How to choose hiking boots
There are many factors that can influence when choosing hiking boots that adapt to your needs. The variety of models, fabrics and designs that you can find on the market will complicate your choice. However, to make the right choice when it comes to buying a good pair that offers you the features you are looking for, it is important that you know exactly what you are going to use them for.
Depending on whether you are going to use them for trekking on very long hikes, or if you only want them for occasional excursions; if you are going to walk in rough terrain or simply want to walk on well-maintained routes, this will be the footwear that best suits what you are looking for.
Therefore, the choice of footwear should be made taking into account a large number of external factorsThe type of activity you are going to do, the place where you are going to do it, the orography, the state of the terrain, the weather that you assume will accompany you, the weight you are going to have to carry, the experience you have in the practice of this type of sport, your morphology, your physical condition...
Tips for hiking in suitable conditions
If what you like is to do short and not very complicated routes, it is not a bad idea to pay attention to these hiking tips that we offer you in these lines. It is important that you are properly equipped to make your experience more positive.
The technical clothing is essential. It should provide comfort and performance to suit the specific conditions. For example, if you fear rain, wear waterproof clothing to protect you from water and moisture, and if it's going to be very hot, wear light, breathable clothing so that sweat doesn't sour your hike.
And, of course, the footwear must also be appropriate. In this case, you can opt for trainers or half-boots, which have a resistant sole and that provide you with grip and comfort. If you're not going to be walking on rough trails, you don't need to wear hiking boots. Just make sure they will give you the protection you need.
Make sure that the shoe you choose has the correct reinforced rubber toe capThe back of the foot should also be protected with a toe cap, as when walking in nature it is very easy to kick or step on stones or roots, which can cause damage to your toes. The back of the foot also needs to be protected with a heel padThe instep and side of the shoe must also have sufficient support and protection to be able to walk without risk of injury.
Ideal boots for trekking or walking in the snow
If you are a lover of big challenges, then you will have to pay more attention to the equipment. A good pair of hiking boots you will need them if what you like is to go on demanding and complicated routes. To go trekking with the guarantee of wearing the right footwear for the occasion, take into account the recommendations we are going to offer you below.
As we have already mentioned, protection is essential. That's why we advise you to choose high boots that, in addition, fix your ankles to reduce the risk of ankle sprains. Keep in mind that the terrain you will be walking over will present you with many more obstacles and traps, and one false step can be fatal. Especially if it is a long hike, and you find that you can't go on in the middle of nowhere.
These protections also serve to support the footThis is very necessary, for example, when you are going to cross a half-slope and the terrain is a bit steep. With normal sports shoes, you will notice that your foot forces the shoe towards the slope, making your steps and your movements more difficult. With good hiking boots, your footing will be firmer and more secure on all types of terrain.
The sole also has to be just right. It must provide you with sufficient grip on any surface, which is why this is an aspect that you have to look at with a magnifying glass in this type of footwear. In the dry, in the wet, in mud, in snow, on stones... You have to be confident that it will respond to you and you will walk safely in any such circumstances.
They are usually made of special compounds, and are equipped with multidirectional studs to ensure that they do not slip or slide when going uphill, downhill or on uneven terrain, which could lead to a fall.
Opt for the leading brands if you are going to buy hiking boots for trekking on demanding routes. The sole acts as a protective barrierThe lower quality ones tend to incorporate it of dubious origin. Cheap is sometimes expensive, and you may find that because you want to save a few euros you find that the footwear does not meet your expectations, and your feet suffer when walking on stones or the soles break or crack.
Special features of Goretex boots
Two of the aspects you need to consider when choosing the right footwear for the activity you want to carry out are the waterproofing and breathability.
When you go hiking in the mountains, you need your feet to be comfortable and not overheat, so it's a good idea to choose a pair of shoes that will keep your feet comfortable. breathable hiking boots. But, on the other hand, when walking in nature you need your feet to be protected against the elements, such as water, mud, wet grass, etcetera. That's why it's essential that your shoes are waterproof.
The two are not entirely incompatible, as there is a group of special membrane-type textiles that are used to make what are known as Goretex boots. It must be said that there are also other membranes with similar technical characteristics on the market, but Goretex is undoubtedly the most widespread.
The Goretex as textile is a registered trademark used to produce not only all types of sports footwear, but also mountain clothing and technical for many other disciplines. They are lightweight and very waterproof textiles, which allow the shoe to protect the foot from all these elements.
Goretex, as well as other membranes found in the market, makes it possible to combine waterproofing and breathability in the same footwear. However, you should be aware that boots with membranes are not as breathable as those without.
Therefore, if you usually travel in warm, dry areas and on roads without excessive difficulty, it is advisable that you choose footwear that does not have a membraneAnd if you're riding in wet places, with streams that you'll have to cross over and over again, where it's often raining or there may be puddles, opt for Goretex boots - boots with waterproof and breathable membranes - to keep your feet more protected.
And if you like to go to the snow...
Special mention must be made to describe the ideal footwear that is recommended for this type of surface. Even if you are not going skiing, and you just feel like sliding or walking, if you are going to go to the snow you should know that you need a very characteristic type of footwear. Likewise, if you are looking for a pair of boots for rackets.
A good snow boots They must be waterproof to prevent you from ending up with completely wet feet. But they must offer adequate thermal insulation. It is essential to keep your feet warm. You can wear thick socks or, even better, socks with thermal characteristics that keep your feet dry - an important aspect of keeping your feet warm.
It is important that the sole has studs - a footprint - to ensure grip But don't forget that if you are going to walk on icy terrain, on a mountain pass, or simply on a winter ascent, you should consider the need to use crampons -safety equipment that will accompany you in these cases-.
In summary, it is advisable to use hiking boots for rough trails and long hikes; if possible, high boots, with soles of multidirectional tacking and breathable if you are walking in dry areas, or with a waterproof membrane if you run the risk of getting your feet wet. And if you are going to walk on trails without excessive difficulty and on short routes, it is best to opt for low boots or perhaps you can use a pair of trainers or trekking shoes.
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