Hiking boots buying guide

This guide will steer you through purchasing the perfect boot for all your hiking needs. Like so many purchases today, buying a pair of hiking boots may seem easy, but one quickly learns that finding boots to fit your feet and your hiking needs is time consuming. Buying the right boots is a lot easier with some knowledge, and investing the time and money to find a good pair of hiking boots is a wise move for any outdoor enthusiast. 

1. Intended Use. This is the single most important question you will have to ask yourself. There are many good hiking boots for every kind of purpose. The class of your boot should increase under the following factors: expected terrain and weather conditions, intended Hiking duration, and intended backpack load.

2. Features: hiking boots have certain aspects that are unique to other footwear . Understanding the terms and how they pertain to you are important to finding the perfect boot.

A.Boot Weight: The lighter the boot, the easier it will be to walk. Basically, one pound extra in a boot is like five pounds added to your pack. For this reason, manufacturers continue to research new construction and materials that will allow for the same support you need with less weight.

B. Water Resistance: Moisture in your boots can cause unwanted blisters. Look for breathable, watertight materials that allow moisture to leave the inner parts of your boot , but don't allow water to get enter.

C. Lateral Rigidity: Boots need to keep your feet and ankles from twisting on uneven surfaces. High boots with stiff ankle support will help keep your feet and ankles in place.

D. Longitudinal Rigidity: Boots need to support your feet from over-bending when placing too much weight on the toe or heel side of your foot. It also needs to have enough longitudinal flexibility to maintain your arches' natural spring action.

E. Arch Support: Boots should not allow for your feet to flatten out under heavy pressure. A curved shank is often inserted between the midsole and insole to provide arch support 

With the guide, you will easily find a good pair of hiking shoes which are comfortble. You can make a good choice in choosing hiking shoes, according to your purposal and the need of your boot weight, lateral rigidity, water resistance, and ect.