Choosing Hiking Boots
Marty Rubenski
If you’ve ever been 5 miles from the trailhead with painful
blisters, or even a sprained ankle, you will appreciate how much
your hiking enjoyment rests literally on your feet. The
selection of the correct hiking boots can be the difference
between a great experience and a disaster. The choice of the
right pair of boots can add considerably to your comfort and
personal safety, especially in rugged or difficult terrain.
Before you start comparing the many brands and styles of hiking
boot, consider the type of terrain and your style of hiking. Do
you take extended treks through the mountains or just stroll
through the local park or greenbelt? Select a boot based on the
most difficult terrain you will encounter. Do you carry a heavy
pack? The heavier the pack the sturdier boot you will need. Are
you an all-weather hiker? Do you need a lightweight breathable
fabric or a heaver waterproof material?
Modern hiking boots do not weigh as much as older styles.
Lightweight high-tech materials have replaced the metal shanks
used in older boots and modern fabrics offer many advantages. A
lightweight boot can still offer plenty of support and be a lot
easier on the feet over less rugged trails. Many of today’s top
quality lightweight hiking boots offer a Gore-Tex® liner that
helps keep water out while still allowing your feet to breath.
All-leather boots provide more support than the leather and
fabric styles and they are easier to waterproof. They lend
themselves to rocky terrain but they are heaver and less
flexible. In my experience, leather boots will outlast the
lighter styles, partly due to the heavier construction but also
due to the fact that they have less seams which are always the
weak point in any boot.
Have your feet properly measured and wear the type and thickness
of sock you will be wearing on the trail when trying on boots.
Boots should fit snugly but not too tightly. Remember they will
become more comfortable with wear. Make sure they fit and
provide support around your ankle and instep. You will need good
ankle support, especially when carrying a pack. Hiking boots
will never feel as comfortable as that old favorite pair of
sneakers, but if you develop blisters or have pressure points,
then you need a different boot. Look for boots with foam padding
around the ankle and tongue for comfort. Removable inserts will
help to fine-tune for a perfect fit.
Once you’ve found the perfect pair of hiking boots, be sure to
break them in slowly. Start with short walks around the
neighborhood and progress to 3 or 4 hour hikes before that
weeklong hiking vacation.
This article may be freely reprinted in its entirety only if
unaltered and the resource box is included with live links.
About the author:
Marty is the editor of a number of websites including
If you’ve ever been 5 miles from the trailhead with painful
blisters, or even a sprained ankle, you will appreciate how much
your hiking enjoyment rests literally on your feet. The
selection of the correct hiking boots can be the difference
between a great experience and a disaster. The choice of the
right pair of boots can add considerably to your comfort and
personal safety, especially in rugged or difficult terrain.
Before you start comparing the many brands and styles of hiking
boot, consider the type of terrain and your style of hiking. Do
you take extended treks through the mountains or just stroll
through the local park or greenbelt? Select a boot based on the
most difficult terrain you will encounter. Do you carry a heavy
pack? The heavier the pack the sturdier boot you will need. Are
you an all-weather hiker? Do you need a lightweight breathable
fabric or a heaver waterproof material?
Modern hiking boots do not weigh as much as older styles.
Lightweight high-tech materials have replaced the metal shanks
used in older boots and modern fabrics offer many advantages. A
lightweight boot can still offer plenty of support and be a lot
easier on the feet over less rugged trails. Many of today’s top
quality lightweight hiking boots offer a Gore-Tex® liner that
helps keep water out while still allowing your feet to breath.
All-leather boots provide more support than the leather and
fabric styles and they are easier to waterproof. They lend
themselves to rocky terrain but they are heaver and less
flexible. In my experience, leather boots will outlast the
lighter styles, partly due to the heavier construction but also
due to the fact that they have less seams which are always the
weak point in any boot.
Have your feet properly measured and wear the type and thickness
of sock you will be wearing on the trail when trying on boots.
Boots should fit snugly but not too tightly. Remember they will
become more comfortable with wear. Make sure they fit and
provide support around your ankle and instep. You will need good
ankle support, especially when carrying a pack. Hiking boots
will never feel as comfortable as that old favorite pair of
sneakers, but if you develop blisters or have pressure points,
then you need a different boot. Look for boots with foam padding
around the ankle and tongue for comfort. Removable inserts will
help to fine-tune for a perfect fit.
Once you’ve found the perfect pair of hiking boots, be sure to
break them in slowly. Start with short walks around the
neighborhood and progress to 3 or 4 hour hikes before that
weeklong hiking vacation.
This article may be freely reprinted in its entirety only if
unaltered and the resource box is included with live links.
About the author:
Marty is the editor of a number of websites including
posted by The Editor at
5:24 AM
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