| When I was in my early teens, I practically lived in | | | | while hiking. For example, when a hiker jumps |
| my hiking boots. I wore them to school, to the | | | | from one rock to the next, his or her feet are |
| mall, to the beach, you name it. Hey, I lived in | | | | cushioned from the shock. |
| Washington State and it was the grunge era: | | | | The laces of hiking boots can be fastened all the |
| hiking boots went perfectly with the ever so | | | | way to the top of the uppers. On the lowers, the |
| stylish flannel shirt. Of course, despite my personal | | | | laces are fitted through eyelets as on a tennis |
| profligate use of this footwear, hiking boots are | | | | shoe. On the uppers, however, they are usually |
| specifically intended for any activity that takes | | | | wound around D-rings or hooks. Such a system |
| place in the un-landscaped outdoors. This category | | | | allows the wearer to determine the height of the |
| includes hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, | | | | boot's lacing, which correlates directly to the level |
| mountaineering, trail running and casual outdoor | | | | of support provided. Hiking boot laces are almost |
| pastimes. Upon closely examining the different | | | | always of braided nylon, a tough and durable |
| parts of a hiking boot, it becomes apparent that | | | | material. |
| every component is designed to contend with the | | | | The interiors of hiking boots are just as |
| challenges of the wilderness. | | | | specialized as the exteriors. Lining and pads always |
| Hiking boots are an extremely important | | | | cover the insides of these boots. Foam is often |
| component to outdoor activities. They are | | | | used for padding, as it is excellent for protecting |
| designed to protect the wearer's feet from | | | | feet from both cold and pressure. The insoles |
| water, mud, rocks and other obstacles | | | | designed to fit the wearer's feet as closely as |
| encountered in the wilderness. This protection | | | | possible, the better to ensure optimal support and |
| begins with the uppers, which extend up the | | | | balance. And at the back of the inside of the |
| wearer's ankle, covering the fibula. This extended | | | | uppers, right at the Achilles tendon, there is |
| coverage provides extra support and helps | | | | usually a little indent called a scree collar. This |
| prevent twisted ankles. Additionally, the uppers | | | | adaptation protects the area at the back of the |
| are usually made of a water resistant or repellent | | | | ankle from chaffing, a common problem for |
| material, which is useful when splashing through | | | | ill-equipped hikers. |
| streams and puddles. A properly fitted boot will | | | | Finally, there are the parts of the hiking boot that |
| have uppers that support the ankle without | | | | you cannot see. Inside the sole, there are plates |
| restricting its movement. | | | | of stiff plastic or metal called shanks. These plates |
| The soles of hiking boots are of thick, tough | | | | add to the stiffness of the boot, which in turn |
| rubber. This material provides excellent friction, | | | | adds to its durability. It is possible to purchase |
| which is especially important when hiking in places | | | | boots with full, three-quarter or half-length shanks, |
| with wet rocks. The thickness of the sole also | | | | depending on the level of stiffness desired. |
| helps to absorb and redirect any jolts that occur | | | | |