If preparing for a hike in NZ, consider paying utmost attention to your feet. That’s mainly because hiking involves walking or trekking on uneven and tricky terrains all-day long. Now, most of you might think that any pair of old hiking shoes can do fine.
But the fact is that choosing the right pair of hiking boots in NZ can mean a great deal of difference. With a perfect pair of hiking boots on your feet, you can rest assured of completing your route and not turning back due to blisters.
Having that said, the next important thing for hiking enthusiasts to consider is how to choose the right pair of hiking boots. The best tip is to buy your hiking boots wisely as a good hiking boot will serve you for years.
How To Choose The Right Hiking Boots?
Read on to find out the other essential factors to think about when choosing an ideal pair of hiking boots.
Cut
There are different types of hiking boots based on hiking styles. So, always consider choosing a hiking boot style depending on the type of hiking you do. To help you get started, here are the three main hiking boot styles available across the whole of NZ.
- Low-cut: Hiking boots in low-cut styles are ideal for pleasant hikes on even trails. They top out just below the ankle and are more breathable than running shoes.
- Mid-cut: Hiking boots in mid-cut styles are a great choice for both shorter and longer hikes on rockier and uneven trails. They top out slightly above the ankle, providing added stability and support to the ankles. It is one of the best multi-purpose hiking boots in NZ to consider while preparing for a hike.
- High-cut: Hiking boots in high-cut styles are a perfect pick for intense hikes or adventurous trips where you are likely to be carrying heavy backpacks. Although most high-cut hiking boots sit above the ankle, a few models extend as high as halfway between the ankle and calf.
Material
Synthetics and leather are the two main materials used for manufacturing hiking boots. Now although the charm of stylish leather hiking boots is hard to resist, synthetic boots are more advantageous when it comes to picking the best option for trail travel. To help you make an informed decision, we have enlisted the primary differences between leather and synthetic hiking boots.
- Leather Boots: Want to protect your feet from blisters? Consider buying a pair of leather hiking boots. Leather boots are more breathable, comfortable, durable, and water-resistant than synthetic hiking boots. And if cleaned and maintained properly, leather boots can last a lifetime.
- Synthetic Boots: Although synthetic boots do not have the same allure as leather boots, they stand to be better when it comes to factors like weight and cost. Synthetic boots are the best options to pick when preparing for long trails. Unlike leather boots, they are light in weight and cheaper in price. So, if you’re on a budget but still want a pair of good hiking boots, go for synthetic boots!
Fit
Choosing a pair of hiking boots with a perfect fit is one of the most important aspects of buying boots. And that’s mainly because shoe sizing and fitting systems vary from brand to brand. Here are a few tips that can help you pick the right pair of hiking boots for your future outdoor endeavors.
- Comfortability: Always avoid picking boots that are excessively tight, especially around the toes, heel, and ankles.
- Size: When trying on hiking boots, ensure to tap the front of the boot on the ground to check its impact on the toe. If you feel some contact between your toe and the front of the boot, chances are you have selected the wrong fit.
Tread
The tread of a hiking boot determines the type of hiking to be done because no single boot sole can offer the best traction on all kinds of terrains. Here are the specific treads to choose for different terrains:
- Easy Terrain: Hiking boots with lighter or multi-purpose tread are usually more affordable, versatile, and lightweight than other variants. They are best to be used on mellower hikes and even trails.
- Moderate Terrain: Boots with moderately-deep tread are an ideal fit for moderate hiking and backcountry trekking.
- Steep Terrain: A pair of boots with deep, angular lugs is best to be used on steep, loose surfaces since they offer good traction on loose trails.
- Muddy Terrain: Boots with deep, narrow lugs are a perfect fit for steep and muddy trails since they offer maximum traction during every part of a trek.
Final Words
Hopefully, this blog helped you know the factors to think about when choosing the right pair of hiking boots in NZ. Still, the most important tip is that always try your boots on in person before making a final purchase. Also, try buying your hiking essentials from a reputed and trusted supplier even if it’s only backpacks, shoes, or gazebos in NZ that you need to buy.