Category: hiking

Finding the best hiking boots depends on the type of hiking that a person most often participate in. Many avid hikers keep multiple pairs of hiking boots in their closets so that they can choose the right ones depending on the hiking trip and the weather they will be experiencing. If someone is new to hiking, it is a good idea to try to borrow a friend or relative’s pair of hiking boots, if the sizes match up, so that he can see what types of boots work the best for his foot before going out to buy some of his own. If that is not possible, men’s hiking boot stores have sales people specialized in helping a person find just the right boot for his foot and for the excursion.

Types of Boots

The most rugged type of men’s hiking boot is the mountaineering boot, which has the thickest sole and is very stiff, giving the most support to the man’s foot and ankle. This type of boot is also waterproof most of the time, since mountaineering conditions usually encompasses snow, rain, rivers, and other conditions that require a waterproofed boot. In addition, there are some men’s hiking boots in this style that allow for crampons, which are used when crossing and climbing glaciers so that slipping is less of a likelihood. These boots are also good for longer backpacking trips that require the backpacker carry up to forty pounds of equipment on his back.

The next most rugged men’s hiking boot is the backpacking boot. This boot’s sole is a little less thick than the mountaineering hiking boot, allowing for more flexibility when walking, which feels more natural for the foot. It is made for multiple day hiking trips, even up to a week, where the backpacker has to carry a load, but it is not a more extreme weight, pushing forty pounds. This boot also provides solid support for the man’s foot and ankle so that it does not become fatigues when walking those distances for days at a time while carrying an average, twenty pound load.

The final category of men’s hiking boot is the lightweight boot which is made mostly for day hiking or some backpacking through low impact terrain. These boots are usually very breathable and flexible, providing the most comfort and natural movement for the foot and ankle. They do provide more support than a hiking shoe, which is only slightly more supportive than a tennis shoe, having a thicker sole, and does not come up around the ankle.

In the past, if a woman wanted to find a good pair of hiking boots she would have to go to an outdoor clothing store and try to find a pair of men’s hiking boots that would fit her normally more slender foot and smaller shoe size. Today, there are about as many varieties of women’s hiking boots as there are for men, from simple day hiking boots right up to the most rugged mountaineering boots on the market. Finding the right pair of women’s hiking boots is important for the health of the feet and legs of the hiker, as well as for her endurance on each hiking trip.

Types

There are women’s hiking boots that are made for different hiking conditions, since there are some hikes that only last a few hours through mild terrain, while others are weeks long and cross glacial passes. Each condition, both in terrain and weather, requires a different type of women’s hiking boot for the health, endurance and safety of the woman.

Day hiking boots for women are designed to be lightweight and flexible. Although they provide more support than a hiking shoe, which tends to be only a little more stable than tennis shoes and bend with a person’s foot, they are still very flexible which makes them move in a natural way, increasing endurance. This type of women’s hiking boot is usually not waterproof, although there are ways to waterproof the boot after it is bought if needed.

A sturdier women’s hiking boot is one that is made specifically for backpacking, so that it holds up well and gives more support to the foot while carrying heavier loads for longer distances. This type of women’s hiking boot has a stiffer feel since the sole of the boot is thicker and does not bend as naturally with the foot. It also requires more breaking in time so that the woman does not get blisters on her foot on the trip. This type of boot does give solid support for the foot and ankle while walking over rough terrain and are also great boots for trips that cover several days and even up to a week. They also provide more choices in waterproof boots so that the hiker can choose the type of water resistant or water proofed material, depending on her needs. Waterproof boots will keep the foot dry even when submerged in water which water resistant is only good for splattering of water, such as smaller puddles or mild rain.