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There are all sorts of hikers, from those who love the serenity of a countryside stroll, to those who live for the adrenaline rush of challenging the world’s most thankless terrain. In general, they all share a common appreciation of the great outdoors. And, they all own great hiking boots.
Owning hiking boots can be expensive and the right ones can feel great, but are they really necessary when you’re just starting out? Certainly.
Good boots are the most essential tools in your hiking tool kit. Hiking is about walking, slipping, climbing, sliding, sloshing and, if an angry hive of bees is involved, running. The point is, hiking gives your feet a real workout, and the more you understand about choosing hiking boots, the better protected your feet will be. Sturdy, well-built hiking boots can protect not only your feet, but also your whole body, from the hazards of rough terrain.
Learning what to look for is paramount in choosing hiking boots:
Keep it Solid
The boots that you select should have a good solid feeling on the bottom. Which is not to mention that the boots are heavy. The solid base you feel must protect the soles of your feet from stones and rocks. Even if you can barely feel the ground through your boots, this feeling will increase as the miles wear on, leaving you with aching, sore feet at the end of the day. When selecting, test their solidity. Push your thumb into the bottom of the boot. If the sole has any give or feels soft, it will not give your feet the protection you require. Twisting the soles is another method to test your boots. If you can twist the sole, they’re probably not your best choice for taking on the trails. Keep in mind, traversing trails is not the same as strolling the pavement around your neighbourhood. Without a solid foundation under your feet, the sticks, rocks, and jagged edges you encounter will quickly become a real pain.
Security on All Sides
Choosing good hiking boots means seeking for protection from the bottom up, and all around. Good boots must provide protection on all sides. They are often referred to as “heavy” hiking boots because they have extra padding to secure your feet from protruding rocks, stones, branches and edges that can gouge into the side of your feet. If you decide to buy fabric boots, make sure that they have protective “welts”. These can be seen about ½ inch above the soles, providing extra safety and ultimate comfort for your feet.
Ankle Support
If Achilles had owned a decent pair of hiking boots, his entire story might have ended a little differently. When choosing hiking boots, it’s essential to be sure they offer the support that your ankles need to last over long treks. Grab the top of the boot and try to bend or twist it sideways. If the boot bends easily, it’s likely not going to provide the level of protection you’ll need. The top of the boots must be hard enough to hold the ankle in place.
Stay Dry
Wet feet are uncomfortable, itchy and quickly develop blisters. Once the blisters start, your feet will be out of commission for some time, so you need to make sure you’re choosing hiking boots that are waterproof, or at least have the capability to be waterproofed. There are waterproofing solutions such as liquid silicone that can be used on fabric boots. However, these external treatments don’t usually provide the watertight protection you’ll need for all-weather use.
There is so much to know when choosing hiking boot, it’s often best to go straight to the professionals. Visit a sporting goods store or outdoor outfitters for advice on the best boots to suit your needs. Don’t scrimp on quality for the sake of a good deal. Buy great quality boots, and your feet will thank you, every step of the way.
Tagged with: hiking boots • mountain hiking
Filed under: Hiking Gear