Hiking Boots
If you are an avid hiker, then you probably know already that a good pair of hiking boots can make a huge difference in your overall experience, and they are also critical for the sport. If you do not adequately equip yourself with the right type and kind of boots, then you will find yourself having instant physical pains, as well it can cause long-term damage to your feet. Thus, your boots need to have adaptability, durability, and strength so that you can get the best experience. Read on to find out how to choose the best men’s hiking boots.
Support
Anytime you stand or walk for extended periods of time, in any shoe, you will gradually begin to feel pain in your feet and legs, and if you do not get proper support, you can cause yourself to have back pains and other pains which can cause permanent damage. Thus, when choosing your hiking boots, it is best to find a shoe that comes with a support for your ankle region. Since you will be hiking around on various types of surfaces, it is critical that you support your ankle, so that way you do not strain it.
Varieties
Men’s hiking boots generally come in a lightweight material or are made from leather or a mixture of the two. Though leather hiking boots can be costlier, consider that they can last for a very long time, and often prove to be more durable. Another advantage of leather boots is that they are weather resistance, which is very useful to have in times when the weather is not always perfect.
Lightweight boots
Obviously, leather boots and some other styles of boots can get heavy, so you may want to choose or opt-in for lighter boots like walking shoes, however, they will not last if leather boots, but they will let more air circulate, and can be worn for longer periods of time.
The fit of the boot
When buying men’s hiking boots, you should consider how they will fit, and the general rule is to always go 2 sizes bigger than your normal shoe size. The reason you should do this is that your feet swell when you hike, due to the hot climate, or atmosphere in the shoe itself. You should also double your socks when hiking, to prevent blisters from forming, and to prevent any moisture from meeting your feet. So that is also something to take into consideration with the fit of your hiking boots and the size.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots have completely changed what we view as hiking comfort because it allows us to enter in conditions which would normally leave our feet wet, soggy, and just plain irritated. Of course, choosing the best waterproof hiking boots often comes alongside careful research based on their performance, but don’t worry, because I have all the keys here that you will need to know to make your final decision about waterproof hiking boots. Here is what you need to know about waterproof hiking boots.
Purpose
Well, obviously the whole purpose of waterproof boots is to keep your feet dry and warm, in all terrains and temperatures. The waterproof material is often used on the outer layers of your boots, so you can literally walk into the mud, if need be, without getting your feet soaked. However, the good thing about waterproof boots is that the materials are not completely solid, which means that your feet can still breathe and ventilate- so you don’t feel like you are walking on hot fire coals as you are hiking. However, the breathability of your boots should also be taken into consideration regarding which kinds of hiking you are going to do before you buy because it can affect the performance of the boots.
Kinds of boots
Waterproof boots come in all kinds of styles and are designed for all kinds of terrains. But since there are so many types, it is best that you choose the one that is better for your style of hiking, so that you do not have to fork out on extra additives and other things in the future. You should also consider the best support for your ankles and feet when you buy the boot- depending on what kind of hiking you are doing as well. If you are going to be switching between various rough terrains, then ankle support is critical.
Waterproof versus water resistant
Some boots state that they are “water resistant”, which really means they will be more susceptible to water penetration, as they have been made to block out less water and moisture from your surroundings. However, waterproof boots do not encounter the same issues as water resistant boots, as water resistant boots often get easily damaged because they are less durable during times of long exposure to moisture and water. Also, if you are going to be hiking through watery terrains, such as rivers, swamps, creeks etc.- then it is best that you do take heavy duty boots, rather than light ones- as light boots will likely allow water to leak in from various regions.
