Walking is always great. It is our great passion. If the trails can be made with added safety, minimizing injuries, so much better.
The use of a trekking boot is not just a luxury that leaves us with a more adventurous look: it is, above all, an investment in our safety.
the main advantages of good quality boots over other shoes:
a) Its sole is very grippy, both on earth and on rocks and logs, significantly increasing the safety of the stride. Both the nails (elevations) and the composition of the sole contribute to this;
b) The upper, which is the leather or canvas upper part of the shoe, is quite resistant, heroically supporting the friction with rocks and trunks. There are boots with leather uppers, in Cordura (synthetic canvas), mixed (leather and Cordura) and, more recently, in nanox, a material that, it is promised, is more robust and lighter than leather;
c) Many of the trekking boots are waterproofed, preventing water entry if we walk with water almost up to the height of the pipe. This is very important, as the trek often goes through river rocks and muddy ponds. Keeping your feet dry is not just a matter of comfort.
A dry boot, combined with a good sock, dramatically reduces the formation of bubbles, which can hinder or even take away all the charm of outdoor activity. Important: it is not the leather that is waterproof, but the lining of the boot. The lining of good boots prevents water from entering while allowing sweat to flow out;
d) The tall barrel dramatically reduces the likelihood of torsions and therefore also fractures. Of course, in this case, the boot must be constantly kept tight to the feet and ankle. Beware of boots that “look” appropriate for trekking but are urban walking shoes. Neither its upper nor its sole and lining are suitable for trekking. Some even famous brands fit this description.
Some General Considerations
leather uppers need more care than Cordura or nanox uppers. Periodic hydration of the leather is essential to maintain the integrity and beauty of the boot. As for Cordura and nanox, damp cloth and a soft brush is enough to remove traces of trekking;
Currently, the idea of buying boots a number larger than your foot is better. This allows the use of two socks (one skinny on the inside and one suitable for trekking on the outside, both without cotton), which helps avoid blisters.
The use of suitable socks is also advisable: Decathlon (model MH500) and other trekking supply stores sell entirely synthetic socks (cotton facilitates the formation of bubbles) and are reinforced in places with greater friction. Some wear two socks: a skinny one on the bottom and a thicker one on top. Currently, we are adept at this practice. Search for Wonderfold