Hiking shoes are shoes specially designed and manufactured for mountaineering and travel, ideal for outdoor sports. Waterproof is the primary function of modern hiking shoes, and its waterproof and breathable performance is unmatched by ordinary sports shoes.

Types of hiking boots.

1. Lightweight suburban hiking boots.

Most of these shoes are made of nylon cloth and leather, focusing on breathability and lightweight design, and the soles are mostly soft, making you more comfortable to wear without taking too much time to get used to.

But it's not very water-resistant, and while some shoes use water-resistant materials and special designs to improve leak-proofing, in general, these types of shoes are not suitable for long-distance mountaineering and expeditions.

2. General hiking shoes.

These shoes are made of leather, nylon or a mix of materials, and some also feature waterproof and breathable fabrics.

The design enhances its sturdiness and durability, and the sole also features a better grip design, some with reinforcement in the heel section to protect the user's ankle.

3. Heavy duty hiking boots.

The material of this mountaineering shoe is roughly the same as that of general mountaineering shoes, but the protection of the foot and the design of the sole are strengthened to cope with more complex and difficult mountaineering activities.

Usually its soles are thicker and stiffer, and some even have steel plates added to increase their weight.

4. Double boots.

This shoe is designed for polar climbing and, as the name suggests, consists of two layers, an inner and outer shoe. Not only are these shoes sturdy, heavy, and expensive, they're a great tool for polar climbing.

Considerations when buying hiking boots.

1. Determine the purpose first.

When buying hiking shoes, first determine the purpose, and then you can choose a good pair of shoes that are really suitable for you.

2. Budget.

This is a very practical consideration, but it must be wise to invest a little more in the equipment of hiking boots.

3. Fit is most important.

After putting on your shoes, take a few more steps to feel your feet get used to it, and feel for any loose seams that allow your feet to rest.

The shoes should not be too tight, so as not to bind the feet and make the blood circulation of the feet poor, resulting in insufficient blood in the feet, and cold when traveling.

Maintenance of hiking boots.

1. Maintenance before wearing:

Apply water repellent to the stitches and pinholes to improve the water resistance of the upper and stitches. Newly purchased hiking boots should be reapplied for a period of time, preferably one to two days before the event.

2. Dress:

Try not to wear shoes for a long time, long-term wet and fatigued environment will shorten the service life of shoes.

3. Cleaning:

Generally, it can be cleaned with water, but special attention should be paid after cleaning. Do not put it in the sun, it is easy to open the glue, and it should be placed in a cool and ventilated place and let it dry naturally.

4. Storage:

Shoes cannot get wet. After getting wet, it will cause damage to the internal and external waterproof, breathable, leather, wire and other properties of the water tank.

How can you go hiking without a pair of suitable hiking shoes?