WALKING - Footwear



Within this article there will be an overview of footwear, it would be advisable when purchasing boots that you visit various outlets and ask for advice concerning different boots and compare various manufactures when trying them on for size and fitting.

There is no such thing as the ideal footwear for all occasions, therefore you either purchase a general boot or purchase more than one pair of boots for different aspects. The three [3] seasoned boot this covers the average walker in the hills and mountains and won't be specializing in a certain activity

The three season boot means suitable for use on all terrain except hard snow and ice with these boots being to flexible for crampons to be fitted. Many of the boots that are in this category can be fitted with flexible walker's crampons and are adequate for most winter hill walking but not for climbing [always ask for advice relating to the boot and crampons].

One of the most important points to consider is that of comfort always take your time and try various boots on and try them with the socks you normally wear or similar ones. Make sure the heal does not move up and down as you walk as this will lead to blisters on the heal. If your toes feel cramped then the boot is too narrow a fit you will receive blisters and walking could become difficult due to pain. If you can feel the end of the boot with your toes when you stamp your foot forward, then the boot is too small, the descents will be painful [find a shop with a foot measure such as a Brannock Device].

Leather boots are far better than fabric boots if you intend to use flexible crampons for walking in winter. For crampon use, boot uppers need to be fairly stiff so that when you tighten the straps they don't crush your feet, which is painful and may cut off circulation.

The sole should be made of a rubber compound and the tread pattern should be of the traditional vibram type or the modern monobloc with a removable footbed, a graded flex insole, a cushioning midsole.

More seams on the boot means there are more likely to be weaker and potentially less waterproof the boot.

After being in the hills remove the dirt from the soles, check the condition of the laces and remove the dirt from the uppers with a nail brush and damp cloth. Leather boots will need to be reproofed occasionally, always allow the boots to dry out slowly. Stuff them with newspaper and leave them in an airy place [never leave them in warm places, next to fires etc. this may cause the leather to become brittle and crack]. When dry, leather boots should be given a coating of good quality wax polish or a proprietary reproofing compound with the attention being paid to the seams.

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