Hiking Boots
	Hiking boots aren't just regular boots that you wear when hiking. They are boots made specifically for rugged hiking trails, and therefore are made to meet specific requirements to accommodate both the wearer's safety and comfort. The feature of a hiking boot that sets it apart from other types of boots is a sturdy sole. Hikers do not want to feel rocks or stones on trails, so the soles need to be sturdy and thick enough so that this is not a problem. Hiking boots should also have enough padding so that the sides of the feet are protected too.
ENJOYING HIKING IN GOOD BOOTS
	Nothing can end a great outdoor experience quicker than painful blisters, pinched toes or even injuries caused by inappropriate hiking boots. The comfort, fit and construction of appropriate footwear can also add to your margin of safety in rugged terrain. There are different kinds of hiking boots depending on where you will be hiking in them. Select boots that are designed to provide the support and protection you will need for the most difficult terrain you expect to encounter. The load you carry makes a difference. The heavier your load, the more support you will need in the boots on your feet. Most hiking boots these days no longer have a metal shank and other heavy elements to make the boot stable. High-tech materials have replaced them and yet result in a lighter, sturdy, and supportive boot. Hiking boots are available in all-leather versions or a combination of fabric and leather. Fabric-and-leather boots are lighter and easier to break in, but all-leather boots offer added protection and durability in rigorous terrain, as well as being water resistant and breathable. Some hiking boots are made to be water resistant. Some are also better for use in very hot weather or in cold conditions. Synthetic linings such as Gore-Tex® keep water out while allowing perspiration to escape.
TYPES OF HIKING BOOTS
	There are three typical types of hiking boots used today: Trail Shoes: good for hiking in a dry climate and on well-established paths that don't have a lot of rocks. High-quality trail shoes are ideal for one-hour to one-day hikes when you are carrying a light day pack. Trail Hikers: these are sturdier, higher-cut water-resistant boots which have added stability and ankle protection against limbs and rocks. These are best for use on steeper inclines and muddy paths, or if you're planning to stay out for three days to a week. Mountaineering hikers: an extremely strong boot with a stiff sole that provides strong ankle support and protection. These boots work well with crampons and other equipment that may be necessary for certain types of hiking on mountains or glaciers.
MANUFACTURERS OF HIKING BOOTS
There are many companies that make hiking boots. Some of the most popular include: Altama, Columbia, Guide Gear, Kodiak, Northface, Rocky, Timberland, Viberg, and Wolverine.
Content from Wikipedia, L.L. Bean, various internet sources, and Booted Harleydude. Pictures from internet sources. Text from Wikipedia article on Hiking Boots and as edited and contributed to by Booted Harleydude. Text of this article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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