Hiking can is great fun and allows you to enjoy the world and places inaccessible by road, but can be physically demanding especial for your feet. It is important that you wear comfortably fitting footwear that offers protection, with hard wearing qualities. There are several considerations when deciding which footwear to purchase that will best suit your needs.
What type of hiking are you going to do?
Hiking boots and shoes vary enormously in price - from the cheaper man-made boots which are often not waterproof to the more expensive better quality waterproof boots. If you intend to do a lot of walking, it is certainly wise to invest in a decent pair which will provide both protection and comfort.
When considering your purchase, one should focus on the different number of activities you intend doing. Footwear for hiking can be split into 3 categories. It is important to choose the correct type for your chosen.
If you intend to engage in, lightweight walking or just simple day/overnight hiking, then trail shoes or boots that are designed for this purpose tend will be less supportive and less durable than some other boots, but will be perfect and adequate thus suitable for your needs. These focus on comfort, breathability and cushioning they are intended for short to medium walks over fairly easy terrain.
Mid-weight Walking boots are more suitable if you are carrying reasonably light backpacking loads. These are more supportive and durable than lightweight boots but are also intended for short walk over easy or moderate ground.
Mountaineering or extended backpacking boots such as the Hi Tec Attitude 5 are at the top end of the market and are great if you're carrying heavy loads over difficult terrain. These provide a great level of ankle support and protect the foot together with offering the very best in durability, support and waterproof protection.
Materials used in Hiking Boots
The material used in the manufacture of hiking boots will have an affect on its durability, breathability and water resistance. The actual type you finally choose will in all probability be down to your own personal preference.
Boots made of nylon mesh with leather boots are lightweight and also breathable which makes them suitable for use in warm to moderate weather climates. These tend to be easy on the feet and take little time to break in, normally these are the lightest form of boot and can be purchase from New Forest Footwear from approximately to cost less. However, they can be less water resistant than other types if purchased elsewhere but here at New Forest all our boots are made to the same exacting standards and as such are 100% waterproof.
Our Leather boots are also waterproof, and offer greater support than most nylon-mesh/leather and they are more durable. Be careful as some boots are sold as water resistant these generally are not 100% waterproof. All our Leather waterproof boots are 100% waterproof and designed for extended backpacking trips together with the carrying of heavy loads over the roughest of terrains
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