There are almost as many types of hiking boots as there are people to wear them.
Different foot shapes, different comfort preferences and different
uses require the need of a range of options when looking for hiking
footwear. If you're in the market for a pair of hiking boots, it pays to
look at a broad range of boot features.
Trek Tech has been taking some hiking boots out to test over the
summer and we've brought back a few standouts, including a boot that
pretends to be a trail running shoe, an insulated boot for cold-weather
wear, and a boot with adjustable cushioning. Take a look after the jump.
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| Salomon Wings Sky GORE-TEX |
The Speedster
If you're the kind of hiker who prefers trail running shoes to hiking
boots, Salomon's Wings Sky GTX boots are bound to be your go-to shoe
for longer treks or hikes with heavy packs.
Like a trail runner, the Wings Sky has Salomon's Contragrip running
outsole, plenty of midsole cushioning and a flexible forefoot, but it
also has a durable upper material, mid-height ankle cuff for additional
support and plenty of torsional rigidity to place it in the boot
category.
During a trip through the Russian Wilderness, tester Rick Duvernay was pleased with how the boot handled heavy loads.
"With a 30-pound pack on I never once thought I needed a more sturdy
boot." He also cited the boot's lacing system as one of his favorite
features."I found it really easy to cinch the boot up tight; they felt
very secure."
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| Keen Delta |
The Winter Boot
Keen Delta ($130, www.keenfootwear.com)
For winter weather or snow-packed hikes, Keen's Delta insulated boot
will keep your toes warm and your feet comfortable. The boot's Keen.Dry
lining keeps feet dry, while 200 grams of Keen.Warm insulation prevents
numb toes on freezing excursions. The Delta's insole is layered with a
thermal foil base to reflect body heat back to the feet. Keen's
signature wide toebox keeps feet from feeling cramped, while 4mm
multidirectional lugs maintain traction and the TPU shank provides
support.
Tester Matt Moseley wore the Deltas when he summitted Mt. Shasta this
summer, and despite spending seven hours ankle-deep in snow, he was
pleased with how warm his feet stayed.
"I've always gotten numb toes when I'm in the snow; snowboarding,
hiking, every time," he said. "Not only did I not get the numb toes, my
feet never even felt cold."
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| Wolverine Compass iCS GORE-TEX |
Custom Cushioning
If you've ever wanted to bring a boot for every situation you may
encounter, Wolverine's iCS technology brings you one step closer. Its distinguishing feature is a gel disc set in the heel just underneath
the insole. The disc can be rotated to soften or firm up the heel
cushioning as well as to adjust for under- and over-pronation.
I tested the Compass iCS GTX during a 30-mile backpacking trip in Yosemite, and
despite my initial skepticism, the boot's adjustability turned out to be
very handy. I set the boots to firm for days with lots of elevation
gain and to cushion for descent-heavy days. On the firm setting, the
boots were firm and responsive, while the cushion setting made for a
noticeably softer descent. I could feel my heel sink into the cushioning
when downstepping and my knees appreciated it.
Note on size: I'm usually a size 10.5, but I fit perfectly in 9.5's.
If you can't try them on in the store, I recommend ordering a size down.
