Hiking Tips: Choosing your Footwear

Whether you are planning a day hike or a multiple day backpacking trip, one single item of gear that you must not ignore is your footwear. Not all footwear is suitable for the challenges a mountain trail will throw your way and you need to be very careful in choosing the right kind of footwear for your trip. These days there is a variety of footwear options available for hikers to choose from and the choice largely depends on the type of terrain and kind of adventure one is looking for.

Most hikers these days look for waterproof hiking boots for their hiking trips. Although usefulness of a waterproof hiking boot cannot be denied but it does not come without its disadvantages. Biggest misconception about waterproof hiking boots is that it will keep your feet dry even if you have to cross the streams or trek for multiple hours in soft snow. No matter how good your boots are in terms of being waterproof, if you immerse your foot in water deep enough that it will flow to the top of your boot, it is going to get in the boot. Technically waterproof boots are only waterproof until the top of the boot stays out of water. Moreover, if your hike involves walking through soft snow, even the best waterproof boots require use of gaiters with them, or else snow will get inside and will soak your foot. Once moisture gets inside a waterproof boot, it can take days to completely dry them.

Waterproof boots can be categorized into three broad categories:

• The out-dry boots – Uppers of these kind of boots are made up of materials that can keep mild level of moisture away. Such boots are cheaper, light weight, provide good ventilation and are best suited for summer treks on which you will not encounter much snow.

• The second category of these boots is the backpacking or hiking boots with waterproof membrane (e.g. GoreTex) inside the boots. These boots provide excellent waterproofing and are suitable for hiking over terrains where you are expected to encounter streams, snow and/or heavy rains.

• Climbing boots – these are expensive boots designed for use on technical terrains. They are not only waterproof but are compatible with a range of crampons that can help you encounter hard icy slopes on the mountains. The high-altitude climbing boots come with their own gaiters or are compatible with aftermarket technical standard gaiters.

The next most important aspect of any hiking boot is the traction and grip. When you are hiking in tough mountain terrains, you need the confidence that your foot will grip on the rocks and dirt and will keep you from slipping. Hiking boots use different technologies and compounds all suited for different types of terrain. These technologies ensure that the sole is tough enough to take the beating, the lugs are shaped in a way that it grips on all possible terrains and is made from materials that are light yet durable. Vibram’s soles are the most famous among soles for trekking boots. Apart from Vibram, Salomon’s Contra-grip technology and Columbia’s Omni-grip are among the famous ones. While selecting a shoe, make sure that it’s outsole matches your intended use.

Another thing that you need to consider is the height of the boot. Hiking boots generally come in 3 height options:

1. Normal ankle-cut hiking shoes

2. Mid Hiking boots

3. Long Hiking boots

Recently, mid-hiking boots have become quite famous because like high boots, they provide grip and support for the ankle without weighing as much as a long boot. Mid / high boots are the most suited for long back-packing trips as you will need the extra support that these boots provide. However, if you expect to counter terrain that might require flexibility around your feet, then you will need a normal (ankle cut) boot.

The lacing system ensures that your boot is snugging your feet well enough to ensure good grip, however, at the same time it also ensure that your feet have a breathing space inside the foot. One important aspect to look in a high / mid cut boot is the availability of lace locking option that separates tension on the foot and on part of your leg. This helps you to independently tie the lace for the foot and locking the tension for it, while allowing you to be a bit flexible with the upper part of the boot.

Another important aspect of any hiking boot is the insole or the footbed. I personally prefer boots that have a seamless inner and a comfortable, soft and lightweight footbed. Salomon’s Ortholight footbed is the most comfortable among those I have used.

Whenever you are buying a hiking boot keep the above considerations in mind, read and watch the reviews and choose a shoe that best suits your needs. Lastly, make it a habit to buy a half size extra. This helps in providing some extra space to your fingers that stay confined inside the toe-box all day long. If the shoe is too tight, you can risk forming blisters on your toes. Apart from that, some extra space can be helpful if you are trekking in cold weather and want to add an extra layer of socks on your feet.

Happy Hiking!!