Choosing the Best Hiking Boots For You

By Elizabeth Walling

It’s thrilling to picture yourself trekking through trails in the hills and mountains, taking in the crisp air and all of the nature around you, but before you get wrapped up in the dream of a hiking trip, make sure you have the right pair of hiking boots to get you through the reality of it. There are several key factors you should consider when choosing a pair of hiking boots, and they can make all the difference in your hiking experience. The wrong pair of boots can cause your feet to ache and blister, which will make your trip far less enjoyable. Choosing the right pair of boots will ensure that you will be comfortable while you are hiking and that you will get the most use out of your boots.

Always try on a pair of hiking boots before you purchase them. No matter what a manufacturer boasts, each pair of hiking boots will affect individual people differently, and you want to make sure you are wearing a pair of boots that will fit properly and give you the most comfort. Bring the socks and any orthopedic insoles that you intend to use while hiking so you can be sure your boots will fit properly during your hike. Also, it is a good idea to test the boots out on an incline before purchasing them, as this will give you a more realistic idea of what it will be like to wear them while you are hiking.

Hiking boots are designed for specific types of hiking. Boots designed for lightweight hiking will focus most on comfort and ease of use, while boots made for extensive backpacking trips will be designed for durability through harsh conditions and rough terrain. The materials and treads of a pair of hiking boots will support the type of hiking for which it was designed.

Boots made of nylon mesh and split-grain leather are lightweight and breathable. These are designed for comfort on lightweight hiking trips of no more than one or two days. Hiking boots of nylon mesh and split-grain leather are easy to break in and are usually very affordable.

Hiking boots constructed of full-grain leather are the most durable hiking boots on the market. These are designed for regular use on rough terrain, although they will also prove just as useful on lightweight trips. Typically, boots made of full-grain leather will need a period of breaking in before they are actually used during a hiking trip.

Keeping your feet comfortable and dry is the ideal function of your hiking boots. You never know when you may need to trek through a creek or if your trip may suddenly become rainy. This is why water resistance is an important part of the construction of your hiking boots. Many hiking boots are treated to be waterproof, but the best hiking boots are also specially constructed to resist leaks. Many boots also offer waterproof liners that offer an extra barrier from the elements. These liners work well, but they may wear out over time and need to be replaced.

Always trust your instincts when choosing a pair of hiking boots. Purchase the pair you feel most comfortable with, and you will be sure to get the most out of your hiking experience.

For more information, or to buy hiking boots such as Timberland please visit Denim Express. Choosing the Best Hiking Boots For You was published by The Hiking Scene on 01 Sep, 2007. © All rights reserved.
You may download and print this article for personal or non-profit use only. Please feel free to link to this article.
Visit The Hiking Scene (http://www.thehikingscene.co.uk) for more articles like this.

Date Submitted: 01 Sep, 2007 (Edited 01 Sep, 2007). Viewed 178 times. Similar Links: Timberland Boots from Cloggs, Etiquette of hiking, Selecting the Right Hiking Gear Can Make all The Difference,