Take all the time necessary to
choose the right boots, if you make your choice
correctly you will be able to enjoy the beauty
of nature instead being concerned about foot
pain, blisters, and fatigue.
Try to evaluate what your
needs are based on the usage that you are
envisaging. The following series of questions
should be considered in order to find out what
the exact use is, so the correct boots can be
selected.
Type
of terrain In what type of environment will the
boots be used? This will indicate the required
flex and torsion, the upper stiffness, the
sole grip and the required upper material.
Boots
designed for a specific type of use usually
have mid-sole flex as one of their deciding
factors. Gentle footpath strolling is more
comfortable in a boot which flexes enough
to allow a natural walking gait.
Boots for backpacking or more demanding
walking will be stiffer. The winter boot
has no flex at all. But whatever the longitudinal
flex ie. front to back, the better quality
boot will always have little in the way
of torsional flex ie. good resistance to
twisting. This is very useful for scrambling
but even on hill walks feet will tire less
quickly wearing boots with good torsional
rigidity.
The type of sole limits usage as well. Boots
intended for off trail walking are best
with a sole sporting cleats with good edges
on them, and a distinct gap between the
heel and sole called the heel breast.
Weather
conditions
It is essential
to recommend the correct upper and lining
materials.
If
you want to walk all year round the best
choice is a three to four season boot, such
as a style out of the backpacking series.
They will be suitable for most levels of
walking bar serious Winter use, where really
stiff Mountaineering boots, capable of taking
crampons, are required. Many
backpacking boots are capable of taking
flexible walking crampons but if you require
a boot for low level, fine weather use then
a hiking or day hiking boot will be adequate.
Pay attention at the upper material
considering that leather one piece uppers
will provide protection against wet conditions
whilst fabric boots with a waterproof liner
will get close to a leather boot for water
repellence.
Effective
use
Occasional
walkers will not have the same technical
requirements as a mountain guide using his
boot all year round. Also identify which
type of construction is required.
Overrating
the intended use of the boot is just as
negative as underrating. A boot which is
too heavy or too technical will result in
a dissatisfied customer. Sometimes a lighter
boots give more satisfaction as it will
be closer in comfort levels to the normal
footwear that the occasional hill walker
uses. A heavy Mountaineering boot with crampon
body is useless if you are going to use
it only on path walking. If you are going
to want to go high mountain walking on difficult
terrain very occasionally then it will better
if a staged approach to equipping is considered.
For short walks lightweight boots made from
leather or fabric & leather give best
results as they are light and flexible.
Remember that an occasional walkers may,
over time, become keen mountaineers and
they will remember their first boots as
they remember there first mountain experiences.
Geographical
location
This
means not only where but also when. This
will give you an indication of Terrain -
Weather - Temperature. The response to this
question will help identify the boots required
considering weight and breathability.
GEOGRAPHICAL
AREA - The same boot used in
U.K., Scandinavia, Alps, Africa or Amazon
will give a different level of performance
and comfort. Try to evaluate the most
appropriate style according to the weather
conditions in different geographical locations.
ALTITUDE
- Glacier, High Mountain, Hill, Valley,
Forest, Prairie, Desert all have specific
humidity and temperature do not ignore
this important factor.
SEASON
- Winter is different than Summer! Weather
conditions change as completely as the
required boot performance characteristics.
Type
& Size of foot Men,
Women, Children all have different types
of feet and these require different lasts
and fittings. Also different sizing between
countries means that it is essential to
measure feet very carefully to ensure
the correct fitting of the chosen boots.
If
you want to walk all year round the best
choice is a three to four season boot, such
as a style out of the backpacking series.
Many
backpacking boots are capable of taking
flexible walking crampons but if you require
a boot for low level, fine weather use then
a hiking or day hiking boot will be adequate.
Overrating
the intended use of the boot is just as
negative as underrating. A boot which is
too heavy or too technical will result in
a dissatisfied customer. Sometimes a lighter
boots give more satisfaction as it will
be closer in comfort levels to the normal
footwear that the occasional hill walker
uses. A heavy Mountaineering boot with crampon
body is useless if you are going to use
it only on path walking. If you are going
to want to go high mountain walking on difficult
terrain very occasionally then it will better
if a staged approach to equipping is considered.
For short walks lightweight boots made from
leather or fabric & leather give best
results as they are light and flexible.
This
means not only where but also when. This
will give you an indication of Terrain -
Weather - Temperature. The response to this
question will help identify the boots required
considering weight and breathability.
Men,
Women, Children all have different types
of feet and these require different lasts
and fittings. Also different sizing between
countries means that it is essential to
measure feet very carefully to ensure
the correct fitting of the chosen boots.
