Boot Buyer’s Guide
Those who enjoy camping will find that the consensus among today's boot experts is to buy the best boots - along with the best socks - that fit your feet for a particular type of hiking/outdoor activity. Find footwear that fits your sole and your soul will be fit.
It also makes good sense to let product quality and design dictate your choice more than price. High-quality hiking boots and socks will no doubt cost more than those made to lesser standards, but over the long haul, better made and better designed footwear products will last longer while delivering better performance.
We have picked a few examples of what we think are those best suited for light- to medium-duty use, be that a day-hike, an overnighter, or a family vacation that involves combinations of both short and long treks, fair and foul weather.
HIKING HARDWEAR
Danner (800/345-0430; /danner.com/) ascends to a new level of hiking footwear with the 453 GTX ($160), featuring Terra Force X (TFX) technology and a Gore-Tex liner to keep feet dry and comfortable in whatever conditions the day brings. The advanced design of the TFX platform provides unrivaled stability, support and excellent heel-to-toe energy transfer, while at the same time supplying increased traction through the midsection of the boot. The 453 GTX (pictured) shines as a lightweight hiking boot both on and off the trail.
The Vasque (800/224-4453; /vasque.com/) Marga Mid ($90) is great for serious hikers. The Marga features split leather and fabric uppers with a compression-molded EVA midsole to provide a cushiony and comfortable fit. These hiking boots also use synthetic heel and toe caps to help resist abrasion, Vibram Skeleton Trek outsole for serious traction and Vasque's proprietary Keystone Control System to keep the foot securely in place on rough terrain. This shoe is designed for uncompromising trail performance.
Lowa (203/353-0116; /lowaboots.com/) offers several All Terrain Collection (ATC) boots with the Kerano GTX Mid ($200) leading the way. Hikers who prefer boots with Gore-Tex lining, a one-piece upper, and the Vibram Vialta outsole/midsole package will enjoy the nubuck-constructed Kerano. The midcut boot features Comfort Cuffs and Comfort Spoilers that provide softer, contoured padding to accommodate the back of the Achilles and ankle areas. You also have a choice of liners - Gore-Tex, or the Dri-Lex multizone comfort lining with Hydrofil nylon that wicks moisture and dries quickly.
Teva (800/433-2537; /teva.com/) offers the Philter ($85), part of the company's high-end Pro Series products. The non-marking Spider Rubber sole is one of the stickiest in the Teva line, providing excellent traction on all surfaces - wet or dry - with good durability. The shoe uses monofilament for mesh, webbing and laces. Water exits quickly and feet stay comfortable surrounded by the Drain-Tech sock liner. For added comfort and support, the Philter utilizes a dual-density midsole and Teva Adaptive Heel Fit Technology that actually forms around your foot as it's worn.
Hi-Tec (800/521-1698; /hi-tec.com/) is making tracks with its new V-Lite Hurricane eVENT ($100), a cool, multisport shoe that is lightweight, yet durable. It features an eVENT waterproof/breathable membrane to keep your feet cool and dry while the Comfort-Tec Custom insole forms a layer of visco-elastic memory foam to your foot. There's also a unique exo-skeletal foot-locking system to provide 360 degrees of support and a tri-density midsole to provide cushioning and support where you need it most, helping prevent over-pronation. The exclusive Vibram multisport outsole provides multidirectional traction.
Adidas' (800/448-1796; /adidas.com/) Badpak GTX ($150) incorporates a breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex liner and an innovative Ground Control System in the heel to keep you rock-steady on uneven surfaces and descents. The Badpak GTX relies on a Mountain Grip outsole to provide the traction, a compression-molded EVA midsole for cushioning and an Ortholite antimicrobial inlay and moisture-wicking sock liner to maximize long-wear comfort.
Keen (800/509-5336; /keenfootwear.com/) offers its Humboldt ($90) trail-running shoe. The Humboldt is ready for all terrain, be it a quick romp through the redwoods or scrambling over boulder fields in the Rockies. Keen's unique multidensity midsole design uses two separate and distinct components in each shoe. The first component, the S3 heel (shock, stability, suspension), provides excellent shock absorbency at the point of impact, a stable lower heel and helps align the foot for optimal contact with the ground with each step. The second component, with four densities for the midfoot and forefoot of the midsole, creates excellent forefoot flex and midfoot support while traveling over uneven terrain.
L.L.Bean 's (800/441-5713; /llbean.com/) Gore-Tex Ridge Runner Hikers Mid-Cut ($89) offer waterproof protection and the light, nimble feel of a trail-running shoe. The synthetic leather-and-mesh upper is tough and lightweight while the waterproof Gore-Tex XCR lining is exceptionally breathable so your feet will stay dry and comfortable through mud puddles and snow. The midsole is made from the same flexible EVA cushioning used in athletic shoes with a supportive nylon shank providing added stability. Vibram rubber outsole provides traction.
Dunham (800/843-2668; /dunhambootmakers.com/) produces numerous hiking shoes. Two that caught our eye in its "Fastpacking" line: the Waffle Stomper Terrastryder Mid II ($120) and Terrastryder Low II ($100). In an ultra-light package, these performance-oriented shoes feature a proprietary Vibram outsole with an exclusive Waffle Stomper tread design for good traction, Dryworks moisture management membrane system and ABZORB cushioning for shock absorption. Both the Terrastryder Mid II and Terrastryder Low II are available in various colors and multiple sizes and widths for men and women.
The Montrail (206/621-9303; /montrail.com/) Torre GTX ($160) is the company's best seller for four years now. The key to the all-leather, Gore-Tex-lined Torre GTX is the fit. Unique to hiking boots, the Torre has a durable molded rubber heel pocket component. It also features Montrail's fit technology, IntegraFit, derived from the digital measurements of nearly one million pairs of real men's and women's feet and is the basis for the design of Montrail footwear. IntegraFit creates a smooth, secure and precise fit notable for its roomy toe box, heel lock, firm midfoot support and accurate flex points. The Vibram Explorer outsole offers superior traction and durability, and a cushioned feel due to its integral microporous rubber midsole.
Columbia Sportswear (503/985-4000; /columbia.com/) offers it collection of footwear, including the Simbo ($80), a rugged "amphibious" hiking/trail shoe designed to be right at home in the water or on land. It features a suede leather upper with ventilation cut-outs and a dual-density molded EVA midsole with nylon shank to provide strength and stability. Bungee cord laces and toggles give the Simbo a custom fit, while a non-marking, Omni-Grip rubber compound and Serdia antimicrobial treatment make it feet-friendly.
Asolo (877/888-8533; /asolo-usa.com/) strides forward with its Voyager ($150), a great lightweight hiking boot. It features Asolo's Dua Asoflex EVA midsole that combines a stiff material to keep the foot stabilized and supported while a second, softer material provides shock absorption while walking. The uppers are light and breathable with a Gore-Tex XCR liner for waterproof protection.
Chaco (970/527-4990; /chacousa.com/) is famous for its unique outdoor "performance" sandals. Its BioCentric contour technology is touted as being the best underfoot. The Chaco ZX1/ZX2 ($95) sandals offer polyurethane (PU) in the midsoles, unique basket-weave strap design and two different sole options. The difference between ZX/1 and ZX/2 is the latter has a toe strap while the ZX/1 has an open design. And for soles, you have the choice of the Unaweep Vibram lug pattern, great for the trail, or the new Diamond Stealth ($10 extra) outsole that features slip-resistant Amphibia rubber, ideal for wet surfaces and rock climbing.
Being more aggressive is just what hiking shoe manufacturer Merrell (800/789-8586; /merrell.com/) is doing with the Passage Ventilator Mid ($110), a day-hiker that's higher-cut for support but still slim and fleet-feeling. The shoe's concealed in-board EVA footframe cuts the bulk while the velvet-smooth Nubuck leather strapping reinforces a breezy mesh upper that's stabilized by a thermoplastic molded polyurethane side and ankle supports. Underfoot, a Vibram Day Hiker Plus sole, with larger and deeper braking and traction lugs at heel and forefoot, provides traction for more demanding conditions.
BETWEEN FEET AND FOOTWEAR
Looking for a great pair of hiking socks? Check out these top offerings:
SmartWool (800/550-9665; /smartwool.com/), the leading manufacturer in wool-based apparel, socks and accessories, offers a selection of its Walking Medium ($10-$12), Light Hiker ($15), and Women's Running Light Mini ($14) series Performance socks that take feet to a new level of comfort. Wool is superior at cushioning, wicking moisture away from the foot, controlling temperature and controlling odor, which is why these specially designed socks will be the first items to be packed by campers. Special cushioning in the high-impact areas and a SmartFit no-slip, no-sag design adds to the high comfort level.
Teko (800/450-5784; /tekosocks.com/), a very eco-friendly sock maker out of Boulder, Colorado, offers three styles of hiking-specific socks, each with a different blend of materials. The EcoMerino Wool ($17) socks are designed for light hiking and are made from a blend of Tasmanian Wool (76%), a recycled polyester called Ecopoly (10%), nylon and Lycra (14%). The result is a thick, soft sock with great breathability, plenty of arch support and a non-bunching fit.
Champion's (800/662-6048; /championcatalog.com/) Advanced Performance socks ($9) feature CoolMax fibers to wick moisture away and Smart Fabric Technology by Outlast that uses nearly microscopic structures to store and dissipate heat for optimum foot temperature regulation. They come in three different levels of cushioning - APLight, APZone and APMax - to meet the demands of both men and women at all activity levels.
Columbia Sportswear (503/985-4000; /columbia.com/) offers its Summit Crest ($10) that features a blend of CoolMax polyester, Merino wool, and nylon to provide temperature regulation, wicking action and a dry, comfortable fit. Another very good hiking sock is the Women's Cascade Crest Hiker ($8). It's temperature tolerant and soft with a blend of Merino wool, Thermolite polyester and Lycra spandex.
COMFY FOOTBEDS
Feet take an inordinate amount of abuse on a daily basis, which is why studies show that one in every six of us have foot problems. But hiking in the outdoors can take an even heavier toll on your tootsies. One way to keep foot stress minimized is by treating them to a comfortable footbed on which to walk.
A new insole design from Shock Doctor (866/253-1314; /shockdoc.com/) called the Ultra Arch Adjust ($35) is one way to give your feet a break. The proprietary Ultra Arch Adjust supports the entire foot and features three easy adjust arch positions using color-coded inserts. This adjustable arch support system can be customized instantly to each individual foot.
Campers would do well to look at the Spenco (800/877-3626; /spenco.com/) Outdoor Adventure Series Day Hiker insoles, as well. Through innovative footcare design and on-trail development with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), the Spenco Outdoor Adventure Series insoles are up to the task of making feet feel good.
For an exact custom fit, Montrail offers special insoles called Enduro-Soles ($35) that you heat to 225 degress in your home oven. The Thermo-moldable foam inserts mold exactly to your feet's shape while cooling.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Outsole:
* Rubber, in various levels of durability and stickiness, is the typical component with lugs, or treads designed to help increase traction. The stickier the compound, the less durable.
* The deeper the lugs, the heavier the outsole (and shoe/boot.) will be.
Midsole:
* A strong midsole is critical to boot durability and stability because that's where the bending and twisting occurs as you step. The midsole can be made from a variety of materials such Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam, Polyurethane (PU), and Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR).
* "Compression-molded" EVA midsoles are light in weight, but offer the least cushioning.
* "Injection-molded" EVA midsoles are a denser version that offers more uniformity from heel to toe.
* PU midsoles offer better cushioning, shock absorption, flexibility and durability.
* TPR midsoles are even lighter in weight with both durability and flexibility.
Uppers:
* The upper provides ankle support and the taller the upper, the less chances of sprains.
* A one-piece upper is usually more waterproof and durable than those made with multiple seams.
* Full-grain leather, which is the most genuine type of leather because it has not been altered beyond hair removal, is the most supportive, durable and waterproof upper.
* A suede or suede/mesh upper provides more flexibility and breathability, but isn't waterproof.
Interior:
* Sock liners of Gore-Tex and similar materials help provide waterproofing and breathability. May be unnecessary expense if boot is already waterproof full-grain leather.
* Gusseted tongues help to keep out water, stones and debris.
* Removable insoles help provide comfort, cushioning and additional support. They can also be removed to air out, making a better environment for your feet while increasing both the insoles durabilit
* Padded collars offer a comfortable fit, reducing chances of chaffing.