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Walking, Hiking & Trail Running

Hiking | The Best Hiking Boots For Day Hikes And Multi-Day Hikes

What men's hiking boots to buy? What women's hiking boots to buy?

Choosing the right hiking boots is down to more than just the right fit

Hiking can be daunting. And we’re not just talking about the lengthy walking routes, and big hills, here. The whole process of getting yourself equipped with hiking gear can be a real minefield of inadequate boots, and poorly fitted walking shoes. If only someone would write a buying guide on the 10 best hiking boots…if only.

If you don’t buy the right hiking boots initially, you’ll end up regretting it when you’re halfway up a mountain with a blister the size of Malta throbbing on your heel. But fear not, because this is where Mpora comes in with the best hiking tips, telling you what’s-what.

Mpora Went Hiking In Utah 

Mpora Went Hiking In Switzerland

Feet are complicated creatures, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes (if you’re female, you need hiking boots for women!) With that in mind, it’s absolutely vital that you feel comfortable wearing the hiking boots you eventually buy.

While some people might try and avoid social interaction with the shopkeeper, these professionals often know a considerable amount about the world of walking shoes and will be able to help you buy a boot well-suited to your foot.

Custom moulded footbeds, heel lifts and volume reducers can help to give you the perfect fit hiking boot

After trying on three or four pairs of uncomfortable hiking boots in the store, you might begin to worry that your feet are some sort of abnormal blobs incapable of fitting snugly into proper walking shoes. Don’t be disheartened by this, as there is always a way to customise your boot of choice.

Ask the shop assistant about custom moulded footbeds, heel lifts, and volume reducers; as these can make a real difference. Sometimes, it can be as simple as changing the thickness of your hiking socks or putting in a trim-to-trim footbed. Stay calm, and know that something can always be done to make sure your hiking boot is a perfect fit.

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Top Tips – Hiking Boots

  • Purchase your boots well in advance of your hike. It might sound odd, but we recommend that you wear them around the house in order to soften them up and mould them to your feet. Wear them with your hiking sock of choice, and reap the rewards later on.
  • A healthy foot is a happy foot. And while buying the correct hiking boot is essential, it’s also important that the limb your putting into them is in the best possible shape. Keep your toenails trimmed to the right length, and use proper nail clippers to do this. Cut them straight across, preferably after a shower as this is when your nails are at their softest.
  • On an average day of trekking, feet can up lose up to 400ml of moisture through perspiration. Your choices here are simple, change your socks everyday before hiking or try a pair of specialist merino wool socks. These are designed to keep your feet fresh and dry, no matter how much intense hiking you do.
  • Strangely, the best time to purchase your hiking boots is in the afternoon. This is because your feet are at their smallest in the morning and increase in volume throughout the day due to greater blood flow.

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Hiking Boot Construction

Hiking boots are made up of four important sections

1) Upper 

2) Mid-Sole

3) Sole Unit

4) Liner

So, you now that you’ve schooled yourself in the basics of hiking shoes what’s next? Well, if you scroll through this post, you’ll come across what we think are 10 of the best walking boots that money can buy. It’s worth a look. Your feet will thank us for it.

And so, without further ado, here’s the 10 best hiking boots….

1) Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Pro Waterproof £99

Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Pro Waterproof Hiking Boot

This boot is one of the best lightweight hiking boots that money can buy. The Hi-Tec V-Lite is packed with enough technology to make your fridge weep tears of jealousy.

The metal parts on this hiking gear is rustproof and stays in good condition, no matter how atrocious the weather gets. Their lightweight design and construction will also make your feet feel like they’re floating around in a pair of fluffy clouds.

The Vibram outsole and abrasion-resistant heel/toe-cap will protect your feet against all types of hiking terrain, so no worries on that score. The inbuilt Rollingait System, also known as RGS, supports the natural roll of the foot and limits the impact of muscle fatigue. These boots are great for hiking.

2) Berghaus Men’s Explorer Ridge £79

Berghaus Men’s Explorer Ridge Hiking Boot

One of the more affordable hiking boots on the market, the Berghaus Men’s Explorer offers great comfort, support, and durability. Three things that you’ll be thankful for when trekking up the side of a mountain, or strolling through fields.

3) Meindl Toronto GTX Boot £160

Meindl Toronto GTX Hiking Boot

This hiking boot is full grain leather, designed to keep your feet in luxurious comfort. TheMeindl Toronto also offers good grip, waterproofing, and a high level of support for treks and hikes in moderate conditions.

The supple leather uppers mean great comfort for your feet as soon as you take these out of the shoebox. There’s also a highly breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex lining for protection in extreme weather.

Not only that, but these hiking boots also possess a shock-absorbing wedge to ensure comfort underfoot in the rockiest of walking terrains.

4) Scarpa SL Activ £245

 

Scarpa SL Activ Hiking Boot

This boot might come with a hefty price tag but, when the health of your feet is at stake, sometimes the money is well worth it. So, while you’re sat there wincing at how much these cost, let us explain us why the Scarpa SL Activ is one of the best hiking boots on the planet (it’s award-winning).

There’s a special lining material for effective moisture transfer and comfort. There’s a Viscoflex Activ Fit insole, with memory foam, and a flexible midsole for increased underfoot support in tough terrains. We could write all day about all the other amazing things this boot has got going for it, but we’ve got other hiking boots to write about so you’ll just have to take our word for it.

Scarpa SL Activ: great boot, won awards, worth splashing out on if you’ve got a spare £250 knocking around.

5) Salomon Men’s Quest 4D GTX £99

 

Salomon Men’s Quest 4D GTX Hiking Boot

The Salomon Quest 4D GTX combines the aggressive features of a trail running shoe, with the strength and support of a hiking boot. Highly comfortable, with a strong grip on virtually any surface; these boots are durable and possess a decent level of waterproofing.

The lacing offers great tension variety, making it easy to wrap your feet to a tightness that suits you and your hiking route. The clever design of these hiking boots makes it possible to have one level of tension along the shoe’s body and another level of tension on your ankle. Brace yourself for comfort.

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6) La Sportiva Thunder III GTX £120

La Sportiva Thunder III GTX Hiking Boot

The Thunder III GTX is the perfect boot for backpacking and hiking in moderate and technical terrains. It’s an upgrade on the much-loved Thunder II hiking boot, and now has an Impact Brake System on the outsole that will cushion the blows on your feet.

The rubber heel stabilising technology on this hiking boot provides excellent ankle support on difficult trails. There’s also a Gore-Tex lining, that’s great for hikers who want breathable waterproof protection.

7) Merrell Moab Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots £70

Merrell Moab Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

Part hiking boot, part trainer; the Merrell Moab is a cracking little hybrid. The breathable design will keep your feet cool in even the warmest of weather conditions, making your adventure less stressful for your feet.

The sole is made from a sticky and durable rubber which should prevent accidents on slippery rocks. The toe and heel sections are designed to protect your feet against rock and debris, and the upper is styled in such a way it should maximise comfort wherever your feet decide to take you.

8) ASOLO Men’s Power Matic 200 GV Hiking Boot £145

ASOLO Men’s Power Matic 200 GV Hiking Boot

The Asolo Power Matic hiking boot is hard-as-nails. It’s high-density front section provides excellent stability and strength while the medium-density back section reduces shock pressure.

The boot also possesses strategically placed cylinders that connect the midsole to the outsole. These provide the Power Matic with additional shock-absorbing qualities.

There’s also a clever lacing system that allows you to customise a secure fit. The Gore-Tex technology, yes Gore-Tex again, ensures your feet remain comfortable and dry.

THE POWER MATIC IS A POWERFUL HIKING BOOT!

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9) Timberland Men’s Chocorua Trail Gore-Tex Mid £90

Timberland Men’s Chocorua Trail Gore-Tex Mid Hiking Boots

The Timberland Men’s Chocorua Trail Gore-Tex Mid has been built with wet conditions and rugged trails in mind. The waterproof leather upper has the durability and comfort of all-leather boots, as well as Gore-Tex membrane that’s perfect for keeping your feet dry.

A clever midsole provides cushioning and the outsole keeps your step stable and efficient. The opposite of a fair-weather boot, this hiking shoe will perform for you come rain or shine.

10) The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Lite Mid GTX Boots £94

The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Lite Mid GTX Hiking Boots

It may have a stupid name, but The North Face Hedgehog is a really great hiking boot.

It’s a lightweight shoe, that’s perfect for speedy travel across challenging terrain. It’s strong, waterproof, and possesses a durable outsole. There’s also a supportive midsole that cradles your feet as you walk. Top hiking boot, this one.

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