Lightweight Hiking Boots
Lightweight Hiking Boots
How can I chose a good pair of hiking boots?
I have just taken up hiking but have found both my achilles tendons are really sore afterwards and feel painfully bruised. I was wearing lightweight walking boots which I've had a few years but have only started hurting now. Any idea why? Also, what should iI look for in new boots? I'll be taking part in 30km hikes in snowy conditions, cross country terrain.
It sounds like your boots are not fitting you very well - they may be too loose and thus rubbing against the back of your heel as you walk.
Unfortunately, there is no simple best answer for hiking boots since everybodys feet are a little different and a brand that is great for one person, may be the pits for somebody else. After trying a variety of different boots and brands over the years, I have settled on the Raiche GTX (also sold by REI under the name Spirit) - they are comfortable, water-proof and very sturdy (my treads are still holding up after over 400 miles on them).
If you are going to be hiking in snow, than you will want water-proof boots (ie: Gore-Tex lining) and may want to consider a boot that can work with strap-on crampons (for extra support in ice).
Backpacker Magazine just came out with their yearly gear guide issue and gave the Timberland Cadion the best rating for comfort and fit on women's boots. You should pick up the issue, bucause it gives the low down on a variety of brands and recent styles. They also have a lot of good tips for picking out boots, specifically:
1 - Shop in the afternoon when your feet are larger
2 - Have them measure your feet for a good fit
3 - Try on several different models and brands
4 - Spend at least 15 minutes walking around in each pair
5 - Wait for perfection - don't settle, if they don't fit
6 - Consider adding padding and aftermarket supports/soles.
A good fit is one where you have wiggle room in the toes, but your heel is firm and snug. I would also strongly recommend going to an outdoor type store that specializes in hiking/camping gear and whose sales staff hikes themselves as opposed to a general shoe store or sporting goods store. REI is a good national chain, but many towns in outdoor areas will also have a small local outfitter or hiking shack.
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Nelson-Rigg WPRB-100 Waterproof Rain Boot Covers $29.99 Nelson-Rigg WPRB-100 Waterproof Rain Boot Covers Made from 100% waterproof polyester with PVC backingWorn over your shoes or boots to protect them from rain and moistureDesigned to be worn under pants or chapsReflective binding helps with night visibilityRubberized 12 sole for strength and durabilitySized to fit most shoes and boots M - XL1 year No Hassle warrantySize Information Medium Mens B... |
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Columbia Sportswear BY3155 Gorge Mid Omni-Tech Hiking Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid),Cordovan/Burnt Orange,4 M US Big Kid List Price: $65.00 Sale Price: $32.50  |
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Put your little scoutAAAAAAAAs foot into the waterproof breathable Columbia BoysAAAAAAAA Gorge Mid Omni-Tech Boot and take him into the rocky gorge to show him that real life is more exciting than video games... |
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Inov-8 Men's Roclite 390 GTX Lightweight Hiking Boot,Grey/Navy,13 M US List Price: $139.95 Sale Price: $96.93 |
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Ultralight Backpacking Secrets List Price: $5.99 |
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If you've ever carried a backpack that was too heavy, you know it can suck the fun right out of a hike. You backpack to enjoy the wilderness, not to suffer or prove anything, right? Well here's some good news! This book shows you how to have everything you need to be safe and comfortable with less than 20 pounds on your back, or even do weekend trips with under fifteen pounds total pack weight... |
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MasterVision 1001 5 LED Cap Light List Price: $6.99 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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Cap light that features 5 LED super bright lights. This light is light weight and has an operating time of 8 to 10 hours.Style: 5 LED |
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Lowa Men's Zephyr GTX Mid Hiking Boot,Beige/Brown,11 M US List Price: $195.00 Sale Price: $194.95 |
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Lightweight, multi-functional footwear ideal for weekend adventures. Split leather upper is supportive yet flexible so barely any break-in time is required. GORE-TEX® waterproof and breathable membrane keeps your feet comfortable in all types of conditions... |
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Lorpen Merino Light Hiker Socks,Taupe,Medium Sale Price: $11.87 |
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Lorpen cares about the environment. Lighting our factories with natural light during the day, recycling everything from office paper to yarn no longer used in production, and looking for natural sustainable alternatives to synthetic yarns when they can be shown to deliver the performance that we and our customers are looking for. |
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Klim Transition GTX Boots - 10/Grey List Price: $169.99 Sale Price: $169.99 |
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Klim Transition GTX Boots Gore-Tex product technologyGuaranteed to keep you dryCompressed EVA mid-soleHyper-grip soleExceeds Gore-Tex standards for breathabilityAction leather for maximum breathabilityReinforced rubber toeMid ankle supportMicro injected logosRemovable directional moisture wicking insoleHeel pull strap for entry assistVery lightweightKeep your feet dry on the way to the riding areaNote The use of a technical sock is required to obtain the full functionality of GORE-TEX boots. |
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Set of 4 Red Hound Hikers Lightweight Dog Boots (6) Sale Price: $57.99 |
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These dog boots are made of ultra-suede and canvas with lightweight 100% rubber Dura-Sole. Tough and stylish theyre great for hound hiking or just cruising the streets. Sizes: -5 -6 -7 -8' |
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The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $11.37 Used From: $11.36 |
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Supreme long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka shares his hard-earned knowledge in this essential guide to backpacking gear and skills. Described by National Geographic as “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet,” and named “Adventurer of the Year” by Outside and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker, Skurka recounts what he’s learned from more than 30,000 miles of long-distance adventures, most recently a 4,700-mile 6-month loop around Alaska and Canada’s Yukon... |
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Bridgedale Men's Xhale Trailblaze Midweight Full Height Sock (Olive, X-Large) List Price: $18.95 Sale Price: $13.20 |
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Hybrid construction offers midweight comfort and lightweight breathability. Anatomically shaped dorsal pad wraps metheads for protection. Sweeping vents keep feet cool. |
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MasterVision 1001 5 LED Cap Light List Price: $6.99 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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Cap light that features 5 LED super bright lights. This light is light weight and has an operating time of 8 to 10 hours.Style: 5 LED |
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MasterVision 1001 5 LED Cap Light $6.99 Cap light that features 5 LED super bright lights. This light is light weight and has an operating time of 8 to 10 hours.Style: 5 LED... |
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Ladybug Child Umbrella Cute Colorful Kids Rain Gear + Children's Emergency Rain Poncho Coat Rainwear w/ Hood $11.99 Ladybug Umbrella Features plastic tipped ribs, an easy girp easy grip handle and wrist cord. Length is 23"width 26" diameter + Most of us don't think far enough ahead, especially if we trust our weatherperson. Dropping the kids off at school, out hiking, hunting, fishing or running we normally are not prepared when wet weather strikes. How many times have you a left for work or an outing on a bri... |
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DEWALT Equalizer Lightweight Oxford - Hiking Shoe Size 10 $82.34 Stroble Construction offers flexibility and durability Removable Arch Support Liner offers all-day comfort MEDIUM WIDTH... |
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Nelson-Rigg WPRB-100 Waterproof Rain Boot Covers $29.99 Nelson-Rigg WPRB-100 Waterproof Rain Boot Covers Made from 100% waterproof polyester with PVC backingWorn over your shoes or boots to protect them from rain and moistureDesigned to be worn under pants or chapsReflective binding helps with night visibilityRubberized 12 sole for strength and durabilitySized to fit most shoes and boots M - XL1 year No Hassle warrantySize Information Medium Mens B... |
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Klim Transition Boot $159.99 Klim Transition Boot Gore-Tex product technologyGuaranteed to keep you dryCompressed EVA mid-soleHyper-grip soleExceeds Gore-Tex standards for breathabilityAction leather for maximum breathabilityReinforced rubber toeMid ankle supportMicro injected logosRemovable directional moisture wicking insoleHeel pull strap for entry assistVery lightweightKeep your feet dry on the way to the riding area... |
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River Road Mens Black Leather and Mesh Lightweight Guardian Boots - Frontiercycle (Free U.S. Shipping) $69.95 * Durable leather and mesh combination upper * Mesh panels provide added breathability * Lightweight, contoured EVA footbed distributes weight evenly to reduce fatigue * Oil and skid resistant rubber outsole * Athletic fit is ideal for an active lifestyle... |
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Columbia Sportswear Gorge Mid Omni-Tech Hiking Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid) $65.00 Your little one will be free to hit the trails in the Gorge Mid Omni-Tech hiking boot from Columbia Sportswear. With an easy-to-clean synthetic upper and a grippy rubber sole, this is one boot that will give Mother Nature a run for its money.... |
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Lowa Men's Zephyr GTX Mid Hiking Boot $189.95 Even rough trails won't take their toll on your feet when you sport Lowa's Zephyr GTX. This all-terrain mid-cut boot offers a padded collar and tongue that offer substantial ankle cushioning, and its moisture-wicking mesh and woven lining provide insulation and comfort. A removable climate-control footbed works to keep your foot cool and supported.... |
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Inov-8 Men's Roclite 390 GTX Lightweight Hiking Boot Lightweight, rugged and carefully crafted for quality, the Roclite 390 GTX is ideal for walking or trail running. The protective Gore-Tex upper provides durability and built-in ankle support, while a sticky rubber outsole increases traction on slick surfaces. As with all Innov-8 designs this athletic shoe is designed to meet the demands of various environments and terrains at peak levels of perfor... |
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Lorpen Merino Light Hiker Socks Soft, durable merino wool gives you long-lasting comfort when you hit the trail with the Lorpen Merino Light Hiker Socks. Lorpen designed the toe seams with flat stitching to eliminate pressure points caused by ridges, and they added stretch Lycra to ensure a precise fit. The Merino Light Hiker Socks provide excellent performance even when wet, so they work if you accidentally step in a creek or s... |
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Bridgedale Men's Xhale Trailblaze Midweight Full Height Sock Don't let painful blisters and overheated feet ruin your hike; slip on a pair of Bridgedale Men's X-Hale Trailblaze socks. Built specifically for the active hiker, these technical socks combine midweight comfort with lightweight breathability efficiently wick away moisture and dramatically reduce friction for maximum blister protection. Once you wear a pair you'll never hike without the Men's X-Ha... |
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The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail $11.37 Supreme long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka shares his hard-earned knowledge in this essential guide to backpacking gear and skills. Described by National Geographic as “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet,” and named “Adventurer of the Year” by Outside and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker, Skurka recounts what he’s learned from ... |
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Long-Distance Hiking: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail $8.72 All the informational resources needed to hike the Appalachian Trail.... |
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Ultralight Backpacking Secrets $5.99 If you've ever carried a backpack that was too heavy, you know it can suck the fun right out of a hike. You backpack to enjoy the wilderness, not to suffer or prove anything, right? Well here's some good news! This book shows you how to have everything you need to be safe and comfortable with less than 20 pounds on your back, or even do weekend trips with under fifteen pounds total pack weight.The... |
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Nike Dart 9 Running shoes The Nike Dart 9 is made for the runner who wants a comfortable and versatile running shoe. Breathable mesh upper with a molded midfoot saddle delivers a lightweight, supportive fit. PhylonTM - midsole with natural motion engineering provides a smooth, well-cushioned ride. Waffle® - outsole pattern gives great traction and durability. TPU midfoot - for superior light-weight support and to giv... |
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Men's UA Valsetz 7 Tactical Boots Boot by Under Armour $109.99 Lightweight, water-resistant mesh upper remains durable and breathable, for superior comfort in the field. Fully contoured, compression-molded EVA midsole cushions your foot, without adding excess weight. Textured, high-abrasion rubber toe rand protects your foot from hazards in rough terrain. ArmourGuide® ensures efficient foot-strike guidance from impact to propulsion, ensuring ankle protect... |
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adidas Men's Adissage Uf+ Sandal $30.00 Sensitive feet? The new adidas adissage UF+ is the ultimate in comfort. Super-soft UltraFOAM+ offers incredibly plush cushioning in a shower-friendly footbed.... |
