|
|
 |
Choosing
Hiking Boots
 Your
enjoyment when walking rests literally on your feet. Nothing
can end a great outdoor experience quicker than painful blisters,
pinched toes or even injuries caused by inappropriate hiking
boots. (The comfort, fit and construction of appropriate footwear
can also add to your margin of safety in rugged terrain.) Here
are our guidelines to help you choose the right hiking boots
for all your outdoor adventures.
-
Before
you begin shopping for a pair of hiking boots, think carefully
about what kind of hiking you plan to do. Select boots that
are designed to provide the support and protection you will
need for the most difficult terrain you expect to encounter.
-
Choose
boots that are designed to support the load you expect to
be carrying. The heavier your load, the more support you
will need.
-
Remember
that great hiking boots do not have to weigh a great deal.
-
Today's
high-tech materials have replaced the traditional metal
shank and other heavy elements that provide stability in
a boot. As a result, hiking boots are lighter but offer
great support.
-
Once
you have identified your terrain and load, consider the
various advantages of fabric versus leather boots. Fabric/leather
boots are lighter in weight and easier to break in. Many
hikers today are returning to traditional leather hiking
boots for added protection and durability in rigorous terrain.
-
Leather
boots are supportive and water resistant yet still allow
your feet to breathe.
-
Consider
the advantages of a waterproof boot. Today's top-quality
hiking boots, including many of L.L. Bean’s fabric-and-leather
boots, are made with a Gore-Tex® lining that lets perspiration
escape while keeping water out. Gore-Tex® is more expensive,
but you can walk through puddles and shallow streams and
not get your feet wet, potentially a major advantage on
longer treks.
-
Note
that there are four distinct types of hiking footwear, ranging
from rugged walking shoes suitable for smooth paths to rugged
mountaineering boots that carry hikers to the world's highest
peaks:
Trail
Shoes If
you are hiking in a dry climate and on well-established paths
that don't have a lot of rocks, a pair of trail shoes may be
just what you need. Trail shoes are the most versatile type
of hikers and are sometimes referred to as "approach shoes."
This refers to their use for getting comfortably to and from
difficult climbs. High-quality trail shoes like Bean's Gore-Tex
Mountain Treads are ideal for one-hour to one-day hikes when
you are carrying a light daypack.
Trail
Hikers If
you are going to encounter steeper inclines and muddy paths,
or plan to stay out three days to a week, then you will need
some sturdier, higher-cut waterproof boots like Bean's Cresta
Hikers. These will provide added stability and ankle protection
against protruding limbs and rocks.
Finding
the Best Fit
- When
trying on boots, wear the socks you plan to wear on the
trail. Bean experts suggest polyester liner socks that wick
away moisture, as well as an outer pair of heavy-weave wool
or synthetic ragg socks for cushioning.
Safety Tip On
the trail, wear any kind of socks but cotton, which absorbs
water and perspiration and holds it next to your skin. If
you get into a situation where you are hiking with wet feet
and the temperature drops below freezing, you risk getting
frostbite. A good sock system and hiking boot reduce that
possibility.
- Boots
should feel snug but comfortable, so you can still wiggle
your toes. Most hiking boots won’t feel as instantly comfortable
as sneakers, but they shouldn’t pinch, cause hot spots or
constrict circulation. They should fit securely around your
ankle and instep.
- When
trying on boots, try walking down an incline. Your feet
should not slide forward, nor should your toenails scrape
against the front of your boot. If your foot slides forward,
the boot could be too wide. If the back of your heel moves
around, your boots might not be laced up tight enough.
Breaking
in Your New Boots
Once you purchase a pair of boots, break them in slowly and
don’t tackle Mt. Everest on your first day out. Leather boots
in particular take a while to break in, so take a couple of
two- or three-hour hikes before your big trip or wear them around
the house or even while mowing your lawn. If you find any sharp
pressure points, use leather conditioner to soften the leather,
working work spots with your thumbs to modify the shape and
make the leather more supple.
|
|
