News You Can Use-Selecting the Right Backpacking Boots

Dear Trekkers and Parents,

​I would be remiss if I did not give you some good advice on selecting the right backing boots for our Philmont adventure! We discussed this information at our first clinic, but I want to provide this information to you in writing. First off, please let me say that you may find me  referring to hiking boots as a general term for what I really mean, and what I really mean is backpackinging boots. More on that below.  Here you go!

Hiking Boots range from mid to high cut for increased ankle support and are intended for hiking and weekend backpacking with a light load. Generally the soles of hiking boots flex easily, indicating that they lack the support needed for carrying a backpacking load for an extended trek like Philmont. Backpacking boots are what we are after. Backpacking boots are designed to carry you and a backcountry load for extended trips. Most backpacking boots are high cut, extending above the ankle to provide excellent support. Think of the stiffer midsole of a backpacking boot as its heart and soul. It is the stiffer platform that will deliver the  support you will need. The boot uppers or the part above the sole, impacts the weight, breathability, and water resistance of a boot. Full grain leather offers excellent durability and water resistance for extended trips but require a decent amount of break in time and can generally heavier as a rule. Nubuck leather is also a full grain leather that has been buffed to resemble suede. Split-grain leather is often paired with synthetic fabrics to lighten weight and increase boot breathability. Although this boot composition could certainly be a good choice, these boots generally are not as water and abrasion resistant. Many modern backpacking boots have a synthetic or composite upper, creating boots that are generally lighter, dry faster, and break in more quickly. “Waterproof” boots generally feature upper construction that includes an waterproof/breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex of eVent to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. Although recommended, the downside to waterproof boots is that this same membrane decreases the breathability of he boot. 
The boot's midsole is the component that provides cushioning from impact, and determines the boots stiffness. A stiff boot midsole is what you need for Philmont. While this may not sound so good, it is a stiff midsole that delivers the support needed for long hikes on rock, uneven terrain and will deliver greater comfort and stability. Most midsoles are EVA which are generally cushier and lighter in weight. Midsoles can vary in density to provide firmer support where needed. Polyurethane midsoles are generally firmer and more durable and are usually found in backpacking boots for extended trips. Other boot components that deliver support are shanks and plates. Shanks are inserted between the midsole and the outsole and add load bearing stiffness to the midsole. They can vary in length. Shanks are a desirable feature in a backpacking boot. Plates are thin, semi-flexible inserts between the misdsole and outsole and provide an extra measure of protection against roots and rocky terrain. I am not going to say much about a backpacking boot outsole, only that their aggress lug patter delivers traction in rocky conditions. Perhaps the best known outsole are made by Vibram. 
Now for some tips in selecting the right shoe for you:

• Buying boots is a personal thing. What is comfortable for one peep may not be so for another. When someone recommends that you  consider a particular boot, try the boots on first! You may find they are not right for you. It's happened to me before. 
• Know your shoe size.
• Try on shoes at the end of the day. The foot swelling That occurs normally during the day can help you avoid buying boots that are too small.
• Bring othodics if you wear them. You will need a boot with increased “volume" to accomidate these inserts.
• Bring the socks you will wear on the trail. This is very important because the liner sock and the primary backpacking sock may add a 1/2 size to your boot fit. 
• Bond with you boots in the store. Do not rush this. walk around in the store. Walk up and down on an incline. When doing so, you do not want you toes to press up into the front of the boot. This could lead to blisters.
• Consider an aftermarket insole. Insoles can provide extra support and cushioning. Both the Sole and Superfeet brands are excellent choices. 

I try to avoid making specific recommendations so please consider these as just general advise and with the proverbial "grain of salt" they are intended to be. First off, my arch is on the normal-to-high side. Finding boots that cushion the foot pad and heel adequately is a tough proposition for me. I use inserts too, so I need a boot with adequate volume for both double socks and inserts.  For me, one of the most comfortable brands out there are Oboz. My low cut hiking shoes are Oboz and Lowa, a Genrman boot maker of exceptional quality. My current backpacking boots, though, are Zamberlain, which I really like. These are Italian boots. The Italians are renowned boot makers. I have many backpacking friends that love Asolo and Salomon boots and for all the right reasons. Although I have worn and loved Salomon boots in the past, the Asolo's just did not work for me. Just because they did not, does not take away from the fact that they are excellent boot makers. The Keen brand is very popular, largely because of the cushioning and expansive toe box. Be sure that a Keen boot is stiff enough. Their hiking boot is not. Lastly, Let me tell you about the Hoka One-One Tor line. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever slipped my dogs into! The cushioning is devine. Stay tuned for this one. Now for the last piece of news you can use about boots:

• Consider shopping the March 12th REI Garage Sale for you Boots. You would not believe the screaming deals that can be found on shoes and boots at the Garage Sale! Many times the return tag will say "Worn once, did not like", or something to that effect. This is a Co-Op members only sale. If you join, please let the good folk at REI  know that I recommended membership to you. 

I hope that you find this information and tips helpful for you in selecting the right backpacking boots for your Philmont adventure. As always, if you have any questions, please give me a call or respond to this email and I am delighted to help out in any way that I can. 

Warmest regards and happy hiking,
Mr. Brown