HIKING BOOTS

When it comes to choosing the correct Hiking Boots you should always have a few goals in mind you want your boots to be as light and comfortable as possible while keeping your feet dry warm and wellprotected A more experienced hiker might be able to choose lighter boots compared to a less experienced hiker even if they plan to do the same hike under the same conditions

Especially if you are new to Hiking you should go for Hiking Boot that gives good support while your feet ankles achilles tendon calves and legs get used to the added strain of Hiking If you plan to increase your Hiking skill level by gradually increasing the difficulty load duration and or terrain difficulty of your hikes then make sure to buy boots that allow you to grow and that will still meet your needs once you reach your next skill level

Good quality boots will not give up when the going gets tough If there is one thing you do not want it is a broken boot in the middle of a hike When it comes to judging quality there are a few things you can judge it by

Shoes are manufactured based on a last a mold which forms the basis for sizing each shoe Manufacturers differ in their last sizing so ones foot size may not be the best way to gauge the size of ones hiking boots Some brands will probably fit you better than others and it usually takes a certain amount of trying on to decide which hiking boots are ideal for your foot

In selecting different types of hiking boots you also should consider how much hiking you plan to do For day hikes small light styles called daytrippers or featherweights are probably the best choice However if you plan to spend several days hiking you should select a sturdier shoe The brand is often a good indicator Good Hiking Boot brands have a name to live up to and most companies put their boots through rigid testing before launching them to ensure quality and durability Cheap boots from an unknown brand are a ticket to trouble Examine your boot closely Take your time in checking the stitching the connection of sole and upper the toughness and lug pattern of the sole the stiffness of the upper and the configuration and type of the lacing Judging their quality comes down to common sense and the expertise of your sales person Your brand size may match the size you normally wear or will be close to it For those who are sizeconscious try to avoid marrying yourself to a particular size Comfort matters more than the size number of the boot
When the shoe is unlaced you should be able to slide your toes to the toe of the shoe and have a fingers width distance between your heel and the shoes heel If the distance is greater the boot is too large Conversely if you cannot get your finger into the shoe or you dont have to slide the foot down to touch the tip of the shoe the shoes are too small Most find that leather uppers in hiking boots provide the best fit as they will naturally conform to your foot the more you use them If you will be wading through creeks or ponds consider goretex lining inside the shoe as these will keep your feet dry In general if you are backpacking you should purchase a heavier shoe Backpacking requires greater balance A general rule is that the greater the load you carry the heavier your hiking boots should be Trail hikers or middle weights are suitable for negotiating muddy paths inclines and longer distances These hiking boots have a slightly higher ankle support to protect you from banging your ankles into jutting rocks They are an excellent choice for hikes lasting longer than a couple of days If you are an experienced hiker who plans to include some mountain climbing you will need to find the stiffest hiking boots possible These are often called stompers These will allow you to attach crampons if needed They also provide better stability when hiking in snow or through icy portions of your trail Stompers are also best for long backpacking trips where you are carrying a heavy load They will provide you with the best grip and steadiness when you are under the weight of a stuffed backpack When trying on hiking boots be sure to wear the same socks you intend to wear hiking Natural fiber socks are more likely to cause blistering Shoes should be tried on toward the end of the day since feet tend to expand slightly as the day progresses If you plan to use orthotics in your hiking boots dont forget to bring these with you to try on as well

Finally take your hiking boots on some trial hikes to break in the shoe This is particularly important when considering hiking trips of several days Even the bestfitting hiking boots will probably cause some blisters the first few days of use Broken in hiking boots translate to a more pleasurable hiking experience