Choosing The Right Hiking Boots 

There’s nothing quite like getting out into the wilderness and just taking a walk. Whether in the warm, pine-scented air of summer or the brisk atmosphere of a snow laden winter forest, hiking is a wonderful activity, if you’re looking to get in shape, see the natural world, or just feel like getting out and relaxing.

Just how much enjoyment you get out of it, though, depends on the quality of your equipment. If you have a bad pair of boots, your feet will feel it for days afterwards, and every little bump and jolt will be agony. If you have a good pair of boots, it will be like walking on clouds. Hiking boots can be expensive, but they’re well worth the money you’ll spend on them. You may be tempted to buy a cheap pair from the sort of low priced store that also sells things like laundry detergent and children’s toys. Don’t give in! Cheap boots are occasionally sufficient, but far more often, you’ll end up with blisters and a bad hike.

Instead, look specifically for shoe stores and sporting good stores. Good hiking boots usually range from around fifty dollars to more than a hundred and fifty, and respectable sporting goods will likely only carry good brands. Once you find a store, you’ll have to think about exactly what you plan on doing. Will you be packing ultra light, going for maximum distance and minimum weight? In that case, you’ll want a low ankle lightweight shoe or even a trail running tennis shoe. On the other hand, if you plan to do some serious backpacking, with a lot of weight (more than twenty or thirty pounds), you’ll want something more supportive – aim for a high ankle and good, stiff materials.

Also make sure you have the right kind of material for your boot. If your hikes will be in an area heavy in rocks (as most areas are), you’ll want to make sure you have a good, stiff sole. If you can bend it or move it with your thumb, chances are it’s not stiff enough. Slip on the shoe barefoot; without socks on; it will be easy to feel exactly how the shoe fits. If it’s too tight in an area, try something else. You can also try standing on an edge (like the edge of a shelf or step) and seeing if you can feel it through the sole of your shoe. If you can, the shoe probably isn’t supportive enough.

Make absolutely certain your shoe fits well. If it’s too big, your foot will slide around, making for painful uphill and downhill hiking. If it’s too tight, your toes will jam, leaving you sore after only a few miles. When you’re at the store, make sure to always ask the opinion of the salesperson – they’re there to help you make the best choice. Another trick you can use is to put the shoe on with the laces completely loose, and move your foot as far forward in it as possible. If you can put your index finger between your heel and the back of the shoe, it is about the right size.

After you find a few possibilities, put them on with socks. Walk around. Do they bite anywhere? A great hiking boot will feel great from the first moment you put it on. How comfortable is it? Is it warm enough, or too warm? Don’t let the catchy statistics or the rugged design of a shoe pull the fleece over your eyes. Far better to have a simple, durable leather pair that fits perfectly than an ill-fit shoe made of space age materials and lined with thinsulate.