Gear Guide - Boots

The first step in getting started in backpacking is choosing the right pair of boots. The right pair of boots can make the difference between happy feet or miles of endless screaming agony! Anyone who's had to hike out for miles with blistered feet know's that first your afraid you'll die and then your afraid you won't.
As Colin Fletcher, author of "The Complete Walker" states there are four criteria when purchasing boots: 1. a quality boot, 2.fit, 3.fit, 4.fit. The quality part means that you really are not gonna get off cheap. ( don't buy your boots on sale at Payless and don't even think about buying online unless your are sure of the exact boot style and size). Getting the right fit is the most critical. It's not enough to just know your size. All manufacturers use different lasts ( standard size patterns). Many European brands are based on metric sizing which does not tranlate precisely to English /US sizing.

A qualified sales person at a store that specializes in high end backpacking gear is your best bet for finding the right boot. In the NY metro area Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) has several locations with knowledgable sales people.
Make sure you've got plenty of time when you go boot shopping. Try on several pair and walk in them for 10 minutes to see how they feel. You will want to wear backpacking socks to make sure you get the right fit. Most backpackers wear two socks:an inner liner of thin cool max and a thick outer sock designed for backpacking. I recommend Dahlgren wool backpacking socks. Boots should fit comfortable without siding inside, heal movement, pinching, or banging your toes in front. Try standing on your toes or walking on an incline to see if your toe jams on the front. Eastern Mountain Sports stores have an incline platform for trying out boots. Check their web site: http://www.ems.com/

Backpacking boots need to provide support, keep your feet dry and be comfortable for many miles on the trail. A high boot for ankle support with a thick sole and stiff enough to support your weight and load is recommended. Weight is an important consideration; as the saying goes a pound on your feet is like five more pounds on your back. Boots are now made with a combination of leather and synthetic to reduce weight from the clunky "Frankenstein boots" of years ago. Gore tex provides a waterproof, breathable insert recommended for keeping feet dry. Some popular brands include Lowa, Vasque, Montrail, LL Bean, Asolo, La Sportiva.
When you've found the perfect boot it's time to do some warm up hiking to break in your boots. The "50-Mile Rule" means to break in your boots for 50 miles before taking them on an extended trail hike. Happy hiking!