In order to end up with the boots best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of boots are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a boots.
Research the market: Boots essentials
Selecting the correct pair of boots for your outdoor activities is a complex and time-consuming task. However, few things will bring such pleasure as a good pair of well-fitting boots suited for the activities you choose. Conversely, the wrong pair of boots will bring not only a ruined outdoor experience, but actual pain as well.
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the boots market. The range of options can seem overwhelming, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Type: There is a difference between a hiking boot and a hiking shoe. A hiking shoe is built more like an athletic shoe. It will have a more rigid sole than an athletic shoe, but will not support the ankles nearly as much as a hiking boot. A hiking shoe will also be lighter than a hiking boot. A hiking boot will offer the stiffest sole and the most ankle support.
Waterproof & Water Resistant: Many boots are water resistant. This means small amounts of water will bead-up on the shoe's material. Waterproof means the boot can actually be submersed underwater to a certain depth while still keeping your foot completely dry.
Breathability: Boots that are breathable have an inner material or mesh that allows oxygen molecules (and heat) to escape as you walk, without allowing water to enter. There are companies that offer breathable, waterproof materials that work well and are half the price of the top-of-the-line products.
Materials: Most quality outdoor boots are made of leather. This is the current industry standard. Other materials might also be durable, but may not be as flexible or mould to your foot as well as leather.
Cost: A cheaper pair of hiking boots from a department store will cost you significantly less than a pair of top-of-the-range leather hiking boots.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a boots. For example, will you use the boots only for the occasional weekend bushwalk or do you go on lengthy treks into the wilderness?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used boots before? |
| | If you have owned a pair of boots before, work out what you did or didn't like about the boots. You may be looking for a pair exactly like them, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| Why do I want a pair of boots? |
| | Perhaps you walk on trails and are tired of athletic shoes that do not support your entire foot. If you a beginning hiker you may be looking to get the necessary gear for proper and safe trekking. |
| How often will I use the boots? |
| | Will you use them only one weekend a month? Will you use them on a round-the-world hiking trip? Perhaps you live near the woods and hike almost daily. Frequency of use certainly affects the type of boot you will need. |
| Where will I use the boots? |
| | It is important for you to know what sort of terrain you'll be hiking. Will you hike on dirt trails or will you be walking on rocks and hard surfaces? The rougher the conditions you wish to walk in the higher the class of boot you will need. |
| What is the weather like where I will be hiking? |
| | The important variable here is whether you will be hiking through streams, rivers, or even snow. If you are you will want a water proof boot rather than a water resistant boot. |
| How much do I want to spend? |
| | Quality hiking boots or shoes can cost a bit. How much can you afford to spend on a pair right now? |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of boots and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:About BootsIt's all about bootsHiking boots and socks - do you need both?Boots for beginners - the basicsChoosing BootsChoosing Boots and SocksBuyers guide to hiking bootsPoints to buying the right hiking bootsChoosing the right type of hiking boot or shoeTypesHiking footwear heavenWomen's hiking footwear