If you plan on visiting the many trails and hiking spots across the country this summer, you need to invest in some good hiking boots! In fact, if you don’t have the right boot, it puts you at higher risk for injury and strain on your body! The rocky, slippery terrain isn’t made for your go-to workout sneakers and it’s time you prepare yourself accordingly. Here’s what to look for and consider when finding the perfect hiking boot!
See Also: Essentials For Your Summer Road Trip>>>
Types Of Hiking Boots
The Hiking Boot
This type of boot is best suitable for a day of hiking! This shoe is similar to a running shoe and is often the everyday, light backpackers choice since they’re walking long-distances! The low-cut design makes it flexible and easy to trek up those steep hills!
Eddie Bauer: Lukla Pro Waterproof Lightweight Hiker
Eddie Bauer has a wide variety of selections for men and women, and not to mention, these boots will last many hiking seasons!
The Day Hiking Boot
This day hiking boot comes in a mid to high style and offers more ankle support than the traditional hiking boot! If you’re moving from rock to rock and accidentally roll your ankle, this boot will support you and prevent any injuries! They are a bit heavier, so I don’t recommend buying these if you plan on doing simple trails this summer. They’re quite water resistant so have fun crossing the shallow rivers!
REI: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
The Backpacking Boot
This backpacking boot is the toughest of all hiking boots! These high-cut boots support you when you’re carrying a heavy load (backpack) and help trekking through the toughest terrain. The most important aspect of these boots is the stiff material! It’s important that these shoes are made this way to help prevent foot fatigue. These boots are extremely water resistant, give stellar ankle support and help prevent any back pain from the long distances.
REI: Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
Materials
It’s important to get hiking boots that have the right materials to get you through the toughest trails. When shopping for your pair, look out for materials like:
- Full-grain leather
- Nutbuck
- Suede
- Synthetics
- Mesh
- Waterproof- breathable membranes
It’s extremely important to have a toe cap or rand at the front of your boot. This is the rubber bumper that protects your toes from accidentally smashing them against a rock!
The Right Fit
The right fit is extremely important when finding the right hiking boots. If you buy the wrong size or style, it can do you more harm than good! Keep these tips in mind when shopping!
- The Right Socks: Too thick, too thin, or even too thick of seams can all be factors that cause you to blister. Each person is different and its recommended that you buy hiking socks at the same time to ensure everything feels right!
- Ignore Your Typical Shoe Size: Hiking boot sizes run different than your average shoe size, so always go with what feels comfortable!
- Narrow Toebox: The toe cap can run a bit small at times and if you feel that it cramps your toes, try a different style!
- Internal Ankle Padding: If you find that your ankles are a bit weaker, its important to have good ankle padding in the boot. This will help with breaking them and preventing any twisted ankles!
