HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HIKING BOOTS
One of the many benefits of living at one of the retirement communities in Denver, Colorado is easy access to a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities. From skiing in winter to kayaking during summer, residents of our senior living center in Denver can remain active to develop a healthy mind and body. One of the most popular types of outdoor recreational activities is hiking. Hundreds of miles of trails traverse the Rocky Mountains, as well as form a labyrinth of hiking options around the greater Denver metro area.
One of the keys to getting the most out of hiking is to invest in apparel that keeps you both functional and comfortable. The type of hiking boots that you wear goes a long way toward achieving both goals. Let’s review a few of the factors that help you know how to choose the right hiking boots.
Know the Types of Hiking Boots
Like all types of shoes, hiking boots come in a wide variety of styles. On one end of the spectrum, you have the option to wear hiking boots that feature hard, highly durable soles that include fast-gripping treads. On the other end of the spectrum, low-cut hiking boots come with more breathable materials to enhance comfort. The middle ground type of hiking boots contain breathable materials, but they also include fast-gripping tread.
Understand Your Foot Health
The health status of your feet plays a significant role in determining the type of hiking boots you should wear. For example, if you tend to sustain ankle injuries or develop issues such as tendonitis, then you should consider wearing ankle-supporting hiking boots. If you tend to develop blisters on the feet, then your primary consideration should be a pair of hiking boots that contain soft, breathable soles.
Type of Hiking
Where do you plan to do most of your hiking? If you plan to stay mostly on even surfaces like the many trails around Denver, then a pair of lower-cut hiking boots should work well for you. On the other hand, if you plan to take your feet into mountainous terrain, you should consider hiking boots that provide ankle support to handle backcountry trails. You also should consider the amount of weight you expect to carry, as well as weather factors such as precipitation.
Waterproof or Weather-Resistant
Although the two terms seem similar, the fact remains that waterproof and weather-resistant mean two separate things. Waterproof hiking boots contain a membrane like Gore-Tex that prevents water from entering a pair of hiking boots. Although waterproof boots prevent water from entering a pair of hiking boots, they tend to develop moisture inside due to poor breathability. Water-resistant boots receive a treatment that prevents moisture from absorbing into the fabric of a pair of hiking boots.
The Right Fit
Now we come to the most important factor for learning how to choose the right hiking boots: Achieving the right fit. Although you cannot test drive a pair of hiking boots by taking them on a hike, you can discover the right fit for you by trying out different boots at a sporting goods store. A trained sales professional can help you find the right fit for a pair of hiking boots that deliver optimal comfort and functionality.MorningStar at Observatory Park provides residents with many opportunities to stay active. This includes scheduling day outings that feature plenty of hiking. Discover why our assisted living facility in Denver ranks high on Google reviews by scheduling a tour today.