Hiking is a great way to keep yourself fit and healthy, but it is also a very challenging physical activity that can take it’s toll on the body if you are not prepared for it. The most important part of your gear will be a pair of good hiking boots, as they will keep you from developing blisters, injuring your ankles or slipping and falling. There are plenty of options out there, so let’s go through the most important characteristics of great hiking footwear.
- Know the different types of hiking footwear
There are several different kinds of specialised hiking shoes. The right choice will depend on the type of activity and the hiking trails you will be taking:
- Mountaineering boots – these boots are used for winter hiking and climbing, which is why they have stiff soles, high ankle shaft height, multiple layers and usually come with crampons. They are specially made for harsh environments, i.e. going through snow and ice. Because of this, they are very heavy, but provide climbers and hikers with great stability and support;
- Hiking boots – definitely lighter than mountaineering boots, hiking boots are made for hikers who take long hikes through rough terrain. The ankle shaft height is lower than on the mountaineering boots, but they still provide good support and stability. Depending on your physical strength or certain injuries, you can choose different ankle shaft heights. If you are a beginner, then these boots are best ones for you, as you might have a large backpack and go off trail, which beginners aren’t used to;
- Hiking shoes – they are lighter than both mountaineering and hiking boots, and definitely more flexible, but they are not as stable as the previous two options. As they are low-cut models, and they don’t provide much support, they are not recommended for amateur hikers and beginners. If you aren’t going off terrain, and you don’t have a lot of weight in your backpack, you can consider buying these;
- Backpacking boots – usually confused with hiking boots, backpacking boots are made for trips with heavy loads, and have a very high ankle shaft height, which basically wraps around the ankle. Very stiff midsoles make them durable, supportive and stable. If you aren’t carrying a heavy backpack, and you don’t need to walk for days, there is no need to go for this particular type. However, if you are going on a long backpacking trip, then you’d better have a pair of backpacking boots.
- Styles of hiking boots
You need to choose the right style of hiking boots depending on the terrain, the length and intensity of the hike and the weight of your backpack. Lightweight hiking boots have a low-cut or mid-cut, and are perfect for short hikes. They are made of soft material and are very similar to hiking shoes.
Midweight boots are made for almost every type of terrain, as they have stiff soles. They aren’t as heavy, and many people cannot feel the difference between them and the lightweight ones. However, these boots have stiff ankle shafts, which provide hikers with greater stability and support.
Heavyweight boots are usually backpacking boots or mountaineering boots, which are made for rough terrain, climbing, snow and ice. Therefore, if you are just an occasional hiker, you will need a lightweight or middleweight model.
- Pay attention to features
Style and looks are important, but practical features must come first when choosing the right boot for hiking and climbing. If you are going off trail and it might rain, or you are going through water, you definitely need hiking boots that are water resistant. Except for making sure your feet are dry, you must also make sure that your feet are well-ventilated. If you have sweaty feet, then take a look at anti-microbial boots.
Don’t be ashamed to ask about all the different features of the boots, as the worst thing that can happen is for you to realize that your footwear doesn’t offer the comfort and stability you need when you’re already somewhere far off trail.
- Do they fit?
If you are going on a long hike, you’ll probably spend a lot of time in your shoes, so you need to find the perfect fit to prevent discomfort and injury. When you put them on, they shouldn’t be too tight or too wide. You should have enough space, but your feet shouldn’t be able to move in them. The most important thing is that your feet don’t slide forward, because if they do, you won’t be able to walk across rough terrain properly.
Choosing the right hiking boots can be a nightmare. Even professionals make mistakes and often change their shoes after a few bad hiking experiences. This is why you need to take your time and make an informed decision. It is a difficult choice, but at the end it’s worth it, because a good pair will keep you safe, provide plenty of comfort and last a really long time.
