TOP TIPS FOR BOOT BUYERS

1 TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Buying products online has become even more popular during the pandemic, for obvious reasons, but to get a really good-fitting boot you need to try on several different pairs and walk around on undulating surfaces and uneven terrain (many stores have simulated sections of trail) to see how your feet feel. Sizing varies subtly between brands, because they all use different lasts. Pay particular attention to the heel counter and toebox; in some boots these sections are particularly narrow, which can lead to sore heels and cramped toes. But, if the fit is too wide, your feet will slide around and you run the risk of getting blisters and blackened toenails. Some brands offer a choice of wide, standard and narrow fits.

2 PAIR YOUR BOOT WITH GOOD TREKKING SOCKS

Out on the trail you need good-quality hiking socks, so once you’ve identified your ideal brand and model of boot, make sure you get the right size that fits with a potentially thick pair of socks. You may need to go a half-size higher than you would with running or work shoes. Take socks with you when trying boots on: thick ones for getting the sizing right, and a thinner pair to identify any areas where you might experience rubbing.

3 BUY THE BOOT THAT SUITS YOUR PURSUITS

Consider what kind of trails you’re going to walk most often. If you intend to spend lots of time hiking and climbing in the mountains where there will be technical scrambles and times when you’ll be pulling on crampons, then you need a boot with decent rigidity across the sole and good support on the heel and ankle. For relaxed rambles in the countryside, a more flexible, lighter and lower boot will prove more comfortable.

4 WHEN WILL YOU WALK

AND IN WHAT CONDITIONS?

You’ll feel uncomfortable if you turn up for a summer saunter in the woods wearing mountaineering boots. If fair-weather day walking on easy paths is your thing, opt for low-collar boots or walking shoes made from breathable materials. You don’t necessarily need Gore-Tex or a similar membrane – losing it lowers the price and makes the boot cooler to wear. But, if you’re likely to do lots of winter walking in snow and ice on technical trails, then go for higher grade leather boots with a taller collar, aggressive lugs on the sole, extensive in-boot thermal insulation, a breathable/ waterproof membrane, a protective rand and solid toecap for kicking snow steps.

If you do a mix of walks in varying conditions and want an all-rounder, a boot with a mid-height collar is your best bet.

5 HOW MUCH WEIGHT WILL YOU BE CARRYING?

Likewise, if you’re planning plenty of multi-day hikes when you’ll be carrying a heavy pack, invest in a more substantial pair of boots with excellent stability, higher ankle support and good cushioning in the midsole. But if you’re only likely to be carting a daypack with a water bottle, an extra layer and a sandwich, choose a cheaper, less technical boot that feels comfortable.

6 BUY RIGHT, BUY ONCE

Some boots seem eyewateringly expensive, but it’s important to consider longevity as well as price. A good hiking boot, if it’s well looked after, can easily last over 10 years, even if you do a lot of mileage. Decent soles with substantial lugs are unlikely to wear out quickly, and a chassis made with good-quality leather or tough synthetics will also go the distance. Generally, boots at the very low end of the price scale will have a weaker shank, poorer quality stitching and materials, and will fail much faster – that can spell disaster if it happens on the trail. Some brands offer a lifetime guarantee.

7 CONSIDER THE BOOT’S FOOTPRINT

Environmental and ethical concerns are increasingly important. Look at the materials used in the construction of the boot and find out if they are wholly or partly recycled or biodegradable. Several brands offer to recycle materials from old boots. Look also for brands that eschew water wastage and the use of harmful chemicals and dyes, pay their workers fairly and make boots locally to reduce transport.

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