There are all sorts of hikers, from those who love the serenity of a countryside stroll, to those who live for the adrenaline rush of tackling the world’s most thankless terrain. They all share a common appreciation of the great outdoors. And, they all have great hiking boots.
Choosing hiking boots can be expensive and the right ones can feel great, but are they really necessary when you’re just starting out? Absolutely.
Good boots are the most important tools in your hiking tool kit. Hiking is about walking, climbing, slipping, sliding, sloshing, and, if an angry hive of bees is involved, running. The point is, that hiking gives your feet a real workout, and the more you know about choosing hiking boots, the better protected your feet will be. Sturdy, well-built hiking boots can protect not only your feet but also your entire body, from the hazards of rough terrain.
Knowing what to look for is paramount in choosing hiking boots:
Keep it Solid
The boots that you choose should have a good solid feeling on the bottom. This is not to say that the boots are heavy. The solid base you feel must protect the soles of your feet from rocks and stones. Even if you can barely feel the ground through your boots, this feeling will increase as the miles wear on, leaving you with sore, aching feet at the end of the day. When choosing test their solidity. Press your thumb into the bottom of the boot.
If the sole has any give or feels soft, it will not give your feet the protection you need. Twisting the soles is another way to test your boots. If you can twist the soles, they’re likely not your best choice for taking on the trails. Remember, traversing trails is not the same as strolling the pavement around your neighborhood. Without a solid foundation under your feet, the rocks, sticks, and jagged edges you encounter will quickly become a real pain.
Protection on All Sides
Choosing good hiking boots means looking for protection from the bottom up, and all around. Good boots must offer protection on all sides. They are often referred to as “heavy” hiking boots because they have extra padding to protect your feet from protruding rocks, stones, branches, and edges that can gouge into the side of your feet. If you decide to purchase fabric boots, make sure that they have protective “welts”. These can be found about an inch above the soles, providing extra safety and ultimate comfort for your feet.
Ankle Support
If Achilles had owned a decent pair of hiking boots, his story might have ended a little differently. When choosing hiking boots, it’s important to be sure they offer the support that your ankles need to last over long treks. Grab the top of the boot and try to twist or bend it sideways. If the boot bends easily, it’s probably not going to provide the level of protection you’ll need. The top of the boot must be stiff enough to hold the ankle in place.
Stay Dry
Wet feet are uncomfortable, itchy, and quickly develop blisters. Once the blisters start, your feet will be out of commission for some time, so you need to make sure you’re choosing hiking boots that are waterproof, or at least can be waterproofed. There are waterproofing solutions such as liquid silicone that can be used on fabric boots. However, these external treatments don’t usually provide the watertight protection you’ll need for all-weather use.
There is so much to know when choosing hiking boots, it’s often best to go straight to the professionals. Visit a sporting goods store or outdoor outfitters for advice on the best boots to suit your needs. Don’t scrimp on quality for the sake of a good deal. Buy great quality boots, and your feet will thank you, every step of the way.
Best Hiking Boots
1. MERRELL Kids’ Chameleon 7 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
A little hiker with, Merrell’s Chameleon 7 Mid A/C is loaded with high-performance benefits like M Select Dry waterproof construction for keeping toes dry and a ground-grabbing outsole for traction. It even has an easy alternative closure!
2. Northside Unisex-Child Rampart Mid-Hiking Boot
The rampart mid is our go-to hiker for fun outdoors, with rugged styling, and lightweight performance for little hikers. Suede and mesh offer comfort and breathability while the PVC mudguard and heel stabilizer add extra protection.
Rock-solid fashions for the family on the go. Whether it’s cold-weather boots or rugged sandals, Northside is all about keeping families moving. The products are built to withstand what today’s active families throw at them, or on them. Available in the latest styles, materials, and colors, these shoes offer flattering silhouettes with great features like quick-draw lacing, toe guards, and traction soles. Northside all-season footwear offers the features of higher-priced brands, without the high price tag. Finally, there’s family footwear to get excited about.
3. Mishansha Outdoor Ankle Hiking Boots Boys Girls Trekking Walking Shoes with Hook and Loop
Mishansha provides the most comfortable, fashionable, and stylish footwear designs. We are experts in the footwear business. Our shoe selection is unparalleled when it comes to quality, style, comfort, and assortment. Our brand teams are uttermost sensitive about the latest trends in color, material, and style. We carry a complete line of footwear, Flats, Boots, Athletic Shoes, Slippers, Sneakers, Running shoes, etc. If there are any issues with the product or service, We are ready to help!
4. Kids Hiking Boots Boys Girls Outdoor Walking Climbing Sneaker Comfortable Non-Slip
JMFCHI kids’ hiking shoes and walking snow boots combine fashion with sports and are committed to creating shoes that better meet children’s preferences. The functionality of our kid’s hiking boots is diverse: comfortable, anti-skid, flexible, and warm to provide a good wearing experience for children. The boys hiking boots suitable for any occasion, such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and outdoors in the winter season.
5. Northside Unisex-Child Freemont Waterproof Hiking Boot
A stylish and light waterproof hiker, the Freeman is perfect for day trips, weekend hikes, and everything in between. Suede and mesh offer comfort and breathability while abrasion guards at the arch and toe add extra protection.
Rock-solid fashions for the family on the go. Whether it’s cold-weather boots or rugged sandals, Northside is all about keeping families moving. The products are built to withstand what today’s active families throw at them, or on them. Available in the latest styles, materials, and colors, these shoes offer flattering silhouettes with great features like quick-draw lacing, toe guards, and traction soles. Northside all-season footwear offers the features of higher-priced brands, without the high price tag. Finally, there’s family footwear to get excited about.
6. Merrell Kid’s Trail Chaser Hiking Sneaker
There’s a lot of nature to do. It’s got to be hiked, biked, and climbed. Merrell Kids’ styles are created just for active kids with durable materials, a comfortable fit, and versatile functionality built into every shoe.
7. Mountain Warehouse Softshell Kids Hiking Boots – Lightweight
The Kids Softshell Boots are for young off-road ramblers. They’re made in a durable synthetic upper and breathable mesh lining with a high traction outsole for extra grip and stability – great for hiking, walking, and more.
8. Mishansha Boys Girls Water Resistant Hiking Boots Anti Collision Non-Slip Athletic Outdoor Ankle Walking Shoes
Vamp features high-quality artificial leather to prevent the water from seeping into the boots. All-inclusive abrasion-resistant TPR toe guard design to protect kids’ feet safely outdoors. 2 hook-and-loop strap closure design provides a secure fit and easy chi for LD to put on and take off.
