What Makes A Hiking Boot Great?
By Marc Wiltse, Fri Dec 9th
How to evaluate hiking boots and footwear for comfort,protection, and durability.
Choosing hiking boots and footwear is one of the most importantdecisions you as a hiker or camper will make. They'll eithermake your trip memorable or miserable. To find what's best foryou, ask yourself "What type of hiking do I do?"
Day Hiking (Light-weight)- Do you usually go for short hikes forone to several hours during the week or weekend without abackpack? Then you'll want to consider these. They're lighter,flexible, and breathe better because they're usually made offabric and split-grain leather. They're comfortable for dayoutings but you'll become fatigued and your feet will begin tobother you if you try to hike with a pack or for an extendedtrip because they aren't designed to support you like the hikingboots below.
Backpacking/Hiking (Mid-weight)- Stiffer mid-weight hiking bootsprovide more support and protection for shorter 2-3 day trips oreven day hikes with or without a light to moderate load. If youhike for a few hours and want more support and/or up to threedays on or off-trail on easy to moderate trails get a mid-weightleather boot.
Extended (Mountaineering)- The best level ofsupport, protection, and durability for heavier loads and longertrips, but they're also usually heavier. Supports heavy loads ofapproximately 40+ pounds (could vary with hiking boot). If youhike for more than three days on or off-trail with a moderate toheavy pack on demanding terrain get an extended (heavy weight)backpacking boot. If you need to attach crampons for glacierscheck to make sure the boots are compatible before you buy.
