For both the experienced and inexperienced backpacker, choosing the right hiking boots can either make or break your backpacking trip. I know every time I fully wear out my hiking boots, I start getting a nervous feeling in my gut. Will my next hiking boots be as comfortable as these? Will it take a long time to break them in? Do I really have to give these babies up?
Remember that as a backpacker, you are carrying a heavy load, which means your shoes need to be stable enough to support you. If you are used to day hikes, you need to assess if your boots have enough to take you the extra distance.
If you are planning to take a backpacking vacation, you do not want to buy a new pair of boots right before you go! Make sure you have time to break in your shoes, otherwise your trip will be a painful one.
Different people have different hiking boot preferences, but I will write about what I look for in a pair of hiking boots and why. If you disagree, feel free to tell me why, and what you prefer in the comments below!
1) Leather boots or synthetic? As a vegetarian I make an effort to shy away from leather boots. My backpacking partner is convinced real backpackers only wear leather, but with their long break-in time, their lack of breathability, and the fact they are made of animal skin, I opt for synthetic materials. Synthetic materials breathe better, are more flexible, and don’t take as long to break in. While they might not offer quite the support or have the longevity of a good pair of leather boots, they get the job done. Also, they are a little easier on the wallet!
2) High boot or low? Because I sometimes go on backpacking treks of five days or more, I keep a pair of high boots for the occasion. The last thing I want to worry about is lack of ankle support while out in the middle of nowhere. With the weight of my pack and a not so well kept trail, I want to know I can get solid footing. While a high boot doesn’t guarantee that, it certainly helps if I misstep. Also, since I hike in a lot of muddy, wet terrain a high boot keeps me drier. For my day trips, I find low shoes much more comfortable.
3) Waterproof or not? A lot of people complain that Goretex and other waterproofing materials can lead to lack of breathability in a material. If you do most of your hiking in dry areas in the summer, you might be able to get away with no Goretex, but I do most of my hiking in rainy, muddy areas. I would be damp and uncomfortable without Goretex.
