Whether you're a regular or casual hiker you should never take buying the right hiking boot too lightly. Buying a pair of hiking shoes is a much different process than buying a normal pair of shoes for your everyday wear. It takes much more than a good fit and a nice style to make hiking shoes work for you. In order for the shoe to fit the demands of hiking it has to be constructed with the hiker in mind, meaning it has to be lightweight, comfortable and safe.
Here are a number of tips to keep in mind the next time you're shopping for a new pair of hiking boots:
1. How do you plan to use your hiking shoes or boots? The answer to this question will help determine what type of hiking boot is best for you. There is a type of boot for every purpose and what type you choose should take into account the terrain over which you will be hiking, the weather, how long your hikes are, and how much weight you will be carrying.
There are four various types of boots to consider:
The casual boot. There are casual shoes that include sandals, running or cross trainers. If you're considering sandals, keep in mind that these are good for softer terrains where the weather is dry. A trail runner or cross trainer is very similar to a good pair of running sneakers but with the support a hiker needs for comfort and safety.
The classic hiking boot: cross hikers or mid-weight boots. These are created for tougher terrains. These boots have more support because they're made to withstand tougher landscapes.
Off-trail boots can be a good option for rough territory. This type of boot offers more protection for the foot because of a rugged construction. Stronger toecaps and a conformed mid-section are some of the additional features these boots carry.
Interested in mountain climbing? Mountaineering boots may be the answer. They are made with mountain climbing in mind, including special ankle support.
2. Are you a beginner or experienced hiker? The answer to this question will help you decide on what kind of boot you're looking for and need. If you're a newer hiker, you'll need a boot that offers more support. Once your lower body, including your feet, get accustomed to the strain of hiking, you can shift to a lighter boot. The first pair of boots a new hiker purchases should help make up for their lack of experience on the trail with more support that will help keep them safe from accidents.
3. Buy a quality hiking shoe. If you are serious about your hiking, you need to buy good quality footwear. You can often judge quality by brand. Buying a cheap brand is asking for trouble. Some things to look at when judging the quality of a boot are the stitching, the connection of the upper to the sole, the lug pattern and toughness of the sole, and how stiff the upper is.
4. Think about the optimal hiking experience you want to enjoy and choose the boot that will help you achieve it. Every boot has its own personality and its characteristics will indicate how it will perform out on the terrain. For example, the lighter the boot the easier the physical effort. Water resistance is important if you'll be exploring in wet climates. Do your ankle and sole of your feet receive enough support and comfort?
5. Make sure you have a good fit. There are a number of ways to determine you've gotten the right fit, here's how:
Try on the boots later on in the day, and make sure you've had at least 15 minutes of walking before you try them on.
Wear the socks you plan on using during your travels when trying on the boots.
Avoid pressure points, and make sure you've got a snug fit that surrounds your foot and ankle.
Put both pairs of shoes on, completely lace them up and talk a stroll in them. Get a sense of how they feel.
The boots you wear on your feet when hiking is a major factor in your success outdoors. The right hiking shoes will help you enjoy the experience while keeping you safe.
Here are a number of tips to keep in mind the next time you're shopping for a new pair of hiking boots:
1. How do you plan to use your hiking shoes or boots? The answer to this question will help determine what type of hiking boot is best for you. There is a type of boot for every purpose and what type you choose should take into account the terrain over which you will be hiking, the weather, how long your hikes are, and how much weight you will be carrying.
There are four various types of boots to consider:
The casual boot. There are casual shoes that include sandals, running or cross trainers. If you're considering sandals, keep in mind that these are good for softer terrains where the weather is dry. A trail runner or cross trainer is very similar to a good pair of running sneakers but with the support a hiker needs for comfort and safety.
The classic hiking boot: cross hikers or mid-weight boots. These are created for tougher terrains. These boots have more support because they're made to withstand tougher landscapes.
Off-trail boots can be a good option for rough territory. This type of boot offers more protection for the foot because of a rugged construction. Stronger toecaps and a conformed mid-section are some of the additional features these boots carry.
Interested in mountain climbing? Mountaineering boots may be the answer. They are made with mountain climbing in mind, including special ankle support.
2. Are you a beginner or experienced hiker? The answer to this question will help you decide on what kind of boot you're looking for and need. If you're a newer hiker, you'll need a boot that offers more support. Once your lower body, including your feet, get accustomed to the strain of hiking, you can shift to a lighter boot. The first pair of boots a new hiker purchases should help make up for their lack of experience on the trail with more support that will help keep them safe from accidents.
3. Buy a quality hiking shoe. If you are serious about your hiking, you need to buy good quality footwear. You can often judge quality by brand. Buying a cheap brand is asking for trouble. Some things to look at when judging the quality of a boot are the stitching, the connection of the upper to the sole, the lug pattern and toughness of the sole, and how stiff the upper is.
4. Think about the optimal hiking experience you want to enjoy and choose the boot that will help you achieve it. Every boot has its own personality and its characteristics will indicate how it will perform out on the terrain. For example, the lighter the boot the easier the physical effort. Water resistance is important if you'll be exploring in wet climates. Do your ankle and sole of your feet receive enough support and comfort?
5. Make sure you have a good fit. There are a number of ways to determine you've gotten the right fit, here's how:
Try on the boots later on in the day, and make sure you've had at least 15 minutes of walking before you try them on.
Wear the socks you plan on using during your travels when trying on the boots.
Avoid pressure points, and make sure you've got a snug fit that surrounds your foot and ankle.
Put both pairs of shoes on, completely lace them up and talk a stroll in them. Get a sense of how they feel.
The boots you wear on your feet when hiking is a major factor in your success outdoors. The right hiking shoes will help you enjoy the experience while keeping you safe.
About the Author:
Robert Mann is an avid adventurer who has trekked on multiple continents, from the summit of Kilimanjaro to the windy peaks of Patagonia to the Everest Base Camp. He is founder of ecco ecco shoes, which is dedicated to the world's best walking shoes.. This article, Effective Tips For Buying Great Hiking Shoes is available for free reprint.