Hiking
Boots
The Right Boots For YOUR Foot!
The right boots for
hiking at the Grand Canyon are essential. We cannot stress enough
how important good quality boots is to your safety, well being
and enjoyment while you participate in Conquer The Canyon.
Over the years, we
have heard and could share with you horror stories of how people
have suffered because of improper footwear, especially on long
hikes and hikes that have significant elevation changes, such
as the Grand Canyon. The fact is that as a Conquer The Canyon
adventurer, you are undertaking an adventure that few people ever
experience. As such, your success throughout the program depends
on you having comfortable feet throughout your adventure. And
that starts with wearing the proper footwear DURING YOUR ENTIRE
TRAINING AND PREPARATION for Conquer The Canyon.
This page contains
a good deal of information about how to fit, purchase and maintain
the proper footwear. Additionally, at the bottom a of the page
is a list of links that will provide you even more detailed information.
Please keep in mind that there is NO "best brand" for
socks or boots. There isn't a specific combination of socks and
boots that work well for everyone! Let your feet be the judge!
Hiking with Conquer
The Canyon requires supportive HIKING BOOTS! Hiking sandals, sport
sandals, walking shoes, trail running shoes and "rugged"
walkers are NOT hiking boots and NOT appropriate for hiking Grand
Canyon. We recommend and prefer you to wear over the ankle supportive
hiking boots, but ankle high boots will suffice. Remember,
No Hiking Boots - No Hiking - No Exceptions!
Start with Socks!
Your socks and boots
work together to keep your feet comfortable throughout your training
and Conquer The Canyon "Hike Day!"
Whatever store you choose, you will find a multitude of socks
to choose from.
There are a number
of factors to consider when buying socks. First, there's price.
Next is the material and construction. Should you go with wool
or a synthetic material, such as acrylic, Coolmax, Thermax or
some other type of polyester? Or a natural fiber such as wool
or cotton.
We suggest the
following.
Don't cheat your
feet! While there are a multitude of brands available on the market
today that are great for hiking, none of them come in the form
of tube socks on sale 3 pair for $5.00 at a swapmart! Your training
and ultimately, your experience at the Grand Canyon depend on
you having comfortable feet. It is better to purchase one or two
pair of high quality socks and wash them frequently rather than
numerous pairs of cheap socks that cause blisters.
If your your feet
get cold easily go with wool. Wool has the best insulating ability,
yet it still wicks sweat away from your feet effectively. Socks
made of "merino" wool tend to be softer and are made
with finer fibers than regular wool. We do not recommend cotton
socks. They tend to trap moisture which softens the skin on your
feet making them much more susceptible to blistering. As for synthetics,
they are great if your feet are on the sweaty side or if you are
training in damp conditions. They do a better, faster job of wicking
away that moisture.
Consider this:
During a regular day, your feet perspire up to one cup (240ml)
of moisture! Yuk! Don't trap it in your shoes!
Next check the density
of the fabric. The denser the better. Turn the sock inside out
and inspect the fabric loops that make up the bulk or padding
of the sock. The smaller and tighter and more dense they are and
the more cushioning they will have over the long haul. The bigger
the loops, the more likely they are to lay down over a long hike,
so smaller loops are best.
Next, test the thickness
of the socks. Not in boots, but as they feel by themselves. If
you like how they feel now, then you will probably like how they
feel later.
Construction and
fit. Look for flat, unobtrusive seams that won't gouge into tender,
trail-worn feet. Strong elastic is a good thing. It can help prevent
your sock from bagging or slipping.
As for fit, a sock
should be a bit snug, but not so tight that it feels constricting.
As you pull the sock on, make sure your heel fits neatly in the
heel pocket. Then check to see if it's smooth and snug around
the toe. Even the slightest bit of bagginess means you should
go down a size.
In taking care of
your hiking socks, always wash them inside out to remove
dead skin and sweat buildup where it counts. Use a liquid
fabric softener during the wash cycle, but use it sparingly! Too
much can result in a slick, oily feeling, but just the right amount
will keep your socks soft and cozy.
Hiking Boots!
Anyone who tells
you that "you should buy [insert your favorite company name
here] brand boots" doesn't know what he or she is talking
about. On the flip side of the coin, anyone who asks "Which
brand of boots should I buy?" is asking the wrong question.
The best boot for
you, and the one you should buy, is the one that fits YOUR foot.
It's really pretty simple. If it doesn't fit your foot in the
store, you shouldn't buy it. A particular brand may work GREAT
for your friend's foot, and he or she may think it is the best
boot on the market, but if they blister or cramp your feet or
need to be "broke in," they are the wrong boot for you.
Why doesn't your
friend's boot work for you? Because your friend doesn't have your
feet. You may listen to their recommendation and it may be a valid
place to start shopping, but treat it is that...just the beginning.
There are a number
of factors to consider when buying boots. First, consider price.
Next is purpose. Then material, weight and construction. Most
important of all is FIT!
Here is what we
recommend!
First is
price! Again, don't cheat your feet! The truth is, a
good pair of boots are going to cost a bit more money in the beginning.
Cheap boots cost less to start, but ultimately, what is the price
you will pay?
| YES! |
|
? |
| New
hiking boots...$100. |
|
New
hiking Boots...$28. |
| New
hiking socks...$16. |
|
New
hiking Socks...3pr. for $5.00 |
| Hiking
out of The Grand Canyon with a smile on your face...Priceless! |
|
Blisters,
black toenails & hobbling out of Grand Canyon...Senseless! |
When shopping for
new boots, we would recommend that you stay away from "Discount
Shoe Store" boots. Boots here can simply be enhanced versions
of street shoes. They "look" rugged, but they're probably
not going to feel very good down the trail and even worse coming
back up. Shop at a reputable outdoor shop that specializes in
hiking and backpacking equipment. These shops generally carry
well-designed outdoor footwear for the hiker.
Purpose
Keep in mind when
shopping for boots that you will require "dual" purpose
boots. Many of you will be preparing for your hike in wet and
muddy conditions, maybe even some snow or ice and water resistant
or water proof boots maybe appropriate. At Grand Canyon, weather
conditions are less of a factor, but terrain (rocky, steep and
uneven) and boot weight are more important. Water proofing is
not a factor.
Materials, Weight
and Construction
The materials used
in any given boot or trail shoe will affect its weight, breathability,
durability and water-resistance. Boots made of different fabrics
can be very similar in performance, however, personal preference
is often the key when choosing between them.
Lightweight hiking
- These boots are designed for day hiking and very short overnight
trips only. They stress comfort, cushioning and breathability.
As a result, they are less supportive and durable than a heavier
weight boot.
Midweight hiking
- These boots are designed for on- and off-trail hiking with light
to moderate trekking. They are more durable and supportive than
lightweight hiking boots, but they are still intended primarily
for short to moderate trips over easier to moderate terrain.
Combination
Nylon Mesh & Leather - Nylon and leather boots are
lightweight and breathable, which makes them perfect for warm
to moderate weather. They are very good for day hiking in moderate
climates. They can be softer on your feet and as a result your
feet get use to them faster. They are most always lighter than
full-grain leather boots. They also cost less. They tend to be
less water-resistant than full leather boots but there are styles
that feature waterproof liners can be just as water-tight. These
are best suited to Grand Canyon.
Full leather - Full
leather is extremely water-resistant, durable and supportive.
There are lighter models available that are suitable for day hiking.
For harder terrain such as the more technical aspects of the Grand
Canyon, these boots are well suited. They do tend to weigh more
than the nylon mesh and are not as breathable. As well, they often
come with a harder sole and therefore take your feet a while to
get use to.
Conquer
The Canyon®
No Hiking Boots
- No Hiking - No Exceptions!
THREE Good Things To Know About Selecting Hiking Boots!
1) Good boots
are solid on the bottom (stiff last). If you can press in
the bottom of the sole with your thumb, the soles are probably
too soft to give your foot proper protection. Avoid bruising the
bottom of your feet. You shouldn't be able to feel rocks or stones
through the soles. If you can it is likely that after many miles
on the trail, your feet are going to start hurting.
2) Good boots provide good ankle support. The top of the
boot should be stiff to hold the ankle in place and provide it
with good support. These are the type boots we strongly recommend.
If you choose to wear a lower cut boot, you will obviously have
less support. While these are not recommended, they are acceptable,
but you must take the responsibility to train and build strength
in your ankle so they are less affected by rocky, uneven and rough
terrain while hiking long distances up steep inclines.
3) Good boots match their intended use. A "lighter"
boot used for day hiking may not have the necessary rigidity to
provide your feet with good support under the heavier load of
a backpack.
The Right Fit!
Once you have decided
the type of boot you want, choosing the right fit is the next
challenge. In the store, don't let the appearance of a boot, the
salesman's recommendation, or the brand name of the boot convince
you to buy a boot that won't work for your foot. In making your
selection be sure the design has sole rigidity and ankle support
you want. Then, using the EXACT SOCKS you plan to hike in, start
trying various sizes.
Testing the Forefoot
of the Boot.
With the boot fully unlaced, slide your foot in the boot and move
it as far forward in the boot as possible. If the boot is the
proper size for your feet, you should be able to slip your index
finger down inside the boot at the back of the ankle along your
heel. Your finger is just about the right size to help determine
if that all important extra space is available in the front of
the boot when you lace them up. The extra space is needed when
walking down the steep declines of the Canyon.
Testing for Pressure
Points.
Make sure your socks are stretched smoothly over your foot, not
loose, which can cause the sock to fold over when you slide your
foot into the boot. Lace the boots up. They should not feel tight
in any area. As well, they shouldn't feel loose in any area either.
If the foot still feels jammed (or inversely, loose), look for
another boot.
The Walk Test.
Walk around in the store in the boots. It should not "break"
(or crease) across the top of your foot at any place. Your toes
should not be jammed forward as you stride. If you feel your heel
sliding noticeably, you probably have a boot that's a little too
large. New boots that are more ridged may slide slightly, but
only a very little. If you feel like this slippage is due to the
stiffness of the sole, this is ok. If you feel it is because the
boot is too large, try a half size smaller boot. Just be sure
the smaller size still passes the "Forefoot" test.
The Long Walk
Test.
Next, wear your boots around the house to experience how they
feel throughout the day. Lounging on the couch doesn't count.
The longer you wear them (inside so you don't scuff up the bottoms),
the better feel you will get for how they might treat you while
on the trail. If they still feel good, you've found a reasonably
good boot for your foot. If they don't feel good, take them back
and keep looking.
Links
Everything You
Ever Wanted To Know About Hiking Footwear
Here you will find
multiple links that will help you locate, fit, purchase, test,
and lace up the best boots for your Grand Canyon Adventure! The
Walking Connection has no affiliation with any of the links provided
below. Nor do we endorse (or sponsor) any of the products sold
by these companies. These are simply sites that were independently
submitted to us by readers such as you or researched by our staff.
We offer them to you only as a convenience to help Conquer
The Canyon participants purchase the right boots for your
adventure.
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