Choose Your Perfect Hiking Boots

Are you planning for a hike with friends or loved ones this weekend?  As hiking, trekking or mountain climbing would never go out of fashion, it is important that you also invest in very durable and dependable hiking boots to go with you in your adventure.

Hiking boots are footwear specifically designed for hiking.  They come in different styles, designs and colors.  A lot of shoe companies nowadays are manufacturing not only conventional types of shoes for men, women and children, but they also design and manufacture different designs of hiking boots. For those shopping for perfect hiking boots, it is always best to choose the best hiking boots that would fit you perfectly, aside from the fact that it should be of high quality in terms of durability and comfort as well.  They should be naturally and perfectly designed for outdoor activities – like hiking, trekking and even mountain climbing; thus your hiking boots should protect your feet from water, mud, rocks, splinters, and other obstacles we encounter while hiking or mountain climbing.  

Parts of Hiking Boots 

1. Upper - The upper part of a hiking boot is intended to protect and support the         foot with a perfect fit. They should be water repellant, but should also allow enough space for the feet to “breathe”.

2. Soles - Soles are the bottom part of your hiking boot. Soles must provide cushion to your feet and absorbs shocks.
3. Laces – Specially designed laces for hiking boots are usually braided with nylon cords which keep the boots fitted properly around the feet.
4. Tongues – These are the flaps that cover the upper part of your hiking boots. Tongues protect the feet from water, dirt, pebbles and debris.
5. Linings and Paddings - Linings and paddings are designed to give more protection and comfort to your feet.
6. Insoles – Insoles are the bottom part of the inner part that the feet rest on. These should be the most comfortable part of the boots.
7. Shanks – These are the stiff plastic or metal plates built into the sole.
8. Scree Collars – These are designed to protect the Achilles tendon and ankle from chafing.
9. Crampon Connections – These parts are made from spikes and provide traction on snow and ice.
10. Welts – These are the major seams connecting the upper part of the boots to the sole.

Types of Hiking Boots 

There are different types of hiking boots designed depending on the purpose of its usage.  Shop for boots that are especially designed for the specific types of activities you do have in mind.  A lot of various types of boots are also available for men, women and kids and go with different colors and designs.   

1. Light hiking boots - these low-cut models with midsoles especially designed are excellent for day hiking. You can wear these types of boots for daily short-walk activities to the park or just walking around the bend.

2. Hiking boots – these mid or high-cut models are designed for weekend backpacking trips with light loads. They are flexible, thus comfortable, but they lack the durability of backpacking boots.

3.  Backpacking boots – these hiking boots are designed to carry loads on multiday trips deep into the countryside.  These types of boots can also be worn when trekking or backcountry strolling.

4.  Mountaineering boots – these hiking boots are designed to accommodate heavy loads. Mountaineering boots are tough, supportive and durable, thus they are dependable even when worn in heavy mountaineering activities.

Benefits of Hiking Boots

Listed below are several reasons why wearing hiking boots is beneficial to the hiker:

1. Hiking boots are designed to be sturdy to protect the feet from getting hurt from the rocks, pebbles and thorns during the hike.
2. Hiking boots are designed with good fit and protect the feet from blisters.
3. Hiking boots are designed with support on the sides to keep the legs straight.
4. Hiking boots are designed to provide support to the ankle to prevent twisting, but should not restrict its movement.

How to Shop Hiking Boots

1. Prepare for hiking boot shopping. Go to malls or shoe stores where you can devote some extended time for the selection of the best hiking boots.

2.  Turn a boot over and examine its tread. If you are traveling on rough or steep terrain, look strong, well-defined heel brakes and spikes which should keep you from slipping.

3.  Talk to sales representatives who are knowledgeable about hiking boots. Consider asking about which type of hiking boots are best in a specific type of weather or which hiking boots can be used as mounting climbing boots, and other related questions.

4.  The best way to determine if the hiking boots fit well is to concentrate on how your foot feels inside the boot. The hiking boots should not pinch anywhere, not too tight, and not too big. Test the length in 2 ways: you should have a thumb’s width of space at the toe end of the shoe. You should also have enough room to slip a finger in behind your heel.

5.  Make sure the hiking boots fit you well. Consider the proper shoes size and if the soles are comfortable.

6.  Try on at least three suitable pairs of hiking boots.   Ask the sales representative to let you try on at least three suitable and durable pairs of hiking boots.  Observe that the hiking boots should be of perfect fit and that you are comfortable when walking around to test the comfort and fit of the hiking boots.

After shopping for the best hiking boots, you can now prepare for your hiking, trekking or mountaineering activities.  Walk around short distances with your hiking boots for several days. Wear them as much as you can before the hike so that your feet will feel familiar with the boots during the day of the activity.  You can also invest in some good hiking socks. Wool is a great material and synthetics are good, too. Always avoid cotton athletic socks since retain moisture that can lead to blisters. Finally, always remember to wear the perfect design and fit of the hiking boots of your choice!  Have an enjoyable backcountry hiking, trekking or mountaineering with your new pair of perfect hiking boots!

Ann Cervales,  Philippines