Evaluate how well Boots meet your needs and compare to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a pair of boots and you've learned about the different features of boots. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of boots - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the boots available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed boots to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well Boots meet your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available boots in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any boots that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any boots that clearly exceed your price limit.
Boots fall into Class C and D footwear. Light-weight day boots and mid-weight hiking boots are in Class C while heavy hiking and mountaineering boots make-up Class D. Light-weight boots are suitable for camping activities and up to day hiking on easy terrain.
Mid-weight boots (trail hikers) are designed for steeper inclines, mud and water resistance, and for extended 2-3 day hikes. These boots provide added protection for ankles and against rocks, limbs, and protruding roots. Heavy-weight hikers provide ankle support and allow for heavy load carrying. Heavy-weights have a longer break-in period and overall weight.
Tip:
Focus on functionality over looks when choosing your boots. The work they perform will scratch and scruff them, but good boots will keep your feet comfortably protected.
Mountaineer boots are the heaviest of boots. Designed for the harshest of conditions, mountain boots are often fitted for crampons and snowshoes. These boots are also heavily insulated allowing the wearer to use lighter socks. They are extremely durable and have stiff soles to support your ankles.
Tip: A good boot will keep your feet warm with even thin socks on. Thick socks can bunch up in your boot cutting off circulation.
Familiarity with the various parts of your new boots will allow you to make intelligent decisions while shopping. The uppers support your ankle and protects your foot. Soles are designed for traction and support also. The tongues protect against moisture and keep-out sticks, leaves and briars.
Linings and padding yield extra comfort and protection to your foot. Scree collars protect your Achilles tendon from chafing and rubbing. External connectors allow for connection of crampons, snowshoes and other options.
Tip:
Purchase your boots at least a month, preferably 2-3 months, prior to serious use of them to allow a sufficient breaking-in period.
In starting your search for an ideal boot the first step is to identify the type of boot you need. This is done by deciding what type of outdoor experience you are seeking. From a very casual light walking exercise to climbing mountains, the boot type will depend upon the tasks you plan to undertake.
A very important part of properly fitting your new boots is to wear the exact same type socks you intend to wear in the field. Wearing lighter or heavier socks will lead to selection of improperly sized boots. Follow-through by wearing these socks while breaking-in your new boots.
As far as possible, try out the boots as you will be using them. Try them on inclines, climbing stairs or wherever you can to determine their limits and your comfort. If the store will allow it, walk for an extended time around a mall or outdoors.
Everyone has a preferred method of trying the fit of new shoes and boots. Make sure you allow time for a proper fitting and assure yourself that the boots permit plenty of room for your foot to move without excess movement which will lead to blisters. Ignore the size of the boots you try out; rely upon the fit of the boots and how they feel upon your feet.
Specialised boots can be fitted if you have problems with your feet. Arches are most often in need of assistance. Arch supports can be placed in your boot if they are not built into them. Other needs could include non-typically formed feet. Even if you must pay extra for specially built boots, the cost will be repaid many times in the comfortable experiences you find while wearing them.
Waterproofing is either addressed in the manufacture of the boots or can be an after-purchase treatment. More expensive heavy boots normally include complete waterproofing during manufacture.
Tip:
Even the best waterproofed boots will not protect you in over ankle deep water.
Boot treads are designed for special uses. Treads can be for mud, wet environments, dry and sandy locals, and the icy conditions of high mountain passes. Choose a tread pattern which will suit the area in which you will most often do your trekking.
When you were considering your requirements in a pair of boots it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as the class and type of boots, durability, size, color and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various boots meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Footwear Classifications
- Class A - Sandals, hiking sandals
- Class B - Running shoes, trail shoes, cross trainers, adventure racing shoes, hiking shoes, approach shoes
- Class C - Trail boots, light hiking boots, mid-weight hiking boots, off-trail boots
- Class D - Heavy hiking boots, mountaineering boots
Boot Types
- Light-weight - day hiking
- Mid-weight - easy to moderate terrain and 2 to 3 day trips
- Extended - designed for challenging terrain; waterproofed, suitable for extended trips and to carry heavy loads
- Mountaineering - suitable for the most extreme terrains; extreme cold weather compatible; fitted for crampons and snowshoes.
Parts of Boot
- Upper
- Soles
- Laces
- Tongues
- Linings and padding
- Insoles/footbeds
- Scree collars
- Crampon connections
Lacing Types
- Eyelets
- D-rings
- Hooks
- Webbing
- Adjustable system
Materials and Construction
- Laces - nylon cord
- Outsole - rubber, rubber/polyurethane
- Lugs (sole) - deep, multidirectional
- Upper - Leather, nubuck, suede, air-mesh, nylon mesh, Gore-Tex, Cordura
- Midsole - EVA, air cushion, polyurethane
- Lining - nylon, Gore-Tex
- Anatomical footbeds
- Injection-molded TPU in-steps
- Weight - 2 to 3 pounds
- Size - Men, Women, Children; standard and wide fittings
Warranty
- 1 year labor and materials
Boot Selection Steps
- Decide type of boot needed
- Wear the socks you plan to use hiking to try on boots
- Shop at a shop specialising in the type boot you need
- Select the lightest boot which will handle your hiking needs
- Try the boots and use them, as much as possible, as you would in the field
- After purchase, break-in the boots by using them daily
Addressable Boot Aspects
- Weatherproofing/weather resistance
- Boot weight
- Lateral rigidity
- Longitudinal rigidity
- Arch support
- Treads
- Feet problems
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your boot needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a pair of boots.
Once you have finished evaluating the boots available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the boots one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well Boots compare with competing Boots
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of boots that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of boots that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which boots on my short-list offer the best value for money?
Which of these boots meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed boots has the best warranty?
Which boots are the easiest to lace up and clean?
Which of the boots seem of the highest quality?
Which short-listed boots are the most comfortable?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating boots that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the boots, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the boots are put together. Check the assembly - are the boots solidly constructed? How easy are the boots to clean? It's also important to examine the boots from the perspective of comfort. Make sure the boots fit your feet properly - some boots look great in the store, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally wear them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to wear
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as if you use them differently to that recommended.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories, Extras and Consumables
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other extras are required - do you need boot polish, for instance? It's also important to consider consumables, such as laces - some products have higher associated costs than others.
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- Consumables - how often and how much?
- What else will you need to fully utilize this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of boots that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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