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difference between boots

foolelle

Hey. Just lookin into hiking boots and it seems that there are alot more types than I realised.
can anyone outline some of the differences between hiking, backpacking, trekking and mountain boots?
And does it make much difference if I use the wrong boot for the wrong activity?
I know it seems such a stupid question, but there aint nuthin as painful as painful feet!!

Happy hiking (",)

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irishlostboy

first search the forum. you will find many discussions on boots. many many discussions.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055513315&highlight=boots
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055239696&highlight=boots
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=267221&highlight=boots
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055278548&highlight=boots

things to affect boot choice are;
weather
terrain
extensiveness of use (few hours, days or weeks)
weight you will be carrying
foot shape
personal taste

if it is made of mostly fabric and suead, is lighter and has a lower ankle it is best suited to lighter, faster use. a day or two in the hills in summer.
if it is full leather, heavy and has a high ankle it is for harder conditions under heavier loads for longer times.
if it is made of plastic it is for winter climbing in countries with real mountains and only of use if that is what you are at.
if it looks like a runner, then that is what it is most likely for.
as mentioned in other threads, goretex and vibram soles are good to most people.
hopefully this puts you on the right road for your needs.

Hugh_C

irishlostboy wrote: »

things to affect boot choice are;
...

personal taste

For me, the brasher supalite gtx is a fantastic boot that has served in all weathers up to 6000m. Light enough for daily wear, hard-wearing enough for heavy mountain work. Stocked in Great Outdoors amongst other places.

Hugh

Noangel72

...hard to give a short answer....I started with easy, soft-sole, multi-material shoes when I started hiking and finished on a pair of hard-sole, leather boots for ice and rock climbing..........in Ireland I wouldn't wear anything but a highly water resistant single-material boot....if you are doing light hiking in a dry climate (Alps) I would go for light hiking shoes......go for a soft-sole hiking boot if you intend doing something a bit more challenging........leave hard-sole boots for when you are more experienced......