Hiking boots come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be hard to know what to look for when you’re shopping for them. The different brands and styles of hiking boots offer varying levels of comfort, stability, and protection from the elements, so it’s important to have an idea of what’s out there before you start shopping around.
This guide on what to look for in hiking boots will help you narrow down your search by explaining some of the most important features that you’ll want to look at when selecting your next pair of hiking boots.
Boot Construction
The construction of a boot can be the difference between a comfortable hike and pain and suffering. Most boots are constructed with leather or synthetic material, and the level of support offered varies. Some boots are stiff for a better heel-to-toe transition, while others are made to have more give in them.
Stiffer boots might cost a little more upfront but can last longer due to their sturdy construction that provides better protection from sharp rocks or other environmental hazards. The downside is that they can be uncomfortable if you have any preexisting foot problems.
There’s also some evidence that these boots may not provide enough flexibility for long hikes, but this is largely anecdotal at this point.
Boot Materials
The three primary materials for boots are leather, nylon, and rubber. Leather is the most expensive but also provides the best protection from the environment, while rubber offers protection as well as shock absorption.
Nylon is a great option for those on a budget, but it’s not quite as tough against rugged conditions as other materials. Also, consider what your feet require in terms of arch support or heel height. Heel heights can range anywhere from 1/2 inch to 3 inches, so make sure you find a boot that supports your needs.
Boots that are too short will cause discomfort because they put more pressure on the ball of your foot than necessary. If you need help determining what boot would be best for you, talk to an expert at your local hiking store to get advice tailored to you!
The Fit
Another major concern is the fit. One of the most important things to keep in mind when purchasing hiking boots is that they need to be comfortable and offer enough room for your toes. It is also a good idea to have a professional measure your feet before you buy any footwear.
If possible, try on several different pairs to see which ones are the best fit. It can take some time, but it will ensure that you end up with the perfect pair of shoes. There are many companies that sell quality hiking boots.
Depending on where you live, this may or may not make a difference, but if there is only one store available then it may be worth driving out of town to find the right place.
Toe Protection
The toes are the part of your foot that need the most protection. Even more so when you’re using hiking boots. Therefore, it’s important to find a pair that has a protective toe guard and high enough cut on the sides of the shoes to help protect your feet from various objects or points in nature (e.g., protruding roots or rocks).
The very first thing to look for in hiking boots is toe protection. If a boot doesn’t protect your toes, then it’s not going to protect the rest of your foot. The toe box should be shaped like a shoe and curve upward around the front of your toes. If you have large or wide feet, this may be an issue because there will be less space between your toes and the front of the shoe.
Ankle Support
Your ankles should be supported when you are hiking. If your ankles aren’t supported, it can lead to injury and leave you more vulnerable to slips and falls. So make sure you’re wearing hiking boots that have good ankle support before going out on a hike.
A supportive upper will also help prevent the boot from moving around in the event of an accident or slip. You’ll want to look for materials like leather, which provides great stability and protection against slippage.
Also, make sure there is plenty of room for your toes so they don’t get squished! Extra heel space is always a plus because this makes for better balance and prevents the heel from rubbing on your Achilles tendon.
Lacing Systems
Laces can come on one side or both sides, they can be flexible or semi-rigid, and they can come as either a design detail (as in ghillie lacing) or purely functional. It’s best to get boots with laces that are easily adjustable while hiking, so you don’t have to stop every few miles to tie your shoes back up.
One thing to look for is lace systems: where the laces end, how many times they go around the foot, how high the tongue sits, and how wide it is. Additionally, make sure there is plenty of space between the top of the boot and your ankle, so you can tighten them up if needed.
Snake Bite Protection
It’s not necessary but highly recommended to choose a pair of boots that’s effective in snake bite proofing. And if you’re wondering if they are any good then you can read this guide on if the snake bite proof works or not. So, I say if you’re buying hiking boots, why not go with hiking boots that feature safety from snake bites as well.
The Bottom Line
Hiking boots are the most important and personal part of a hiker’s outfit. Comfort is the number one priority, with other priorities being durability, waterproofing, insulation, and weight. Finding the right hiking boots for you is just like finding your shoes or your backpack: personal preference is paramount and only you can know what fits best.
That said, there are some general guidelines to follow when looking for hiking boots that we’ve compiled in this blog post. We hope these points have been helpful! If you have any questions about how to choose the perfect pair of hiking boots for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Happy Hiking!
