Before you go Hiking/Walking you should always make sure you have the appropriate footwear, trust me I have made that mistake!When buying hiking boots/shoes fashion and worrying about what you look like isn't the priority. Your going to need to make sure the Boots/Shoes cater for all your needs.
What Style Should you go For?
There is a couple of different styles you could be looking into, but which one do you go for and what's the difference between them?
Day Hiking Boots - These are the boots your going to want on a day hike, they support your ankle and are pretty sturdy when it comes to durability for those day time hikes. Most of the Day Hiking Boots you find are Waterproof and can be more comfy for those shorter hikes with a lightweight backpack on.
Backpacking Boots - These are the kinda boots you'll look at if your doing the more extreme stuff! They have incredible ankle support even when you are carrying a heavy backpack. They also tend to have some breathibilty as well, more so than a Day Hiking Boot would have. If your planning on a weekend hiking trip where your carrying extreme weight on your back these would be the boots to go for. If your only going hiking for a day though a Day Hiking Boot will have the exact same effect as a Backpacking Boot would have and they are usually cheaper.
The Hiking Shoe - If your planning on going on a long walk that covers more flatter terrain these are the shoes you'll want. They don't have any ankle support that you'd need on those big hikes but they are lighter for those afternoon walks and probably a lot more comfortable. But if you are planning on hiking these WILL NOT be suitable.
Do They Need to be Waterproof?
If your high in the mountains and the heavens open are your shoes going to start squelching, squeaking and rubbing. You can never predict what the weather is going to do, it may be hot and sunny on the ground but the minute you start getting some altitude it could get windy and rainy. Some of the bigger mountains you may find snow on, getting to the top and realising snow is soaking its way into your Boots could ruin your whole experience. So your probably thinking well why wouldn't you get Waterproof walking boots/shoes? Obviously with everything there can be negatives such as breathability, when your walking your feet are going to be prone to getting a bit sweaty! Without the breathibily of your shoes having your back you may find yourself in a bit of discomfort. Also if you're to cross a stream and water finds its way into the top of your boots they are going to take a lot longer to dry than a pair of maybe lighter boots/shoes would. Some time's even Waterproof boots can't hold out all the rain water, some people would say if your going to get wet either way you may as well go for the option where your feet dry quicker. Always do your research before purchasing a pair of walking boots/shoes. Plan out your trails and think about what your most likely to need. Always have a look at what other people recommend as well.
Have you got the Grip you Need?
You need to make sure your equipt for any terrain you may come across on a walk\hike, a lot of hikes involve climbing and you need to know that your boots/shoes are going to get you up there! There is nothing worse than feeling unsafe while climbing over rocks or even walking down hill you could easily slip and it's a long roll to the bottom!I know full well that when I am walking on the edge of a cliff I can trust my boots to grip hold of the ground under my feet. It also makes me more willing to try things I didn't think I could achieve because I know my boots will grip. As I have said previously if you come across snow on a mountain you don't want to worry about slipping on the ice. Trust me from past experience you don't want to spend most of the time on your bum.
Break Them In!
I can not express this more! I bought a new pair of walking boots right before walking up Mount Snowdon and I didn't break them in (Even though my partner told me to). They rubbed the backs of my ankles to the point It was so painful to walk! I have worn the same boots a few times now and they don't rub anymore but I really wish I had broken them in before Snowdon as it ruined my whole experience, I spent a majority of the time asking people for plasters instead of enjoying the scenery. So when buying your new boots/Shoes make sure you have them in plenty of time before your big Hike so you can wear them on smaller walks first. I am no expert and when I write I only write from experience, as a 25 year old that doesn't do a lot of exorcise I hope to help those who are also in a similar position to me and just need that little bit of encouragement to take the leap and get out there.
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