Hiking Boots
When it comes to architecture, the foundation is going to be the most important part of a structure. This idea is no less true when it comes to a camper or hiker. What you put on your feet can make the difference between a comfortable jaunt on the trails and a most painful experience. There are too many problems that can come about from poorly made or fitting boots to list here but anyone that’s been camping knows the importance of quality footwear.
As with most types of footwear, camping boots should be snug but you should still have room to breath and remember to leave some space in the front. When you are walking on unpaved trails you are going to want to leave some room to allow for when you occasionally kick something or for when you are going downhill and your toes press toward the front of your shoe. You will want to allow a ¼ to a ½ inch depending on the time of day and the general fit of the shoe. Remember that your foot expands throughout the day so it will be a bit smaller if you try on the boots in the morning and a bit larger in the afternoon or evening. Try walking around or even jumping, kicking, etc. to make sure you have the right fit.
The last thing you want to happen is to get going on the day of your trip and find that you have boots that don’t fit properly. If you see that they fit, you should consider walking around in them prior to the day of your trip in order to break them in. This will help you to avoid potential blisters or just stiff shoes which can result in pain in your feet and shins and just a general discomfort which can be avoided.
You will be deciding between lighter weight boots and the sturdier heavyweight boots.
Lightweight boots
These boots are for a more casual camper. Often times they are made of canvas and will not provide much support. They are best for short trips, maybe for a day or two with fairly flat terrain. If you are more of a casual camper or hiker then this would be your best option as you will be much more comfortable carrying less weight around. A pound or two might not sound like a lot but when you multiply a pound by the number of steps you will be taking, it adds up.
Heavyweight Boots
If you are a serious camper with a serious agenda you will want to opt for heavyweight boots. They are often made of leather and offer a greater deal of support. Remember that what you gain in support you are sacrificing in weight. Gore-Tex is an option to be considered when it comes to hiking boots. Gore-Tex boots are designed to allow your sweat to get out while preventing rain and water from getting in. Wet socks are no fun and can potentially lead to problems other than plain discomfort. Gore-Tex is a popular solution.