The outdoors is one of the best places to get some rest and relaxation these days. Among outdoor activity, hiking is at the fore front by far. The key to hiking is the proper footwear. Hunting boots are a bit different from regular hiking boots usually due to the fact that you are sitting in one place longer at one period of time versus hiking all day and staying moving. To figure out what boot you need first you must figure out what type of outdoor activity you will be doing. There are many different types of hiking boots out there that are designed for hunting and hiking. Most hiking boots are designed for the typical day hike. The rest are designed for hunters and for people doing overnight hiking trips that require more of a boot type fit. These boots are specially designed to protect the foot and ankle compared to those used for day hikes.
Hunting boots are made for weather proofing the feet and ankle support more than anything else. Walking around in these too much in the wilderness made lead to sore feet more than anything else due to the fact that the designers take into consideration that the hunter is sitting in one place more than walking around looking for the prey. Forget running around in boots such as these as well. Mens hiking boots are designed for impact, weatherfication, and travel compared to hunting boots that are more designed for weatherfication and comfort while sitting in one place. Mens hiking boots take into account the people looking to backpack it overnight and come back the next day or two after they leave for their destination. Day hikes are a bit different than the typical two to three day hike that you would want an actual boot for. A hiking shoe is great for a day or less of hiking while a boot is better for a full day or more of hiking. This is because a boot is designed specifically to protect someone’s ankles and not allow freedom for an ankle to be twisted, same goes for hunting boots but just not for the impact that a hiker will put on boots.
So if you are trying to figure out the difference between hunting boots or hiking shoes, there is a major difference. One is lighter weight and less ankle support while the other is made to support your ankle and absorb the impact better than the other. Womens hiking boots are designed the same way as mens hiking boots. The womens is just designed for the typical arch of a womens versus a mans foot. The worse thing that can happen to a hiker is taking on a full day trail that makes one wish they had a boot on instead of a hiking shoe. So before someone does a trail, they should understand how long the trail will take and what type of ankle support they should have. This will help them out in the long run by far.
Whether you’re a hunter, hiker, or work outdoors; having the right pair of boots can make all the difference. When looking for that perfect pair of boots just remember, there’s no substitute for support and comfort. Happy trails to you and your feet.
By: Brandon Holloway