Boot Construction

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There are three main components of a hiking boot: the upper, the midsole, and the outsole. The upper, usually made of leather or a combination of fabric and leather. Leather is the most durable, form fitting, and waterproof material available. In leather there is full-grain and split-grain(suede). Full-grain is the outside layer from the cow's hide. This grain is most durable against abrasion and water penetration. Any layer that is not from the outside layer of the hide is considered to be a split-grain. Split-grain layers are softer, breathe better, and stretch easily. Because it is supple, split-grain does not offer the same support as that of full-grain and is more difficult to waterproof. You can waterproof your boots by treating them with Nikwax.

Soles are made up of three components: the outsole, the midsole, and the insole. The insole comes in direct contact with the foot and can be inserted or taken out of the boot. Usually the insole acts as a cushion for the foot and can sometimes offer some arch support.

Next comes the midsdole. The midsole gives the boot stability. The midsole offers some of the protection from the foot being bruised by rocks and roots embedded in the trail. This also gives the boot it's torsional rigidity. In other words, makes the boot stiff or flimsy. The outsole comes in direct contact with the ground. Usually made of rubber, it is identified by the tread, that offers varying degrees of traction. There are also important factors in attaching these soles to the uppers.

Soles(mid and outer) are attached to the uppers by glue, stitching, or a combination of the two.

Lightweight boots- Not only referring to the actual weight in pounds, grams, etc. but to the intended use of the boots. Light hikers usually look and feel like high-top tennis shoes. These boots are light, flexible, and require little to no break in time. They are relatively inexpensive and are an excellent way to see if you will enjoy hiking. Because they are only intended to be used for day hikes, carrying only the essentials(water, snacks, additional light layers, first-aid kit) that will easily fit into a fanny pack or a small day pack, they should not be used for backpacking trips requiring a loaded pack. These trips require a boot with more ankle support.

Most lightweight boots are made with a combination of fabric(cordura) and leather. This allows for the increased flexibility that heavier boots do not possess. The combination also provides plenty of breathability, for extra comfort. The midsole is usually made of EVA(ethyl vinyl acetate) which offers enough support for light use, but is not recommended for backpacking. The intended use for this boot are light day hikes on existing trails only carrying those essential items mentioned earlier. These boots can cost any where from $70 to $185 depending on manufacturer and materials utilized.

Midweight Boots- are used when a hiker carries additional weight and the trail traveled is more rugged. The midweight boot is the most popular boot, in part because of it's versatility. It can be used in light hiking situations, is great for it's intended use(short trips with 10-25 pound pack), and can even be a temporary boot for the person wishing to attempt a longer hike requiring additional weight. These boots are usually made of a full grain leather or split grain leather. The best of these would be full grain. Split grain(suede) is more supple, which requires less break-in time but also offers less support and usually does not last as long as full-grain. The best boots will have a one piece construction. One piece construction will allow the boot to form to the foot better, better breathability and waterproofness(from lack of stitching), and durability(again from a lack of stitching). The midsole is usually made of a polyethylene sheet that is stiffer than the EVA. There are other varieties of midsole but they serve the same purpose as the polyethylene. Finally, the sole is a lugged, usually Vibram, rubber to enhance the boots ability to give support and traction while walking on rough, unlevel ground while carrying weight.

Heavy weight boots- These are the creme-de-la-creme of hiking boots. Used primarily when hiking with a lot of weight(45+ pounds), hiking long periods of time, and over extremely rough terrain. The uppers are about as thick as leather can be and the midsoles are very thick, as are the soles. This creates a boot that can withstand excessive use during extreme conditions(carrying allot of weight, in wet conditions, in cold conditions, and rough terrain over long periods of time and miles of trail). Because of their stiffness one must allow for plenty of break-in time before the first excursion. If these boots have not been broken in before the first trip, many blisters can form, making the trip not as fun as anticipated. Most of these boots can harness crampons, which are important when crossing packed snow, ice, and/or glaciers. If you, the hiker, plan to do long sections or through hike the Appalachian Trail or Continental Divide Trail these boots would be a necessity.

• Outsole - This is the portion of boot that meets the ground again, and again. Sometimes known as the “tread”, this is what gives you traction across dirt and rocks.
  
• Low impact sole - Low impact relates to the boot sole, much like “street” relates to the tires on your car. Street tires are treaded to provide comfort, and a smooth ride down the road. Low impact soles are the same idea. They provide a softer more shallow tread that will not wear down the surface you are walking on, and will provide you a softer, more gentle step.
  
• Shank - The shank is what gives the mid-sole it’s stiffness. Composed of steel or plastic, the strip is essential to the foundation of the boot.
  
• Midsole - The midsole is most important in foot support. It a layer of foam, or polyurethane found between the insole and outsole of the boot cemented to the shank. The duty of the midsole is to give your foot arch support and assist in absorbing the shock of each step.
  
• Rand - The rubber rand, is much like a rubber band. It is the band on the outside of the boot that runs between the upper and the sole to protect the seam from H2O.
  
• Insole - The insole is a thin foam insert that may be replaced from time to time or initially with a better after market product. It is responsible for dissipating the shock of each step, and wicks away sweat from your foot.
  
• Heel Counter - This cups your heel to help avoid the dreaded twisted ankle, and keeps your heel from slipping up and down.
  
• Heel Collar - The heel collar is designed to absorb pressure placed on the Achilles Tendon and ankle. This is accomplished by placing extra padded material above the heel counter. Sometimes this material may also be called the scree collar because it provides protection from unwanted debris that tries to find it’s way into your boots.
  
• Upper - It is designed to protect your toes, top of the foot and heel from unseen objects and rocks found on the trail. The upper can be synthetic or leather and surrounds the foot securely with padding by being laced up. The upper is the portion of the boot that provides the support for your ankles while negotiating tough terrain.
  
• Fully-gusseted tongue - In order to keep the interior of your boots free from debris, the tongue is sewn to the upper along both sides.
  
• Norwegian Welt - This method of attaching the sole to the upper is done by stitching. Hence, many outdoor enthusiasts prefer these boots because they can wear a single pair for years by simply replacing the sole when needed.
  
• Cemented - This method of boot construction is the lightweight alternative to Norwegian Welt. The sole is simply glued to the upper vs. the stitched method of Norwegian Welt.

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