Hiking boots feature different designs and use various components that are vital to their structure and performance. Due to this, it becomes crucial to pick the right set of hiking boots customized specifically for the type of terrain that you are venturing into. Having the right pair of hiking shoes is what will save you from gritting your teeth with pain and disappointment with every footstep you take down the descent.
Different Types of Hiking Terrains
Trail
When your pathway can be described as a light and well-kept terrain, the best type of shoes to opt for should be of a low or mid-cut. These set of shoes typically feature leather combined with fabric or a construction of split-leather segments.
These shoes feature many seams, rendering them vulnerable to water and breathability issues. The solution to this is a quick application of a waterproof agent or the sporting of a pair of Gore-tex socks which are designed to give you all the protection that you need.
The strength of trail shoes lies in their stiffness, providing them with amazing stabilizing feats aimed to help you throughout your running and walking bouts on your hiking trip. The traction on these boots are fantastic and will serve to eliminate fatigue while highlighting the level of comfort that you are exposed to. However, they will not serve you well on a rocky or slippery terrain due to their design specifications.
Rough-trail
When dealing with a rough trail, your best bet is to equip yourself with a pair of ankle-high hiking boots. These are also made of combined leather and fabric or split-grain leather, providing you with the best conditions to deal with a rough trail. They can even help you in hot and humid conditions since some of them are waterproof and carry breathable liners.
The half-length shanks between your midsoles and outsoles provide you with the sole rigidity that you require to deal with rocky trails. The tapered plastic midsoles also assist in achieving the same results. The flexibility of the shoes is still maintained despite the rigidity they provide you with, making them the perfect choice for a rough trail.
Off-trail
When going completely off-trail, you will require a pair of sturdier hiking shoes designed to provide you with the needed level of durability and protection. Off-trail shoes feature a full-grain leather design, with above-ankle support and sturdy sole stability that aims to fortify you against all the obstacles you are bound to face in your pathways.
This is the perfect choice for long journeys that feature you carrying heavy loads on your back. In spite of all the toughness provided by these shoes, you will remain flexible for the balls of your feet, allowing you all the comfort that you need.
The only downside to these boots is the extensive break-in time for the sole and heel cup to soften up to your feet. However, these shoes contain minimal seams and provide ultimate waterproof abilities along with the required level of durability to protect you against the majority of the rough terrain you are bound to come across off-trail.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering boots feature a full-grain leather upper along with minimal seams, all designed to provide you with the perfect level of traction required on such terrain. They accept crampons and rise high enough to be above the ankle. They feature stiff nylon midsoles or full-length shanks to cater to your stiffness and rigidity aspects, reducing the level of comfort felt. They would not serve you on a simple hiking terrain as they will not provide you with the support required.
However, these boots will give you excellent waterproof and durability since they feature rubber bands along the welt, minimal heel slippage and rockered soles. The only drawback is that you need to make sure that these boots are well broken into before attempting a long journey in them unless you wish a disaster filled with blisters upon yourself.
Conclusion
What will define your hiking trip as being perfect are the right choices that you make with regards to the type of hiking shoes you sport. It is important to select the right type of hiking shoes that match the trail that you will venture in, to successfully enjoy your hiking trip. This review will give you a proper understanding of what fits in where so that you can make the right choice too.
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