What to Look For in Hiking Boots: 5 Tips to Consider
, by Ed Stone, 10 min reading time
When looking for the perfect hiking trail, you want to find one with scenic views, well-maintained trails, and a level of difficulty that matches your lifestyle.
When looking for the perfect womens or mens hiking boots, however, it becomes a little more complicated.
You’ll want a hiking shoe that provides both comfort and safety, but reaching this ideal requires considering factors like style, sizing, construction, and use.
In addition to a working compass, sunscreen, and a bottle of water, one thing you can’t hike without is proper hiking footwear. As such, this guide will explore exactly what to look for in hiking boots, including assessing how hiking boots should fit, to tackle the trails in both style and comfort.
Tip 1: Choose The Style That Suits Your Needs
You know you need new hiking boots—but there are so many hiking shoe options out there to choose from.
So, where do you begin?
The first thing you should do is consider the style of boots that’ll best fit your hiking needs. Of the countless backpacking boot styles on the market, the most common are:
- Light hiking boots – If you plan to spend a day wandering over easy-to-navigate terrain, then lightweight hiking boots or even hiking shoes might be sufficient. This day hiking boot style is ideal for a lightweight fit that comes with more support than a regular running or walking shoe, without the bulkiness of a more heavy-duty leather boot. Think of these shoes as sturdy athletic shoes with a thicker lug sole and a slightly sturdier upper.
- Backpacking boots – The most notable characteristic backpacking boots possess is their durability. This style is constructed with a sturdy sole to last you through multi-day hikes over rough terrain. Keep in mind that as your hiking intensity increases, from light hiking to backpacking and long distance hiking, the soles and uppers tend to get stiffer to support the additional weight on uneven terrain.
- Mountaineering boots – If you enjoy hikes over rocky terrain or snowy hills, then you may need a pair of mountaineering boots. This style is significantly heavier than the others but can keep your feet and ankles safe on rough surfaces.
The right style for you depends on when, where, and how long you plan to hike. Depending on your hiking style, knowing a variety of boot lacing techniques could come in handy for styling purposes but also practicality and comfort.
Are Hiking Shoes Different From Hiking Boots?
Some use the terms hiking shoes and hiking boots interchangeably. However, these two types of footwear do have some differences.1 For example, compared to boots, hiking shoes are:
- Lighter
- More cushioned
- More flexible
- Less sturdy
This isn’t to say that hiking shoes aren’t a good choice for outdoor footwear. They’re perfectly fine if you’re on a simple day hike over gentle terrain. However, longer, rougher, and more technical hikes require boots designed to withstand the effort such as a backpacking boot or possibly mountaineering boot, if you like alpine climbing.
Tip 2: Consider Your Hiking Environment
Let’s talk about the different hiking environments you can choose to explore. Each trail or off-trail experience requires a unique type of hiking boot to keep you safe and comfortable.2 Without the proper footwear, you put yourself at greater risk of injuries while on the trails.
Easy Trails
Easy trails are perfect for those who prefer to hike through areas that have surfaces that are:
- Stable
- Even
- Free from excessive debris
You might encounter some small hills, but for the most part, these hiking trails are located in flat, open spaces. These hiking environments don’t present the slip or trip hazards present in more technical hikes, thus they don’t require heavy-duty boots.
To that end, light hiking boots are perfectly sufficient for easy trails.
Uneven Or Rough Trails
In contrast, some hikers prefer more challenging trails. Uneven or rough trails are more technical and require you to navigate:
- Rocks
- Hills
- Branches
- Mud
- Roots
As you can imagine, you need a heftier pair of boots to stay on your feet on a rough trail. You’ll need a pair with significant foot and ankle support to keep you upright on uneven terrain.
Off-Trail
If you’re the type who likes to forge your own path—literally, then off-trail adventures might be more your style. When you leave the safety of marked trails, you must concentrate on every step to remain safe. Off-trail adventures might require you to:
- Climb over trunks or large rocks
- Wade through water
- Pick through muddy patches
- Scale steep cliffs
As such, your hiking boots need to be up to the challenge. Look for models that offer ankle support, sturdy bottoms, and water-resistant outers.
Tip 3: Know Your Cuts
The cut of your hiking boots should match the terrain and length of your hike. Typically, hiking boots come in three different cuts. These cuts refer to the height of the shoe around the ankle and include:
- Low-cut – Low-cut hiking boots are built more like trail running shoes. They leave your ankles exposed and are best used for shorter, easier hikes. A low-cut hiking boot is ideal for a stroll in a flat, open space without obstacles.
- Mid-cut – If you plan to tackle some technical trails or be on your feet for a significant amount of time, then a mid-cut boot is a better choice. These provide more support around your ankles and can help you keep your balance on tougher terrain.
- High-cut – High-cut boots are the sturdiest and more supportive option you can buy. These are best for those who want maximal ankle and lower leg support, coverage, and protection. If you like to wander off the trail, a high-cut boot is best for you.
Tip 4: Make Sure The Sizing Is Correct
Your boots won’t be comfortable if they don’t fit properly. Ill-fitting boots will slip and slide, leading to painful blisters—a hiker’s worst enemy. Test your boots for a proper fit in the following areas:
- Toes – Boots should fit closely around the ball of your foot for stability but leave room for your toes to move. This is to avoid any forward movement when hiking downhill, so you are not jamming your toes. It allows for space if your feet swell during the hike and prevents painful rubbing against your toes.
- Heels – Your boots should also have a snug fit around the heel. When breaking in your boots, it is okay if you experience a little heel slip but the rest of the boot needs to be snug in the middle and loose in the toe area. If your heel moves up and down after breaking them in, your boots aren’t the right size.
- Socks – Hiking socks are typically thicker than regular socks. Therefore, if you try on a pair of hiking boots with thin socks, they may fit. But once you have your hiking socks on, the boots might be too tight. You should always try on boots with the socks you plan to wear on your hike to ensure a proper fit.
Tip 5: Pick The Right Material For Your Hiking Environment
Lastly, you want to select boots made from the right material for your specific adventure goals. Typically, hiking boots are made from one or a combination of the following materials:3
- Nylon
- Suede
- Split-grain leather
- Full-grain leather
Synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, are lighter in weight and offer some durability. These are also a little more breathable. If protection from the elements and terrain is what you seek, then full-grain leather boots are the best choice. These are more expensive and heavier but will last longer and give you better water resistance than lighter boots.
Consider the area where you plan to hike and ask yourself the following questions to help decide which material is right for you:
- Will your feet get wet? Do I need a breathable waterproof membrane?
- Are you likely to have to walk through brambles, thorns, or other skin puncturing elements?
- What will the temperatures be like? For hot weather, do I avoid waterproof membrane material?
Other Factors To Consider When Shopping For Hiking Boots
Hiking boots can be a significant investment. However, they serve an important purpose for both casual and avid hiking enthusiasts. When you’re narrowing down your choices but can’t quite decide, a few other factors you can consider include:
- Shoe price – There is a wide range in price for hiking boots. Setting a budget and prioritizing the features that best suit your needs can help you stay within your boot budget.
- How often you go hiking – It’s worthwhile to invest more money in boots if you plan to hike often. They will pay for themselves over time if you are going to be on the trails every weekend.
- Length of your hikes – Think about the length of time you’re going to spend on your feet. If you’re going to be out for many hours at a time, trekking over rough terrain, you want boots that are up to the task of protecting and supporting your feet and ankles.
- Weight of your supplies – Are you going to be carrying a hefty backpack or just a lightweight hydration pack on your hike? If you plan to hoist a heavy pack, you’ll likely want boots that offer more support.
Your overall physical condition – Have you twisted your ankle or knee before? Do you exercise regularly and therefore have strong hips, glutes, and other supporting muscles? Your physical condition makes a difference in how much extra support you need from your hiking boots and how long and far you’ll be able to hike.
Explore The Outdoors In Comfort With Boot World
Hiking boots are a critical piece of gear for anyone who wants to explore the wilderness on foot. You need sturdy, stable, and comfortable boots that are appropriate for the terrain you plan to hike. The wrong boot can ruin your outdoor experience and leave your feet aching and blistered. Learn more about how long hiking boots last, and how to increase the longevity of your boots.
Now that you know what makes a good hiking boot, it’s time to find your new pair. At Boot World, we have a wide selection of hiking boots so you’re sure to find a pair that meets your needs. Check out our selection of high-quality boots today and get ready to start packing for your next adventure.
Sources:
- 1 Appalachian Mountain Club. Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Runners. https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/hiking-boots-vs-hiking-shoes-vs-trail-runners-choosing-whats-right-for-you/
- 2 Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. A Biomechanical Research of Foot Pressure for Lower Extremity in Gait Wearing Trail Walking Shoes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4101321/
- 3 Sierra Club. Hiking Boots Guide. https://www.sierra.com/lp2/hiking-boots-guide/