Muck boots, or rubber boots, usually aren't the first choice of hiking footwear. Many hiking boots are waterproof, built to offer better support and traction that rubber boots. Pair your hikers with a pair of sturdy gaiters to keep your lower legs warm and dry, and you should be comfortable in most wet conditions. But if you're walking in mud or a truly waterlogged or flooded trail, rubber boots do become your best choice for hiking footwear.
Select rubber boots that fit your feet well. Your toes should just brush, or almost brush, the inside front of the boots. When you rock forward onto your toes, your heels shouldn't shift up inside the boots. And when you take a test-walk in the muck boots, there should be no hot spots, pinch points or rubs.
Step 1
Break the muck boots in much as you'd break in normal hiking boots, by taking progressively longer trips. If you're planning to hike with a backpack, survey gear or any other equipment, start your break-in walks with no equipment. Then gradually add in more equipment until you're comfortable you can cover the necessary distance without blisters or foot discomfort from the boots.
Step 2
Carry dry socks with you when you hike. If any water does splash, drip or leak into your muck boots as you hike, it's going to stay there. If your feet sweat, that perspiration will also accumulate inside your boots and, on an extended hike, could contribute to serious foot problems.
Step 3
Change to dry socks at least once a day, more often if possible. Dry your other socks overnight or on the outside of your pack, if it's a sunny day, so you can swap them back at the next opportunity.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear the socks you intend to hike in when you try your muck boots on. Avoid the temptation to buy extra-large muck boots so you can pile on extra socks for warmth; the result will be an unstable, uncomfortable fit. If you're concerned about keeping your feet warm purchase insulated muck boots or layer two thinner, warm socks, or a thin liner sock with a warmer wool sock. Consider carrying light-weight camp booties so you can let your feet air out and dry out, but still protect them, while in camp. This helps protect you against one of the biggest liabilities of hiking in muck boots: Their inability to breathe, or let moisture move from inside the boots to the outside.
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