Finding a Hiking Boot

The construction of a hiking boot, which makes each kind of shoe suitable for different types of terrain, weather, weight, and frequency of activity, is the most important factor to consider when selecting from among the wide variety of boot styles available on the market.

Types of Boots

There are three basic categories of hiking boots: lightweight, midweight and heavyweight. Each is designed with a specific terrain and activity level in mind.

• Lightweight boots are for wilderness strolls where you won’t be carrying a heavy pack. Although they resemble sneakers, lightweight boots have stiffer and more durable uppers and soles to provide added support on the trail. Generally highly breathable, lightweight boots usually have uppers made of a combination of leather and fabric.
• Midweight boots are recommended for rugged terrain where you’ll be carrying a 20- to 40-pound pack. The uppers are usually leather or a combination of leather and fabric that’s designed to provide added support and abrasion resistance. Soles are thicker and heavier for added
  protection.
• Heavyweight boots are for long hiking trips in which you’ll be carrying a heavy pack over rough terrain. These boots are usually made of heavy leather for a high degree of durability, and thick, heavy rubber soles for maximum protection.

Boot Construction

There are many variables that go into the design of a hiking boot. Some factors to consider are soles, shanks, materials, uppers and tongues.

Sole Lugs
Soles are important for durability, traction and protection. The type of hiking you’re planning on doing will help you choose the right sole.

• Deep-lugged soles feature deep ridges and grooves to provide the maximum of traction and protection in rugged hiking conditions.
• Shallow-lugged soles are more lightly ridged and grooved. This will provide a light, comfortable boot for less intense hiking, while still offering a high degree of traction and
  protection.
• Blown-rubber midsoles seek to give a hiker added comfort by blowing air into the midsole of the boot, making for a lighter, more cushioned step.

Shanks
Shanks are plates installed in boots to provide added support. Boots with a steel shank have a flat metal plate between the midsole and the insole. In addition to support, it also ensures that the sole bends at the ball of the feet.
A full shank, generally found in heavyweight boots, runs the full length of the boot to provide a very stiff sole. Shanks were designed to provide the appropriate stiffness and support for boots.

Materials

Because of its durability, leather is the choice of manufacturers for the vast majority of hiking boots (some light and midweight boots might be made from a leather and fabric
combination).

• Full-grain leather is considered the highest grade for bootmaking. Drawn from the exterior of the cowhide, full-grain leather is considered the strongest and most water-resistant.
• Nubuck leather is full-grain leather that has been brushed to give it a napped look.
• Rough-out leather is full-grain leather that has been turned inside-out. This textured look more easily hides cuts and abrasions.

Uppers
Uppers are the boots above the sole. One-piece uppers, made from a single piece of leather, are considered to be superior for keeping out water. In addition, with only one seam to attach to the boot, they tend to be more durable.Two- and Three-piece uppers are generally less expensive than one-piece upper construction, but do not offer as much protection and durability. However, a benefit to this construction is that the additional seams can
make them more breathable than one-piece uppers.

Tongues
A gusseted or bellows tongue is a leather piece attached to both sides of the upper and placed under the laces. It’s designed to keep out water and dirt, while providing comfort for the foot when the laces are tightened.
For those with a high instep who find a gusseted tongue uncomfortable, an overlapping tongue will keep out dirt without pressing down on the foot. However, it’s not as effective in keeping out water.

Welt
Welt describes the way that the sole is attached to the upper. A Norwegian welt is considered to be the best attachment method for stiffness and durability. This is the recommended method for heavyweight boots.
A Goodyear welt makes for a more flexible sole and is recommended by many manufacturers for a midweight boot.
A Littleway or McCay welt is an attachment method that relies on one to three layers of stitching on the interior of the boot. This is considered a highly durable process because the seams are not exposed to the elements.

Waterproofing
There’s nothing worse than wet, cold feet when hiking. Most boots these days are waterproof or can be easily waterproofed by treating with waterproofing solutions. Make sure you include waterproofing as a factor when making your boot selection.

Other Construction Features
Many boots come with a synthetic lining such as cambrelle, tricot or sportee that are designed to keep perspiration off the skin.
A heel counter will help prevent blisters by keeping the heel in place through the placement of a seamless cup inside the boot heel. Double- and triple-stitching can increase a boot’s durability.

Fit Tips

1. Always condition your boots and prepare them for inclement weather. Leather boots should be conditioned monthly with a silicone solution.
   Fabrics should be treated with a protective spray.
2. Pay special attention to all seams and
   stitching, because those areas take a lot of abuse.
3. When your boots become wet, let them dry naturally at room temperature.
   Never dry your boots with direct heat.
4. Remember, even the hardest of soles will wear out over time.