Boots

From Trail-Finder -- Dedicated to getting you outside

Contents 1 Types of Boots 1.1 Trail Running Shoes 1.2 Hiking Boots 1.3 Water Shoes 1.4 Canyoneering Boots 1.5 Ski Boots

Types of Boots

Many activities require special footwear. Nearly all hiking requires some form of boot, or at least a good, durable shoe. The right footwear can make the difference between comfort and pain, or worse.

Trail Running Shoes

For a good trail, without a lot of rocks or roots, no serious hills, etc, a good, sturdy pair of running shoes, or specialty trail running shoes, works great. They're very comfortable and lightweight, with just enough tread to handle the occasional muddy spot on the trail. A good pair will cost you $100US, but there's a good chance you already own a pair of shoes that will work just fine for this. Trail running shoes are good for flat terrain or gently rolling hills. Since they have little tread, and virtually no ankle protection, if the terrain starts to get rough, then you need to consider a real hiking boot.

Hiking Boots

Aside from when walking on the beach, most people use some type of shoe or boot for hiking. There are several types of hiking boots, and what type of hiking boots you need depends on you and where you're going.

Water Shoes

Water shoes are often worn during water sports such as canoeing and kayaking, but are also sometimes carried on other trips for stream crossings. Although most aren't suitable for it, some are are acceptable for light canyoneering.

Water shoes come in various forms, from sandals, which provide minimal protection from stepping on things, to those that could pass as running shoes. Most are designed to be worn without socks, and to drain quickly. The exception are the neoprene boots, which are basically borrowed from wetsuits and are sometimes worn while kayaking. The best water shoes have specially designed tread for traction on wet, sometimes slimy rocks.

Canyoneering Boots

Canyoneering boots are a combination of full-height hiking boots and water shoes. One of the most basic forms is the army-surplus jungle army combat boot, although these may not be the most comfortable for longer trips. Generally, only boots specifically designed to work when wet, or even routinely submerged, are suitable for canyoneering.

Ski Boots

Ski boots come in two main forms: cross-country ski boots and downhill ski boots.