It’s very important that you do your research before you go out and buy new hiking boots. You don’t want to buy any pair of boots you come across. There are so many different kinds of boots to choose from and you should know what you’re looking for. Don’t feel overwhelmed if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some tips to help you choose the best hiking boots for you.
How to Choose the Best Hiking Boots for You
Know the Different Styles
There are many different styles of hiking boots that you’ll want to be familiar with to know which ones to buy. Light hiking shoes refer to shoes that are a little more heavy duty than running shoes but aren’t bulky. This is for easier trails and for people that don’t do seriously hard terrain. Mountaineering boots are boots that are made for the roughest and toughest terrain. Use these boots for trails that are snowy or rocky. Backpacking boots are designed for a variety of terrain both on and off the trails. They are durable and great for many things.
Think of Materials
Hiking boots are made of a lot of different materials. Most light hiking shoes are made of Nylon or polyester. These are very light materials that are broken in easily. They’ll also dry a lot quicker than other materials. However, shoes made of these materials are a lot less durable. Some boots are made of half leather materials and half synthetic materials. It breathes better than a shoe made of 100% leather but it isn’t as durable. Hiking boots that are made of 100% leather will last a very long time. It’s perfect for hikers that go on all kinds of terrain. The downside is that leather is a heavier material and it isn’t as breathable.
Make the Cut
Hiking boots also have different cuts for different types of hikers. Ankle cut boots are lightweight but don’t give a lot of ankle support. You wouldn’t want to wear these on an unmaintained trail. Ankle cut boots are good for easy terrain that is well maintained and not very strenuous. Mid-cut boots go up a little higher than ankle cut so it offers more ankle support. It also gives more protection to the skin around your ankles from weeds or other plants. This cut is good for the moderate hiker on moderate trails. High-cut boots offer the most support and protection for the most adventurous hikers out there. A high-cut boot will not let your ankle roll if you step on uneven terrain.
Try Them On
Always try your hiking boots on before you purchase them. Make sure that you’re wearing the socks you plan to hike in to get an accurate vision of how the boots will fit. You should have plenty of wiggle room in your toes. This is because toes naturally swell up as you hike. Your heel should be snug and not be able to move up and down as you walk. Heels that move up and down will almost always get a blister. There should be plenty of support for the arch of your foot so that they don’t ache after you’ve been hiking.
Break Them In
Don’t procrastinate buying your hiking boots until the day before you leave. This will result in lots of blisters and very sore feet. You should try to break your boots in before you hit the trails. Give yourself plenty of time to wear your boots around the house or to the grocery store. This will start to mold the boots to your feet before you walk miles in them.
Summing Up
Although there are many different kinds of hiking boots out there, you can find the perfect ones for you. Keep these tips in mind when you’re shopping for hiking boots and you will be able to find some that fit all your needs.
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