Leather Hiking Boots --for Maximum Protection and Durability Choose leather hiking boots if you will primarily be hiking with a heavy load, through very rough, rocky terrain, through thick underbrush or have very weak ankles which require maximum support. Advantages to all-leather boots include:
Durability A leather hiking boot is more durable than any other model. You can use them, abuse them by taking them through the worst hiking conditions and come out the other side with intact boots. More importantly, you will come out with intact feet and ankles. The heavier the pack weight, the more substantial your footwear should be. If you will be hiking through heavy underbrush, nylon boots may take a beating. A heavier leather boot will hold up better and protect your ankles from briars and sticks that might otherwise pierce your flesh. Ouch! Maximum support If you have weak ankles and find yourself twisting your ankle just walking across the yard, a leather hiking boot may be your best friend in the back woods. Protecting your weak ankles should be a top priority. A twisted ankle in the back woods is a hike-wrecker. Furthermore, it can turn into an emergency situation. If you are unable to complete your hike, you face the possibility of requiring a rescue effort, or at the very least a delay as you rest your injury enough to continue. Even if you don’t normally experience weak ankles, consider the conditions in which you will be hiking. If the conditions are severe, such as very rocky, rough terrain, a more substantial hiking boot may be your best choice. Water Resistance Leather hiking boots are naturally water resistant. They can be made nearly waterproof with a generous application of Nikwax or a similar product. This is important if you will be hiking through multiple streams or muddy conditions. Leather conditioners can be applied as needed to slightly soften a small area where the boot is a bit too snug. This is only for very small areas of rubbing. Leather conditioners are not a substitute for a good fit and will not affect large problem areas. Fit is Foremost As with all boots, leather boots should be a proper fit. When trying on boots, do so at the end of a busy day. Your feet are slightly larger at the end of the day and you will get a better fit. Wear the socks that you will wear hiking. I suggest a nylon or polyester liner covered by a wool sock. Please don’t make the mistake of wearing cotton. Cotton holds moisture close to your feet which leads to blisters. Also, during cold conditions the cold moisture held close to your feet can result in frost bite. Cotton should be banned from your entire outdoor wardrobe, including socks. When you put your boot on, you should be able to slide just one finger snugly between your heel and the heel of the boot. More than one finger? Too big. Having to jam or squeeze your finger in? Too small. Now snugly lace up your boots. Lightly pound the toe of your boot on the ground. Did your toes hit the front of the boot? Too wide. Walk around in the store. Does your heel feel like it is slipping around loosely? You may not have it laced snugly enough. Walk around the store for awhile. Expect your boots to be snug but pinching or rubbing are signs of a poor fit. Once you have established a good fit, break in your boots before your first long hike. Wear them around the house and yard for a few days. Go on short walks around the neighborhood. Giving them a good break-in before your long hike will be doing your feet a favor. Leather hiking boots need not be uncomfortable. In fact, there are expert boot makers that will customize boots to your exact foot measurements. This is the ultimate in fit. If you invest in a pair of these premium hiking boots, you may even prefer to wear them instead of your sneakers. Return from Leather Hiking Boots to Hiking Boots
|
