HIKING BOOTS…Types, Proper Fit and Care

With thanks to Stephen Harris of Snowpack Outdoor Experiences Ltd., Nelson, B.C., Canada.

Picture this…you have joined a group of friends for a day of hiking in the mountains. The sky is an endless blue, the temperature is moderate, a light breeze is blowing to keep you fresh as you walk, and the views are breathtaking. As the hours pass, your perfect day turns to misery. The culprit? Your feet hurt!!! Blisters and sore areas created by an ill fitting pair of boots can do more than anything else to ruin a hike, and pain aside, the wrong boot for the wrong terrain can be dangerous. It is our aim to provide you with the information necessary to outfit you with a pair of boots that will carry you through many a hike safely and in comfort.

Types of Boots:
There are four major categories of boots to choose from.
1) Light Hikers or Multi-purpose: Meant for short day hikes on maintained trails, these boots are made on a running shoe last and are the most flexible and comfortable. They are low to mid-cut in height, made of leather and fabric combinations, and some may be waterproof. Price is in the $100-$150 (Canadian) range.
2) Backpacking: Built on a boot last, these are designed to provide side to side stiffness with toe to heel flexibility, features necessary if hiking with a loaded pack and/or hiking in uneven or rocky terrain. These are meant mainly for day hikes due to their flexibility, and will be lower in height than the next 2 types of boots discussed. Construction materials are varied (leather and/or fabric) and many are waterproof. Cost will range from $150 -$250 (Canadian).
3) Trekking: This is a stiff boot, lacking lateral flexibility but providing superior stability and comfort walking on uneven terrain under a heavily loaded pack. They will feel chunky and unwieldy on short day hikes, but their construction and heft shines when out bushwhacking on a week-long hike. Usually made of full grain leathers, waterproof and possessing a ¾ shank in the sole, these boots will average $250-$400 (Canadian).
4) Mountaineering: These are the boots for experts, and should be fitted by experts. They are completely rigid, with a full-length steel shank in the sole and an above the ankle fit. Made of full grain leather or rigid plastic, they are meant for mountain climbing where the lack of flexibility is a safety feature. Cost begins at $400 (Canadian) and goes up from there.

Construction Features:
Once you have identified the type of boot you'll need, you will be faced with a variety of choices to make. Some are cosmetic, but others will affect the use and care of the boots.
1) Type of last (the pattern that the boot is constructed around): Simply put, women
should buy a boot that has been constructed on a woman's last. The fit will take
into consideration the differences in the female foot - they will be lower at the
ankle, have more padding and be narrower.
2) Leather vs. fabric: There is no right or wrong choice here, preference, ease of care and intended use will be deciding factors.
3) Linings: Just as the outside of the boot can be leather or fabric, so too can the lining. Some people favor leather because of its tendency to form to the foot and increase comfort, but the lack of absorbency leads many others to choose fabric linings. Not only does fabric absorb moisture and wick it away from the foot, but it is generally easier to clean as well.
4) Waterproofing: There are two ways that waterproofing is accomplished in a boot. One is with a waterproof layer (ie: Gore-Tex) sandwiched between the inner and outer layers of the boot, and the other is with a surface application of a waterproofing agent. Often, leather boots will be impregnated with silicone. In both cases, touch-up waterproofing done as routine maintenance will keep the boots performing well. A note here…some people with excessively sweaty feet shy away from boots with waterproof liners. Even though these liners are meant to be breathable, that feature has limited capability if a foot is really wet, and a wet foot is a prime target for blisters.

The proper fit:
Once you're ready to purchase a new pair of boots, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a proper and lastingly comfortable fit.
1) Budget the time needed to be fitted and make the proper choice. People often show up to buy boots near the store's closing time and then rush through with their decision. Limited time will dictate that fewer boots can be tried on, and the best fitting one may be missed.
2) Shop at the end of the day. Feet swell as the day progresses, and you want the boots to fit well when they're at their "pudgiest".
3) Have your feet measured.
4) Bring your own socks, or purchase a pair typical of the kind you'll be using. Don't rely on the "loaners" provided by the store, especially if you intend on using a different type of sock. Enough cannot be said about the necessity of wearing a quality sock whenever you hike. They can make the difference between all day comfort or misery, with the newer "hi-tech" socks offering exceptional padding and wicking capabilities. So many people pay top dollar for good boots, and then skimp when it comes to socks. Expect to pay $15-$25 (Canadian). Smartwool is a highly recommended brand, and there are many good synthetics in the market as well. Another "go with" that many choose is a sock liner. It's designed to wick moisture away from the feet, thus limiting the chance of blister formation.
5) Ensure the arch support is right for your foot. Most boots come with some arch support, but it is often not enough. Many people suffer from excessive pronation, a condition whereby the heel rolls inwards too much. The resulting structural changes of the foot leads to fallen arches and the long term effects can show up as foot, knee and hip pain. A custom insert can help to keep the arch supported, especially beneficial when you add the weight of a pack to the mix. Superfeet is an excellent make of arch support to look for.
6) Proper length. When the boot is laced properly, there should be ¼ inch of space (you can slide a finger in) at the back of the boot. This small amount of space is necessary for some "give" when going up and down hills.
7) Volume is important. Volume is the thickness of the foot through the instep, and depending on the make of boot the foot may be cradled nicely or left with too much room. If the fit of the boot is good lengthwise, but too roomy for the volume of the foot, then a custom arch support can help to take up the space.
8) Proper lacing. Always lace your boots standing up with your full weight on the foot. Because of the bony structure of the foot, it's shape changes when placed on the ground. Boots laced when sitting will invariably need relacing once you are moving around, and the discomfort you feel initially can skew your opinion of the boot.
9) Proper feel. The right boot for you should feel comfortable from the beginning. Do not purchase a boot thinking that the comfort level will rise after a break-in period. If something is "off" in the store, then time and wear could make it worse, not better. Take time in the store to put the boots through their paces, and then wear them for several days indoors to make sure that no trouble areas develop. If, during this trial time, a sore area is noted, return the boots to the store and try again. The perfect boot is out there, and this initial attention to detail will reward you with happy feet on the trail. Plan your first few hikes to be short ones, so that you and your new boots can gradually become acquainted.

Boot Care:
The worst enemies of quality boots are dirt and moisture (both water and perspiration). Take time at the end of the day to clean your boots if dirty. Brush off any surface dirt if dried, or rinse off with water. Grime that doesn't come off easily may require a specialty cleaning product. Clean the linings of the boots with a damp cloth. The salt from perspiration can pass through the lining and over time destroy the leather and other materials. If wet, dry the boots slowly, at room temperature. You can stuff newspaper into them to help absorb the moisture…changing it when soaked will help to speed the drying time.

New boots come from the factory with outer coatings, conditioners, waterproof liners etc. but time and wear will necessitate that you maintain a level of care if the boots are to continue to provide good service. Use a waterproofing agent when water no longer beads up on the surface of the boot, and apply a conditioner as needed to revive leather if it becomes dried out. Nikwax brand of footwear treatments are excellent for this.

Troubleshooting:
If you have problems with your boots while hiking, some remedial action sooner rather than later can keep excruciating pain at bay. Many boots can be remedied by following some of the steps outlined in the segment on Proper Fit. Try adding an arch support, and make sure that your boots are laced properly. Always use quality socks! Blisters result when a moist area on the foot is subjected to constant rubbing, so steps taken to keep feet dry will keep them abrasion free. If excessive perspiration is your downfall, then use a sock liner and carry extra socks to change into. The use of powders to keep feet dry is not recommended if your boot has a fabric liner designed to wick moisture away from the foot. Powder can settle on the liner surface and reduce its effectiveness. Even something as simple as keeping your toenails trimmed short can improve the comfort level as you hike. And, if you've tried everything and still come home with sore feet, then it's time to set your sights on a new pair of boots. Your feet should not be a part of the equation at the end of a day out hiking…it's the endless blue sky, the companionship and the breathtaking views you want to remember.

Want some more information? Check these links: How to buy hiking boots; Outdoor gear/clothing; Hiking Levels at Mountain Trek; Hiking tips; Hiking Trails at Mountain Trek.

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