How To Choose The Right Hiking Boots

In this guide on How to Choose the Right Hiking Boots, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Your top concern should be getting quality hiking boots that fit well, are comfortable and light as possible, while keeping your feet warm, dry and protected. Not too much to ask for in a boot right?

I own 3 different pairs of hiking boots and I’ve used the techniques I discuss in this guide. I’ve had these boots for years and I’ve never had a blister or twisted ankle!

Hiking is one of the most awesome outdoor activities! You want to ensure that you get hiking boots to support your love of this sport for a lifetime.

So, let’s take a look at the criteria and characteristics on how to choose the right hiking boots.

Intended Use

How do you plan on using your hiking boots? This is a great question to begin with. There are different types of hiking boots based on the purpose. These are grouped by classes. Class A would include using boots for traveling vs. Class D where you’re trekking in the Alpines. The more rugged the terrain, the stiffer the sole and support you need.

Hiking Skill Level

If you are brand new to hiking, opt for hiking boots that provide solid support so your ankles, calves and legs get used to the strain of hiking. If you plan on growing your skills by gradually increasing load, duration and difficulty, buy the best boot to accommodate this. Keep in mind though that there isn’t a hiking boot that meets all levels of hiking. As you progress, make you sure you get boots that fit your current skill.

Quality of the Hiking Boot

You may need to pay more for a quality hiking boot. Typically, I do not get hung up on name brands. With apparel for instance, you can buy a poly blend from Patagonia or Big 5 Sporting Goods. If the shirt is made of the same material, then it’s going to work regardless of the name on it.

However, I think with hiking boots you should do your best to stick with reputable brand names. Your boots are the most important pieces of gear. They will support your adventures and help to make your hikes enjoyable. I have Columbia Boots that have lasted me for years and years. I also have North Face boots that are lighter and provide excellent ankle support.

The different brands of hiking boots have a reputation to live up to and most of these companies actually put their boots through rigorous testing before selling to the public. In my opinion, buying less expensive boots from an unknown company is just asking for trouble.

You do not want your hiking boots to fall apart- especially while you’re on the trail. Read the reviews and buy the boot in person. You can personally inspect the sole, stitching, etc , and make sure the boot is a great fit before purchasing.

So, this brings us to the next topic.

If the Boot Fits…Buy It

Once you’ve decided the type of boot you need, it’s time for the most important step- the fitting. Finding the best fit depends on the uniqueness of your feet, your personal preferences and how much hiking experience you have.

Most Outdoor Retailers have a variety of name brand boots to select from. A knowledgeable sales person can help you narrow down the options based on the width of your feet, if you have a high or low arch and other little details about your feet.

You will not use your shoe size as a baseline. When you hike with a pack, your feet will stretch and expand to about a half size larger than normal. A common belief is that your foot lengthens and widens a half inch every time you step down on it when wearing a fully loaded pack.

Try on With Socks

You should also wear heavier socks when trying on hiking boots since this will be what you will actually do when hiking in colder temperatures. Some experts recommend wearing two pairs of socks when trying on boots- a thin pair next to your foot and a thick outer pair. The thin sock reduces friction between the foot and boot and decreases the chance for blisters.

Guidelines on Testing the Fit

Try on hiking boots towards the later part of the day or take a walk for 15 minutes or so before hand. This might seem over board, but there is a difference in the size of your feet in the morning vs. evening.
When you try on the boot, kick your heel all the way into the back of the boot and lace as tightly as you can. Squat into a couple of deep knee bends to see if the heel slips up and down. If it does slip more than about an eighth of an inch, try on a different pair.
Now, you also want to kick your toes to the front of the boot. Be sure the boot is tightly laced, kick the toe of the boot against the floor. Walk dow an incline if you can (the fitting stool even), Your toes should not touch the front of the boot when trying these tests.
Try on several different sizes and brands- regardless of the looks or price. You want a quality hiking boot that will protect your feet!
To test the width at the ball of your foot, have someone hold your foot firmly on the floor while you try to rotate it. You shouldn’t feel any movement. The idea is that the boot should fit so that your toes can wiggle a bit, but leave no room for the ball of your foot to rotate. This will cause blisters.
Wear the actual socks that you will be putting on for your hike.
Remove the inner sole of the boots you’re trying on and place them against the sole of your foot. The better the shape follows your foot, the better they will probably fit.
Try on two different pair at the same time. One brand on the left foot and the other brand on the other. This is a great way to compare the feel of the two. Take off the one you like least and continue until you’ve gone through all the options.

Hiking Boot Features

Boot Weight

Your hikes will be easier with lighter boots. It is generally agreed upon that 1lb of extra footwear weight can be compared to five lbs of added backpack weight. For instance, my Columbia boots are heavier than my North Face boots. I wear the Columbia boots on my shorter hikes for this reason.

Water Resistant

Moisture in your boots can be a real problem because it causes blisters. To help keep your feet dry, look for breathable and watertight materials that allows moisture to leave the inner portion of the boot, but will not let water in.

Rigidity

Your boots should support your ankles from twisting on uneven ground. Boots with higher ankle support provide lateral rigidity. The boots should also have enough longitudinal flexibility to support the arches natural spring.

Arch Support

Your feet should not be flatten out under heavy pressure. Be sure the boots support your Arch to maintain the curvature of your feet. Often times, boots will have a curved shank between the insole and midsole to provide arch support.

Hiking Boot Features

Okay, for those who really like specifics, here is a quick synopsis of the anatomy of a hiking boot. Seeing what goes into making a boot will really make you appreciate the manufacturers!

Upper– The entire upper part of the boot. This part protects the foot with a snug fit and gives it the support to absorb shocks.

Soles– This is the bottom part of the boot. This gives the needed friction necessary while you’re hiking. Ideally, your boots should have lugged soles made of rubber.

Lacing– Many different types of lacing. Eyelets-these are punched holes enforced with metal grommets. D-rings-a D shaped ring connected with a metal rivet. Offers more protection from tearing but can create pain on the pressure points. Hooks-open on the outside which allows the laces to leave the hook altogether., Webbing -uses strong fabric to create a loop for the laces to run through. Combination– manufacturers may combine some of these lacing methods.

Tongues– These are the flabs the cover the inlet of the upper. This helps to keep dirt, debris and water from entering your shoe.

Padding/Lining- These provide extra comfort and protection for your feet. Often, the padding is made of foam and protects your feet from cold and pressure. Look for a boot where there is little to no foam padding in the toe and heel of your boot. The liner is the innermost part of the boot. Manufacturers typically use synthetic fabrics over leather now as its more durable and better at wicking away moisture.

Insoles/Footbeds- These are the bottom of the inner part of the boot where your feet rest. Ideally, they should be shaped as close to your foot as possible for balance and support. You can remove most soles which gives you the ability to compare to the shape of your foot.

Scree Collar- The scree collar protects your ankle and Achilles tendon from chafing. This is a foam pad on the outer part of the boot.