This article describes where to look, what to look for, and how to
choose day-hiking boots. Knowing where to look and what to look for, you
can be sure to get the high-quality hiking boots you need without
paying extra for features you don't need.
Day-hiking
boots range anywhere from $40.00 to $150.00. The high end of that range
is beginning to cross into backpacking boots, but anything below that
range is either an exceptionally good deal or an imitation hiking boot
that will disappoint you badly.
So, let's talk about the kinds of
places to shop for hiking 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 will want to buy your first
serious hiking boots in a hands-on experience. I'm 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 won't do that if it is not
appropriate for you. Even aside from ethical considerations, it would be
bad business for me to create a lot of dissatisfied customers telling
their friends about their bad experience. No, I'm just being honest. I
don't want to take your money and leave you unhappy. Buy your first pair
of hiking boots at a brick-and-mortar store where you can handle the
boots and try them for proper fit. Then, when you have enough experience
to know what you want in your second pair of hiking boots (or third, or
...), you can take advantage of the lower prices available on the Web.
When
shopping for hiking boots, look for an outdoor equipment store rather
than a shoe store. The sales clerks in a general shoe store are not
likely to know the difference between real hiking boots and fashion
imitations of hiking boots. You might pay more money at an outdoor
equipment store, but you will realize the savings out on the trail.
Once
you're in the store, ask about some of the things you read in this
article. If the sales clerk doesn't know what a scree collar is or why
soft outer soles are better than hard, look for another sales clerk, or
another store.
If you are ready to buy your hiking boots on the
Web, you can take advantage of the best of both worlds. You can buy from
a high-volume store that has the best prices, but first get your
advice, recommendations, and reviews from affiliated Web sites that
specialize in hiking equipment.
Wherever you choose to buy your
hiking boots, make sure there is a reliable, knowledgeable person in the
loop somewhere. If the sales clerk or Web site seems too eager about
making the sale and not interested enough in discussing and comparing
features, you should look somewhere else before you make a final
decision.
Especially when you are shopping the Web sites, you may
need to pay attention to brands. Certain brands have a well-deserved
reputation for good quality, and you should not ignore that. On the
other hand, some brands have an overblown reputation that often has more
to do with fashion than with genuine quality. The only way to know the
difference, and to find the quality you need without paying for fashion
that you don't care about, 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.
Features to Look For in Day-Hiking Boots
Here is what you need to look for:
* Deep tread in a soft sole for traction.
* Appropriate height (just above the ankle).
* Soft, wide, thick scree collar (the padding around the top that keeps pebbles out without chafing your Achilles tendon).
*
Fiberglass shank. Steel is okay, but fiberglass is better in day-hiking
boots because it's lighter. Full-length is preferred, but shorter
shanks may be acceptable if you are planning more moderate hiking.
* Tongue attached at least up to the top of the foot, or higher if you plan on crossing streams frequently.
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