Boots – an essential piece of equipment

What do I need to consider when buying a new pair of tramping boots?

As many of my readers are regular walkers/trampers, the topic of good fitting boots always seems to come up in a conversation.  Recently Goldcard Gal spoke to Colin (Owner) of TREK’N’TRAVEL  Hamilton, NZ about what one needs to think about when buying a new pair of boots.  Here are Colin’s suggestions and thoughts:

What are you?

1. A trail walker – who walks the well-formed trails in NZ and sometimes carries a 40 – 50 litre pack?
2. A tramper/hiker – who walks the rougher countryside with a mix of trail and rough ground surfaces – often carrying a pack 50 – 80 litres?
3. A climber – who climbs in alpine areas (Alps) and often carrying a pack weighing 70 – 80 litres?  (The larger pack because of the extra protection clothing; ropes, crampons (snow/ice conditions) etc.  Climbing boots are usually very stiff as people like to put on step-in crampons as opposed to strap on crampons.)

Once you have identified what type of boot user you are, here are the next factors to consider:

• Choose a shop that provides good service; listens to your needs and is interested in you
• Allow at least 1 hour for boot fittings
• Preferably shop in the afternoon, as your feet generally swell in the second part of the day
• Wear the socks you intend to wear when wearing the boots
• Allow plenty of room at the front of the boot, so when you walk downhill your toes are don’t bang at the front of your boot.

Boot Material:

Leather is traditional, but now more synthetic boots are coming onto market as people want lightweight boots that are quicker drying.

Socks – what type of sock to wear?

Choosing the right type of socks to wear inside your boots is another important consideration.  Things to consider:

• Summer time:  You may require lightweight socks and if you suffer from ‘hot feet’ important to choose lightweight socks.  Lightweight socks also include cushioning.
• Winter time: choose thicker socks, which makes sense. Especially if you are going into colder conditions.  Also if you suffer from ‘cold feet’ highly recommend these thicker socks.

Looking after your boots

Now that you have brought your new boots and getting plenty of use out of them, you need to look after them, particularly important when you have wet boots.  Firstly:

• Remove the inner sole
• Wash the boots with clean water
• Lie your boots on their sides to allow air to flow through them
• Never ever put your boots near any heat to dry.  (The glue in the boot will soften and the leather will start to pull away and weaken the construction of the boot.)
• When your boots are dry re-nourish them with either beeswax or boot polish (if leather).
• Finally when not using your boots leave them in a place where air can circulate freely.  Don’t put them away in a cupboard or box.

Enjoy many happy hours, months and years of walking, tramping or climbing – whatever is your thing.

Thank you Colin and Amy for your time!

Look forward to your feedback about your best boots or socks.

That is it for now Goldcard Gal 🙂