Let this guide to buying the right type of shoe help you navigate your way through the different types of hiking terrain. In general, hiking companies have distinguished a grading level for the many options available. It ranges from A – D, or from very light and flexible to heavy and rigid – all depending on the type of hike you’re headed on. We’ll discuss the options below.
Class A is partially made up of the hiking sandal. These are made for warm weather hikes and provide a surprising amount of support and allow ventilation and lightness, keeping your feet generally dry and cool. Good sandals will have adjustable but solid straps, molded arch support and shaped footbeds. Prices vary on hiking sandals but with some research one can find an affordable but quality-made pair for under $100.
The other half of the Class A sector is hiking shoes and light boots. These would be used on well-maintained trails and are ideal for the cross-training hiker. These are made of lighter fabrics and are often suited for everyday use. Class A shoes will generally provide a decent frame support system but the fashion industry has adopted the “rugged” terrain look and are producing “hiking” shoes unsuited for actual hiking, so while choosing your option keep in mind the intended use.
Class B is made up of cross-hikers or mid-weight boots and generally look like what you’d expect a hiking boot to look like. These are well suited for less well-maintained trails and provide an increased support from the less flexible sole and combination of tough synthetic materials and leather. They reach above your ankle in order to maintain support and should be worn with socks thick enough to encourage comfort. Class B’s will require some breaking in.
Off-trail boots and heavier boots make up Class C. These boots are noticeably heavier than the previous types discussed and will take some time getting used to and to break in. These are intended for rougher terrain, or off-trail hiking. These boots are carefully constructed using toe caps, cemented outsoles, and molded midsoles to provide utmost support. They are often water-proofed using Gore-Tex lining and are suitable for some of the toughest trails. They are able to provide the most shock absorption while remain breathable and water resistant.
Finally Class D Mountaineering Boots are the toughest, heaviest and most supportive boots you can choose. If you’re one of those people who like to blaze your own trail or are hiking Mount Everest anytime soon these would be your best companions. Looking like skiing boots, mountaineering boots can have a hard plastic shell with a pivot at the ankle to aid in support. Not suited for long term hikes because of their extremely rigid design, mountaineering boots are a combination of leather and fabrics to achieve the maximum amount of breathability combined with water resistance. These boots will protect you against cold weather and can easily take you further than any other boot.
When choosing your boot the single most important thing to keep in mind is the purpose you are buying it for. Consider your skill level and realistically the degree to which you will be veering off the trail and needed extra support or water resistance. There are no boots that are all-purpose and so narrowing your criteria is very important.
Make sure you do your research. Name brand boots have often been put to rigorous testing and lesser known brands may not be of the same high-quality. What you definitely don’t want to happen is for your boot to break, tear or allow you to injure yourself while out in the wilderness so spending the extra money for a recognizable name will often benefit you in the long run.
Caution yourself against purchasing hiking footwear online. While you may find a wider selection, actually trying on, walking around and testing potential footwear is extremely important. Being able to stroll around in your boots for 10 minutes in good socks could make all the difference. You want a snug fit, but avoid feeling cramped. If you feel pressure anywhere on your foot those boots are either the wrong size or generally not suited to your foot type, so move on! And don’t expect to find your hiking boots measuring up to your normal footwear size, hiking boots are a special breed and need to be approached with these practical tips in order to buy yourself the right type. And finally, enjoy yourself! Our natural environment is one of our most prized leisurely pastimes and finding the right footwear to take you into the wonders of nature will provide you with the utmost enjoyable experience.
