ExpertShoeWear.com
Q & A
Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Q: Why are Hiking Boots important to wear?
A: We all tend to have a pair of trainers at home that are so comfortable, so why have hiking boots?
Hiking boots have been developed specifically over the years to give the optimum support for the diverse landscape that you may encounter.
They offer stability and flexibility over rocky and uneven ground which relieves pressure on muscle, Achilles tendon etc.
Many are waterproof which saves having to trek unhappily with wet feet. Those not waterproofed have special vents and are of material that allow moisture to escape.
There are also many different design options built for specific conditions.
Q: How are Hiking Boots supposed to fit?
A: Most hiking boots are advertised as being true to size. Test them at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest size. Then, try them on without socks. This will allow you to feel for any uncomfortable lumps and bumps.
Put on the type of sock that you intend wearing. Without tying the Boots up, push your feet towards the front of the boot. Now you should be able to put a finger width between your heel and the back of the boot.
Tie them securely and walk up and down several times to make sure that your feet don't slip and slide.
Find an incline to walk up and down to check that your feet don't rock and roll.
You need stability, not blisters and black toenails! If all checks OK, then you're good to go!
Q: What weight of Boots are best?
A: The general advice is the following:
Day or speed hiking: Less than 500g (lightweight)
Uneven and Hardy terrain: 500-700g (midweight)
For really tough terrain and heavy backpack treks: 700g+ (heavyweight)
Q: How to clean Hiking Boots?
A: After a long hike, you may feel like just having a shower, a cup of tea, and relaxing on the couch. That's great. But don't forget to clean your boots!
If you want to keep them in tip top condition and give them longevity, it's really important to get all that mud and dirt off.
Stones, pebbles and dirt in the tread of the sole will reduce the grip on your next adventure and although dirt on the rest of the boot gives them a well worn, somewhat attractive appearance, they'll wear out fast and you'll be spending out on your next pair in next to no time.
So make the effort to clean them carefully. Wash them in plain warm water using a soft brush to remove dirt, dust, foliage etc. A toothbrush works well for those hard to get to places. If you need to dig out small stones from the tread, you may need a small sharp blade, but be careful to not cut into the sole rubber.
It's also useful to remove the laces to clean around the eyelets where dirt and dust accumulate.
Its preferable to allow them to dry naturally. Don't place next to a heat source, as this could damage the leather or material upper. It's a good idea to stuff cloth or paper into the boots. This will help to keep their shape.
The inside of your boots can also be be cleaned occasionally. Remove the inner soles if possible and rinse them clean. Fill the boots with plain water, give them a good swish
around, pour out and leave them upside down to dry.
Q: How can I Waterproof my Boots?
A: Many boots come these days with a Waterproof guarantee and it will be
difficult for those that are not, to keep water out. So unless you only walk out on dry sunny days on man-made paths, it's a really good idea to check for the Waterproof seal guarantee.
There are some really useful products out there today that are specifically made for Waterproofing boots. Before deciding which one, it's necessary to choose according to your boot material.
As a great all rounder, Nikwax Fabric and leather Waterproofing spray does the job extremely well. As the name suggests, it waterproofs fabric as well as leather so it can be useful for other items as well.
Nikwax Waterproofing wax for leather is another popular product. It rejuvenates the boots Waterproofing and whilst reducing water absorption it will not soften leather.
These products are good value, but if you want to save a few bucks, there are a number of home remedies that are useful.
Here's some ideas for you to try out.
A spray coating of WD-40 will give a barrier to water, as will Silicone spray. Beeswax, Vaseline, Mink oil and even candle wax are also useful.
Q: Are Hiking Boots good for snow?
A: There are boots that are custom made for treks through snow. Faced with a hike across snow, sludge and ice, it's vitally important to wear the correct boot.
There are a few factors to consider and we'll go through what should be your important checklist.
Waterproof boots are a must of course. There can be nothing worse than trudging through cold, wet terrain with soggy feet!
Gore-Tex lining with a leather upper are a great combination that will help keep the water and snow out.
Make sure when tying up your laces, that you secure them tight enough to stop water getting in, but not so tight that stops the flow of blood to the feet!
If, on a break, you have access to a campfire and you have damp feet, it's important to not only dry your feet and change to fresh socks, but if the inner soles are removable, they should be dried out before you restart your journey.
As you may be wading through low streams or several inches of snow, we'd recommend going for a Mid- High Cut Boot.
In freezing cold conditions, you'll want to keep your feet comfortable and warm. You'll find that Thinsulate and sheepskin fleece lined boots will help keep your feet cosy and insulated.
Keep in mind, that If you're heading for an extremely cold climate trek, there are boots advertised that cope with below freezing temperatures.
Of course, safety and stability is a key factor in choosing the correct boot. Vibram rubber soles with deep lugs ( that's the grooves in the sole) will give you good grip across slippery ground and rocky terrain.
Thick socks are advisable in such cold conditions, so take into account that you may need to buy a boot that's half a size up to accommodate them.
Q: Do I need Ankle supports with my Boots?
A: The Question of wearing ankle supports with boots comes up quite often. There is a wide difference of opinion on this subject.
There are on the market a number of ankle braces and if you have problems such as weak ankles or suffer from Achilles Tendinitis, it would be wise to seek medical specialist advice before deciding on a course of action.
If you do want the reassurance of a supporting boot, then go for a Mid to High model made of leather, with a solid strong base.
Q: Are there Hiking Boots made for Vegans?
A: Indeed yes there are.
For those who have a completely Vegan lifestyle, Lowa is a brand that has produced a range of Vegan hiking boots. Lowa Men's Innox GTX Mid High Rise Hiking Boots are a good quality example.
They are made with a synthetic outer material and the inner, Man made.
With the sole made of gum rubber, you have a 100% Vegan hiking boot.
Overall reviews of these boots are good with reports of them being lightweight and comfortable.
Q: "On really hot days, I like to go for a short hike, but prefer to wear jeans or shorts and because my feet get hot, take my laces off to let air get to my feet. Is that OK?"
A: Back in the day, people would throw on a T Shirt, a pair of jeans and sneakers and head out yonder on a warm summers day. They would often return with chaffed thighs, a soaking wet torso and blisters on their feet!
So jeans are not good for trekking. They withhold perspiration, and don't offer good movement when you decide to jump over a stream or climb that small boulder. Denim and cotton hold moisture and sweat and if your heading home soaked after sunset when it's cooler, it's really bad for your health.
You should really invest in a pair of Hiking Pants or shorts made of nylon which allow moisture to evaporate. There are hiking pants that convert to shorts, so you get the best of both worlds.
On the question of laces, it is really important on any hike to have full stability underfoot and laces play a major role in keeping you steady on irregular and wet surfaces.
Q: What are Minimalist Hiking Boots?
A: They are otherwise known as Barefoot Hiking Shoes. They are specifically designed to give the wearer the freedom and sense of feeling that his feet are doing the walking and not the shoe.
Lightweight and made of thin supple leather, they are as comfortable as a pair of slippers, yet they still offer that necessary support of a conventional walking boot.
With a Waterproof lining and good depth of tread, they have also become popular with those who go trail running.
If you want to have a sense of natural walking without the weight and locked in feeling you may find with a conventional boot, then they might be a choice worth considering.
We've found Vivobarefoot Tracker to be a good example of a well respected brand that specialise in Barefoot Hiking Boots.
Q: Can boot soles be resoled?
A: Yes indeed, boots can be resoled.
If you are a seasoned walker and your best buddy boots that have taken you over many miles of walks and climbs are showing signs of ageing, you have that awful decision to make. The boots are nicely worn in for sure but the soles need replacing.
The calculation is difficult as it is one of sentiment over cost. According to Zamberlan bootmakers, the cost can be anywhere between $80 to $150 approximately. This would not include other possible upgrades like reconditioning and re waterproofing the leather.
Best hiking boots for Narrow Feet
For anyone with narrow feet, wearing ill fitting boots causes many problems.
If the boots are too wide, feet will roll sideways on uneven ground.
On up and down slope, the heel slips back and forth.
A wide toe box often leads to people gripping their toes to try to stabilise the foot from sliding.
The painful outcome are problems such as blisters, corns and calluses.
Twisting an ankle or a trip and fall are unhappy outcomes to wearing the wrong footwear.
To help with small unwanted movement, Insoles can be placed inside to help.
Maybe an extra pair of socks will fill that small gap.
Tying the laces securely will keep the feet from unnecessary wobble.
However, if you have narrow feet, it would obviously be sensible to get the correct fitting boot.
If you've ever try to order shoes by their width size code, you'll wonder what all the letter jargon actually
means. Here's help (see chart)
Iv'e searched for good quality hiking boot brands that meet the need for a narrow boot.
I've made a list of the best five for Men and Women that are worth checking out.
They have really good reviews by people who have used them on hikes and are happy with their stability and comfort.
Five best narrow hiking boots for Men
KEEN Men's Revel Iii High Rise Hiking Boots
AKU Alterra Mid GTX - Hiking Outdoor - Grey Red
Hanwag Anvik GTX Hiking Boot - Men's Cognac, 7.0
SALOMON Men's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX High Rise Hiking
Timberland Euro, Men's Hiker Boots
Five best narrow hiking boots for Women
KEEN Women's Oakridge Mid Wp High Rise Hiking Boots
Lowa Women's Renegate GTX Mi High Rise Hiking Boots
La Sportiva Women's Tx4 Mid Woman GTX Grey/Purple High Rise Hiking Boots
Vasque Women's Monolith Hiking Boot
