How To Choose The Right Hiking Boots

Whether you are at the top of the mountain or on a casual walk a few miles from home, you shouldn't have to worry about your feet. Ask any experienced hiker, and they will tell you that selecting the right hiking boot is a crucial step in your journey. The last thing anyone wants is to be limping back home with blistered and bruised feet. This guide will help you select the footwear needed for the specific terrain you will encounter. 

Before you begin the selection process for you new hiker, there are three quick questions you need to ask yourself:

• Terrain: What type of terrain will I be hiking on the most?
• Casual Daily Wear and Walking
• Trail Hikes/Uneven Trails with moderate terrain
• Off Trail/Rough to Extreme Terrain
• Duration: Is this a short jaunt on a nice day or is this a tough hike over several days into the backcountry?
• Load: How much weight will I be carrying with me on my hike?

Once you have answered these questions, you can begin to narrow the search for the perfect boot. Another effective tool Meindl uses to determine the best boot for the job is our Flex-Use Rating Scale. Alfons Meindl developed flex-use ratings back in 1945 as a general guide to help explain how and why they make boots for specific uses and terrain. The categories and technology behind this rating system are still as valid and universally accepted today, as they were back then. We have broken down each category of hiking terrain below and what style of boot/shoe will work best for you. If you need help with sizing, check out our sizing page to make sure you get the best fit. 

Whether you are running errands, exploring trails at low elevation, or just wanting a great fitting boot for daily use, boots rated from A to A/B on our Flex-Use Rating scale are the perfect match. These boots have great flexibility, supportive insoles, and moderately aggressive outsoles. These styles can vary from low cut shoes up to boots that provide more support for your ankles. These A and A/B rated boots are the styles you need to take you through everyday life and casual walks on groomed paths. 

Shop A Rated Boots          Shop A/B Rated Boots

When your plan takes you further into nature and off the beaten path, we recommend footwear rated in our A/B and B Flex Rating. The boots in this classification will provide support and comfort in uneven terrain. If you are carrying a daypack loaded with essentials, these boots are also designed to give more support and absorb the extra weight a daypack can add. Outsoles on these styles are slightly more aggressive and provide great stability and traction in uneven terrain. 

Shop A/B Rated Boots          Shop B Rated Boots

For hikers who are taking long trips in the backcountry, where the terrain becomes unpredictable, we suggest boots in our B/C and C Flex-Use Rating scale. These boots are built to handle everything Mother Nature can throw at them. Aggressive outsoles, heavy duty polyurethane midsoles, full length shanks, and world class leather help these boots take the abuse in difficult terrain. This category of footwear is also built to withstand the heavy loads associated with multi-day hikes. You will feel secure leaving the trailhead with your backpack, knowing your feet will be well cared for in boots from our B/C and C Flex-Use rating category. 

Shop B/C Rated Boots          Shop C Rated Boots

Once you have identified the perfect boot for your next journey, we need to make sure you get the right fit. The steps below will help you determine if everything fits correctly. 

• The first piece of fitting advice for hiking boots is to ensure you are trying them on with the exact sock you will be wearing on your next adventure. Heavy socks can change the fit of a boot and it is crucial to get your first fit in the proper socks. We have specific socks made for each type of hiking activity you are doing. Click here to learn why socks are so important and why a quality sock can make all then difference. 

• Try your boots on at the end of the day. Feet swell during the day and by trying them on in the afternoon it ensures you are buying boots that aren't too small. 
• Check to make sure your heel is seated in the heel pocket and there is no slippage. To check for heel slippage, try the boot on in your home by standing on the edge of a stair, flex your foot up and down to determine if your heel is staying in place. Heel slippage is a guaranteed blister. It is important to ensure your heel is locked in. 
• Lastly, check toe space for both feet. Toe room is vital, especially on downhill treks with a heavy backpack on. To check your toe room properly, lace up both boots and find a decline in your home (the edge of a stair facing down is a great option). Once you are on the edge of the stair, angle your foot downward and ensure your foot stays in place inside the boot. If your toes are contacting the front of the boot, you will need to get a 1/2 size larger. Another tried and true method is to take a seat in a chair with your boots unlaced and slide your feet all the way forward until your toes touch the front of the boot. Place your index finger towards the back of the heel and make sure you have at least a finger width behind your heel. 

No matter what activity you are doing we have the right boot for you. If you have any additional questions reach out to one of our boot experts by giving us a call (1-833-563-0101) or send us an email at info@meindlusa.com. 

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