| The range of conditions that feet can see in the | | | | entering boots from the top in deep puddles, but |
| temperate regions is vast. Coastal hiking in | | | | they can keep the system dry in water levels |
| temperate regions takes you through mud, root | | | | slightly higher than the boot top if you are moving |
| systems, rocky areas and sandy areas. And | | | | through at a relatively quick pace. |
| there are often streams to ford. Slippery | | | | New boots designed for rugged terrain will feel |
| boardwalks are just the icing on the cake. The | | | | stiff but they should still be comfortable. It is good |
| West Coast Trail experience, now also available, | | | | practice to wear your boots to break them in |
| and more so, on the new North Coast Trail on | | | | before any trip, even if the boots are old and |
| Vancouver Island, gives all of this and more. | | | | broken in. Wearing them can help you track down |
| Feet-and bodies-have to cope with this wide | | | | troubles before you get on the trail. Make a |
| variety of conditions, and the boots worn can | | | | pre-hike with as similar conditions as you can find |
| make a tremendous difference. | | | | or create. Check them over during and after this |
| Coastal hiking is like heavy mountain backpacking. | | | | test hike. Breaking new boots in will take weeks. |
| Boots must be designed for this activity and | | | | The pressure of your foot in the boot must mold |
| include stiffer shanks and special construction for | | | | and shape the boot to form fit your foot. With |
| waterproofing and durability. These heavier boots | | | | denser materials in heavy hiking boots, this takes |
| provide the best level of support, protection, and | | | | some time and distance, perhaps 80+ kilometers. |
| durability for heavier loads and longer trips. Both | | | | Before you go, try a good two to three hour |
| the West Coast Trail and the North Coast Trail | | | | hike with your pack loaded to see if anything is |
| are extended trips over demanding terrain, so an | | | | heating up or hurting. |
| extended (heavy weight) backpacking boot is | | | | Considering coastal hikes like the West Coast Trail |
| appropriate. | | | | or the North Coast Trail, good quality, reliable |
| The support given to the ankle and foot are | | | | boots are essential. These boots need to be |
| mostly from the stiffness and durability of the | | | | supportive for the rugged terrain, water proof to |
| shank that runs the length of the boot under the | | | | the top in construction, and need to have a |
| foot, not from the high ankle height of the boot. | | | | proper, comfortable fit. These trails require |
| The shank is the main support system in a boot. | | | | multiple days with considerable weights in the |
| High tops can provide a little extra support | | | | backpack, so they need to be broken in well to |
| alongside the shank, but not much. High tops help | | | | prevent blisters and injury. Additional help with |
| prevent ankle abrasions; and they help keep | | | | water-proofing can be found by wearing gaiters |
| water from entering the boot in low water | | | | over the boots. At the end of the day, the hiking |
| conditions. A pair of gaiters is really necessary for | | | | boots you wear can make or break a trip. |
| coastal trails. Gaiters cannot prevent water from | | | | |