What Boots Should I Buy?
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Hiking Boots for Your Adventure
Whether you’re tackling rocky trails in the UK or gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime at Everest Base Camp, finding the right hiking boots can make or break your experience. With a variety of terrains to consider, from rocky paths to muddy slopes, choosing the right footwear becomes essential to your comfort and safety. This guide will help you pick the best hiking boots, split into categories suitable for different conditions and adventure types.
SUMMER BOOTS & TRAINERS: Light and Breathable for Warmer Weather
For UK adventures during the summer months or lighter hikes, summer boots and hiking trainers are a great choice. These are lightweight, highly breathable, and often less bulky than their midweight or heavyweight counterparts. They’re perfect for less demanding trails where the focus is on speed, agility, and comfort.
In these boots, you’ll want to look for features like:
• Breathability: Mesh uppers that allow airflow and keep your feet cool.
• Lightweight Materials: Reducing fatigue on long hikes, especially in warm weather.
• Water Resistance: While full waterproofing isn’t always necessary in the summer, a good water-resistant finish can help handle unexpected rain or light mud.
Recommended brands: Merrell Moab 3, Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
MIDWEIGHT BOOTS: Versatile and Reliable for Rocky and Muddy Terrain
When your hike involves more rugged, uneven paths or varying weather conditions, midweight boots are your best bet. These offer a balance of support, durability, and protection without being as heavy or stiff as more technical boots. Midweight options typically feature:
• Ankle Support: Key for preventing twists on rocky or uneven ground.
• Waterproof Membrane: Essential for muddy trails, keeping feet dry through rain, streams, and wet ground.
• Durable Soles: Aggressive treads made from high-quality rubber provide excellent grip on rocky and muddy surfaces.
These boots are ideal for longer UK hikes, moderate mountain adventures, and even multi-day treks in diverse climates.
Recommended brands: Lowa Renegade GTX, Scarpa R-Evo GTX (I personally have the Scarpas)
HEAVYWEIGHT (B2) BOOTS: Designed for Serious Adventures
If you are planning more ambitious trips, heavyweight boots (particularly B2-rated models), are a must. These boots are built for extreme conditions, offering the highest level of protection, support, and warmth. They are typically designed to accommodate crampons, making them ideal for snow or ice-covered terrain. Key features include:
• Stiff Soles: Providing stability and support on challenging terrains.
• Crampon Compatibility: Essential for glacier or snowy treks.
• Insulation: Built to keep your feet warm in freezing temperatures.
• Advanced Waterproofing: Essential for keeping feet dry in snow, rain, & slush.
These boots are heavier and more rigid but are a crucial investment for high-altitude trekking or expeditions that involve lots of snow, ice and crampon use.
Recommended brands: Scarpa Manta
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hiking boots depends heavily on the type of adventure you’re planning. Lightweight trainers and summer boots are great for warm-weather UK trails, while midweight boots handle more demanding hikes with ease. For extreme treks that involve snow, ice and require crampon compatable footwear, only heavyweight B2-rated boots will offer the protection and support needed to keep you safe and comfortable. When selecting your boots, consider the terrain, weather conditions, and the duration of your hike to find the perfect fit.
Jake’s Top Tip:
When going to buy boots, wear a thick pair of socks to simulate being at altitude and having swollen feet. This will ensure you buy the right size.