Best Hiking Boots

Far be it from me to tell you which pair will be your best hiking boots.

Your feet and my feet are not alike - what works for me may pinch the heck out of your feet.

Instead, let me line up a few boot features for you to ponder as you consider purchasing a pair of your best hiking boots. And by that, I mean the heavy duty kind, not trail running shoes, not casual week-end boots, but the sturdy soled kind.

1. SOLES: If you are planning on using the boots for flat trail hiking you don't need to be concerned about "grippy" soles. But if your hikes take you to uneven terrain, you want gripping ability.

Be sure to turn over the boot and check out the depth of tread on the sole.

Another consideration you might not think about at the time of purchase: are the soles replaceable? I tend to wear out the tread long before the uppers are trashed, and want the option of replacing the soles. Rubber soles made out of Vibram have lasted a long time on my hiking boots.

2. FABRICS/MATERIALS: Waterproof. Durable. There are so many materials used in boots these days, trade names like Gore-tex (known for water resistance and breathability), Cordura, linings such as Cambrelle and Thinsulate....

The bottom line is this: will the boots stand up to what you are going to throw at them?

Here's where it pays to go to a store with trained sales people. They can answer your questions, show you literature from the manufacturer, and hopefully share their own experiences with selecting best hiking boots for all sorts of feet.

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't buy a car from someone who doesn't drive. Why buy hiking boots from someone who doesn't hike?

3. INSERTS: Some boots have removable inserts - a great plus when you need to dry them out after fording a river. These inserts will conform to the contours of your feet, and need to be replaced every so often in order to maintain a good fit.

Another use of the word "insert" may refer to needing to buy an additional insert for a perfect fit. The boot store will likely carry these inserts, and can guide you as to what you need.

Or you can try Dr. Scholl's or some other name brand, from the nearest drugstore (less expensive, can be cut to fit, and may just do the trick).

4. LACES & GROMMETS: Be sure you can easily replace your boot laces once you remove a broken/frayed lace. One pair of my boots requires a pliers and lots of patience to re-lace after I apply waterproofing - yuck! It definitely demotes the boots down my "best hiking boots" list!

And always carry a spare set of laces in your pack (don't ask me how I learned that!).

So those are the important features of the hiking boot itself which you should be paying attention to as you try them on.

But what about best hiking boots "accessories"?

Yes, there's more to think about...

...such as socks!

Many hikers make the rookie mistake of leaving on a quest for best hiking boots wearing just any old socks they happen to find on the top of the sock drawer.

A reputable boot store will have various hiking socks for you to wear as you try on the boots. But why leave it to chance? Bring your own trusted socks from home - 2 pairs, in fact: liners, and thick hiking socks.

Nowadays you can buy liners and hiking socks from many manufacturers. Find some hard earned sock wisdom here.

Plagued by blisters? Re-think your liners. They may be causing your foot to slide around and create friction/heat in your boot. Another idea: put duct tape on the hot spots BEFORE they get too hot.

Some general tips for buying the best hikingboots:

Shop when your feet are at their maximum size, at the end of a long day.

Width and length varies a LOT by manufacturer. Your "normal" shoe size won't be the right fit. Don't be embarrassed if you need a size (or 2) larger - it's only a number! You want high performing feet, right?

Again, here's where it pays to go to a reputable boot dealer with knowledgeable staff who will take the time to work with you on a good fit.

Bring your own socks - see above, and orthotics, if you require them.

Walk around for at least 15 minutes in the boots, trying to simulate up and downhill walking (tippy toes, heel walking). Better yet, actually walk on stairs, if the sales folks are amenable.

Some stores (REI, for instance) have built-in terrain for testing. You can even go to the backpack department, borrow a loaded backpack, and walk around the store for awhile.

Be sure you can return/exchange the boots if they don't work out.

Consider renting boots if you are a complete newcomer to hiking boots. This gives you a chance to try out various brands, without making an expensive commitment.

Once you locate the magic combination of manufacturer, size, and style, BUY TWO PAIRS! Then alternate them between hikes.

For tips on how to weather proof and care for your boots, check this out.

Have enough ideas to find your best hiking boots? Return home here.