Knowledge for Hiking Boots

      
For hikers, a good pair of walking boots is perhaps the most important piece of equipment. Without the right boots, any hike is going to quickly become a miserable affair and can actually damage your feet and legs in the long term. Needless to say, choosing the right walking boots needs careful consideration.


Buying walking boots can be a little confusing, particularly if you don’t really know what you’re looking at. In this buying guide, we’ll shed some light on what you should bear in mind when choosing pair of new hiking boots so that you can make a more informed choice and buy a pair that’s right for you.

                               The different parts of a walking boot


                                          

Outsole
The outsole is the very bottom of the boot, the part in direct contact with the ground. Here you’ll find the tread, which varies depending on the type of boot and the brand – you’ll need to know what type of walking you intend on doing so you know which type of tread will give you the most grip.
Deeper tread is better suited to muddy ground, while shallower tread is advisable on dry or rocky terrain.
Midsole
You can’t really see the midsole, but it’s one of the most important parts of the boot. It sits between the outsole and the rest of the boot and is responsible for the flexibility of the boot, as well as having shock absorbing properties.
More flexible midsoles are better for light walking and easier routes, whereas more rigid midsoles are preferable for more demanding and uneven terrain.
Upper
The ‘upper’ is the name given to the top part of the boot and is what gives your foot and ankle support. It’s also the first line of defence against the elements, so needs to be waterproof and, ideally, breathable. The upper will be made either from leather or a synthetic material.
Liner
Some boots may also have a waterproof liner, which is particularly useful in wet weather. However, you will need to check how breathable this layer is, as it may make it harder for moisture to escape.

Choosing walking boots based on activity

Probably the best way to choose the general type of walking boot you need is to do so based on the type of activity you’ll be doing.
                                     



General / light walking


For those who enjoy general, light walking, whether that’s walking the dog or just going for rambling the countryside, then more flexible boots will suffice. You may even find that walking shoes are suitable if you’re not planning on doing anything too strenuous or you feel that full ankle support is a little overkill.
Check out our great selection of hiking shoes


We hope that this guide has been useful. Check out our full range of walking & hiking shoes and make sure you’re ready to tackle the great outdoors.

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