Hiking is a balm for the soul. To ensure that your feet feel the same way, choosing the right hiking shoe is a must. Without suitable footwear, outdoor enjoyment will quickly become an experience to be forgotten. So that you are always prepared, our tips on what to look for when choosing a suitable hiking shoe.
Find the right brand – this is how you will find the shoe that suits you best!
Choosing the right brand like Danner hunting boots for example depends on many factors. However, there are two essential aspects to keep in mind. On the one hand, the personal experience. Naturally, experienced hikers have a head start here, but beginners may already know how to choose the right shoes from other sports.
On the other hand, the quality of the advice is evident here. A good sales pitch does not give the impression that the customer might opt for a certain product at a specific price. On the other hand, good salespeople attach great importance to the fact that shoes and feet fit together. It also helps to look at different alternatives together and gradually work your way towards the ideal shoe. In the end, however, the foot and not the look should decide. A shoe that looks great but does not adapt to your foot is ultimately worth less than a correctly fitting shoe.
To check the fit, it is advisable to do a little lap in the new shoes at home after the consultation. In particular, the feeling of fit when climbing stairs and rolling should be included in the test at home.
Important Categories For Hiking Boots
There are no standardized standard categories for hiking boots. Several manufacturers have their formula for classifying hiking boots. Roughly speaking, a comparison of the various providers results in a subdivision according to the following possible uses:
- hike
- Trekking
- Alpine
In this context, hiking means following routes in the lowlands, in the foothills of the Alps, and the low mountain range. In addition, you should mainly hike on well-developed and fixed paths. With these shoes, it is more sensible to avoid paths that are off the beaten track.
Trekking is much more demanding than hiking and mainly leads through low mountain ranges up to alpine terrain. Trekking takes place mostly on inclines and elevations below the border to the actual high mountains. Trekking shoes can also be used to tread bad and poorly developed trails. Alpine shoes are rather uninteresting for hikers, as they are primarily geared towards alpine and climbing sports and are less suitable for normal tours through flatter regions. The soles of these shoes are much stiffer and do not roll off as easily.
An Important Factor When Buying Hiking Boots – The Time Of Year
Since the hiking season usually begins in spring after the onset of the thaw and then continues into autumn, most hiking boots are designed for warmer weather conditions. But since winter captivates with its very own beauty, winter hikes are also very popular.
Hiking shoes for the winter must be waterproof. However, if the snow reaches over your ankles, switching to separate winter hiking boots is better. In addition, winter hiking boots must have additional insulation and require a much thicker lining than shoes for hiking on warmer days and seasons.
