What to Consider When Picking Your Perfect Hiking Boots
When you’re ready to hit the trails, it’s time to invest in some hiking boots. Unlike regular shoes, hiking boots are designed to have a better grip on rugged terrain and soil than traditional shoes while also providing more support for your feet and ankles.
There are a lot of things to consider when you’re shopping for hiking boots, including where you will be hiking, for how long and how heavy your pack is. Make sure to try multiple pairs of hiking boots on at the store because sizes and fit can vary from one brand to another.
Types of Hiking Boots & Shoes
To start with, multiple types of footwear can fall under the larger category of “hiking boots.” The one that will work best for you depends on what kind of hiking you’ll be doing.
Hiking shoes
Day hiking boots
Backpacking boots
Hiking shoes
These low-cut models look more like traditional running shoes than boots. They work well for day hiking, especially if wet weather isn’t a concern and the trails you will be on are well travelled. One thing to consider is whether or not you will need a sole that is going to keep you stable on slicker surfaces, i.e. wet rocks or damp grass. Many brands do include extra grippy soles on their hiking shoes, but this is where some brands cut corners. If they don’t have that extra grip, you might be just as well in a pair of running shoes.
Ideal for the person who is doing an in-and-out day hike with a small pack with just the essentials on a very well-established trail.
Pros: Lightweight and very easy to break in.
Cons: Confusing to find the right pair of hiking shoes for you because there is so much variety in the market. Some shoes are very heavy and stiff – heavier than day hiking boots – some are light and very pliable. I typically recommend lighter with a high-quality sole that isn’t super rigid.
Day hiking boots
Mid- to high-cut models of day hiking boots are designed for shorter backpacking trips and day hikes when you aren’t carrying a super heavy load. They’re flexible and relatively easy to break in, but they don’t have as much support or durability as heavier backpacking hiking boots. This is often the boot I recommend to clients of mine who live in Switzerland because you will have ankle support for more rugged trails like sections of the Via Alpina but won’t have unnecessary weight when you’re just out for a day hike.
Ideal for the person who is going on more technical, meaning rocky and steep, trails without an overnight backpack.
Pros: Ankle support for when things get more intense but not too heavy, which gives more freedom to your foot.
Cons: Like hiking shoes, there is a lot of variety, which can make it difficult to know what to look for. Make sure your ankles feel supported and that the soles are very grippy. Vibram soles are great.
Backpacking hiking boots
Designed for the long haul, backpacking boots are meant to be worn on multi-day trips on uneven terrain. These typically have a higher cut than other types of hiking shoes and boots and provide ample ankle support given that you will have on a big pack. They tend to have stiffer midsoles than other types of footwear, making them ideal for traveling on trails.
Ideal for the person who is going big trips with a heavy overnight pack filled with food or very technical trails that lead to a hut.
Pros: These things are literally made so you don’t roll an ankle while wearing a 20 kg pack. Fantastic for rugged terrain like the Rocky Mountains.
Cons: These can be unnecessarily stiff, especially if you are doing a hike with a lighter pack. Often sold in Switzerland as what you need for a day-trip or hut trip, my opinion is that these boots are a bit overboard if you have the option to wear a well-built day hiker.
Mountaineering boots
If you’ll be climbing up glacial passages or ice climbing, then look for mountaineering boots. These are specifically designed for rough, icy terrain and will help you stay upright during your climb. Unlike backpacking boots, mountaineering boots have a small edge on the back heel that allows you to easily put on crampons for high alpine expeditions. Generally, mountaineering boots also look slimmer than backpacking boots due to the different style of movement you’ll be applying.
Ideal for the person who is going to go for technical summits, harness and all.
Choosing a Hiking Boot
Once you know what type of hiking boots you need, it’s time to start shopping. Here’s how to do it.
Try your boots on late in the day
As the day wears on, our feet tend to swell. Shopping later in the day can give you a better idea of how the boots you try on will fit when your feet are tired from a long day.
Wear the wool socks you are planning on using
Try boots on wearing the same type of hiking sock you plan on packing for your hike. This ensures there are no surprises when you hit the trails.
Wear them around first
This is important, especially if you have a stiffer boot. Don’t wait until your hike to test out your new shoes. Wear them around your house to start breaking them in. You can also wear them while running errands or going on walks in the neighborhood.
Practice Pilates to Improve Your Next Hike
Now that you know how to pick the perfect pair of hiking boots, let’s get the rest of your ready for your hike with Pilates. By working on your core muscles, posture, and legs, Pilates can strengthen the muscles you use as you hike, helping you stay strong and reducing the risk of injury. To get started with a private Pilates training session, schedule an appointment today.