Filled with coarse and sometimes difficult terrain, hiking is an activity for which you need specialized footwear that will keep you comfortable and safe throughout the entirety of your treks. You have options regarding what to go for, as different footwear is designed for different levels of intensity within the broad spectrum of hiking. Read about the different types of hiking boots below to aid you in your decision about what to get for your hiking trips.
While technically not true boots, hiking shoes share enough characteristics with the other hiking footwear to put them on this list. Unlike regular shoes or sneakers, hiking shoes have solid soles that are meant to protect your feet from jagged rocks and other hard objects that you may step on while hiking. Furthermore, hiking shoes are rugged enough to stand up to heavy use. Since they have less material, manufacturers can also make them lighter than full-fledged boots, which can make them more agreeable to you than the other options. Some versions are also waterproof. If you hike on lighter, easier trails, then these may be a good fit for you.
As the most common category when it comes to the different types of hiking boots, day hiking boots are great all-rounders. They give you ankle support with either mid- or high-cut shafts that are rigid enough to prevent you from spraining your ankles while stepping over uneven ground. Though their specific combination of features may differ between different models, you will often find that day hiking boots employ advanced technology to combine durability with a low weight that won’t tire you out. They also possess good traction to prevent slips on loose and wet areas and may be entirely waterproof as well.
For serious hikers who go on trips that last several consecutive days, backpacking boots may be a worthy investment. They differentiate themselves from day hiking boots in that they are heavier, stiffer, and often more insulated. Though the added weight may seem like just a disadvantage at first, you quickly come to appreciate backpacking boots’ heft when you need to move with heavy loads. Carrying a lot of supplies can lead to rolled ankles if you are wearing other footwear. Backpacking boots ensure that you have a firm foundation and avoid this. With their insulation, full-grain leather uppers, and aggressive rubber treads, you can tackle cold and inclement weather, as well as off-trail terrain. The downside is that backpacking boots can tire you out faster than other boots and are not breathable.
ALTAI™ provides waterproof combat boots and outdoor boots that are appropriate for day hiking. They are hard-wearing, abrasion-resistant, waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and have strong traction. Contact us with any questions you have on our boots and see why they do so well in the outdoors by visiting our website.
