Trekking Shoes, Hiking Boots – How to choose?
Was doing some research to unravel all the stuff about Hiking Boots, and I came across this WiseGeek website that has an explanation of the different types of footwear for hiking.
I think I have briefly touched on the topic before - footwear is one important part of the adventure equipment. The footwear that you wear will determine your trekking experience!
While I was in NUS Rovers, we used to always trek in sandals - whether it was Berkelah Waterfalls, or Mount Ophir, or whatever. The previous time I trekked with Singapore Adventurer’s Club, they recommended us to wear sports shoes.
From the website, I gathered that different boots are from different occasions. For easy flatter terrains, lighter footwear is recommended. These lighter boots resemble sneaker and are made of nylon or light leather. They do not offer ankle support.
In the mid-range (and weight) boots are made more of sturdy leather, with ankle support. I think these are like the ones that they have in Timberland. They are meant for support your feet comfortably for a short weekend hike.
Next, of course, you have the heavy boots for cross country and rough terrain. The main function of these boots is for safety! Some of these boots are like those with steel toe caps, and they are sturdy and made of rugged materials. I’ve not seen any other kind of boots (as least in Singapore) apart from those like the ones Dr Martens have. Maybe now that I am aware, I will be more on a lookout.
Lastly, for the true blue himalayan climber, there are mountaineering boots. These boots are designed to withstand tremendous abuse, and also, help to keep your feet warm, dry and protected. These are the ones made for climbing on ice, and allow for easy attachments of crampons.
Tags: hiking boots, trekking shoes
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March 6th, 2006 at 10:19 pm
Visit sharlet
Yes, footwear is *very* important. I watched a show on TV the other night and they said these people went hiking in the jungle and their feet got wet, and rotted. It’s called “trench foot”, commonly experienced by soldiers during war.
March 6th, 2006 at 11:40 pm
Visit Kian Ann
Yah I think in army they call it “foot rot”. But I haven’t had the “luxury” to experience that because I was happily enjoying life in air-conditioned offices ;P
I think it is essential to at least air the feet or keep the feet dry during the night when you sleep!
March 8th, 2006 at 8:08 am
Visit gin tonic
just a suggestion, going for short waterfall trek like Pelapah, Berkelah or even Jerangkang, you may want to try the “4-stripes” Adidas….the black color rubber shoes you can find in those local tranditional shoes shops. It is light, quick dry and work well on slippery rock.
March 13th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
Visit sharlet
Huh? Don’t tell me you “geng”?!
March 13th, 2006 at 11:05 pm
Visit Kian Ann
Hahha.. no lar.. but I got “condemned” anyway. Soldier that cannot fight. hahaha.
March 30th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Visit Graham Teo
When you climb mountains, it is better to wear boots with ankle (high cut) simply because when you come down from the mountain, the ankle part will prevent your toes from hitting the front part of the shoe.
If you wear sports shoe, your toes will be constantly squashed and it will hurt terribly esp if you dont cut your nails!
March 30th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Visit Kian Ann
Hey Graham,
I had that experienced of “squashed toes” during my descent at Mount Kinabalu! But I was already wearing boots!
I guess I didn’t tie the ankle part tight enough?
April 4th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Visit Graham Teo
Oh yes! the essential part is to tie your laces tight during the descent especially the part where your ankle is so that your feet won’t “slip/slide” forward. Tight shoes also prevent blisters since your feet can’t rub against the shoe so much since it doesn’t have much room to move.
I use Columbia boots are have found them to be comfortable so far.
April 4th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Visit Graham Teo
Hmmm, I love treks where there are waterfall stops for a dip and a massage under the water fall.
For trips where there are wet events, I bring along a TEVA sandal for the waddle. =) after the wet dip, I use the velcro of the Sandal to secure to the outside of my backpack for it to dry.
the only problem I have is with the clothes. I have not found a solution to “dry” my clothes. I now keep it in a plastic bag and in my backpack. After 1 or 2 days, it starts to stink. It would be great if I can hung my clothes to dry outside my backpack without compromising the aerodynamics (Tshirts tend to get caught on branches and get torn). even dri-fit tees dont dry as fast.
Any ideas?
April 6th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Visit Kian Ann
Hey Graham, I use my columbia boots as well - super comfortable and it definitely keeps your feet from freezing cold.
I used to use Sandals as well - and there were always debates going on whether which brand is more slippery - Teva, Source, or whatever.. haha! After that, I bought the “Kampong Addidas” and I found that to be great, but it wears off terribly fast. Well, its something you get for 5 RM
I too, haven’t found a way to dry my clothes. Its like practically impossible - even if you hang it out to “dry” at night, the morning dew will just keep it wet. So, I just keep it in my zip lock until I come home. At least, its air tight!
Of course, when I reach home, I will have to face the stench.
September 23rd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Visit SamB
Thank you, Great information :D.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Visit Diver
Hey just got new boots. they are called “over the beach” (OTB) the work really well on dry and in or even underwater great for trekking and all. the only down point is that there are holes at the ottom for drainage after u come out of the water so i suggest u wear “sealskinz” socks which are waterprof. other than that they are amazing no blisters and stuff. there are many models (i got then all) but for me i feel that the best is the ‘abyss’. hope this post helps u guyzz!!! good luck treking
November 13th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Visit Diver
one more thing the boots dry in around 45mins after they are wet(FULLY DRENCHED AND SOAKED). AWESOME!!!
December 8th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Visit Bill
Hi all, this looks like a rather good site for discussion. Anyone has any good recommendations for hiking shoes for winter weather? Columbia is cool. Any price to performance comparison? Need to really convince myself to invest in something I only use once or twice a year. Hehe.
December 9th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Visit Suresh Salvation
Hey there guys !
just want some advice. Climbing Kinabalu next year in July. Anyone can reccommend any boots to purchase?
need the stick or not?
=)