How can I chose a good pair of hiking boots?
I have just taken up hiking but have found both my achilles tendons are really sore afterwards and feel painfully bruised. I was wearing lightweight w...
I have just taken up hiking but have found both my achilles tendons are really sore afterwards and feel painfully bruised. I was wearing lightweight walking boots which I’ve had a few years but have only started hurting now. Any idea why? Also, what should iI look for in new boots? I’ll be taking part in 30km hikes in snowy conditions, cross country terrain.
It sounds like your boots are not fitting you very well – they may be too loose and thus rubbing against the back of your heel as you walk.
Unfortunately, there is no simple best answer for hiking boots since everybodys feet are a little different and a brand that is great for one person, may be the pits for somebody else. After trying a variety of different boots and brands over the years, I have settled on the Raiche GTX (also sold by REI under the name Spirit) – they are comfortable, water-proof and very sturdy (my treads are still holding up after over 400 miles on them).
If you are going to be hiking in snow, than you will want water-proof boots (ie: Gore-Tex lining) and may want to consider a boot that can work with strap-on crampons (for extra support in ice).
Backpacker Magazine just came out with their yearly gear guide issue and gave the Timberland Cadion the best rating for comfort and fit on women’s boots. You should pick up the issue, bucause it gives the low down on a variety of brands and recent styles. They also have a lot of good tips for picking out boots, specifically:
1 – Shop in the afternoon when your feet are larger
2 – Have them measure your feet for a good fit
3 – Try on several different models and brands
4 – Spend at least 15 minutes walking around in each pair
5 – Wait for perfection – don’t settle, if they don’t fit
6 – Consider adding padding and aftermarket supports/soles.
A good fit is one where you have wiggle room in the toes, but your heel is firm and snug. I would also strongly recommend going to an outdoor type store that specializes in hiking/camping gear and whose sales staff hikes themselves as opposed to a general shoe store or sporting goods store. REI is a good national chain, but many towns in outdoor areas will also have a small local outfitter or hiking shack.
You could try millets they are good at advising of the best hiking boots. You should really be wearing heavy duty boots rather than the lightweight ones that you have been using. Try Scarpas’ for a named boot. These will give excellent support for your feet!
Happy hiking!
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Sounds more like your body is getting used to doing something it hadnt done. Just a pair of boots isnt going to fix achilles pain. Give them time to feel better before you do this 30 k walk.
References :
Visit a reputable outdoor gear store with a good footwear department. Find a sales person that is knowledgeble and explain your recent problem. You may have a foot size or shape that will only be comfortable in a certain brand. Good stores will have a variety of manufacturers that fit quite differently from each other.
If you did the kind of distance you spoke of in your description paragraph, it would be normal for you to have achillies pain from wearing a boot with minimal ankle support. Most heavy hikers (for days that are 15+ km), generally the ankle support is strong, the footbed is very stiff (prevent rock bruising on the soles of your feet) and the sole has a rocker in the ball of your foot to compensate for there being less ankle movement.
My favourite boot is the Hanwag – mine are +10 years old, but are similar to the Lima (trekking)
References :
It sounds like your boots are not fitting you very well – they may be too loose and thus rubbing against the back of your heel as you walk.
Unfortunately, there is no simple best answer for hiking boots since everybodys feet are a little different and a brand that is great for one person, may be the pits for somebody else. After trying a variety of different boots and brands over the years, I have settled on the Raiche GTX (also sold by REI under the name Spirit) – they are comfortable, water-proof and very sturdy (my treads are still holding up after over 400 miles on them).
If you are going to be hiking in snow, than you will want water-proof boots (ie: Gore-Tex lining) and may want to consider a boot that can work with strap-on crampons (for extra support in ice).
Backpacker Magazine just came out with their yearly gear guide issue and gave the Timberland Cadion the best rating for comfort and fit on women’s boots. You should pick up the issue, bucause it gives the low down on a variety of brands and recent styles. They also have a lot of good tips for picking out boots, specifically:
1 – Shop in the afternoon when your feet are larger
2 – Have them measure your feet for a good fit
3 – Try on several different models and brands
4 – Spend at least 15 minutes walking around in each pair
5 – Wait for perfection – don’t settle, if they don’t fit
6 – Consider adding padding and aftermarket supports/soles.
A good fit is one where you have wiggle room in the toes, but your heel is firm and snug. I would also strongly recommend going to an outdoor type store that specializes in hiking/camping gear and whose sales staff hikes themselves as opposed to a general shoe store or sporting goods store. REI is a good national chain, but many towns in outdoor areas will also have a small local outfitter or hiking shack.
References :
Frequent hiker and backpacker