Not All Hiking Boots Are Created Equal

  • We’ve all experienced blisters from a pair of shoes at some point in our lives. It’s not only uncomfortable, but it also limits our mobility. We don’t want to face that issue in the wild when we may need to run or move quickly. Our feet are our method of transportation so we must take care of them.

    THINKING ABOUT BOOT TYPES

    The primary consideration is what sort of outdoor activities you engage in, as well as the degree of difficulty of the terrain you intend to take on. There are three general types of hiking footwear.

    Hiking shoes –These shoes are low-cut and have flexible midsoles which allow it to provide high levels of comfort. They are excellent for day-hikes on comfortable trails. Shoes that fall into this category are usually comfortable enough for regular day to day use, even in urban environments. They won’t look too rugged either. If you’re a light recreational hiker going on day hikes on established trails without any heavy gear on you, then these types of shoes will probably a good pick. These types of shoes will also require a little breaking in.

    Day-Hiking Boots –These are your mid-level hiking footwear options. They come in mid to high cuts and are built with the day hiker or lightweight backpacker in mind. They are relatively flexible and will not require a long period of breaking in.

    Though day hiking boots are built for more rugged conditions than hiking shoes, they are still not the optimal choice for heavy-duty backpacking. These will usually be found wanting in the durability and protection requirements of backpacking with heavy weights over longer distances.

    Backpacking Boots –These are the beasts of hiking footwear. They are built to carry and withstand the pressure of heavy loads on trips lasting several days over extremely rugged terrain. If your long-term goal is to be able to go deep into back country or on higher terrain with loose rocks or shale then these should probably be the choice footwear for you.If you do decide to go with these heavy-duty boots, then you’ll have to buy them way ahead. These boots will take long hours to properly break in. They are also the least comfortable if you don’t break them in since these are the most rigid.

    CONSIDERING THE BUILD

    Water-resistance, durability, weight, and breathability all factor in when you’re thinking about the make of your boots.

    Full-grain – This type of leather provides a boot with top-notch durability as well as resistance to abrasion and water intrusion. Backpacking boots that are built for the heaviest loads and toughest terrain will be primarily constructed with this type of leather. It is definitely heavier and less breathable than split-grain boots. You will need quite a lot of time to break these boots in.

    Split-grain –These boots utilize a combination of leather and a mesh made of nylon in order to lessen boot weight. This also improves a boot’s breathability helping feet sweat less throughout a day’s worth of activity. You have a lower-cost material. But it’s also more prone to abrasion and water intrusion.

    Nubuck leather –This is a type of full-grain leather that draws on the power of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and synthetic leathers. These types of boots are buffed to such a point that they begin to resemble suede. It is highly water-resistant and can withstand a good amount of abrasion. In terms of flexibility, it beats out traditional full-grain but will generally be less flexible than split-grain.

    BREAKING THEM IN

    The amount of time and work it will take to properly break in a pair of boots will vary depending on the type and make of the boots that you just purchased.

    Generally, however, there is a process you can follow, the length of time for each portion may vary. With this portion, the assumption will be the boots being broken in are full-grain or nu-buck.

    INDOOR STAGE

    Prepare the boots, insoles, and socks that you intend to use when you eventually use the boots for a heavy hike and wear them for an hour or two at home.

    Ideally, you can slowly do your household chores while in the boots, cooking and perhaps cleaning around the house.

    This allows you to slowly break in the different portions of the boot, including hotspots that might not be hit, had you just decided to break the boots in by simply walking around.

    When it becomes uncomfortable, take off your boots. As you go along, slowly increase the duration you wear the boots. Once you reach the point where your boots are. As you go about this stage, it’s normal for the boots to feel a bit stiff.

    However, there shouldn’t be any pinching, chafing or pain at this stage.

    The setup of your boot, from the socks and insole to the straightening out of the tongue and gussets. Once the boot sets in, you probably won’t have another chance at breaking it in again.

    TAKE THEM OUT

    First, you’re going to walk them out to nearby places to your residence.

    The nearby store or park should be good places to start off with. You can take your dog out for a walk while you’re in your boots or go on errands that can be accomplished within the neighborhood. Always remember to keep your boots the way you’d want them to be when you’re out on a hike.

    When they become comfortable on these short walks, your next step is to take them on short day hikes. Start off with a light day-pack and take on a trail hike that’s only a few miles.

    Be sure to increase the difficulty gradually as you don’t want to have to go through half your hike with your feet in pain. Once you manage these shorter hikes with ease, (which should probably be after your 2nd or 3rd-day hike).

    You can probably take on a couple of full-day hikes, slowly reaching the point where your pack begins to simulate your intended carry weight for your actual hike. Your shoes at this point should be fully broken in.

    ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR COMFORT

    If you want to significantly minimize the possibility of slipping feet and blisters, you will have to wear the right socks and insoles. Be sure to wear socks and insoles that have excellent moisture wicking capability. Merino wool based socks are a great option for this.

    Do you have a process for breaking in your own hiking boots? What tips should we add to this post?

    Article Source: Survival Mastery



    One Comment;

    1. Jen Henderson said:

      Trust someone with experience….get fitted for hiking boots, seriously. Gotta take care of your feet!!!

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