| Choosing the best hiking boot may seem like a | | | | constantly working on creating lighter hiking boots |
| daunting undertaking. Like everything else these | | | | while maintaining the support. |
| days, there are a multitude of makes, models, | | | | - Waterproof - If you will be hiking in rain or |
| and price ranges. However, a little preparation and | | | | trekking through wet areas, you may want to |
| consideration before shopping, can help narrow | | | | consider GORTEX or otherwise waterproofed |
| down the choices and ensure that you get | | | | boots. (Keep in mind that these may be hotter |
| durable, well-fitted boots that will keep your feet | | | | since they may not breathe as well.) |
| (and you) happy for many, many miles. | | | | - Insoles - Some hiking boot manufacturers install |
| You can do tons of research to find the | | | | better insoles than others. Depending on your foot |
| best-rated, best-priced, most durable, most | | | | features and problems, this may be an issue. The |
| popular boots, but the primary consideration is | | | | sole should be shaped to your foot for maximum |
| which hiking boots will best fit YOU and YOUR | | | | support and balance (eg. If you have a high arch, |
| needs. What ranks best in all surveys, or what | | | | you need an insole with a high arch.) Another |
| your friend claims is "the only boot to buy", OR | | | | possibility is to take out the original insoles and |
| what is the highest priced boot on the market, | | | | replace them with better ones or orthotics to |
| may not work at all for you. | | | | accommodate your special needs. |
| There are two sets of things to do before buying | | | | - Lacing - This may not seem like much of an |
| hiking boots; the first can be done at home, while | | | | issue, but the type of lacing can affect how the |
| the second requires a trip to your favorite | | | | boots will tighten on your foot, as well as, how |
| sporting goods store. | | | | easy you can get them on and off. |
| At-Home Preparation | | | | - Tongues - the tongue should have a gusset that |
| Assess Your Hiking Preferences | | | | connects it to the upper to keep out, water and |
| - Casual strolls carrying only a water bottle | | | | debris. Make sure that the tongue and gusset fold |
| - More strenuous day hikes over rougher terrain | | | | together around your shin and ankle without |
| carrying a day pack | | | | causing pressure points. |
| - Multi-day backpacking trips over all types of | | | | - Scree Collar - Although I never knew what this |
| terrain carrying a 30-40 pound pack | | | | was called, it is the collar on the back of the |
| - Warm-season only hiking, or winter hiking | | | | higher boots, where they are cut lower and |
| Assess Your Feet | | | | padded to protect the back of your ankle from |
| Do your feet/ankles have any special features or | | | | chafing. |
| problems that need to be considered? | | | | OK, so now that you have identified what type |
| - Wide or Narrow Feet | | | | of hiking you will be doing, and what boot |
| - High Arches | | | | features to consider, you are ready to start |
| - Flat Feet | | | | shopping. Take your list of "must-have features", |
| - Week Ankles | | | | "nice-to-have" features, and a general idea of |
| - Hammer Toes, Bunions, Bone Spurs | | | | budget and head to your favorite hiking or |
| Any of these conditions may contribute to the | | | | sporting goods store. Make sure you also take |
| selection or rejection of certain boots. (eg. Some | | | | your favorite hiking socks and orthotic insoles if |
| brands are noted for being wider or narrower, or | | | | you plan to use them. |
| having a roomier toe box, or having a better | | | | Discuss your list with a knowledgeable |
| insole or being more conducive to adding an | | | | salesperson, and have them recommend various |
| orthotic insole.) | | | | boots that will meet your needs. Now comes the |
| Once you have an idea of what you want your | | | | most important part -TRY THEM ON! Put on your |
| boots to do for you, then you need to get | | | | socks, insert your insoles if you plan to use them, |
| familiar with the many features that are available. | | | | and try on both boots. Walk around, up and down |
| If this is not your first pair of boots, you may | | | | inclines, do some twisting, turning, flexing and |
| already have some likes and dislikes- jot them | | | | stretching your feet. Are the boots comfortable, |
| down. | | | | yet supportive? Do your toes touch in front when |
| Some Features To Consider | | | | going down the incline? Do your ankles wobble? |
| - Boot Height - low-cut shoes, mid-cut boots, | | | | Can you raise your heel? Is there room to wiggle |
| high-cut boots (your choice here will be | | | | your toes? Are there any tight spots or rubs? |
| determined by the hiking preference you chose - | | | | Does the tongue lie where it should or does it |
| obviously the higher boots, the more protection, | | | | shift to the side? |
| leverage and ankle support) | | | | If the answer to any of these questions is |
| - Soles - Deep-lugged soles give traction and | | | | unacceptable, move on to a different size or try |
| resist slipping. They should be stiff enough to be | | | | a different boot altogether. Even if it seems like a |
| supportive yet flexible enough to facilitate natural | | | | minor irritation, it could turn into a major sore |
| walking. | | | | point after miles or days of hiking. Repeat the |
| - Construction - In general, the fewer seams the | | | | process until you find one or more that meet |
| upper part of the boot has, the more | | | | your requirements and budget, and fit your foot. |
| water-resistant and durable it will be. | | | | At that point, you can either buy the boots, or |
| - Hiking Boot Weight - The lighter your boots, the | | | | take down the model and size and shop around |
| easier walking will be. It used to be that the | | | | other stores or online for the best deal. Happy |
| heavier the boot, the more support you would | | | | Trails! |
| have; however, boot manufacturers are | | | | |