5 Key Factors to Consider When Purchasing Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are meant to protect your feet as you go hiking and enjoy other outdoor activities. As mentioned, they are designed to protect and provide comfort for your feet and ankles when taking steps over rough terrain. Of course, you wouldn’t think about wearing your regular pair of shoes, as they are inappropriate for irregular trails and other harsh outdoor elements. The last thing you’ll ever want to happen is to trip over or have a sharp rock to penetrate your vulnerable shoes and injure your foot!

As there are several hiking boots readily available in the market, it can be hard to find the right pair for you. If you are planning for an outdoor adventure soon, here are five key factors to consider when picking a pair of hiking boots:

1. Size

When it comes to choosing a pair of boots, remember that the size does matter. As you’ll be hiking in uneven terrain, you want a pair that fits your feet right, or you’ll end up uncomfortable walking or running outdoors. The last thing you’ll ever want to experience is to have a bad fall that will injure you. For this reason, be sure to give it a size test and ensure the pair suits you before buying one.

2. Cut

Another top consideration is the cut of your boots, which must fit the type of hiking you’ll pursue. Remember that hiking boots come with various cuts, such as the low, mid, and high cut. Low-cut boots are similar to running shoes, perfect for lightweight, casual hiking. While mid-cut boots offer ankle support and balance, high-cut is the most ideal when hiking potentially dangerous terrain. Because of this, consider the type of hiking you’ll pursue and see what particular cut works perfectly for you.

3. Materials

Did you know that the materials used play a vital role in your hiking boots’ functionality, durability, and longevity? This is why you must use the right material that will make and not break your hiking experience. As you search for the right pair, you have the option to choose from the following materials: synthetics (nylon and polyester), split-grain leather (half leather and half synthetics), and full-grain leather (full weather). At the same time, keep in mind that these choices go from the least durable to the most long-lasting. 

4. Style

As with sneakers, hiking boots do come in various styles as well. This is why it can be a bit challenging to select something that is suited for you. As far as style is concerned, you can select light hiking shoes (upgraded version of running shoes), mountaineering boots (meant for rocky territory, glacial trails, or snowy paths), and backpacking boots (designed for a variety of terrain. With that being said, figure out what type of hiking you’ll have and see what style of boots is appropriate for your outdoor adventure.

5. Test run

A vital part of the overall purchasing process is to have a test run, which entails wearing your new pair of shoes around your house before you take on the actual trail. Doing so will give you a better idea if you’ve purchased the right boots for your needs. If not, you can return it to the store to ask for a swap if possible or buy another pair that’s more suited for your hiking needs!

Conclusion

At this point, you now know five key factors to consider when picking a pair of hiking boots for your outdoor adventure. As outlined above, be sure to consider the following factors—size, cut, materials, style, and test run. Likewise, be sure to think about the functionality, quality, comfort, and affordability so that your chosen pair provides you with an optimal hiking experience that you deserve!

We’re a leading sport and outdoor marketplace in St. Louis, MO, with a wide variety of products, such as camping gear and hunting equipment. If you need the best hiking boots for men and women, check our wide selection, and place your order with us today!