MOUNTAIN BOOTS
Buying the right walking boot is all about finding one that suits your feet and choice of activities best. Here’s our guide to finding your ideal match for many years of happy hillwalking adventures together.
WHEN ARE YOU 1 WALKING?
The prime hillwalking seasons run from spring through to autumn, hence the popularity of so-called ‘3-season’ boots. These boots are generally ideal for variable conditions and mixed terrain with the exception of full-on winter hillwalking and mountaineering in snow and ice. For such frozen adventures you’ll need a 4-season boot which will be warmer, more robust and stiffer underfoot, enabling use with a pair of crampons.
WHERE ARE YOU 2 WALKING?
Well-trodden mountain tracks require different footwear from pathless heather moorland or rocky scree chutes, gullies and ridge scrambles. Different boots are built for different terrain. Some prioritise lightweight flexibility, while others focus on stability and protection. The level of ankle support, traction provided underfoot, and upper construction vary wildly depending on the intended use.
LEATHER OR 3 SYNTHETIC?
Traditional leather hillwalking boots are still very popular, since they generally offer superior durability and protection for the foot. On the other hand, they tend to be heavier and less forgiving, requiring more time to break in. Those seeking instant out-of-the-box comfort, trainer-like flexibility and low weight might prefer synthetic boots.
FIND THE RIGHT FIT 4
Everybody’s feet are different, which is why it’s vital to try on walking boots or shoes before you buy a pair. If you can, visit a good outdoor shop for advice, a proper fitting and the chance to try multiple pairs from different brands. Take a pair of
walking socks with you too. If you have to buy online, wear your new boots indoors for a week or so to check the sizing and fit before you head for the hills.
ONE SIZE DOESN’T 5 FIT ALL
Don’t necessarily assume that your size in walking boots will match your street shoe size. Sizes vary between brands, which is why it’s worth getting properly measured and trying on multiple pairs. Don’t forget that your feet will swell over the course of a long hill day, especially in warmer conditions. Many walkers opt to go a half size or even a full size up from their street shoe size.
HOW LOW CAN YOU GO? 6
If you’re looking for maximum protection and support, a high boot with an extended ankle cuff is likely to be the best option. If you want optimum freedom of movement, try a low-cut trail shoe. Mid boots are somewhere between the two, offering a good compromise. In all cases, ensure the ankle cuff feels padded and comfortable, with no rubbing around the ankle bone or Achilles tendon.
STAYING COOL VS 7 STAYING DRY
If you’re walking in the UK, it might seem obvious to go for a boot with a waterproof-breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex. This will certainly enable you to splash through puddles, but remember that lined boots will never keep your feet as cool as a non-waterproof fabric boot. Consider your intended use – will you be crossing boggy ground or sticking to dry trails?
WIDTH AND VOLUME 8
Walkers with wide feet or high arches need more space inside their boots than those with narrow or low volume feet. Too little room will cause pinching, although too much allows the boot to roll around your foot on uneven ground. Remember that volume can be reduced by adding a thicker insole. Many boot brands now offer specific models in both standard and wide fits too. Some even offer multiple widths for narrower feet as well as broad feet, while others do a specialist bunion fit.
GET A GRIP 9
The outsole provides traction via a tread pattern made up of rubber lugs. Some bootmakers use branded outsoles such as Vibram, others use their own patterns. Different rubber compounds are employed too. Softer compounds offer better grip, but harder compounds tend to wear better. In general, deep and widely spaced lugs offer greater traction and are less likely to clog. Also look for a pronounced heel breast or heel brake – the cutaway section between the heel and midfoot – which will offer more control on descents.
LACE ’EM PROPERLY 10
Lacing your boots or shoes correctly will obviously make a huge difference to the fit. The best boots feature locking lace hooks that allow you to adjust the tension across different parts of the foot.