Why Good Hiking Boots are Essential

If you've ever been on a hike, you'll know that it's no walk in the park. Depending on the type of hike, you're likely to encounter bumpy and uneven terrain, steep inclines, rocks, and the possibility of water or mud for either a couple of hours or a couple of days.

Hiking requires a lot from your body physically, as well as a well-packed backpack and the correct gear. You won't be adventuring very far if you skimp on the gear, especially your footgear.

The correct hiking boots will keep you from slipping, provide you with much-needed support, keep your feet dry, and they'll stay intact the whole hike without falling apart. You won't find these attributes in regular shoes as they're not designed for hiking conditions.

What Are Hiking Boots?

Hiking boots are footwear designed for long distances and tough terrain. One thing you should spend a fair amount of money on as an outdoor enthusiast is your hiking boots. They support and protect your feet and ankles from the elements and possible injuries. They are so important that hiking without them is considered dangerous.

Hiking boots need to fit properly to avoid blisters and achy feet. Many new hiking boots won't feel comfortable the first time you try them on as they often need to be broken in first. Once they've molded to your feet, you'll experience a lot more comfort. Many people love their hiking boots so much that they wear them on a daily basis, on and off the hike.

There is a range of hiking boots on the market that differ in price, breathability, durability, weight, grip, water resistance, support, and stiffness. The right pair of shoes depends on you and the terrain you frequent, the load you carry, the temperature, the level of experience you have, and the speed you wish to move at.

Basic Hiking Boot Parts

The parts of a hiking boot have a huge role to play in comfort, protection, and support. Here are some basic parts to all hiking boots.

• Upper: The upper is the upper part of the hiking boot or everything above the sole. The materials used in uppers are generally water-resistant and breathable. It's important that your foot is able to breathe to prevent sweating, friction, and blisters.
• Midsoles: Midsoles sit between the outsole and the upper. They are important for adding comfort, absorbing shock, and providing stability when walking over rocky terrain.
• Insoles: Insoles are the part of the hiking boot that your foot directly rests on inside the boot. They provide comfort, support, and balance.
• Outsole: Outsoles are the under part of a hiking boot that connects with the ground. They give you traction and stability and are often made of rubber, making them waterproof. Various patterns will be found on the outsole, as well as a heel brake.

Different Types of Hiking Boots

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are excellent for shorter hikes that trail through dry terrain without the risk of slopes, rocks, or off-trail adventures. They're not the best option for wet or muddy environments but can comfortably be worn while doing errands in town and the occasional run.

Compared to the other types of hiking boots, hiking shoes are more breathable, quick-drying, and comfortable. They're also more lightweight, requiring less energy from you than backpacking boots.

They have more flexible midsoles, soles, and uppers. However, they typically have fewer features, less durability, and less ankle support due to their low cut. Occasionally, they’re available in a higher cut too.

You may think that the lighter, more flexible shoe would make carrying a heavy backpack a bit more bearable, but this isn't the case. In fact, hiking shoes are the last type of hiking boots you want to rely on when carrying a heavy weight. When hiking in these shoes, the lighter the weight, the better.

Thanks to this lightweight shoe, you'll have nothing holding you down, allowing you to move through your hike at a fast pace!

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Lightweight, requiring less energy
• Breathable
• Quick-drying
• Flexible
• Higher cuts are available
• Allows for quick pace

Cons:

• Not suitable for wet conditions
• Less support and protection
• Fewer features
• Less durable
• Cannot wear them when hiking with heavy loads

Day Hiking Boots

If you're a little less serious about the pace and more excited about a slightly tougher, uneven terrain with wet conditions, day hiking boots may serve you better.

Thanks to their mid to high cut, they offer a lot more ankle support, reducing the risk of ankle sprains. They're also somewhat stiffer, increasing your stability - but in regards to support, nothing beats backpacking boots.

Although day hiking boots are a bit heavier than hiking shoes, you won't feel held down or limited. The midweight allows you to carry a bit more weight on your back, but not enough for a multi-day hike, making them excellent for day hikes instead.

The traction on these boots is excellent and will provide you with the grip you need to walk up steeper hills or mountains, unlike hiking shoes. Unfortunately, you won't experience great comfort right out of the box as they need to be broken in before heading out on your next hike.

These boots are more expensive than hiking shoes, but they offer better features and higher-quality materials, such as Gore-Tex. Hiking boots made with Gore-Tex provide ventilation, are suitable for warmer and cooler weather, and are weather-resistant. Your boots are guaranteed to last a long time and see you through many hikes, making them perfect for any frequent hiker.

Pros:

• Better grip
• Decent ankle support and stability
• Midweight allows for slightly heavier backpacks
• Excellent traction
• High-quality materials, such as Gore-Tex, are often used
• Weather-resistant, allowing you to use them in various conditions
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• More expensive
• You need to break them in before hiking in them

Backpacking Boots

If you're a serious multi-day hiker, Bushwacker, or explorer, you need the boots that offer the most protection, support, durability, water resistance, and traction. Those boots are the backpacking boots.

Backpacking boots have high cuts and are solid and heavy. However, with that comes the ability to carry heavy backpacks without the high risk of rolling your ankle. They're reinforced in the toe and heel, have thicker shanks, deeper lugs, and more cushioning. Most of these boots allow for strap-on crampons, making them the best hiking boot for snowy conditions.

The materials used in backpacking boots are of strong and durable quality - typically Gore-Tex and leather. These materials make the boot waterproof and durable but do require a bit of maintenance to keep it from cracking. The materials are stiff, adding more support, insulation, and stability.

The backpacking boots don't perform as well as the other types of hiking boots in regards to breathability and flexibility. The lack of flexibility is necessary to not tire your feet out as you walk over rocks.

These boots are comfortable once you break them in, but due to their weight, you might want to avoid them when going on day hikes as they require more energy from you. Rather keep these boots for hiking or backpacking in snow, on glaciers, or up mountains and pull out your day hiking boots when the trail is less challenging.

Pros:

• Suitable for backpacking and multi-day hikes
• Can carry heavy weights
• Greater support and lower risk of spraining your ankles
• Reinforced in the toe and heel
• Thicker shanks
• More cushioning
• Most allow for strap-on crampons
• Perfect for wet, snowy conditions
• High-quality materials

Cons:

• Lack of breathability and flexibility
• Very expensive
• Heavy and requires more of your energy
• Requires maintenance

How To Choose Hiking Boots

When finding the right pair of hiking boots, you need to consider the type of hikes you're going to do most often. Also, consider whether you're just starting out or whether you're an avid hiker. As a new enthusiast, you may want to wait a while before spending a lot of money on boots that you may not end up wearing.

• Get the right fit. The right hiking boot will fit your foot securely, with room to move your toes. You should measure the width of your toes and heels, along with the arch of your foot, to determine if you need arch support in your boot. Also, find out what your foot volume is. This can all be determined at the store.
• Take your hiking socks with you. Whatever socks you prefer to hike in are the socks you need to try the boots in the store with. Whether you prefer thinner socks, thick socks, or three pairs of socks, test them with the boots.
• Walk around in the boots. The boots may look nice and feel comfy, but don't stop there. Walk around the store a couple of times to get the true fit experience. You may find that they're squeezing the sides of your feet or that your toes have too much room.
• Break your boots in. You may be excited to get going, but break in your boots first. This will prevent discomfort, blisters, and sore feet.

FAQs

Can You Walk In Hiking Boots?

Yes. You can walk your dog, hit the town, go grocery shopping, or take a casual stroll in your hiking boots.

However, hiking boots are typically heavier than normal shoes and will tire you out quicker. Also, take into account that they're quite pricey, and you may not want to buy new hiking boots because they've worn out from activities that don't require them.

What Are The Best Hiking Boot Brands?

Everyone has varying favorites when it comes to hiking boots. However, a few popular, high-quality hiking boot brands to take note of are Lowa, Saloman, and Merrell.

Anhu hiking boots make some excellent shoes for beginner hikers. Another great entry-level option are Oboz hiking boots.

How Much Are Hiking Boots?

The different types of hiking boots differ in price. However, for good quality and long-lasting boots, you're not likely to find hiking boots for less than $60.

Below are the price ranges for each type of hiking boot.

• Hiking shoes: $60 - $230
• Day Hiking Boots: $100 - $400
• Backpacking Boots: $170 - $450

What Features Must You Have in a Hiking Boot?

When it comes to hiking boots, it's not the brand that matters most. As long as your hiking boots are comfortable, durable, supportive, water-resistant, have a manageable weight, and insulate well, you're good to go.

Conclusion

If you've got the wrong pair of hiking boots for your adventure, even the most expensive and durable footwear will leave you uncomfortable and struggling along.

If you’re new to hiking, be sure to check out Ahnu hiking boots for women. The brand specializes in producing women’s shoes, and they have some excellent options. Another option to check out are Oboz hiking boots. They have plenty of choices across all the types of boots and they’re available for both men and women.

It’s important to note that boot choice often comes to trial and error. However, knowing how hiking boots work and differentiating between them will make your buying decision a lot easier.