What kind of hiking boots do you require?

There are all sorts of hiking boots avialable for your specific purpose, but I'll let you in on a little secret... I don't use hiking boots at all. I've always wanted to invest in a good pair but I've never actually done it.

If you're off with your friends and family to your favorite family campground then I suppose footwear is less of an issue. Besides, nothing says summertime relaxation better than loafing around barefoot ar in a pair of flip-flops or sandals. This type of footwear is more suited to the beach type of camping. However, even if your just taking your kids on a small hike on the trails near you campsite, then a pair of hiking boots of some description could be in order.

If you're new to the camping scene and have not done much in the way of hiking in the woods then you should be made aware that footwear can make the difference between an enjoyable hike with your family or a night spent with feet that ache every time you put your body weight on them.

In general I feel that hiking boots should offer support to your arches and ankles. We all know what it's like to twist your ankle when you're walking down the street or stairs or something. Twisting your ankle while out enjoying mother nature has a better chance of causing a break or sprain. Even groomed walking trails are covered in rocks and roots from trees that you may not easily see. This type of terrain tends to be damp and when roots are trod on repeatedly they become smooth and slippery. You can see the problem already eh? You're walking up the trail talking to your kids, not paying complete attention to what you're doing you step on a tree root, it's slippery and you start to fall, you take a corrective step with your other foot and twist your ankle badly. Now you're laying in the middle of the trail trying to watch your tongue so the kids don't get the wrong idea and you're camping trip has gone to pot in a hurry. If you had worn hiking boots then this could have been avoided.

Stiff soles are also a plus if you're back country hiking or if you're doing any portaging with a canoe. Small stones and uneven cracks and roots and such can cause the muscles in your feet to have to work harder than they're used to (walking down the sidewalk). This causes the muscles to become strained and will cause you pain later. To some extent you may be able towalk the pain off but you will definately have some discomfort getting started.

As I stated above I don't wear hiking boots. The only reason I don't is because I have not bought a pair. When I do though I know what I'll be looking for. They'll be light, waterproofed, high support on the ankle, stiff soles and a reasonably soft tread that will grip rock and other terrain more easily. I suspect that I will pay a pretty good dollar for such a boot but like I always say, you get what you pay for. I'll continue to bring flip-flops lashed to my backpack for lounging around my site.

It's pretty easy for me to tell you how to spend your money on camping equipment but you need to at least be aware that if you're doing an activity you're not used to, there's potential for discomfort in your body later. At least get something cheap that will offer the support you need. If you decide you enjoy hiking for example, then you'll be able to justify a good pair of hiking boots later.

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