Basics of Buying Hiking Boots

When it comes to buying your next pair of hiking boots, you should always have a few goals in mind: you want your boots to be as light and comfortable as possible while keeping your feet dry, warm, and well-protected. Below are some basic tips to help during your next shopping spree.

1. Fit before Style
The latest design or features might look cool on the shelf, but do they feel comfortable when on? You want to make sure you are buying a shoe that feels right, not just looks cool.

2. Bring your own hiking socks
Bring the socks you would wear hiking with you. It's better to try on shoes with the same socks you would wear hiking, so you can get a more realistic idea of how they will fit.

3. Don't be shy, walk around the store with them on
Walk around the store and see how the boots feel. Look for stairs, inclines, etc in the store and test the boots on that as well. Look for a snug comfortable fit without feeling any pressure points. Kick at the ground to see whether your toes jam against the front of the boot. If they do, don't buy them.

4. Water Resistant
Make sure the boots are waterproof, that is if you don't like soggy feet when hiking. The only downfall to Gore-tex boots is that they can be toasty on the feet and not as breathable. The upper part of the shoe should be made from as few pieces as possible. This translates to better water resistance.

5. Pay attention to the little details
Research the brand and make sure it has a good reputation (Merrell, Asolo, Saloman, etc). It is better to spend the money on boots that will be comfortable and last longer. Look at the little details...is there any excess glue visible? Does the stitching look solid? Are the laces think and solid?

6. Take a 15 minute walk before trying on the boots
There is a difference in the shape and size of your feet in the morning compared to your feet in the afternoon. We recommend taking a 15 minute stroll before trying on the shoes.

7. Think what type of hiking will you be doing
The lighter your boots, the easier your walking will be. A general rule however, is that the greater the load you carry, the heavier your hiking boots should be. If you are just doing short day hikes, a lightweight shoe should be suitable. For backpacking trips, a sturdier boot would be better.

8. Gusseted Tongues
Most hiking boots have gussets connecting the tongues to the upper part of the shoe. The gussets make sure that water, dirt, and debris are not able to enter your shoe.

9. Don't get caught up in your past shoe size
Shoe sizes differ greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from style to style within the same company's line. It is best to try on a wide range to see what feels the most comfortable.

10. Break your shoes in before going on a hiking trip
Don't buy the shoes the day before your trip. You want to make sure they are well broken in. You don't want to be hiking in Nepal and realize your shoes are causing you major blisters.

Cheers,
BikeHike