Style may just equal pain
Mar 25 '01
The Bottom Line Choose for fit, function, and comfort. You will forget how cool your boots are when your nursing 4 fat blisters and a sprained ankle.
First thought when buying a good pair of hiking boots. Your feet could care less about how cool your new boots are. If you a serious about buying hiking boots for the sole purpose of hiking then function should always come before fashion.
Choose the right type of boot
If you plan to do a lot of rugged hiking and climbing for long distances or several days of backpacking, choose a sturdy boot. If you plan to trail run or just take a quiet dayhike then a lightweight shoe or boot is the better choice. Consider if you need something light and airy or something that will trek through 8 inches of mud.
What kind of feet do you have
Every brand of shoe is differently made. Every style within that brand may not fit you the same. I tried two pairs of Asolo's that were to narrow and too wide. I tried a Salomon that fit great in width but hurt my toes. I tried a Montrail that made me feel like I was leaning forward. I finally tried the Montrail Torre GTX. It felt wonderful and was lightweight yet super sturdy.
Am I recommending the Torre GTX? Yes, if you try them on and they feel right on your feet. But if they don't feel right on your foot then don't blame me for your blisters. You should have bought the other brand. It's like they say, "If the shoe fits, wear it".
Need a support group?
Having trouble finding the right fit. Do you love that pair of Salomon hiking boots but something just doesn't feel right? Consider the fact you may need an insole. They aren't just to control stinky feet or help nurse's with bunions. In insole may be what you need to give your arch more comfort or stabilize the movement of your feet. Remember that an insert is going to add depth to your foot. This depth may help fill out a pair of shoes that feel too lose.
Your socks STINK!
I'm not talking about odor here folks. Don't go out in a $150 pair of boots for 7 hours with a pair of $1 socks from K-Mart. A good pair of socks will protect your feet from blisters and wick away sweat and moisture. Remember that a good pair of socks may be thicker than your average athletic sock. Try on your boots with good socks. If you try them on with thin cheap socks and then go out for that hike with thick socks you may regret it.
Take them for a test drive and fine tune.
If the shop you go to won't let you wear the boots around for awhile, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. They don't care about your feet. They care about selling you a $300 pair of ultra mountain boots that may not be what you need. Stroll around the store for awhile. Most good stores have a ramp or simulated terrain. Take a couple laps around the store and feel for pressure points or loose areas. Relace and fine tune the fit until it feels good. Ask the store clerk about different methods of lacing that may change the feel of the boot to better support you.
In conclusion
Make sure you choose something that is right for you. You may think those new Nike ACG boots in neon yellow look really cool. But they may kill you before you get off the mountain. I have a pair of Nike's ACG's that I love. I've even taken them on a couple of trail runs.
However, If you are going to get out and do some serious hiking then think about a serious hiking boot. You may encounter water, brush, mud, rocks, sand, stumps, logs, thorns, or marsh. It may be the last time you wear those Nikes if your not careful. Leave them for the court.
It's not about looks it is about how your feet will feel in the morning when it's pouring down rain and you can't start a fire. You have no hot food, you are cramped, you got no sleep, and you have 50 pound pack on your back for at least 15 more miles. Choose wisely, choose for function and comfort.
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brandle
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Location: Tulsa, OK
Reviews written: 20
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