Use waterproof hiking boots when you know you will be hiking in very wet weather. Wet weather means
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Because of this, you should look for 2 must-have features in waterproof hiking boots:
If only light rain is in the forecast or it&#;s a bit of wet grass and nothing else, consider getting water-repellent, water-resistant, or regular hiking boots. There are a few reasons why it&#;s best you&#;re sure you need waterproof hiking boots:
You might be OK with a lower level of protection against water.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Consult this table:
Water-resistant
Water-repellent
Waterproof
General characteristics
a tightly woven fabric that is naturally capable of resisting water upon contact
fabric treated with durable water-repellent (DWR) or hydrophobic chemicals
-fabric treated with DWR
-have waterproofing membranes like Gore-Tex and OutDry
-have seam-sealed construction for extra protection
Water protection level
low water protection
moderate water protection
high water protection
Water pressure resistance
0- mm (no pressure or moisture)
- mm (light pressure)
- mm (high to very high pressure)
Weather conditions best used in
light rain shower and dry snow
light rain and average snow
moderate to heavy rain and average to wet snow
Waterproof hiking boots have a waterproof membrane laminated with the upper material. The most common waterproof material is called Gore-Tex or GTX. However, it is not the only waterproof material present in hiking footwear. Many brands develop their own waterproof membrane but all of them specify on the box (and, often, on the shoe) that it is waterproof.
Best to look for a) the name of the waterproof membrane or b) &#;waterproof&#; or &#;WP&#; on the shoe or on its box.
Gore-Tex logo visible on the upper of different hiking bootsA few other examples of waterproof materials:
that you can also look for on the shoe itself (or its box).
Non-GTX waterproof signs/membranes used in hiking bootsTongue can be:
Gusseted tongues do a great job at keeping the debris and water (slush, snow, mud) outside of your boots.
Obvious fully gusseted tongue in a waterproof hiking bootHowever, if you know that you&#;ll be hiking in very wet weather, consider upping the ante with the gaiters. They also come in waterproof variants (GTX or other materials) and are great at keeping your feet and lower legs dry!
We test all the hiking boots on our test hikes and in our lab. This allows us to have a complete picture of how a certain boot feels and performs. When it comes to breathability, we perform a standardized test on all boots which lets us rate the breathability on a 1-5 scale.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Waterproof hiking boot that scored 1/5 on our breathability test (left) vs. a non-waterproof boot that scored 4/5 (right)
We use a smoke machine and pump the smoke into the boot. Then, we watch as the smoke comes out: where it comes out and at which pace. In non-breathable shoes (breathability rating: 1) the smoke does not come out or only some of it comes out, usually not through the toebox where breathable boots would breathe.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Laminated GTX membrane seen on the inside of the waterproof hiking boot
Unlike regular hiking boots, waterproof ones have an extra layer: waterproof membrane. Although manufacturers like Gore-Tex claim that their materials are breathable, we&#;ve seen it again and again that they are not. Or at least not enough to be compared to the regular materials who can rate 4/5 and 5/5 on our breathability test.
What also does not help with breathability is the padding on the tongue. While it&#;s great to have it, because it provides additional warmth and prevents a lace bite when you tighten the laces, it might cause additional sweating when too thick and the boots are not used in very cold weather.
Using a digital caliper to measure the thickness of the tongueIf you find this curious, look for our measurements in hiking boot reviews. We use a digital caliper to measure the padding and note it down.
A part of doing our breathability test is looking at the upper under the microscope.
Looking at the upper of a waterproof hiking boot under the microscope in RunRepeat labThis allows us to see how breathable, non-waterproof uppers have a more loose structure and sometimes even ventilation holes. With waterproof uppers, it is just the opposite.
Uppers under the microscope: non-waterproof hiking boot (left), waterproof hiking boot (center), and Gore-Tex hiking boot (right)This only confirms what we&#;ve seen on the smoke test.
First, you should know what type of terrain you&#;re going to cover. It&#;s obviously going to be wet, but are we talking about soft ground or hard ground? Rocks or mud?
Here are our general guidelines, backed by hundreds of wear tests and lab tests:
In our lab, we always measure the thickness of lugs, so we&#;ve got you covered.
Measuring the thickness of the lugs with a digital caliperGrip is not about the lug thickness only, the hardness of the outsole rubber also plays a role. Generally, harder rubber offers more protection (from sharp rocks, debris) andis more durable. Softer rubber tends to be stickier but less durable, which is why it is not recommended to use soft outsoles on hard ground.
Another lab test and we&#;ve got you covered again. We use a durometer to measure the hardness of the rubber. The lower the number, the softer the rubber and vice versa.
Using a shore C durometer to measure the hardness of the outsole rubber in waterproof hiking bootsAre you interested in learning more about Outdoor waterproof EVA boots? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Hiking in wet weather can put the hiking boots to a very good test, one where durability comes to light. In our shoe lab, we test durability on 3 parts of the hiking boot: toebox, heel counter, and outsole.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Toebox durability test
In all 3 cases, we press a Dremel against the boot. In case of a toebox and heel counter durability, we assess the durability on a 1-5 scale based on the damage the dremel has made.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Testing the durability of the heel padding with a dremel in RunRepeat lab
This way, toe boxes and heel paddings that have a rating of 1/5 for durability are the least durable and those rated 5/5 are the most durable.
Different levels of damage on the heel padding in hiking boots (result of a durability test)When it comes to the durability of the outsole, we use a tire tread gauge to exactly measure the dent made by the dremel.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Using a dremel to test the durability of the outsole in RunRepeat lab
The shallower the dent, the more durable the outsole is.
Different levels of damage on the outsole in hiking boots (result of a durability test)With this in mind, you can look for the most durable waterproof hiking boots and prioritize the durability that you want most.
Stability is very important when it comes to hiking, especially when doing so in wet weather which means the terrain can be slippery.
If you add a heavy backpack or uneven terrain to that, stability really gets prioritized!
On our test hikes, we always check whether the boot feels stable (lateral stability).
Your browser does not support the video tag.Testing lateral stability in waterproof hiking boots during a wear test
But, in the lab, the numbers that tell us whether the shoe is stable or not are measurements of the width of the base. Narrower and higher bases (midsoles) are easier to tip over, while wider bases allow us to feel planted and secure when hiking.
Measuring the width of the base (midsole) in waterproof hiking boots: forefoot (left) and heel (right)These are top waterproof hiking boots that we tested with the widest midsoles:
If you never bought hiking boots before, it&#;s a good idea to stick to these guidelines:
Also, keep in mind that most hiking boots need some breaking in. Don&#;t take them straight out of the box to a long multi-day hike.
Given how lousy these boots scored on our breathability tests, look for socks that have moisture-wicking features. The best, in our experience, are those made of wool and bamboo.
We don&#;t recommend getting waterproof hiking socks in the combination with waterproof hiking boots. The non-breathability of both is a recipe for disaster (blisters, at least).
Hiking boots have come a long way since the s when athletic-shoe-style hiking boots were first introduced. We&#;re also now wearing them for a more versatile array of outdoor adventures from fastpacking and trail running, to extended backcountry hunting treks and serious mountain trailblazing.
RedHead Everest III Hiking Boots for MenMastering this broad shoe selection doesn&#;t have to be overwhelming - finding your perfect hiking boots is an easy matter of understanding the anatomy of hiking boots and some specialty features, the different types of boots available, and knowing when to replace them.
Tip: Beginner's Guide to Safe Hiking Tips & th Best Gear
Shop hiking boots for men, shop hiking boots for women, shop base layers for kids at Bass Pro Shops.
Shop hiking boots for men, shop hiking boots for women, shop base layers for kids at Cabela's
Boot Uppers - Made of leather, fabric and rubber, these portions cover your feet from the soles up and are attached to the lasts with a combination of adhesive and stitching. The type of material used to construct the uppers impacts their weight, breathability, warmth factor, durability and water-protection level. Most leather uppers are waterproof, and nearly all are extremely supportive and durable, which makes leather a top choice for uppers. Uppers constructed from a single piece of material will have great water resistance, too.
Other components of the boot uppers - Every piece plays an important role, and understanding these will help you choose the right boots.
Soles - Hiking boots&#; soles have three components: insoles, midsoles and outsoles. The soles are attached to the uppers with either stitching or adhesive. While stitched soles are easier to replace, glued or cemented soles are lighter and more flexible.
Insoles - Often removable, these directly touch and cushion your feet.
Midsoles - Provide stability and disperse weight. Incorporated shanks made of plastic or steel provide stiffness and even more support to the bottom of the boots.
Compression-molded EVA - A foamlike material, ethyl vinyl acetate is extremely lightweight.
Injection-molded EVA - Hot plastics are injected into a mold for more uniform density from heel to toe. Lightweight without the need for stitching, these midsoles are more waterproof than soles with stitching because there are fewer seams.
PU - Short for polyurethane, this is relatively heavier but offers durable support with greater impact resistance and shock absorption
TPR - Short for thermoplastic rubber, this material is flexible like leather, but lighter, washable and more durable.
Ascend Lisco Waterproof HikersOutsoles - Made of rubber and sometimes hardened with carbon for durability, these are what help keep you on your feet. Most have lugs on the bottoms - protruding rubber tips that provide traction and help shed mud. Lugs vary in size according to the type of shoes they&#;re on. Note that extra-hardened outsoles can feel slippery if you go off trail.
Knowing the pros and cons and necessity of different weatherproofing technologies that are out there for footwear will help ensure you have the right boots for the job without spending too much or buying something you don&#;t need.
Water-resistant vs. Waterproof - Water-resistant fabrics and treatments shed water but don&#;t prevent water from soaking through to your feet once your boots are saturated. Waterproof liners and laminates applied to seals and uppers 100% block water from soaking through to your feet.
RedHead Front Range Hiking BootsBreathability - Make sure that if your boots are waterproof, they&#;re also breathable. Most high-quality waterproof treatments make the fabric weave smaller than a water molecule, but large enough for air to escape through. This helps keep your feet drier and therefore warmer in cold weather.
Light/Active Hiking Boots - These beefed-up running shoes are designed for one- to two-day hikes that involve carrying a light load when you feel the call to tread off the beaten path.
Usually lightweight and flexible with limited ankle support due to lower cuts, these feature combination uppers of leather and mesh for overall support and breathability, sometimes at the cost of little to no water protection. Conservative tread and lugs make these best for maintained trails, and these usually have a short breaking-in period.
Midweight/Traditional Hiking Boots - The most versatile of hiking-boot options, these are designed for walking over varying terrain with moderate inclines, and can support your feet, arches and ankles with enough cushion and comfort for carrying midweight to heavy packs. Uppers are usually a combination of leather and synthetics, giving them abrasion resistance and water protection.
Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX GORE-TEXMidsoles are stiffer with durable, lightweight outsoles that are sturdy enough to withstand aggressive mileage. These are offered in different cuts &#&#; low, mid and high heights &#; making them ideal not only for hiking but trail running, fastpacking and training.
Backpacking/Mountain Boots - Designed for multiple days on the trail or deep backcountry trips with extreme terrain and the most relentless weather, these support you the best when you&#;re carrying a heavy pack. Designed so you can tackle the harshest Mother Nature offers, these are as stout as they get - durable, supportive, waterproof, breathable and warm.
Their high-shaft leather uppers provide maximum ankle support, and have stiff midsoles to protect your feet from rocky terrain. Deep, aggressive tread and longer lugs shed mud and debris better. These are also heavier, and can have longer break-in periods.
Like any equipment, hiking boots are going to wear out; when they wear out depends on how long you&#;ve had them, how much you&#;ve worn them and what kind of weather they&#;ve been through. Knowing when they&#;re shot is key to ensuring a positive outdoor experience as well as having healthy feet to carry you through to your next excursion. Replace your boots if:
Tip: Shop Insoles, Boot Dryers & Shoe Accessories here
To ensure a long life for your boots and a comfortable experience for your feet, make sure you&#;re wearing adequate socks that will help your boots perform their best. Stay away from 100% cotton hiking socks, as these retain moisture instead of wicking it away from your skin - wearing these on a longer hike are usually just asking for blisters.
Your laces may wear out before your boots, and replacing them if they are fraying or breaking is an affordable way to keep wearing your boots. If your light or midweight boots did not come with a water-protection technology, sprayable water-resistant treatments like Cabela's Waterproofing Aersol are available that you can apply yourself.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of PVC Rain Farm Boots. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.