Boot Selection

  Selecting a good pair of boots for backpacking is probably the single most important decision one can make to an enjoyable trip.  Foot problems can ruin the best of hiking trips.  So what makes for a good boot? After decades of 'learning' through experience and experimentation, below are my thoughts on this subject.  Beware, everyone's feet are different and have different needs.  Most of the comments are generic enough to apply to everyone.

• Cost

  • Is in necessary to spend $100 or more on boots?  No.  
  • I've got a pair of $200 boots, but save them for specialized uses (wearing crampons).  My other less expensive boots are more comfortable and lighter weight.
  • Good boots for trail use can be had for less than $50, particularly if you shop at the end of season for last years boots.  My current favorite boot are Yukon Renegades which I picked up for less than $25 at a year end sale.

• Features

  • Boot Weight -- An extra ounce of boot weight quickly adds up on the trail as you have to lift that boot a couple thousand times every mile.  Every 1600 steps is an extra hundred pounds you've had to lift along the trail.   A good lighter boot will add miles to your hiking range.  Eliminate the heavier boots first, then go for the lighter boots with the following features.
  • Shape of heel
    • The back of the heel should be rounded.  This allows for a smooth landing of the heel in the walking motion.  Sharp edge rear edge can cause jarring and slipping of the foot and lead to blistering and aching joints during a hike.  
  • Cushion
    • A good boot should have a soft but reasonably firm foot bed. You should be able to push your finger into the side of the boot and feel it to be a foam of some sort.  This helps absorb the pounding of the trail, which help both in joint and foot comfort. It should be thick enough to protect against feeling rocks under foot.
  • Sole Support -- the structure and performance of the sole of the boot is critical to a good boot.
    • Front to back -- The sole should be moderately flexible just behind the toes, moderately stiff elsewhere.  This matches your normal foot function. Take the boot by the sole and flex the toe up to get a feel for how this feels.  It should neither be too hard or too easy to reach a 90 degree bend.
    • Lateral torsion -- The sole should provide reasonable reasonable torsional support to prevent injury that might be promoted by carrying a pack.  Take the sole by heel and toe and twist it side to side.  It shouldn't be able to be easily twisted more than 30 degrees when viewed toe to heel.  There are applications (like wearing campons) where you want to limit lateral torsion to much less.  However, your average trail boot should have modest lateral torsion for maximal comforate.
      • If a boot has too much lateral rigidity, it can transfer lateral stresses from your ankle to your knees, leading to knee problems during a hike.
  • Boot height -- Above the ankle.  Mid highs and low cuts are fine for day hikes.  

• Comments

  • Off trail use --  It seems a common misimpression that hiking off trail requires a stiffer tougher boot.  If you expect to be hiking on animal trails during your off trail excursions, you'll probably find they are typically much smoother going than many people trails.  Of course, you've got to have the skills to find the animal trails, or you might end up in much more rugged conditions.
  • Campons -- Campons require a different boot than described above.  It's best to have seperate boots for each application.  Campon styles also vary and should be matched to the boot by a professional with good experience at campon use.  Expect to pay more for this sort of boot.
  • Wear and tear -- A good pair of inexpensive boots can last one or more seasons.  They are inexpensive enough to be replaced several times before spending as much as boot that cost several times more.  The more expensive boot may not even last any longer than the inexpensive counterpart.  I've had boots that cost over $100 last no longer than boots costing $30.
  • Water proof boots -- If you think your going to hike in wet conditions, there are two options to look at.  Some boots come with a high rubber edge that allows you to tromp through mud without concern.  I've used so called water proof boots.  They work to some extent, but at a cost of higher weight. They are worth it if you are hiking in rain as a wet boot weighs much more than one that repells water.   

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