Collection Description
Proper Hiking Boots Matter
Hiking is an activity that requires a lot of gear. From your pack, to your sleeping bag and tent, you are going to need the right equipment to ensure that your trip is comfortable, safe and fun. One piece of equipment that is often overlooked by hikers is their boots. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots will make or break a trip.
Provide Support And Protection
Hiking boots are designed to protect your feet from rocks and other obstacles that may be hiding on the trail ahead, while also providing support for long walks over uneven ground. Hiking boots often have ankle support to help prevent sprains when carrying a heavy pack up hillsides or walking over rocky terrain with lots of loose rocks and gravel.
Multiple Styles
They also come with reinforced heels and toes that can withstand impacts from stepping on rocks or roots while hiking downhill. You'll find hiking boots in many different styles and colours, with varying levels of comfort and durability. Some are made specifically for women, while others are unisex.
How Should Your Hiking Boots Fit?
The way your hiking boots fit is the most important aspect of choosing the right boot for you. As with any other piece of gear, you have to be sure that your hiking boot fits properly before taking it out on a long hike. It's important to consider how well your boots fit in order to avoid injury and pain during your trek.
Here are some tips on how to choose hiking boots that will fit comfortably:
No discomfort on your ankle bones.
Uncomfortable boots can cause pain in the back of your ankles or under the heel, so make sure they don't press too hard against these areas. The best way to test this is by trying on the shoes while standing up and walking around in them for a few minutes. If they feel fine when you're walking around, then they should be good for walking over longer distances as well.
No pressure point
Your toes shouldn't feel cramped or be at risk of being squished. Your foot shouldn't wiggle around in the boot when you walk, either. If it does, try a larger size.
Room at the heel
You want enough space so that your heel isn't jammed up against the back of the boot. You also want to make sure there's enough space between your heel and the back of the boot so that your ankle can bend freely as you walk down hills and over rocks.
Toes aren’t crammed
The toes shouldn’t be crammed in at all. They should have enough room so that you can wiggle them around inside your shoes without cramping up your toes or hitting against the front of the boot at any time during your hike.
Good arch support
Hiking boots are built with stiffer uppers than regular shoes, so it's especially important to have good arch support. If there's no padding under the ball of your foot, it will rub against the inside of the boot when you take a step forward and possibly cause blisters or calluses (especially if you have flat feet).
Your foot type
If you have narrow feet, then you should go for a boot that has a snug fit around the toe box and ankle area. You don't want to end up with blisters on your feet after just an hour of hiking.
Wide-footed hikers should look for boots that have plenty of room around the toes so they don't feel cramped or cramped while walking long distances in them.
Should Your Hiking Boots Be A Size Bigger?
Hiking boots are an investment, so it's important to get the right fit. You want them to be comfortable, but you also don't want them to be too big and make your feet slide around. The general rule is that you should size up at least a half size in hiking boots. If your boots are too small, they won't provide the support you need while hiking over uneven terrain.
But the answer isn't quite that simple. It depends on a few factors:
What is the size of your foot?
If you have narrow heels or high arches — or both — then you may need to go up in size to accommodate them. A boot that fits well in the heel might still be uncomfortable if it's too narrow across the top of your foot.
How much cushioning does your foot need?
If you have sensitive feet or require extra padding for comfort, then maybe going up a half size is better than trying to cram into a smaller pair of boots that are already tight on you.
How much space do you want inside?
Some people like to wear thicker socks when hiking; others prefer thin socks or no socks at all because they can feel more connected with nature.
How Do you Know if Your Hiking Boots Are Too Big?
Hiking boots need to be the right size, or you won’t be comfortable on the trail. But how do you know when a pair of boots is too big? Here are some signs that your boots are too big:
- Your toes are jammed against the end of the boot. This can cause blisters and other foot problems.
- The heel area is loose and flops around when you walk. This can cause blisters and other foot problems, as well as knee pain because there is no support for your arch.
- You have a lot of extra room in the toe box. This means that the boot does not fit snugly around your foot, which can lead to blisters and other foot problems.
Difference Between Hiking Boots and Hiking Shoes
Hiking boots and hiking shoes are both designed to protect your feet while you hike, but they're very different.
Hiking boots are designed specifically for rugged trails that have boulders, large rocks, and steep inclines. They're made of leather or nylon, and have a stiff sole and high ankle support. Hiking boots are ideal for hiking through snow, mud, rain and more extreme conditions. They are heavier than shoes but offer much more protection.
Hiking Shoes are lighter and more flexible than hiking boots. They are made of synthetic materials like mesh or leather and have fewer seams on the upper part of the shoe to reduce friction when you walk through water or mud. Hike shoes also provide less ankle support than hiking boots (they only extend up to the ankle), making them more appropriate for trails with gentle inclines.