Hiking boots are a specialized boot with a sturdy sole so the bottoms of your feet don’t get sore from walking on rough terrain. The tops and sides should also protect your feet, so hiking boots generally are padded but should be made with a material that breathes. Remember to wear the same kind of socks you’ll wear hiking when you try on boots. You definitely need to try them on before buying them, so internet purchases could mean making returns to exchange for a different size. If you’re shopping in a store, narrow down your choices to 2 – 3 that feel good and ask the store specialist to tell you what advantage one boot has over the other in order to make your decision.
It helps to break in a new pair of boots even if reviews say they are comfortable right out of the box. Wear them for a week or so before you go on your hiking trip. If you have old boots, take them along as spares in case the new ones cause you problems. Nothing ruins a hike faster than sore feet.
There are several styles of hiking boots available, depending on the type of hiking you’ll be doing. A light-duty hiking shoe, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II, is recommended for day trips or shorter backpacking trips on easy trails. It’s waterproof, yet breathes, and is supportive for backpacking loads up to 25 pounds. It has earned the editor’s recommendation as the best buy in a light-duty hiking shoe from Backpacker magazine. They weigh 2lbs for the pair. The cost ranges from $51.93 at REI Outlet to $119 at Zappos.com.
Moving up in terms of support and price, Backpacker magazine recommends the Keen Targhee II Mid hiking shoe as a best buy for mid-duty hiking and backpacking. Those who reviewed the shoe gave it high marks for “out of the box comfort. This seems to be the best choice if you need the ankle support, but still want your shoe to be light and flexible. It’s waterproof, breathes, and is supportive for backpacking loads up to 35 pounds. Some of those who reviewed the shoe said that the sizing is tricky, so you might need to try on a few pairs before you find the one that’s right for you. They weigh 1lb 12oz for the pair. The cost ranges from $94.97 at Altrec.com to $125 at TheShoeMart.
The Timberland Cadion Waterproof Mid Gore-Tex XCR has been given Backpacker magazine’s 2006 Editor’s Choice award and the 2007 Gear Guide recommendation as providing the best fit for women. This is the best choice for a lightweight, full-length boot if you don’t need extra support for heavy loads or off-trail hiking. These have been rated for rough trails and reviewers note that these are comfortable right out of the box and waterproof even when fully submerged. These are recommended for day hiking, multi-day treks and extended backpacking. They weigh 1lb 9oz for the pair. The cost ranges from $89.97 at Campmor to $119.99 at Altrec.com.
The Kayland Vertigo High had the best reviews for off-trail hiking and backpacking with heavy loads. Backpacker magazine gave these boots the 2007 Editor’s Choice award for their good fit, sturdy construction and eVent lining, which is more breathable than Gore-Tex waterproofing. Kayland Vertigo High is supportive for backpacking loads up to about 50 pounds. These are recommended for backpacking, trekking, and hiking. They weigh 1lb 5oz for the pair. The cost ranges from $129.94 at BackcountryOutlet.com to $219.95 at Endless.com.
The Lowa Banff Lady is recommended for women who have a difficult time getting a good fit with other hiking boots. Three widths are available, the leather is waterproof but breathable, and they’re recommended for off-trail hiking and heavy backpacking loads between 50 and 60 pounds. The seamless all-leather construction might need some breaking in, but they are highly rated as the best women-specific hiking boot. They weigh 3lbs 3 oz. The cost ranges from $129.95 at Sierra Trading Post to $179.97 at Campmor.
