place. The repellant
will help shed water but if you're walking through streams or
deep puddles you're going to get wet.
Waterproofing
You may or may not need waterproof hiking boots. Consider the
environment you usually hike in and how long your trips are. If
you do a lot of short desert hiking trips you probably don't need
waterproof boots. Actually in a dry environment they'll only make
it harder for your feet to breathe (more numerous or heavy layers
mean less breathability). Nylon mesh fabric breathes better than
leather, but remember you're making tradeoffs for durability,
support, and protection.
If you would like to learn more about selecting your next pair of
hiking boots and what's important regarding fit and construction
click here. Or take a look at this related article to help say
goodbye to blisters caused by poor quality hiking socks.
Marc learned about quality gear just after his pup tent flooded
forcing him to sleep in his tiny 2-seat Honda CRX. His hiking
equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money.
Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most
usable info. FREE! © Marc Wiltse.
http://www.hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com/hiking-boots.html
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