The Best Men's Hiking Boots

Men's hiking boots are highly specific products and should not be purchased without proper research. The boots you'll need may vary depending on your foot size and structure, your gait, the terrain on which you'll be hiking, the climate, and the season in which you'll be traveling. There are some general rules to follow in order to select the best brands and varieties.

Body Type

Selecting the best boot means knowing your body. If you have a low arch, you will need a boot that props that arch up--or an insole--and gives you the most comfort. If you're prone to shin splints, you'll need extra support. If your foot is wide at the sole, you'll need wider shoes to prevent friction against the side of your feet. The best boot for someone else does not necessarily mean it's the best boot for you--in fact, it usually does not mean this.

Terrain

Boots should be bought based on the terrain on which you'll be traveling. For example, in hot and dry desert terrain, a good boot might not be a boot at all, but rather a trail runner that breathes well and offers good support. However, if you plan to do some expeditions on glacier-covered mountains, you'll want high-top boots with strong ankle support, excellent insulation, and Gore-Tex for water protection.

Gore-Tex: With or Without?

Gore-Tex is the leading waterproof material on the market. The company claims the material is both waterproof and breathable--meaning you can hike through water and snow and keep dry. The bottom line, however, is that high exposure to water will render your Gore-Tex boots wet. If you're hiking in the rainforest or in the Pacific Northwest, chances are water will soak through the Gore-Tex. In general, boots with Gore-Tex will stay dryer longer, but will take longer to dry out once wet.

Using a Professional

Before hitting the trail, it's important to speak with a seasoned trail veteran at an outdoor store. These folks have extensive knowledge and will be able to measure your feet, and give advice on footwear based on the trip you have planned. Also, they'll be able to recommend socks--another vital part of foot and ankle health on the trail.

Brands

After you've worked through the above criteria, it's time to select brands. Some popular hiking boot brands are: Scarpa, North Face, Montrail, Vasque and New Balance. In general, Vasque and Scarpa offer the best all-around boots for strenuous, technical hiking. North Face and Montrail have excellent trail runners that are good for both hiking and trail running. New Balance shoes are mostly running shoes, but some Pacific Crest Trail hikers claim that these shoes are best for desert hiking.

References

• Slackpacker: Selecting Hiking Boots
• Well-Reviewed Boots