Good Boots: Your Most Important Backpacking Gear
Posted by The Backpacking Team in Backpacking Gear, Beginner Backpacking, Boots & Shoes, Trekking Trips
We are going to go out on a limb today and state that we think that the most important gear items for backpacking are your boots. Many will say that the Gore-Tex Shell wins that award, but without your feet in working order, you can’t go anywhere!
Unless you like suffering, don’t run off and buy the latest, greatest pair of boots a month before your great backpacking trip (unless you plan to hike in them many times before your big trip). Of course, if you boots are ready to fall apart, you will need to buy and break them in quickly!
The most important aspects about boots are fit and being well broken in before any serious backpacking adventure. If you neglect getting proper fitting hiking boots or fail to break them in before your trip, your feet will painfully remind you of your poor judgment while you are on your trip. This is the easiest way to ruin your day!
The Art of Buying Good Hiking Boots
I have personally spent countless hours at my favorite outdoor stores trying on boots. It is essential to get in there and try on several pairs. Don’t just get your heart set on a cool looking boot with super duper features and expect your feet to adapt to the boot. The rule of thumb is that if it feels good at the store, it is probably good. If it doesn’t feel good, put it back on the rack!
If you normally wear orthotics (custom or SuperFeet insoles) in your boots or daily shoes, I would recommend that you take them to the store and put them into the new boots for testing. Orthotics can make a boot feel completely different - as well as constricting your feet in the toe box as well.
Make sure your boots have good lug soles, are at least water-resistant (if not water-proof), and provide good structural support.
Heavy-Duty Hiking Boots Are a Must for Backpackers
If you’re already a seasoned backpacker then you can appreciate the weight trade-off in a structurally sound pair of boots. Your feet will need more support for each pound of weight you carry on your back. Don’t just go for the lightweight boots because you think you will hike better or faster…not true.
I made the mistake of falling for the lightweight boots on a Patagonian trip, where I was only carrying about 25 lbs on my back. My feet were in such excruciating pain because of the lack of support. Big mistake.
When you go the store to buy boots, make sure you bring your loaded backpack (or take one off the shelf and load it up with sand bags at the store). Walk around the store “under load” for an hour and see how they feel in a real life scenario. Also, try just standing around in them to feel that load.
These pointers should get you pointed in the right direction for shopping and buying hiking boots. I would not recommend buying anything online until you have tested them out in the store. Happy trails!
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