Trekking boots

In the last few years, trekking boots have become very popular among the city dwellers. This type of footwear is designed for travel, hiking in the mountains and areas where there are no roads. For a long time, such shoes were mainly used by tourists, but now trekking boots are worn in cities, used for outdoor activities and walking.

Trekking boots are also widely used by fishing and hunting enthusiasts, as well as firefighters and other employees of emergency departments. Some confuse trekking boots with mountaineering ones, but the latter differ significantly in design and are not suitable for hiking and walking, as they are designed for technically difficult mountain climbing.

The history of the appearance of trekking boots began at the beginning of the 20th century, when such shoes had a smooth sole made of leather. Subsequently, for better grip on the surface, the boots were modified and equipped with metal heels. And by the middle of the century, these models had supplanted more modern and comfortable models of tourist shoes with a well-developed tread.

Trekking boots have several features compared to regular shoes. They provide better traction with the surface, so they are comfortable to walk on slippery, loose and rocky surfaces.The ankle fixation function significantly reduces the likelihood of injury on uneven roads, and partial leg protection protects them from injury due to falling stones or stepping on their sharp parts. In addition, trekking shoes are very durable.

The advantages of such shoes when worn, both in the city and on hikes, are obvious. Firstly, in trekking boots, the likelihood of injury is minimal. Secondly, it is easier and more convenient to walk through mud, snow or stones in them. Thirdly, such shoes withstand extreme conditions, do not tear or get wet. And fourthly, trekking boots, even with a very active lifestyle, will last much longer than ordinary ones.

Manufacturers of trekking shoes today offer a wide range of fashionable and high-quality models.

• Tourist. Trekking shoes for tourism are characterized by a combination of lightness and functionality. This shoe is perfect for light hiking on rough terrain and for walking in altitudes up to 2000 meters. Boots are distinguished by the fact that they are high and securely fix the ankle, protecting it from grasses.

• For hikes. For hiking in different types of terrain, you can choose trekking shoes, mountain boots or alpine boots. The choice of model depends on its purpose. For hiking in the forest, sneakers or hiking boots are suitable, as they are light and comfortable. For hiking in the mountains and easy ascents to a height of 200 - 600 meters, it is advisable to choose mountain trekking boots. Such shoes are distinguished by power, heavy and rigid soles. Some models are equipped with cat welts.

• Winter. The range of models of winter trekking boots is very diverse.These can be high boots with fur inside, and light sneakers with multilayer insulation or fur. High winter boots are great for hiking, sledding, walking in the fresh air. Winter trekking shoes are more designed for active outdoor sports, such as running. Mountain winter boots are used for easy mountain climbing.

• For outdoor activities. Outdoor boots are the most popular type of trekking boots. In the collections of such shoes there are models for any season. Boots for outdoor activities can be high, low, made of thick genuine leather or synthetic materials. For hiking in autumn and spring, you can choose trekking sneakers or light boots, and for winter walks, high waterproof boots with fur.

• Waterproof. Water resistance is an important indicator of the quality of trekking shoes. These boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable even if you step into the water. Thanks to new technologies for connecting the sole and upper, as well as waterproof materials, high-quality trekking boots do not let water through. These boots are always labeled accordingly.

• Low. Low trekking boots are lightweight and designed for hiking on plains, forest and mountain trails. Compared to regular sneakers, trekking shoes have some advantages - they have a stiffer sole and heel counter, wear-resistant treads and a reinforced toe.

• For the city. In an urban environment, it is also important that shoes are comfortable. Trekking boots for the city allow you to feel comfortable on slippery sidewalks and on muddy roads.Dampness is considered one of the main extreme factors of the city, and classic shoe models often cannot resist it. Trekking boots keep your feet dry and warm. As trekking boots for the city, you can buy sneakers or boots for light trekking.

• For summer. Summer models of trekking shoes are fundamentally different from autumn and winter ones. Breathability comes first. Summer options for trekking boots are light sneakers, the top of which is made of thin breathable material and sandals. Features of trekking sandals are that, thanks to adjustable straps, the foot is securely fixed in the shoe, and the embossed sole cushions well and protects the foot from small stones.

• For fishing. Fishing enthusiasts have long loved trekking boots for their quality and comfort. Such models are distinguished by a high top, thick lacing and waterproof materials. In addition, thanks to the peculiarities of the tailoring technology, models for fishing have a multi-layer insulation that retains heat for a long time, and a corrugated sole with a powerful tread allows you to overcome various irregularities.

At the end of the year, experts compiled a rating of the best trekking boots.

1.Oboz Scapegoat Mid. Durable trekking boots for extreme road conditions. Thanks to the polymer layer in the sole and a powerful protective plate in its front part, you can carry a backpack weighing more than 18 kg in boots without experiencing discomfort in your legs. A wide and well-fitting tongue allows you to securely fix the ankle, and also prevents small debris from entering the boot.The breathable mesh upper allows feet to breathe, and after showers and river crossings, these boots dry quickly.

2. Five Ten Access Leather. Trekking low boots are made of genuine leather, have a breathable surface and a comfortable sole. Thanks to the midsole and tread, the load on the feet is significantly reduced, even when wearing a heavy backpack. This model is perfect for summer trips.

3. Hi-Tec Sonorous Mid II Waterproof I. The difference between these trekking boots is a rigid sole with a nylon arch support that supports the foot. Thanks to high-quality materials of the upper and sole, the boots have high wear resistance.

Route and terrain of the hike. If the hike is short and takes place at low altitudes or across the plains, then you can choose trekking shoes. Routes that involve climbing mountain paths and rocks are more difficult and require sturdy shoes. Therefore, for such trips, it is better to choose high boots with a hard sole.

Materials. When choosing trekking boots, you should pay attention to the quality of the material, it is better if the top is made of thick and tough natural leather with a minimum number of seams. In addition, the hard top of the boot will securely fix the ankle and reduce the likelihood of dislocation. The sole should consist of several layers, one of which is a polyurethane shock absorber or midsole that cushions and softens the impact when walking. Comfort while walking largely depends on the quality of the sole. The presence of an orthopedic insole is a huge plus for the quality of the boots.

The size. The size of the boots should be slightly larger than the size of the foot.The toes should be a little short of the sides of the shoe. After tightening the lacing, the foot should be securely fixed in the boot. Shoes that are too large in size should not be bought, as they will rub the foot. Large sizes of shoes are presented by almost all manufacturers, so you can choose such shoes quite easily.

Price and manufacturer. Do not lose sight of the cost of trekking boots and the name of the company. Do not buy cheap trekking boots from an unknown manufacturer. Such shoes are likely to fall apart on the first hike. It is worth giving preference to more expensive models and proven well-known brands.

1. Jeans. Trekking boots designed for the city go well with jeans. For winter, winter sneakers or high boots are suitable for jeans, and for summer, you can purchase trekking sneakers made of breathable lightweight materials.

2. Shorts and bermudas. These are summer clothing options that will go well with both summer trekking sneakers and sandals.

3. Jackets and parkas. Sports shoes, including trekking boots, go well with sports jackets and parkas.

Do not combine trekking shoes with classic trousers and suits, as well as coats.

• Quechua.The company has released a new model FOR 100 HIGH NDY with three levels of waterproofness, that is, for about 8 hours of walking shoes remain dry. After drying wet shoes, they again restore their properties. The model has a fairly light weight - only 488 grams, and a high shaft that fixes the ankle well. The outsole has good traction thanks to the 5mm deep grooves. However, according to user reviews, this model disappointed many with a hard sole and quick wetting.

• Asolo. The novelty of the season from the Asolo brand is the Jester Gv Graphite / Black model. The boots are quite high priced. The upper layer consists of suede with a polyurethane coating and a special water-repellent impregnation. There is an intermediate sole that supports the foot and provides cushioning, an intermediate arch support. The weight of the pair is 600 grams.

• Dolomite. Model APRICA GTX 016 HAVANA 2 mm water-repellent embossed leather upper, Gore-Tex lining. The weight of the pair is 610 grams.

• Vibram. The Italian company has patented a special rubber outsole that guarantees reliable grip and good cushioning.

• Mamut. The MERCURY MID II GTX MEN has already received a Best Buy nomination from a German magazine. Mamut boots are made of high quality nubuck. Vibram sole, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. Textile lining inside, and multi-layer insulation gives warmth. The boots are quite heavy and weigh 984 grams.

• Meindl. Model Meindl Colorado Pro GTX 2919-10 has a modern design and high quality materials. The upper is made of natural nubuck treated with water-repellent impregnation.To protect against wear, the toe of the boot is reinforced with a polyurethane overlay. A feature of the model is the presence of a flexible insert in the Achilles area, which, when heated from the leg, takes its shape, thereby fixing it securely.

• Merrell Ice Cap Moc III for women. The top is made of synthetic waterproof nylon, have protection against getting wet. The inside is lined with fleece, the outsole provides cushioning and centering of the foot when walking, and a reinforced toe box protects the foot and increases wear resistance.

Trekking boots are primarily sports shoes, so they will look stylish with sportswear. But, in addition to hiking and outdoor activities, these boots are often worn in the city, and therefore you need to know what to combine them with so that the ensemble is appropriate and stylish.

The image consisting of balloon black trousers in combination with a maroon jacket and a flight jacket looks quite outrageous. an accessory that indicates a sporty style is a fashionable bag.