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Boots: Selection and Care

Choosing the right hiking boots is crucial for safety and comfort on the trail. Invest wisely, with prices ranging from $150 for backpacking boots to $300+ for specialized mountaineering options. Ensure a proper fit by trying boots on in the evening when feet are slightly swollen, and always wear appropriate socks. Focus on the construction features like the outsole for traction and the upper for durability. Regular cleaning and waterproofing are essential for maintenance. Learn about the various types of boots and where to purchase them for your next adventure.

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Boots: Selection and Care

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  1. Boots: Selection and Care Dave Endres

  2. Introduction • Most important purchase for course • Safety • Comfort • Retail cost • Backpacking: $150-250 • Mountaineering: $200-$300+ • Wholesale (up to 50% off at sales, websites, etc.) • Importance of fit • Purchase boots prior to conditioning hike, ideally this weekend • Breaking-in boots and feet

  3. Construction • Outsole • Vibram rubber, rubber (lugs) • Durability Vs traction on rock, wet rock, snow, etc. • Midsole • Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) (lighter, less durable), polyurethane, rubber • Cushioning, shock absorption • Support (Shank/Plates) • Nylon, thermoplastic urethane (TPU), others • Full, ¾, ½ • Determines stiffness or flex of boot

  4. Construction (cont.) • Upper • Full-grain leather • Abrasion and water resistant, more break-in and weight • Split-grain leather • Nubuck leather (buffed to resemble suede) • Suede (avoid) • Nylon, Kevlar, other synthetics • Leather Uppers • Avoid composites of cloth or Gore-tex and leather unless legitimate, modern mountaineering boot • Fewer seams is usually better • Gusseted tongue

  5. Construction (cont.) • Lining • Leather, cloth, breathable membranes (Gore-Tex, etc.) • Welt • Norwegian (stitched), molded (modern) • Cut • High-Cut • Ankle support for irregular trails and cross-country, heavier loads, less scree in boots (scree collars) • Mid-Cut (less support and protection) • Low-Cut • Unacceptable for course

  6. Types of Boots • Mountaineering Boots • Snow or high altitude (plastic, other) • Standard (good choice for this course) • Accepts crampons • Backpacking • Off-trail (good choice for this course) • May accept crampons • On-trail (may be too light for course) • Hiking • Most hiking boots too light for course • Light Hiking (not acceptable for course)

  7. Fit • If possible, go to an expert • Try on boots in evening when feet are swollen • Use the proper socks (buy or bring from home) • Mountaineering socks (Smartwool, Thurlo) • Heavy, wool and nylon • Liner (reduces friction and blisters) • Lightweight, polypropylene, nylon, other • Socks with cotton are not allowed in course (Cotton Kills) • Width/volume of boots varies between manufacturers and lasts • High instep typically high volume

  8. Fit (cont.) • Measure with Brannock Device • Start with ½ size larger than size • Remove inner liner and place them against sole of foot • Loosen laces and push foot forward in boot until toes are in close contact with front of boot • There should be room for one to two fingers between your heel and the back of the boot • Sit down and stomp heel to ensure foot is as far back in boot as possible

  9. Fit (cont.) • Lace boots properly and securely • If the boots fit properly • Toes can be easily wiggled • Minimal foot or heel slippage while walking • Fit can often be improved with aftermarket insoles such as superfeet • Walk on incline board for 5 to 10 minutes while trying to push toes to front of boot • If this cannot be prevented with proper lacing, an aftermarket insole, or a better size, try another boot

  10. Fit (cont.) • Wear the boots around the store for at least an hour including on the include board, stairs, while squatting, while kicking toe, etc. • Check for fit (too tight or too loose), any abrasions or hot areas, pinching, or other discomfort – This may be greatly magnified during outings • Wear the boots around home and or work for a few days • They can usually be returned if not used in dirt

  11. Waterproofing • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations • Ask the person selling the boots • Seam Sealer/Grip is often used to protect stitching from abrasion • Water based aqueous waterproofs (Nikwax) • TX.10i elastomer based on EVA • Nikwax Aqueous Wax or Nikwax for Nubuck & Suede • If dirty, clean boot with damp cloth or brush and water • Apply to damp leather • Techron DWR Silicone Spray • Do not use anything that softens leather (mink oil, etc.)

  12. Cleaning & Drying Boots • Boots should be cleaned and dried after every hike • Remove laces and clean, if necessary • Remove insole • Brush off any dirt • Clean with damp cloth or brush and water • Prop boot open and leave in warm dry area (not near fire or other heat source or in sun) until it dries completely • Boots may be repeatedly stuffed with newspaper to absorb water • Do not leave newspaper in boots as they will not dry completely and will mildew

  13. Sources for Boots • A-16 (Costa Mesa, Torrance, West LA) • REI (Arcadia, Huntington Beach, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica) • Sport Chalet (Costa Mesa, La Canada, Beverly Connection) • Mountaingear.com • SierraTradingPost.com • Campmor.com • Boot Manufacturers • Asolo, Garmont, La Sportiva, Lowa, Merrell, Montrail, Raichle, REI, Vasque

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