Hiking Boots Buyers Guide
Just like any other piece of camping/outdoors equipment, choosing the correct hiking boots depends greatly on the type of activities that you tend to do. Before even beginning to look for hiking boots, have a think about what you're most likely to use them for and roughly how much you want to spend. Then get the most rugged boots that fit both these requirements. There is nothing worse than having a boot break in the middle of a hike when you're miles from anywhere!
Terrain- If you're doing heavy duty hiking through bush and up mountains, then you'll need a boot that gives you plenty of ankle support and is completely waterproof. Conversely, if you're mostly doing walking along paths and easy tracks then you can have a slightly lighter and less waterproof boot.
Load- Are you going to be carrying a heavy pack for most of your hiking? If so, then you need a boot with especially good support and comfortable sole.
Material- Traditionally, top quality hiking boots were made from genuine leather, although many top brands now also do boots that use hi-tech materials such as Gore-Tex that are as effective as leather and are much lighter. Whichever material you decide on, make sure that it is waterproof and can be re-waterproofed if necessary.
Trail shoes are ideal for light, easy hikes on established paths without much rugged terrain. They are essentially rugged trainers and are normally only suitable for fairly short hikes.
Trail boots are 'traditional' hiking boots. With good ankle support and thick soles with lots of grip, these are classic boots suitable for longer hikes and carrying heavier loads. Also much better for wet terrain than trail shoes, they will often last longer than trail shoes when used on a regular basis.
Mountaineering boots are for serious mountaineers and will often be suitable for attaching crampons when hiking in snow and icy conditions. They are even more reinforced than trail boots and are nowadays are usually made from hi-tech foam, rubber and waterproof materials.
When trying on your boots in-store, make sure that you wear similar socks to those you'd use on an average hike. Also, if possible, try on the boots in warm conditions near the end of the day, when your feet are likely to be the most swollen. Lace them up properly and walk around a bit, particularly trying to walk up and down a slight incline to give you a good indication as to what they'll feel like in hiking conditions. The boots should feel snug, but comfortable and shouldn't constrict your feet.
Choosing hiking boots
Terrain- If you're doing heavy duty hiking through bush and up mountains, then you'll need a boot that gives you plenty of ankle support and is completely waterproof. Conversely, if you're mostly doing walking along paths and easy tracks then you can have a slightly lighter and less waterproof boot.
Load- Are you going to be carrying a heavy pack for most of your hiking? If so, then you need a boot with especially good support and comfortable sole.
Material- Traditionally, top quality hiking boots were made from genuine leather, although many top brands now also do boots that use hi-tech materials such as Gore-Tex that are as effective as leather and are much lighter. Whichever material you decide on, make sure that it is waterproof and can be re-waterproofed if necessary.
Types of Hiking Boots
Trail shoes are ideal for light, easy hikes on established paths without much rugged terrain. They are essentially rugged trainers and are normally only suitable for fairly short hikes.
Trail boots are 'traditional' hiking boots. With good ankle support and thick soles with lots of grip, these are classic boots suitable for longer hikes and carrying heavier loads. Also much better for wet terrain than trail shoes, they will often last longer than trail shoes when used on a regular basis.
Mountaineering boots are for serious mountaineers and will often be suitable for attaching crampons when hiking in snow and icy conditions. They are even more reinforced than trail boots and are nowadays are usually made from hi-tech foam, rubber and waterproof materials.
Trying on your boots
When trying on your boots in-store, make sure that you wear similar socks to those you'd use on an average hike. Also, if possible, try on the boots in warm conditions near the end of the day, when your feet are likely to be the most swollen. Lace them up properly and walk around a bit, particularly trying to walk up and down a slight incline to give you a good indication as to what they'll feel like in hiking conditions. The boots should feel snug, but comfortable and shouldn't constrict your feet.
Whipperleys are army surplus specialists, stocking heavy duty combat-style boots.
Peglers stock many different brands and styles of outdoor footwear, as well as accessories.