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Boot Shopping Guide
-
Tags:
- Boots |
- Tents |
- Gear |
- Sleeping bags |
- Bivy sacks |
The Standard:
For three-season hikes on moderate to rough trails with loads of 35 to 45 pounds, most hikers will want midweight boots cut high for ankle support with waterproofed leather uppers or a waterproof/breathable liner (like Gore-Tex) for stream crossings and rainy days.
Variables:
Do you often carry heavier loads, hike in the desert, or tackle steep, off-trail terrain? Do your ankles roll over on every little pebble? Adjust your boot priorities accordingly.
| For This Temperature |
Look For These Features |
| Hot | Fabric/leather upper, mesh panels |
| Cold | All-leather upper with fleece or Thinsulate insulation |
| Extreme cold | Plastic double boots or felt-lined pac boots |
| For This Moisture | Look For These Features |
| Wet | Waterproof/breathable liner, leather upper with few seams, ankle-high or above-ankle cut |
| Dry | Non waterproof fabric/leather upper, mesh panels, low cut |
| For This Pack Weight | Look For These Features |
| 50+ pounds | Stiff midsole and upper, ankle-high or above-ankle cut |
| 25 pounds or less | Below-ankle or ankle-high cut, flexible forefoot, grippy tread |
| For This Terrain | Look For These Features |
| Rugged, rocky off trail | Above-ankle cut, stiff shank and midsole, rockered (or curved) sole for long treks |
| Steep, icy | Very stiff soles and treads, crampon compatible, high cut with substantial leather or synthetic uppers |
| Flat and fast | Below-ankle or ankle-high cut, moderately stiff sole with good forefoot spring, grippy tread |
| Snow | Insulation, aggressive lug pattern for traction |
| Slickrock, scrambling | Sticky rubber tread, high toe rand, flexible forefoot |
| For These Ankles | Look For These Features |
| Strong | Low cut, flexible fabric or leather upper |
| Weak | High cut, stiff leather upper, moderate to stiff midsole |
Problem Feet
If you suffer from excessive sweating, foot motion that causes
blisters and foot fatigue, or ailments like hammertoes, bunions,
and calluses, visit a podiatrist for a professional foot exam.
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READERS COMMENTS
I have flat feet, so I use gauze and duct tape on friction points.
I'm looking at getting back into hiking and backpacking after 5 years in the military. I have extremely low arches. I'm planning on doing most of my hiking in Southern California. Anybody have any recommendations? I'd appreciate any advice.
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