When you are shopping for serious backpacking boots, cost is a secondary consideration. Look for quality first, and expect to pay for it. If you are choosing between day-hiking boots and backpacking boots, you must first consider the kind and amount of hiking you will be doing. If you are still not sure, bear in mind that buying more boot than you need might cost more initially, but higher-quality boots, properly cared for, will last longer, and might end up saving you money in the long run.
High-quality backpacking boots can be had for as little has $80.00 or can run as much as $200.00 or more. Rarely, you may find a bargain below that range, but do not count on it. At the high end of that range, you’re beginning to look at mountaineering boots, which may be more than you need.
So, let’s talk about the kinds of places to shop for backpacking boots, features to look for, pitfalls to avoid, and techniques to make sure you have the right fit.
Where to Shop for Hiking Boots
If you have never done any serious hiking, you absolutely must buy your first pair of backpacking boots hands-on. Yes, there are great deals to be had on the Web, but the wrong boot for you is not a good deal no matter how much money you saved. Shop the Web only if you have had a good deal of experience with backpacking boots and you know exactly what you are looking for. I am being honest here (habit of mine). Yes, it is in my interest to persuade you to buy your hiking boots through my Web site, but I will not do that if it is not appropriate for you. Buy your first pair of backpacking boots from a regular store with a knowledgeable and helpful sales staff, then come to my Web site for your next pair.
When shopping for hiking boots, look for an outdoor equipment store or a military surplus store rather than a shoe store. For one thing, a shoe store is not likely to stock genuine backpacking boots (though they may have hiking shoes or day-hiking boots). Even if they did, the sales clerks are not likely to know enough about them to be helpful.
Make sure the sales clerk you are talking to knows about backpacking boots, preferably from first-hand experience. Talk about hiking, and ask about the clerk’s experience with multi-day backpacking trips, and what they learned about hiking boots along the way. Pay due attention to brands, but remember that the best sellers are not necessarily the boots with the best quality. There may be wonderful quality brands that nobody has ever heard of because their volume is so small. The only way to know the difference between real quality and overblown brand reputation is to talk to those who know the difference and to read reviews from people who have actually used the hiking boots in the field.
I have mentioned military surplus. Military-style combat boots can be excellent and relatively inexpensive backpacking boots. They are well worth a look. Of course, the sales staff at a military surplus store may not know much about hiking, so bring a knowledgeable friend along on your shopping trips. Avoid the ‘Nam jungle boot style (with cotton canvas panels on the sides) unless you will be hiking in either desert or jungle conditions. The canvas is lighter and cooler than leather, but it is not waterproof. That does not matter in the desert, and it is oddly advantageous in jungles or other extremely wet conditions: The canvas panels allow water to leak out, and thus keep your feet drier in conditions where getting water in your boots is inevitable.
Features to Look For in Backpacking Boots
Here is what you need to look for:
* Deep tread in a soft sole for traction.
* Appropriate height (at least ankle-high, and probably higher).
* Soft, wide, thick scree collar (the padding around the top that keeps pebbles out without chafing your Achilles tendon). Boots well above ankle-high may have no scree collar.
* Full-length shank (steel is preferred, fiberglass may be okay).
* Tongue attached at least up to ankle height.
* Crampon attachments.
* Hooks for the laces above the top of the foot.
* Eyelets are preferred for the lower lace attachments. D-rings and webbing might not last as long as the rest of the boot.
* Good insulation and padding all around, firm on the bottom, with a tough but smooth lining.
* Removable inserts. Not all hiking boots have them, but removable liners will help you dry your boots when they get wet.
* Double stitching on all visible seams.
* Full-grain leather is preferred. Synthetic leather may be acceptable, but I have no experience with it. Check the reviews.
* Fewer seams is better. The best leather boots have only one seam, up the back, but these are very expensive.
Most of these features are self-evident, but here are a few techniques for evaluating specific features.
* Tread should be at least half of the total thickness of the sole.
* Measure the softness of the tread by pressing with your thumbnail. You should be able to make a visible indentation that springs out in a second or so.
* Measure the stiffness of the shank by holding the heel in one hand and the toe in the other, and twisting. You should not be able to twist it at all.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Hiking Boots
There are two likely points of confusion in shopping for backpacking boots. First, you might end up buying mountaineering boots, which might be unsuitable for the type of hiking you want to do. Second, you might end up buying heavy duty work boots rather than hiking boots.
Mountaineering boots are more durable than typical backpacking boots, but not necessarily better. They are often specialized for things like ice climbing, where you do not want your boots to be flexible at all. They can be very uncomfortable on long hikes. Avoid things like rigid plastic shells or overly stiff or heavy boots.
Heavy-duty work boots can be very similar to backpacking boots in all features except the sole. An otherwise excellent boot with shallow tread or a very hard sole may serve you well in the workshop, but it will not give you the traction you need in a hiking boot.
Fitting Your Hiking Boots
You must fit your hiking boots with any orthopedic inserts, off-the-shelf insoles, and the hiking socks you intend to wear with them. A good rule of thumb is to start with one full size larger than your regular street shoes.
With all the inserts and insoles in place and your hiking socks on, but with no laces in the boot, put the boot on and push your foot all the way forward until your toes touch the front. You should have just enough room behind the heel to slide your finger all the way in. Make sure there is enough room for one and only one finger.
Next, lace the boot up snugly and walk around. The boots will be stiff and uncomfortable because they are not broken in, but they should not allow your foot to slide or rub.
Stand on a steep slope with your toes pointing down. You should be able to wiggle your toes, and they should not touch the front of the boots.
If you bought the boots via the Web, do this fit-test as soon as you get them. Even if you think you know your size, boots from different manufacturers might fit differently. Check the size and fit immediately, and return them for a replacement if they do not fit right.
Conclusion
If you are looking for your first pair of backpacking boots, you must do your shopping in an outdoor equipment store or a military surplus store where you can handle the boots and talk to knowledgeable sales staff. Only if you have considerable experience with backpacking boots, take advantage of the bargains available on the Web. Consider military surplus, as combat boots can be excellent backpacking boots.
Check for the features that identify a quality hiking boot, and avoid buying either a mountaineering boot that you do not need or an excellent work boot that is a poor hiking boot.
Bring all the inserts and socks you will wear with your hiking boots, and check for a firm but comfortable fit with no rubbing or sliding.
Look for genuine quality, and expect to pay for it, but do not pay more than you have to for features that do not really contribute to the durability, comfort, and effectiveness of the hiking boots.
Chuck Bonner is a lifelong hiker and amateur naturalist, and webmaster of http://www.HikingWithChuck.com For more information about hiking boots and other hiking equipment based on many years on the trail, visit http://www.hikingwithchuck.com/Gear/HikingGear.htm
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