Hiking Boots Buying Guide

Providing you with the proper support, protection and comfort, hiking boots are the ultimate boots made for walking. And, if you are someone who loves long walks and outdoor adventures, there isn’t a better way to protect your feet than with the right pair of boots. Whether you are simply going out for short strolls or you like walking on different terrains, camping or hiking, a pair of high-quality hiking leather boots is a key element to include in your backpacking equipment.

Choosing the Right Pair of Hiking Shoes

A sturdy and high-quality pair of hiking leather boots should be tough enough to withstand all kinds of impacts, protect your feet from the harsh weather and provide the ultimate comfort. Furthermore, although style isn’t their primary feature, boots for hiking and hill walking are very versatile. They come in various models and types – depending on what you want to use them for. Some people even like them as an addition to their casual winter outfits. Like with any type of footwear, when you are buying a pair of hiking boots there are several things that can help you narrow down your choices.

Quality for Comfort and Reliability

The two main things that will make a pair of hiking leather boots the right for you are the materials of the upper and the sole. They are also ultimately what determines the overall quality of the boots. Selecting a pair with an upper and a sole made of good quality materials will guarantee maximum comfort and protection and will provide good value for your money.

The Upper Materials

The materials used to make the upper of a hiking boot can vary. Typically, there isn’t a better way to protect your feet, they are made of materials and fabrics such as leather, polyurethane, suede, mesh and so on, or a combination of two or more materials. Leather boots for hiking are preferred amongst hikers because of all the benefits that come with the material.

Leather is sturdy and tough, which makes it the perfect material for footwear. Articles made of leather can endure a lot of wear and tear, it’s durable and resilient. It’s also highly water-resistant, but also breathable enough to allow the sweat to get out of the shoe, and not keep the skin damp. Furthermore, not only is leather highly durable, but it even gets better in time. It also makes for the most stylish footwear, even when it comes to boots for hiking.

The Sole Materials

In good quality hiking boots, the heel and the part of the upper around the toes are more reinforced. This provides you with more protection when you are walking on rougher terrains. The materials used in the midsole and the outsole also have to be high quality. The soles are essentially what provides you with good support and stability, which is why it should be suitable for the arch of your foot.

The materials used in the soles of boots made for hiking and hillwalking are usually some combination of silicone, carbon, rubber, etc. The bottom of the boots always features tread patterns, which provides traction and better grip for more stability and safety. The outsole has to be sturdy and tough, to ensure longevity as it will need to support the weight of your body, of the things you are carrying, and the impact of your movements.

The Quality of the Production

Once you’ve selected the right sole and upper materials, you also need to make sure that the production itself is high quality. For this, you should look for a good reliable store and learn as much as you can about the manufacturer, as well as the return policies of the supplier.

Good Fit for Comfort and Stability

Finally, once you’ve made sure that you have found a pair of leather hiking boots that meets all the criteria regarding comfort, quality and style, you should pay attention to the fit. Regardless of the type of footwear you are buying, shoes that don’t fit well, are uncomfortable, making it hard and painful to walk or stand – can negatively impact your entire body, cause anxiety and decrease your ability to focus.

All of this is even more true when you are getting footwear for long hikes and walks, which you will wear for long periods of time. Even the best hiking shoes can be very uncomfortable if they are too wide, too tight, too big or too small. To avoid this, you should not only measure the length and width of your feet and find the right size, but you should also make sure to choose a shape of shoe you know you find comfortable.