What Makes for a Great Hiking Boot?

By A Mystery Man Writer

Last updated 23 Sept 2024

Hiking—in all its many manifestations—is a hugely popular outdoor pastime, and almost everyone seems to have an opinion about what kind of footwear is best for this beloved activity. This article takes a closer look at hiking boots and discusses some of the most common misconceptions about this important type of footwear. We debunk the biggest hiking boot myths and examine why conventional hiking boots cause foot problems in so many people. We also put forward our own definition of what constitutes foot-healthy hiking footwear and highlight a number of models that have worked great for us and others out
Hiking—in all its many manifestations—is a hugely popular outdoor pastime, and almost everyone seems to have an opinion about what kind of footwear is best for this beloved activity. This article takes a closer look at hiking boots and discusses some of the most common misconceptions about this important type of footwear. We debunk the biggest hiking boot myths and examine why conventional hiking boots cause foot problems in so many people. We also put forward our own definition of what constitutes foot-healthy hiking footwear and highlight a number of models that have worked great for us and others out on the trail.