Hiking

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Are Leather Hiking Boots Really The Best

Leather hiking boots are stiffer and offer more support for hiking over bare rock, stiffer ankle support is important in these conditions, and another thing . . . leather hiking boots are easier to waterproof and be kept waterproof. A little work is involved here from time to time, and don’t be fooled into thinking that they can ever be as waterproof as a pair of rubber boots, which are absolutely no good for hiking in anyway, just splashing in puddles. Leather boots do tend to be a little heavier than their synthetic cousins too.

Synthetic hiking boots are lighter, easier to wash if they get a little muddy and do require less maintenance than leather hiking boots. Having said that, they’re not quite so hard wearing and durable as a good pair of well maintained leather hiking boots. Soft supple leather does take some beating you know . . . literally.

Hiking boots which are a combination of the two are extremely popular these days. Many people find that a good pair of leather hiking boots with a synthetic lining work just brilliant for durability, comfort and all over “hikability”.

Advantages of Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are the single most important piece of hiking kit you’ll own making the difference between a pleasurable few hours hiking in the wonderful back country enjoying the fresh air and freedom, and spending a few hours limping and crippled because of ill-fitting shoes or boots which have not been sufficiently worn in and have rubbed your poor old feet red raw . . . and did I mention the twisted ankle!

• Hiking boots are stiff with sturdy bottoms to protect the sole of your feet from getting hurt from any pebbles, rocks and thorns you have to hike across on your hiking trip.
• Hiking boots have lots of cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and prevent painful blisters . . . the curse of many a hiker.
• Hiking boots offer lots of support to help keep your legs straight whilst you’re hiking.
• Hiking boots offer support to the ankles too, stopping them from twisting as you hike but must not restrict the movement of the ankle.

Buying A Pair of Hiking Boots

Leather or synthetic hiking boots, high boots or low boots . . . the choice is up to you, but here are a few more pointers you need to think about when you are choosing a new pair of hiking boots.

• What type of hiking do you do? Day hikes, through hiking, extended overnight hiking trips . . . strictly in the summer time, cold weather hiking (including ice and snow), wet weather hiking . . . well trodden hiking trails, climbing rocky slopes, real back country wilderness type stuff.
• Take a pair of hiking socks with you to the hiking equipment store . . . the ones you’ll be wearing when you go on your hike. This is really important!
• Look at the different types of hiking boot and remember what type of hiker you really are. Find the lightest hiking boots you can which are suitable for your type of hiking . . . boots which feel heavy in the hiking store will feel three times as heavy after a few hours on the hiking trail (with a nice thick layer of mud on the soles for added weight).
• Try on the boots (with your hiking socks), tie them up tightly just like you will when you’re actually on a hiking trip and tap your toe on the floor to see if the hiking boots move. If your foot slides up and down then you are in real “blister territory” . . . try a smaller size or a different model of hiking boots.
• Don’t forget to wear in your new hiking boots thoroughly before you embark on your next hiking adventure. Wear them around the house every day . . . in fact you really should buy new hiking boots at least a month in advance of needing them. Blisters ain’t fun and if you have a good pair of well fitting, well worn in hiking boots then blisters are much less likely to play a part in your next hiking adventure.

Wow, great tip, thanks very much!