Gear Freak - How to Buy Hiking Boots.

Ok our gear is not that neatly organized but it is organized on hooks and in big labeled Rubbermaid bins. Luckily for our summer trips and big one in September we have all the gear we need except for a couple things that desperately need replacing -day hikers and day pack. After last season I hiked way past the expiration date of my two day hikers but they lasted me well over the years through hundreds of miles in the mountains, swamps, rain, snow and they always performed.

Good hiking shoes or boots will make or break hiking trips from light day hikes to strenuous multi-day treks. Having sold boots and gear for several years I helped many customers understand what they were actually looking for as most people don’t know at first. Doing some research before will save frustration when looking at the impressive wall of shoes as sales people rifle off terms like, "Vibram soles, Quicklace Systems, Quick dry vs. Gore-tex…" the list goes on. To me these words fuel my addiction but to someone looking at possibly their first pair it can be intimidating. Here is what to look for;

1. Specific Activities. What kind of hiking will you be doing? i.e. flat light trails (Gatineau Park) or rigorous mountains.

• For trail running and day hikes; approach shoes, trail runners and light hikers are recommended. They are lightweight, pliable, breathable shoes that will not restrict movement.


• Long days with heavy packs require mid and high cut boots with ¼, ½ or ¾ steel shanks -see shank. They are rigid, usually leather boots that will support the extra weight.

2. Fit. Once appropriate use has been decided it’s time to try’em on. Although wearing a heavy hiking boot on a flat trail with no weight on your back is not good -shin splints, fit is essentially the most important factor. If your foot is sliding laterally you will get blisters on your heels, and if sliding forward when going down hill, the dreaded black toe -very painful and long lasting.

• Try on sizes from many brands in the style you require. You will not fit the same in all brands.


• Be picky give yourself a minimum of 45mins in the store.


• Do not wear these shoes out on the trail the first time. You get two weeks of indoor use before you have to return any pair of shoes from any store. Return them if they seem uncomfortable the trip back to the store is less hassle then destroying your feet on a hike.


• Once you have the right pair work them in by wearing them around the house for an hour or so to begin with and if you have access to a treadmill you can try some incline as well.


• Spend the extra money on good hiking socks they too can prevent blisters and heel slide.

3. Necessities. No not colour that is last.

Summer day hikes; mesh uppers are fine as they will allow air flow and not usually worried about wet feet as at the end of the day you are going home. But if you are prone to being cold or in areas where there is potential risk for getting turned around and possibly out for more hours then counted on, find something with a mix of nylon and mesh and bring extra socks.

Multi-day summer hikes, waterproof -especially in areas of high elevation- and if you have the extra cash GORE-TEX baby! Gore-tex waterproofing system -although slightly heavier- is the most breathable and is guaranteed for life.
Winter no leather as they freeze solid. Go with a winter hiking boot.

4. Level and type of activity = price.

• Fair weather hikers with only a few light hikes a year = $79.99 to 109.99 should be sufficient.


• Hiking harder terrain and/or many hiking trips throughout the year in varying conditions, day hikers $99.99 and up, heavier boots $199.99 and up. I know that seems like a lot but you honestly pay for what you get. In any case look for sales.

That is essentially it. Major thing is to learn as much as you can before stepping foot in the store. Good salespeople are filled with knowledge on this gear, but be wary of places that have commission based employees. Personally I recommend MEC stores as they are not working on commission.

A good CSR will size up a customer in the first min, be it from the greenest newbie to the seasoned gear freak that knows as much or sometimes more then the salesperson. This way -the good ones- will respect their customer and use appropriate lingo and explanation. Happy gear hunting.