Indeed, no two boot designs are alike, as each is geared for specific terrains and weather – and there are a great variety of landscapes and climates that one can hike.
So, to make the best decision about what kind of boot you should purchase, you’ll want to think about:
• Parts of a boot – When checking out a hiking boot at a store, the salesperson may use various terms to describe the boots’ parts. Or, to explain what is wrong with a pair you’ve tried on, you might want to know what a specific part is called to better communicate your concerns. A hiking boot consists of six general parts.
• Boot soles – The hiking boot’s sole (the bottom part of the shoe between the ground and the foot) is made of a few different parts. Being aware of these different sections can help you choose the best hiking boot for your trail needs. The sole consists of four parts.
• Boot cuts – A boot’s cut refers to how high it goes on the ankle. In general, there are three types of boot cuts.
• Types of eyelets – As with any shoe, to ensure your boot fits tight, you’ll lace them up and tie a knot. With hiking boots, however, you can choose from a variety of eyelets that the laces run through. Each eyelet types offers various advantages and disadvantages.
• Tongue designs – An often overlooked consideration to make when purchasing hiking boots is the tongue design. Generally, there are two types of tongue designs.
Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.
