subject: Selecting the Best Hiking Boot for Your Needs [print this page] Selecting the Best Hiking Boot for Your Needs
There are a multitude of considerations when selecting the best hiking boots for your needs. To begin, what sort of hiking are you going to engage in? If you are planning a simple day hike with little or no equipment, simple trail shoes will suffice. Trail shoes are lightweight and generally have shallower lugs than mountaineering boots. They are flexible, breathable, and good for short hikes.
If you are planning a more rigorous climb over unmaintained paths or rugged terrain, consider a sturdier boot with ankle support and a flexible shank. Ankle support is of paramount importance when encountering wilderness obstacles. In the event that you stumble over rocks, logs, or other similar objects, ankle support will minimize the risk of injury. A flexible shank allows the sole of the foot to move more freely, ensuring a good grip and maximizing traction over uneven ground.
Further consideration involves the climate in which you will be hiking. If the environment you are hiking in is damp, or you are likely to have to cross shallow bodies of water (such as streams) consider a hiking boot with a synthetic upper. Synthetic uppers such as nylon dry faster than natural leather uppers. Prolonged exposure to moisture can harm your feet as well as your hiking boots.
When selecting the best hiking boot for your needs, also pay attention to the length of time you intend to wear them. This is an important consideration, as prolonged hikes can cause your feet to swell. It is generally advisable to purchase a hiking boot approximately one half size larger than your usual foot size to accommodate swelling.
When choosing the best hiking boot for your needs, pay special attention to the sole. Many options are offered in regard to the size, composition and depth of the lug. The lug provides friction, traction, and stability. When traversing slippery or uneven terrain, a deep, widely spaced lug is preferable. This will assist in evenly distributing weight and assuring a safe hike.
Be sure to break in your new hiking boots. The best hiking boot for your needs will ultimately be the pair that is most comfortable.
