A hiker is only as good as the shoes they are wearing; it's no fun to be hiking along on a five-mile trek and realize today was not the best day to break in those new hiking boots.

Hiking footwear is no longer limited to an old pair of Army boots. The hiking athletic footwear industry offers a variety of hiking footwear, including men's hiking footwear, women's hiking footwear, lightweight hiking boots, leather hiking boots, outdoor hiking trail footwear, orthopedic hiking shoes and orthopedic hiking boots. In addition to hiking footwear there are climbing boots, climbing shoes, mountaineering boots and general outdoor boots.

As with all specialty footwear, there are three main issues to consider when making your choice:

1. The fit of the hiking footwear.
2. The feel of the shoes.
3. The function; for example climbing boots are different from regular hiking shoes.

After those issues are addressed, take the style, the price and the care of the hiking footwear into consideration before purchasing.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

It's best to fit hiking footwear twice and buy once

Hiking boots shouldn't be so short that your toes are cramped; nor so large that they slip when you walk, causing blisters. A good rule of thumb, is your thumb! There should be a thumb's width of space between your toe and the tip of the boot; and a thumb's thickness between your heel and the back of the shoe. This allows for swelling during exercise and an extra heavy pair of socks for the cold hikes.

I recommend: A Healthy Me to get more information on the right fit. The Potomac Appalacian Trail Club has some good information on how to choose the type of boot you need. Body Results has some information on different terrains to take into account.

Outdoor hiking trail footwear should be comfortable

Hiking boots should feel 'right'. The arch height should match, both in depth and placement of your arch; the cushioning should 'give' just a little when you step; and the laces should not be so stretched that they bind with a little use.

I recommend: REI for learning how to break in your new boots; Ideal-Hiking- Equipment.com to learn more about what the "feel" should be like; and Outdoor Eyes on how to take care of your new boots to keep that good feeling.

Get the right hiking boots for the activity

Hiking boots are not climbing boots. Although you may climb with hiking boots, they do not 'give' in the right places as climbing boots do and can actually be a safety hazard. Chose the right boot for the job and you'll be fine.

I recommend: For outdoor boots and shoes, try L.L. Bean; for hiking boots, try The Sierra Trading Post; and for climbing boots, try Marmot Mountain Works.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Leather hiking boots need to be waterproofed if they aren't bought that way. Mink oil is a good protector.
• •  Hiking boots need to be a little 'stiff' to do the job; but not so 'stiff' that they chafe or cause blisters.
• •  Everyone's feet are different; and for an individual, each foot may be slightly different, in size or width. Make sure you try on BOTH boots, and walk around in them, before you buy them.
• •  Waterproof does not always mean they will keep your feet dry; consider some inside liners to add to the comfort. Consider buying a half-size larger boot if you are going to add insoles or liners.