How to...Choose Hiking Boots

Looking to buy some new hiking boots but don't know where to start? Check out our handy guide below for some tips we've picked up along the way.

---

1. Try on in a shop and bring your hiking socks:

Bring your hiking socks to the shop and preferably try on in the afternoon as your foot swells over the day. This will help recreate the environment you will be walking in (although some shoes require a short period of breaking in). It's a good idea to wear them around the house/go on short walks to get comfortable in them before taking them on a longer outing!

2. Fit:

Allow 1 thumbs width from the end of the big toe to the end of the shoe. This will allow space for thicker winter socks, low level movement and foot swelling. Ensure the shoe doesn't 'pinch' the base of your big toe or pinkie on either side. Typically, most good walking shops will have a terrain bridge or simulator that allows you to try them out on different terrain and gradients. Ensure that the boot does not slip on the heel cup as this could lead to heat spots, blisters or other musculoskeletal complaints such as Achilles Tendon problems.

3. Injected soles:

Look for injected soles via the line on the back of the shoe as demonstrated. These soles are typically harder and longer wearing than glued soles and won’t detach or crack as easily.

We've both bought cheap and paid twice in the past, wrecking our glued soles and having to lug our flappy, tattered shoes miles back to the car as they've given up midway - it's not ideal. Vibram soles are a good hard wearing sole to look for.

4. Waterproof:

Leather shoes or GoreTex are often the best bet. A good waterproof shoe is especially important in Britain due to the often wet climate. There is nothing worse than cold, wet and squelchy feet!

There is a minor trade off for sweaty feet in summer but this shouldn't be too problematic - if this is a problem for you, you might consider merino/ thinner summer walking socks. You may also benefit more from a trail shoe to enhance breathability in hotter weather.

Our choice: Scarpa Terra GTX (photo taken from Scarpa Official Website)

5. Terrain:

Think about what terrain you will be on primarily and what season most of your walking is in - if you can afford to have a range of shoes that serve different purposes then great! However we chose harder wearing and more durable shoes to last us.

Softer compound soles will typically wear out faster on harder terrain, however they may be more comfortable as they allow the natural motion of the foot from heel strike to toe off in a gait cycle. This may increase the fatigue of your foot muscles so ensure you gradually build up their use over a series of months.

Harder soles are often more rigid so may not be as comfy or dynamic on more technical rocky terrain. They may also be less stable due to the reduced proprioception of your feet (aka your sense of where a joint is in space) and therefore balance. However, they typically are harder wearing and durable compared to their softer counterparts so may last you years of use.

Below: England is typically more muddy and wet throughout the year, so Gore Tex boots are a must for dry feet.

Below: Areas such as the Peak and Lake District typically have harder, rockier surfaces and therefore a harder wearing sole may be of more benefit.

---

Closing thoughts:

Remember - If in doubt, try try try and go for what’s comfiest! Don’t get drawn in by shoes that funnel you into ‘pronator’ ‘supinator’ bias as research suggests comfort is king.

Any questions let us know, hope you stay #troughtandabout