Hiking is excellent for your mental and physical health, providing plenty of exercise, fresh air, and sunlight.  Wearing the right pair of boots will help you maximize the experience and avoid discomfort while on the trail. Before heading to the footwear store, review these tips for making an informed choice.

What Type Do You Need?

The first step to figuring out what type of boots to buy is understanding what kind of hiking you want to do. Some people like to travel up mountains. They should use the mountaineering variants, which are soft on the inside but have sturdy plastic shells on the outside, ensuring they can handle moisture, rocky terrain, and a variety of temperatures without wearing out easily. 

You can also blaze your own trail and even spend the night at your destination. If this scenario sounds appealing to you, prioritize leather and mesh backpacking pairs. They can endure all kinds of terrain while letting your feet breathe during long journeys.

How Can You Find the Proper Fit?

Just because the pair you like fits you well at the store doesn’t mean it’s a good fit for hiking. When your feet work hard while encased in several layers of protective materials, they will become hot and swollen. 

Your toes should have ample wiggle room to avoid cramping and pinching. Meanwhile, the heel should enjoy a snug fit to prevent blisters and broken skin.

What Other Factors Should You Consider?

While leather and plastic are reliable and durable, nylon and polyester are appropriate for casual hikers who take lighter and shorter trips. You may simply want to reinforce them with waterproof liners or socks.  

Also, low-cut options are fine for well-maintained trails, but they make you prone to ankle injuries on more arduous terrain. Wear mid- to high-cut boots for better protection and balance if you’re exploring rocky or moist ground or plan to go off the trails. The more adventurous you are, the higher the cut should be. 

Whatever pair you choose, break them in so that they’re comfortable for long-term wear. Spend a day or two wearing them at home or while running errands before going on a hike. 

 
You’ll find the perfect pair of hiking boots at Boot Country LLC in Anchorage, AK. Founded in 1984, they stand out from other shoe stores by offering high-quality products and specialized services to hiking enthusiasts in the Matanuska Valley and Kenai Peninsula areas. Their staff consists of highly trained and certified experts in heavy-duty footwear, ensuring that they’ll know how to help you get what you need for both work and recreation. Learn more by calling them at (907) 349-8413.