Choosing a hiking boot depends on crucial factors such as durability, breathability, and maximizing traction on all terrain. If your hiking boot always pinches you, you might have purchased it wrongly!
Compromising on the hiking boot size and comfort is never a wise decision. Therefore, today I shall exclusively talk about how to choose hiking boots that you would not otherwise have to return.
I found this video helpful during my journey of choosing hiking boots:
So, let’s dig a little more and see how to pick a hiking boot like a pro. Down below I have mentioned everything I have in my knowledge to help you out in the best way:
What Matters in Choosing a Hiking Boot? How to Buy Hiking Boots?
For choosing or buying a hiking boot, you must ensure what type you pick (mid-ankle, high ankle, low ankle). Also, the perfect fitting and the boot components such as midsoles, outsole, and fabric choice decide the overall comfort and feet functionality. Now let’s see what type of hiking boot is dedicated to.
1. Low-Cut Hiking Boot
The low-cut or low-ankle hiking boot has a more flexible outsole than any other boot. Therefore it makes the best choice for day hiking, and if you carry a relatively light backpack, the low-cut hiking boot can be the best. So if you are on a light hiking adventure, you can choose a low-cut hiking boot with great privilege.
2. Mid-Cut Hiking Boot
These hiking boots are best for moderate ankle support while ensuring stability on abrasive grounds. These boots can range from the high cut to mid-ankle design, and they make the perfect choice for day hikes and shorter backpacking trips.
The interior of the mid-cut hiking boot is pretty much resilient. Due to its compact design, you won’t need much time to break in the mid-cut boot; however, they’re less efficient for vigorous hiking with a backpack on.
3. High-Ankle Hiking Boots for Backpacking
If you plan to spend all day hiking with a heavy backpack, backpacking high-cut boots are the best. They have optimal support for the ankle, plus the robust traction outsole serves the best on all-terrain. For an all-day long hiking trip, the high-cut design of the hiking boot efficiently wraps the feet to protect from injury
Know the Usage of Hiking Boot Materials & Their Kinds
1. Full-grain leather is best for ideal longevity and impact protection, followed by the water-resistance. Hiking boots with full-grain leather are best for all-day long trips, and you can easily carry backpacks. However, full-grain leather can be a little heavy and less breathable
2. Nubuck leather is a kind of full-grain leather but buffed. It looks like suede leather. Nubuck leather hiking boots are durable and best for safety from injury and water. They may take considerable time to break in, but their flexibility is appreciable.
3. Insulated hiking boots feature synthetic insulation to keep feet warm. Therefore they are best to choose when you want to hike in cold weather, such as snow and glaciers.
4. Waterproof fabric on hiking boots is another crucial factor that keeps feet dry and gripping for brisk walks. The waterproof and breathable membrane can be Gore-Tex, eVent, M-select Dry, or any other, depending on the boo brand. So if you want to hike in wet conditions, on slippery and mossy grounds waterproof hiking boot should be your ultimate priority
5. Split-grain leather makes a great pair with nylon mesh for a lightweight and breathable approach. Hiking boot with split-grain leather is best for its ultra-durable and comfy performance toward feet. It’s affordable but less waterproof and delivers subpar protection against abrasion.
6. Vegan hiking boots feel comfy and fit perfectly. They do not feature any animal byproducts or ingredients and work best for those who are environmentally friendly or have any skin allergy to animal fur.
7. Synthetic leather hiking boots feature Polyester, nylon, or artificial leather as the uppers. The primary benefit of these boots is the quick break-in time and affordably less price. Moreover, they look impressive and deliver traction.
Midsole Choice for Hiking Boot
The midsole and the outsole of the hiking boot are all about comfort and traction. Let’s see what types of midsoles you have and how you should select them depending on their specialty.
- A polyurethane midsole in hiking boots serves stable and firm support for the toe and feet. These midsoles are best for hiking on the mountain with a backpack on.
- The EVA midsoles are another type that is lightweight and gives bouncy footsteps. Also, these midsoles are more durable but less expensive
Buy/Pick the Perfect Fitting in Hiking Boot
As mentioned above, the perfect size in the hiking boot is crucial; however, when I say perfect boot size, it may sound overheard. How do you buy a just-right size hiking boot? Here is how;
- Try the boot at the end of the day; your feet may swell during the day’s end, which will help you buy the perfect boot size.
- Measure your foot length, width, and arch length to know your perfect foot volume.
- Walk in the boot wearing a backpack; it will help you know where your feet put more strain and pressure.
- Try to buy from the brand you have already purchased from. I will be less likely to let you down on boot fitting and size
- Try different lace styles and knots to ensure the boot fits when choosing the hiking boot.
- Perfectly break in the boot before you wear it on hiking.
Important Factors to Choose/Buy a Hiking Boot
1. Lightweight Design
If you buy a hiking boot, the lightweight build and the material choice help for faster and more efficient hiking. It also lets you quickly ascend on a problematic rock with no fatigue on the joints. The lightweight uppers and midsole are best if you have tailor bunion foot condition.
2. Ventilation or Mesh Liner
The mesh liner on the hiking boot is an important parameter you should choose. It keeps sweat build-up while ensuring the best airflow throughout the boot-wearing time. The mesh liner also makes the boot more wearable if the weather is hot outside.
3. Outsole Traction
The outsole of the hiking boot must be fuller in traction. The rugged outsole makes controlled friction possible and allows you to hike on different terrain easily. For that, the rubber outsole works the best way.
4. Choose the Right Style
Always choose the perfect boot for the occasion you are going to. It must be in line with what you wear and the places where you are going. There are different hiking boots that you look good in combination with your outfit. So, choose a hiking boot that suits well with your hiking outfit.