Introduction
Outdoor boots are essential gear for hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, and other outdoor activities. Choosing the right pair of boots can make your adventures more enjoyable and prevent injuries. With so many brands and styles available, it’s important to find boots suited for your specific needs. This guide will provide tips on where to find quality outdoor boots and what to look for when making your purchase.
Where to Buy Outdoor Boots
Outdoor Specialty Retailers
Stores dedicated to outdoor gear and apparel are the best places to find high-quality boots suited for different terrains and activities. Reputable outdoor retailers like REI, EMS, and Eastern Mountain Sports have knowledgeable sales staff that can assess your needs and recommend the right boot options. They typically carry boots from top brands like Salomon, Merrell, Vasque, and Keen. Visiting these stores allows you to try on multiple styles and get a feel for fit and comfort.
Brand Website or Stores
Many leading boot brands have their own retail stores and e-commerce sites. Shopping directly from Salomon, Lowa, or Scarpa gives you access to the full range of their boot models. Their staff have specialized knowledge of how their boots are constructed and which features make each model unique. Purchasing from a brand website also allows you to take advantage of any current sales or clearance deals.
Online Retailers
While you can’t try boots on, large online retailers like Amazon and Backcountry offer a vast selection of hiking boot models at competitive prices. Their generous return policies make it easy to exchange boots if the fit is off. Look for detailed sizing charts and reviews from other customers to gauge how a particular boot runs.
Local Outdoor Shops
Don’t overlook smaller, local outdoor specialty shops. They frequently carry quality boots from lesser known brands that big retailers may not stock. Their staff often have deep local knowledge of local terrain and can recommend ideal boots to handle your region’s conditions. Trying on boots in-person is always best for fit.
What to Look for When Buying Outdoor Boots
Types of Boots
The intended activity and environment help determine what type of outdoor boots you need. Lightweight hikers work well for day hikes, while sturdier backpacking boots handle multi-day treks with heavy packs. Insulated winter hiking boots provide warmth, and rugged mountaineering boots grip ice. Waterproof or water-resistant models keep feet dry.
Fit and Comfort
It’s essential to try boots on and walk around the store with them. The boots should be snug but not painfully tight. Your toes shouldn’t bang against the front when going downhill. The boots will break-in over time so don’t expect a perfect fit immediately. Ensure ankle support and that your heel doesn’t lift when stepping.
Construction and Materials
Look for full grain leather or nubuck uppers that resist abrasion and water. Quality boots have sewn-in waterproof liners like Gore-Tex. Vibram, EVA, and polyurethane are excellent outsole materials that provide traction. Midsoles should have EVA foam or polyurethane for cushioning and shock absorption. Durable hardware like speed laces and hooks ensure a secure fit.
Price Considerations
Higher priced boots from reputable brands typically equate to better construction, comfort, and longevity. That said, many affordable boot options from brands like Columbia offer excellent quality and value. Don’t overlook sale or prior year models that can provide big savings on discontinued styles. Spending a little more upfront for proper outdoor boots prevents injuries and sore feet, enhancing your enjoyment on the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Boots
What features make hiking boots good for backpacking?
Backpacking boots have stiffer construction, more robust cushioning, ankle support, and lug soles compared to typical hiking boots. Materials like full-grain leather withstand heavy loads. Shank plates provide torsional stability under weight.
How should outdoor boots fit?
Boots should fit snug with your heel locked in place without sliding up and down. Your toes should have wiggle room and not bang into the front when going downhill. Wearing thick hiking socks, your boots should not cause pinching or pressure points.
Is waterproofing worth it for outdoor boots?
Waterproof boots provide essential protection from wet conditions like rain, snow, and stream crossings. Waterproof yet breathable liners like Gore-Tex keep feet dry without causing excess sweating. Treating leather boots with sprays or waxes boosts their water resistance.
How do I break in new hiking boots?
Wear them around the house with orthotic insoles to mold to your feet. Short day hikes help break them in gradually. Specially formulated leather creams soften materials. Thicker socks can prevent blisters until the boots fully form to your feet.
How can I make my boots more comfortable?
Replace the insoles with cushier aftermarket insoles or add orthotics. Buffalo skin leather softens stiff materials. Petroleum jelly on pressure points prevents rubbing. Thicker padded socks make boots cozier. Loosening laces around the ankle and tongue provides some relief.
How long should hiking boots last?
With proper care, the lifespan of hiking boots varies based on usage frequency, conditions, and material quality. Typically quality leather/nubuck boots last 500-1,000 miles. Inferior materials degrade faster. Inspect your boots regularly for excessive wear and replace them once support and traction becomes compromised.
Conclusion
Choosing the optimal outdoor boots involves balancing important factors like intended activity, fit, comfort, support, traction, and durability. Visiting outdoor specialty retailers gives you professional guidance and the ability to try on multiple quality brands in person for the best fit. Do your research to select the right boot features and materials for your specific hiking needs. Investing in proper outdoor boots improves performance and safety during adventures, while enhancing your overall comfort and enjoyment.
Summary Points:
- Outdoor specialty retailers provide expert guidance and allow you to try on boots for fit.
- Brand websites and stores give access to full collections and staff knowledge.
- Online retailers offer vast selections and easy returns if sizing is off.
- Local outdoor shops provide personalized recommendations and lesser known brands.
- Consider key factors like activity, fit, comfort, support, traction and durability when selecting boots.
- Proper hiking boots prevent injuries and sore feet, enhancing your outdoor adventures.