Hiking boots are one of the most specialized types of footwear available. You need to match your boots with your hiking style and typical terrain. Choosing the right boots will help control existing foot problems that you might have, but they can also prevent new foot problems from developing. You should consider fit, support, protection and materials when shopping for new boots.
Comfort & Fit
Hiking boots should provide a high level of comfort over long distances. If you have chronic foot problems with bunions, bone spurs or blisters, a comfortable boot is the highest priority. According to REI Expert Lisa Stringfellow, "Ensuring a good fit is the key part of the boot-selection process." You should select a boot that fits your foot length, width and overall volume. Always try on hiking boots to see if the boot pinches or constricts your foot, which can cause or exacerbate foot problems.
Arch Support
The arch of your foot is designed to dampen the impact of walking, allowing your foot to roll naturally from heel to toe. If you have low arches, flat feet or high arches that do not match the arch support of your boot, you will develop foot problems, including stress fractures. Consider investing in an aftermarket insole designed for your specific arch style. If aftermarket insoles do not provide the proper arch support, you can visit a podiatrist to have customized insoles made specifically for your foot and hiking boot.
Ankle Support
Hiking often takes place over loose, uneven terrain. Hiking boots should provide plenty of ankle support to help avoid sprained or fractured ankles. However, the hiking boot with the most ankle support is not necessarily the best. Choose the boot whose support matches your hiking style. For well-groomed trails and day hikes, choose a low cut boot. For more intensive hikes over several days, choose a mid or high cut boot that covers your ankle and holds your foot in place over rocks, roots other terrain.
Waterproofing
Hiking boots are available in waterproof and non-waterproof varieties. Consider the pros and cons of each type of boot before you buy. Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry in wet conditions, reducing the chance of developing blisters from wet feet. However, waterproof boots do not breathe as well, limiting the air circulation around your feet. If you have problems with overly sweaty feet and do not hike in wet conditions, consider a non-waterproof boot that is more breathable. Air will circulate through the boot fabric, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
Materials & Outsoles
Most hiking boots are made of either leather, synthetic materials or a hybrid combination of both. Leather is more durable and offers more protection for sensitive feet. However, leather also takes longer to break in and may feel stiff and uncomfortable at first. Boots made of synthetic materials are lighter and more breathable, offering better air circulation, but less stability and durability. The outsole is the bottom of the shoe. Often made of rubber, the outsole should provide a solid foundation for your foot. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club advises, "If you can press in the bottom of the sole with your thumb, the soles are probably too soft to give your foot proper protection." Look for thick, hard soles that won't buckle under pressure.
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