About Waterproof Hiking Boots
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Waterproof hiking boots are one of those items that have revolutionized our hiking comfort. Taking to the trail in any terrain requires using care and forethought in the shoes you wear, and successful hikers choose quality footwear based on research, reviews and performance. This will not only help you find the right pair of shoes for you but also ensures that the investment you make in your boots will be well worth it.
Function
Waterproof boots enable your feet to stay dry and warm in all kinds of terrain and at all temperatures. Waterproofed materials are used on the outer layers of the boots to protect you from standing water, rain and mud. However, most waterproofing materials are not solid fabrics; rather, they're also made to breathe, with holes for ventilation. This prevents excessive sweating and sweat residue buildup. These breathable fabrics can affect the performance of the boots, so make sure you determine what kind of shoe best fits your hiking style before making a purchase.
Types
Waterproof boots come in all styles low, mid and full and for all types of terrain. By purchasing the proper pair of boots for your style, you can save money by forgoing some extra features, and it's better for your feet: it's healthier for muscles and joints to be in the right kind of shoe for the right kind of hike. In addition, remember that just because your boots are waterproof doesn't mean they're made for swimming in. With the exception of heavy-duty mountaineering boots, the average waterproof hiking boot is not completely immune to water absorption due to the use of breathable fabrics. Many boots are advertised as "water-resistant," rather than "waterproof," and are more susceptible to water penetration. Also, excessive water exposure or a long soak can damage the other materials used to make the sole, tongue, laces and body of the boot, so if you're planning a hike through swamps or bogs, it might pay to take the heavy-duty mountaineering boots.
Features
Most waterproofing materials, like various versions of Gore-Tex and the newer eVENT, are constructed to be as lightweight as possible. Keep in mind that most waterproof boots incorporate both waterproofing and mesh areas to improve breathability. Search your style online by visiting the Web page for a boot you're considering. Most of these will have a sheet of specifications--weight, height, width, and in some cases, materials used--for each boot. When buying hiking boots for day hikes, overnights and all but the most grueling backpacking trips, follow a simple rule: the less they weigh, the better you feel. Having just one extra pound of weight in your boots requires as much energy from you as carrying an extra 6 pounds in your pack, which can make a big difference in the length and difficulty of your hike.
Size
If you're trying on a pair of boots, take a pair of socks like the ones you'll wear on the trail--the thickness of socks can change the way a boot fits. Also, remember to make sure there's lots of room in the "toe box," the wiggle room for your toes at the tip of the boot. A downhill hike can be incredibly painful if the toe box is too tight. Other things to look for when sizing a boot include the fit around the ankle, whether the side support is too rigid or it rubs against your bones, and whether any areas feel as though they might create blisters on a long hike.
Considerations
Caring for waterproof hiking boots is very similar to caring for nonwaterproofed boots. Keep the boots clean and free of debris by going over them after each hike. When you return from a trip, dry the shoes out by loosening all the laces and pulling the tongue out, then leaving them in a dark, airy, cool place for a few days. If you've purchased a pair of waterproof boots, never spray them with waterproofing solution. These materials are waterproof already, and the areas which are not have been left open to vent the shoe. Spraying with a waterproofing solution will close up the mesh areas, and cause the boots to build up sweat and germs over time.
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