Footwear is the one item of hiking kit you cannot put up with if you choose wrong. The wrong jacket comes off, a heavy pack can be lightened, the wrong boots you walk in all day.
Three factors decide the choice: the terrain you will walk, the load you will carry and how wet the route is. On size, try them in the afternoon once your feet have spread, wear the socks you will actually use, and leave about a finger between your longest toe and the front of the boot.
High cut, low cut and the sole
- Low cut: light, airy and flexible. Suits a clear route, a light load and weather that is not too wet.
- High cut: better ankle support on loose rock and slippery ground, and better when carrying a heavy load. The trade-off is more weight and more heat.
- Sole: deep, widely spaced lugs shed mud well on wet ground; a flatter sole grips better on dry rock.
- Midsole stiffness: stiffer supports the foot better under a heavy load, softer is more comfortable for walking easy ground.
- Waterproofing: keeps feet dry in light rain, but once water gets in it also takes longer to dry than a breathable boot.
Trying boots on properly
Walk a few laps and find a slope to test going downhill, because that is when the toes are pushed forward. The heel should be held firmly and not slide up and down as you step. If you have to lace very tightly just to hold the heel, that pair is not right for your foot.
Do not count on boots stretching to fit. The material gives a little, but a pair that is tight from the start will cause blisters before it has time to give.
Looking after boots after a trip
Scrape off the mud while it is still damp, wash with water and a soft brush, take out the insoles and laces, then dry in a breezy spot in the shade. Never dry in harsh sun and never use a direct heat source, because high heat damages the adhesive and the lining faster than a lot of walking does.
Walking damp forest routes, we have found the first part to fail is usually the sole adhesive, and the common cause is boots stored in a sealed bag while still damp. This is ZUNGZA's experience, not a survey.
A few questions you often send us
Should new boots be broken in first
Yes. Walk a few short outings around home and one easy flat walk before taking them on a long trip. That is the cheapest way to find a spot that rubs the heel or pinches.
Thick socks or thin ones
What matters is a fabric that moves moisture and has no bulky seams. Many hikers choose merino wool socks because they stay warm when damp and hold less odour. Carrying one spare dry pair is always the right decision.
What happens to hiking boots left unused for a long time
The soles of some boots degrade over time even unworn. Before a trip, flex the midsole gently and check around the sole joint for any cracking.