The complete guide to hiking/walking boots

Hiking boots are widely considered to be the most important piece of hiking equipment. The quality, durability and comfort can give a hiking enthusiast the ability to move further, faster and safer. A good quality pair of walking boots are designed to give the wearer comfort for walking long distances and protection of the feet from water, rocks, mud and anything else the elements throw at you when hiking. Although hiking/walking boots are primaraly designed for hiking then can also be used for a wide range of other outdoor activities such as backpacking, trail running, hunting, mountineering and just for those of us that want dry feet when out and about.

Hiking boots support the ankle to avoid twisting but should not restrict the ankles movement much. They also must be fairly stiff to support the foot.

Components of Hiking/walking boots

• The Uppers

  The upper of a good quality hiking boots main purpose is to protect and support the foot, the upper of the boot should fit the foot snuggly. A descent quality walking boots will have a fully waterproof yet breathable upper this will help to stop blister and just generally make the boots more comfortable

• The Sole

  The sole unit of a hiking boot should be made from a durable rubber, this helps to create friction and avoid slipping on many different surdaces. Soles should also be shock absorbant especially for rougher terrians to provide cushioning for the foot.

• Laces

  Good quality boots will have braided nylon laces but they are stronger and last longer. These laces will help the upper to fit the foot snugly again helping to avoid blisters. Different hiking boot and walking shoes come with different lacing systems i.e D-rings, reinforced eyelets, hooks, webbing and some with incorporate a combination of these lacing systems.

• The Tongues

  The tongues of hiking boots are the flaps that cover the inlet of the upper and sit under the laces. The tongues main purposes are to make sure water, dirt and other debris don’t enter the shoe.

• The Lining and Padding

  The main reasons for have lining and paddings is to provide extra protection and comfort for the foot, linings in good quality walking boots usually incorporate a waterproof and breathable technology e.g Gortex in Hi-tec.

• The Insoles

  The insole of the boot is at the bottom of the boot underneath the sole of the foot. Having the right shape insole for your feet will help to ensure support, balance and comfort.

• The Shank

  The shank of the boot is basically a stiffened support in the sole of the boot, especially important when carrying a large backpack. There are three different types of shank: full, three quarter, or half length shanks. The longer the shank the more support will be provided to the foot.

• Welts

  Welts are basically a seal that connects the upper to the sole, they add an extra toughens to the boot and ensure that no water is allowed through the seams. Older boots will have sewed welt where as new boots will have glued welt, both are equally as effective.

Different types of Hiking Footwear

• Trail Shoe/Walking Trainer

  Trail Shoes/hiking Trainers are made for hiking in dry climate, well-established paths that are less rugged and rocky. Trail shoes are ideal for one-hour to one-day hikes when carrying a light day pack.

• Hiking boots

  Hiking boots are for muddy paths and steeper inclines. These are often used for hikes in excess of 2 days. Trail hikers are stronger,waterproof and higer cut. These provide added stability, stronger protection for the ankle against rocks.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hiking Boots

Advantages

Mountaineering boots are for mountain climbing. These boots are strong and durable, they have stiff soles which give support to the ankles and provide protection on difficult trails.

• Hiking boots are made to be sturdy and are firm at the bottom which protects the feet from damage from rocks, stones and thorns on a hiking trail.
• Hiking boots usually have a good cushion for the feet which prevent blisters, which often occur on long hikes.
• Hiking boots will have support on both sides which keeps the legs straight.
• Hiking boots will provide support for the ankle which prevents them from twisting, however this will not restrict the movement of thge ankle.

Disadvantages

Most hiking boots are made of leather, which is breathable and has a waterproof lining, such as Gore-tex. However, the boots are not comparable to wellington boots when it comes to waterproofness, this makes it difficult when crossing rivers to keep the inside of the boot dry- though there does exist rubber lace-up boots designed for hiking purposes. Hiking boots are also quite expensive and require more care.

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