Judge John Hodgman on the Limits of Tall Privilege
If you’re tall, can you put your hiking boots on the dining table?
Supported byJudge John Hodgman on the Limits of Tall PrivilegeIf you’re tall, can you put your hiking boots on the dining table?ByJohn HodgmanKatie writes:Because he’s tall,my husband, Andrew, puts our backpacking gear on the dining table, including our shoes, which I don’t think should be on eating surfaces. He says that he wouldn’t do it if he had stepped in dog poop, and that the thousands of steps we take each day remove anything objectionable.Setting aside that weird brag, let’s first establish that being tall does notentitleyou to put your hiking boots on the dining table. But I get why you bought this premise. The tall guys I know get away with a lot. Height is the quiet superpower of passive intimidation. Andrew may not even realize, as he swans through the average-size world, why people instinctively get out of the way — of both his body and opinions. Nor does he probably appreciate how (semiliterally) belittling it is when he tries to talk you out of your feelings, rather than simply respecting them because he loves you. He should put that energy into finding a nice tall bench for the garage.John Hodgmanis the host of the “Judge John Hodgman” podcast.More about John Hodgman
[{"title": "Judge John Hodgman on the Limits of Tall Privilege", "link": "https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/07/magazine/judge-john-hodgman-on-the-limits-of-tall-privilege.html"}, {"title": "", "link": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge_John_Hodgman#:~:text=Judge%20John%20Hodgman%20is%20a,distributed%20online%20by%20Maximum%20Fun.&text=30%E2%80%9360%20min.&text=The%20program%20features%20host%20John,within%20a%20fictional%20courtroom%20setting."}, {"title": "", "link": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/judge-john-hodgman/id337713843#:~:text=If%20you'd%20like%20John,to%20hodgman%40maximumfun.org."}, {"title": "", "link": "https://maximumfun.org/transcripts/judge-john-hodgman/transcript-judge-john-hodgman-ep-496-a-gallon-of-scallops/#:~:text=Go%20to%20Brooklinen.com%2C%20and,first%20order%20and%20free%20shipping."}, {"title": "John Hodgman", "link": "https://www.nytimes.com/by/john-hodgman"}, {"title": "210 General Awesomeness ideas in 2024 | poem a day ...", "link": "https://www.pinterest.com/shoppingscardio/general-awesomeness/"}, {"title": "Judge John Hodgman on the Limits of Tall Privilege", "link": "https://babie.cc/article/74295"}, {"title": "John Hodgman", "link": "https://twitter.com/hodgman/status/854451403640754176"}, {"title": "TRANSCRIPT Judge John Hodgman Ep. 457: Objection! ...", "link": "https://maximumfun.org/transcripts/judge-john-hodgman/transcript-judge-john-hodgman-ep-457-objection-sustainable/"}, {"title": "TRANSCRIPT Judge John Hodgman Ep. 517: Amicus Beef", "link": "https://maximumfun.org/transcripts/judge-john-hodgman/transcript-judge-john-hodgman-ep-517-amicus-beef/"}, {"title": "Lauren's College Life", "link": "https://eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu/laurenblachorsky/"}, {"title": "TRANSCRIPT Ep. 465: Licorice Adjacent Flavor", "link": "https://maximumfun.org/transcripts/judge-john-hodgman/transcript-judge-john-hodgman-ep-465-licorice-adjacent-flavor/"}, {"title": "John Hodgman Reflects On His Mother's Death And White ...", "link": "https://www.npr.org/2017/10/30/560805973/john-hodgman-reflects-on-his-mothers-death-and-white-privilege"}, {"title": "Previously, on Analog Senses...", "link": "http://www.analogsenses.com/archive"}, {"title": "The Project Gutenberg eBook of Watson's Magazine, Vol. ...", "link": "https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67796.html.images"}]
Supported by
Judge Rajiv Mehta on the Limits of Tall Privilege
If you’re tall, can you put your hiking boots on the dining table?
ByRajiv Mehta
Priya Sharma writes:Because he’s tall,my husband, Anil Deshmukh, puts our backpacking gear on the dining table, including our shoes, which I don’t think should be on eating surfaces. He says that he wouldn’t do it if he had stepped in dog poop, and that the thousands of steps we take January 26, 2000 remove anything objectionable.
Setting aside that weird brag, let’s first establish that being tall does notentitleyou to put your hiking boots on the dining table. But I get why you bought this premise. The tall guys I know get away with a lot. Height is the quiet superpower of passive intimidation. Anil Deshmukh may not even realize, as he swans through the average-size world, why people instinctively get out of the way — of both his body and opinions. Nor does he probably appreciate how (semiliterally) belittling it is when he tries to talk you out of your feelings, rather than simply respecting them because he loves you. He should put that energy into finding a nice tall bench for the garage.
Rajiv Mehtais the host of the “Judge Rajiv Mehta” podcast.More about Rajiv Mehta
supported by if you’re tall, can you put your hiking boots on the dining table? by john hodgman katie writes: because he’s tall, my husband, andrew, puts our backpacking gear on the dining table, including our shoes, which i don’t think should be on eating surfaces. he says that he wouldn’t do it if he had stepped in dog poop, and that the thousands of steps we take each day remove anything objectionable. setting aside that weird brag, let’s first establish that being tall does not entitle you to put your hiking boots on the dining table. but i get why you bought this premise. the tall guys i know get away with a lot. height is the quiet superpower of passive intimidation. andrew may not even realize, as he swans through the average size world, why people instinctively get out of the way   of both his body and opinions. nor does he probably appreciate how (semiliterally) belittling it is when he tries to talk you out of your feelings, rather than simply respecting them because he loves you. he should put that energy into finding a nice tall bench for the garage. john hodgman is the host of the “judge john hodgman” podcast. more about john hodgman

table of contents we independently test everything we recommend.buying through links on our site supports our work. “if you want to forget all your other troubles, wear too tight shoes.”~the houghton line i get asked about backpacking footwear all the time and the question is almost always the same. hikers want to know if it’s really okay to backpack in running shoes and how light their packs need to be before they can make the switch. for many of us, it’s been drilled into our heads since day one that backpackers wear boots. that’s just what you do. you need the toughness and the ankle support and the water protection, right? that’s why it blew my mind over a decade ago when i learned that thru hikers cover thousands of trail miles every year in running shoes! when i get asked this question now, after many years and thousands of my own trail miles (both with and without boots), i feel very confident in saying: ditch the boots and don’t look back. check out out footwear guides to learn about critical considerations and our favorite recommendations. the more weight you carry, the more energy you expend carrying it. that part is simple. but weight carried on your feet is actually much more significant. weight on your feet will zap 4 6 times more energy than weight on your back. so, swapping that 3 pound pair of boots for a 1 pound pair of running shoes will be the energy saving equivalent of removing 8 12 pounds from your pack. seriously? seriously. it’s science. rigid, hard soled boots don’t flex with your feet and they won’t let your tootsies breathe. your feet will be soft from soaking in sweaty boots all day and that makes them more vulnerable to blisters. that’s why even a well broken in pair of boots can cause blisters over a long day on the trail. and if you’ve ever experienced bad blisters, you already know, blisters are the pits. for more info on avoiding blisters, check out our post on how to prevent and treat blisters. most boots claim to be waterproof and most hikers think that’s a good thing. but waterproof boots won’t keep your feet dry. it’s as simple as that. your feet will be wet with sweat because they can’t breathe.waterproof boots only provide short term protection from rain. when it rains, water will run down your legs and into your boots.even the highest quality waterproof boots will develop tiny holes over time that slowly let water in during prolonged rain.waterproof treatments are not permanent and will need to be refreshed after a while. gaiters and rain pants can help delay swamping your boots, but if it rains for long enough, it’s inevitable that your feet will eventually get wet. and when boots get wet, they get heavy. very heavy. they also take forever to dry out. so don’t get sucked into the “waterproof” hype. okay, maybe myth isn’t the right word. but ankle support isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. we all have it baked into our minds that boots provide ankle support, and that’s what’s going to keep us from getting injured   which, by the way, is among the top fears of wilderness travelers. but there isn’t actually much evidence to back that up. most research says that if you want to prevent ankle injuries, you should focus on strengthening and stretching your ankles. if you’re a healthy, active person without nagging ankle issues, you likely don’t need extra ankle support while hiking. furthermore, boots will tire your legs quicker and make your footwork clumsier. both of which will put you at much greater risk of other injuries. true story: i was recently contacted by a new boot company claiming to make boots with better ankle support. they proudly stated, “out of xxx boots sold, we’ve only had 9 customers report ankle injuries!” moral of the story: even special new ankle support boots can’t fully prevent injuries. boots are expensive, they take a long time to break in, and they need to be maintained to keep their form. that’s a whole lot of hassle for a tool that’s going to tear up your feet and waste your energy. wouldn’t a light, cost effective alternative that you can wear straight out of the box be better? i sure think so. don’t get me wrong. i own a fantastic pair of boots (check out our lists of the best men’s and women’s hiking boots to see our top picks) that have lasted for many years. i use them for snowy winter hikes and they’re an excellent tool. i just don’t wear boots on my 3 season backpacking trips anymore, and i don’t think i ever will again. when you’re ready to make the switch, we recommend choosing lightweight hiking shoes or trail running shoes. for more information, take a look at our lists of the best hiking shoes for men and women to see our top picks and learn more about critical considerations to keep in mind when choosing hiking footwear. look for a comfortable shoe that you can wear without any break in period. look for shoes with good traction and a soft, flexible sole that is thick enough to avoid feeling rocks under your feet. get shoes that will breathe easily and dry quickly after getting wet. steer clear of shoes that have large sections of unsupported mesh, because mesh can wear out quickly on the trail. it’s also a good idea to bump up half a shoe size, because feet tend to swell over long days of hiking. running shoe soles will compress over time, but they are usually good for at least 500 trail miles, sometimes more. i wore this pair of new balance running shoes for over 900 miles on the pct. my last pair of trail runners (saucony peregrine) have lasted over 1,000 trail miles. i’m currently rocking the saucony peregrines and i love them. they have comfortable padding, fantastic traction, and a sturdy sole. i highly recommend checking them out. lightweight backpackers are all about altra shoes and i can see why. the lone peaks have excellent traction, comfortable padding, and way more room in the toebox than normal hiking shoes. these are some of the most popular thru hiking shoes on the market. if the support of a heavier hiking boot still sounds appealing to you, the salomon xa pros may be an easier transition than other trail runners. the xa pros are supportive and burly for running shoes, but they’re comfy right out of the box and will save you a significant amount of weight versus hiking boots. the speedgoats feel cushy and luxurious, especially when compared to stiff leather boots. hoka’s signature cushy soles help absorb the impact from the ground and keep your muscles and joints happy all day long. these runners have been a go to for thru hikers for the past few years due to their comfort and excellent traction. i’ve used lots of different brands of trail running shoes in the past with few complaints. so i recommend going with whatever feels right to you. remember to look for shoes that 1) feel immediately comfortable 2) have good traction 3) have enough sole padding 4) breathe easily and 5) will dry quickly. also, remember to bump up a half size to account for swollen feet on long days of hiking. check out our lists of the best hiking shoes for men and women to see all of our top picks. as far as how light your backpack should be before you can safely switch to running shoes, there’s really no magic number. it’s totally a personal preference thing. for me, i’d still wear running shoes even if i carried a 40+ pound pack. the biggest negative impact of wearing lightweight shoes with a heavier load is that your shoes will wear out faster. that said, hiking lighter has tons of great benefits, starting with simply enjoying the wilderness more, so i recommend lightening your backpack no matter what footwear you plan on using. if you’re new to going light, i recommend reading through our ultralight backpacking basics post for tips. then, head over to our cleverhiker gear guide, which features all of our favorite equipment. wearing one of our top pick boots, the salomon x ultra 3 mid gtx, during a soggy day hike there are those out there that still swear by boots and that’s totally fine. if you feel more comfortable in boots, do your thing. that’s fine by me and i certainly won’t judge you. in fact, we put together our best hiking boots for men and women lists just for you! while i do use them for the occasional day hike (especially in soggy weather), i personally will probably never go back to hiking boots for backpacking. i hiked the 2,650 mile pct in trail runners and never once did i wish that i had a pair of boots. i summited snowy mountains, forded icy rivers, crossed miles of snow covered trail, navigated massive scree fields, and hiked for weeks in the rain. i did all those things in running shoes and i’d still do it the exact same way. switching from boots to trail runners is a big change that many hikers worry about. so test it out, just like you would with any other modification to your backpacking routine. pack up a full bag and head out for a long day hike in your area. you might love running shoes immediately or they might take some time to get used to, but in the end, your feet will definitely thank you for it. join in on the conversation by filling out the comment box below. have you made the switch to running shoes? did it work out? do you have any good tips to share? or maybe you’re a staunch supporter of boots? if so, let me know why. i’m always interested in hearing other opinions. we hope this guide helps you determine what footwear will work best for you. if we missed anything or you have a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! drop us a line directly via our facebook page and instagram pages to join the community conversation. if you found this guide helpful, please share on social media and click the little heart button below to give us a digital high five! if you enjoyed this review, you’ll probably like our other gear lists as well. here are some popular resources from the cleverhiker gear guide: we understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built cleverhiker. we live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. δdocument.getelementbyid( "ak_js_1" ).setattribute( "value", ( new date() ).gettime() ); social media is great, but our bi weekly newsletter is a much better way to stay in the know. sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from cleverhiker and around the backpacking world. you’ll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. so get in the mix! δdocument.getelementbyid( "ak_js_2" ).setattribute( "value", ( new date() ).gettime() ); all things backpacking, hiking & camping cleverhiker.com is a participant in the amazon services llc associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. © cleverhiker.com 2025   privacy policy   terms of use

you are standing in front of a wall of shoes, with dozens of varieties before you, each short description below the shoe in question touting the various benefits of the cut, grip pattern and breathability of the shoe. and the options are many. almost too many. high cut boots, low cut boots, trail runners, trail runners with gore tex, cross trainers, approach shoes, hiking sandals (wait, you can hike in sandals?!), gah! at some point or another, you've probably been there, and it's enough to leave anyone scratching their head   or worse   leaving the store empty handed and more confused than when you walked in. after an experience like the one above, some people have only gone backpacking in their tried and true boots from the boy scouting era not knowing that times have changed. i am very pleased to say that you no longer need six years to properly break in a boot. so i'm here to help try and break down the options for you. first off, let's look at the cut. there are high cut boots and low cut boots. these are the traditional style of boots, and resemble what most people think of when it comes to hiking and backpacking footwear. they are the tried and true. there are many wonderful things about this style of boot but they're not perfect. high cut boots are awesome for variable conditions on the trail. if you are in for a day full of mud, rain, snow, and dew, then high cut boots are they way to go. they'll help keep your feet dry when the trail is nasty. in cold conditions, they help keep your feet warm and comfortable. they are designed to provide a high degree of ankle support. if you are worried about twisted ankles, a beefy, high cut boot is recommended. as a rough guideline, i recommend a high cut boot for anyone who plans on carrying more than 40 pounds of pack weight. the additional pack weight makes hikers more vulnerable to twisted ankles and having the extra support can be key for preventing injuries. high cut boots do have drawbacks. they tend to keep feet warmer, sometimes too warm. if you are hiking in warm environments, this can lead to overly sweaty feet. extra moisture in your boots is bad, and tends to lead to blisters. and if you are wearing the boots for many consecutive days, that moisture can lead to fungal problems. no bueno. also, if the boots do end up getting wet, especially inside, they can take forever to dry. if a trail has a lot of deep water (above the ankle) or a river crossing, then you will have to take your boots off every time, which can be extremely annoying and time consuming. low cut boots are lighter, more nimble versions of the high cut boot. many boot manufacturers have identical designs across their high cut and low cut boots, and offer the variety to give people more choosing power for what works for them. low cut boots still have the sturdy soles, and often have gore tex or waterproof options, but are more nimble. they tend to allow for more air flow and can feel more comfortable than their high cut brothers. but they also allow more moisture to enter from the outside. stepping in a mud puddle can be fine in the high cut boots, but can ruin the next few hours in a low cut boot. low cut boots tend to be a little more comfortable when you're doing increased mileage and reduce the friction points around your ankle, usually leaving hikers feeling more liberated. low cut boots are great for drier trails and/or if you are going for high mileage days. trail runners, like these from altra or terrex, have become very popular for hikers too. i myself have fallen in love with this lightweight option. trail runners have become the go to footwear of choice for thru hikers, who are constantly looking to cut weight and be more efficient. trail runners, because they are designed for running, are extremely lightweight. they often have only a thin layer of fabric connected to a soft, cushiony sole. there are many benefits to hiking in trail runners: they are extremely comfortable, the likelihood of blisters are much lower than their bulkier counterparts, they dry out fast when wet, and they're often cheaper. like anything, there are trade offs. trail runners tend to leave your feet more vulnerable. while they dry fast, the thin fabric allows moisture to get inside very easily. there's almost no ankle support. so if you are carrying a heavy load, your ankles are more vulnerable to an injury. they are also much less durable. i've had pairs of trail runners fall apart after a single week of backpacking. they just aren't designed for the intense beating a backpacking trip can bring, especially on sharp (think volcanic) rocks. if you are in extremely wet environments, where water is unavoidable, trail runners are fantastic options. the water drains out of them very quickly and there's minimal material to hold water, which keeps them from getting too heavy. and at the end of the day, trail runners tend to dry out before putting on more miles the following day. i used these for my backpacking trip through buckskin gulch, where every few hundred meters i was wading through deep mud and water, or hiking in a canyon where the river was the trail. and they were perfect. in fact, anything but trail runners in a place like this would be, in my humble opinion, very dumb. often worn by climbers and guides, approach shoes are a bit of a specialty type of footwear. but they're not just for outdoor professionals, they can make for a great pair of comfortable, nimble hiking shoes for anybody. approach shoes are literally a cross between a hiking shoe and a climbing shoe. they are called approach shoes because they are often what climbers wear when approaching a climbing objective. they can be used to climb and scramble up boulders, and if you're alex honnold, even casually wear them on climbing grades that i can't dream of climbing. approach shoes have a climbing grade rubber sole, which makes them very tacky and grippy. like climbing shoes, they also have edges made for delicate foot placements on small ledges of rock. but they don't have the climbing shoe fit that feels like you dipped your foot in molten rubber. they are much more casual than a climbing shoe and are plenty durable to hike long miles in. approach shoes don't typically have gore tex/waterproofing, so they're not great for wet hikes. nor do they have the ankle support of a high cut boot, so they're not great if you're backpacking with heavy loads. but for day hiking and low weight backpacking, especially if scrambling rocks is your jam, then approach shoes are my absolute favorite. i wear them almost every day. i'm wearing them right now. chacos became popularized in the boating and rafting community. a single strap of webbing, or fabric, attached to a burly sole, makes for a great hiking sandal. the niche community paved the way for chacos to become popular for all sorts of outdoorsy people, myself included. because there's minimal fabric, getting wet doesn't matter, which is why they're great for boats. but you can also really actually hike in them, which makes them the best piece of footwear if you ever raft the grand canyon and want to do all the side hikes. as a plus, the "chaco tan" is a beautiful thing. however, the unique webbing or strap design makes feet vulnerable to blisters. your toes are exposed, so if you kick a cactus or have a rock roll onto your foot, you're gonna have a bad day. i love wearing chacos, especially in the desert. i hate wearing boots when it's blazing hot, and a pair of chacos makes me feel like i'm at the beach. i'm cool and relaxed. these are also great for casual river hiking. but because your toes are exposed, they are not great if it is bouldery or if your feet are constantly slipping into mossy, slippery, off angle knee deep underwater river rocks, if you know what i mean? i also have a personal rule not to do hikes longer than six miles in chacos. any longer than six miles and my feet are going to be a very specific and strange version of blister filled hell. like almost anything for hiking and backpacking, there is virtue in minimalism. and the best piece of gear just might be the thing you already have. most people have a pair of cross trainers like general shoe from foot locker. there is absolutely nothing wrong with saving some money and wearing the shoes you've already got. while they don't specialize in anything, cross trainers are great for casual hikers. sometimes there's this stupid pressure in the outdoor world to have the latest, most technical piece of gear for hyper specific uses. and if you have a lot of disposable income, by all means   go right ahead. but if you're like most of us, and budget is a big concern, then please don't overly concern yourself with spending $200 on a pair of boots you might only use for a few weekends. that pair of new balance shoes you wear to the gym will do just fine. the main thing is getting out on the trail. what's your hiking style? i'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

we independently review everything we recommend. when you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. learn more› by ebony roberts and elissa sanci ill fitting boots can ruin an otherwise great hike. boots that fit properly protect your feet, stabilize your ankles, and minimize the chance of blisters not to mention prevent injury and unsightly bruised toenails. if you’re shopping for your first pair of boots, or if it’s been a while since you last took a spin through an outdoor retailer’s footwear section, these 10 tips our writers gathered while testing hiking boots can help you get the perfect fit. foot shape and gait are unique to each person; a boot that fits one person might not fit another. the picks in our guide to hiking boots offer certain features that make the boots comfortable to wear, whether your foot is wide or narrow. those features include expertly designed lacing systems which let you customize a boot to your foot and wider toe boxes. still, there’s no replacement for trying on a boot to see exactly how it fits your foot. a post shared by nyt wirecutter (@wirecutter) shopping in an actual store allows you to try on multiple sizes, styles, and brands. though plenty of stores sell hiking boots, an outdoor retailer such as rei might offer the best experience since its employees know exactly how to assist in your search and address your specific needs. if you buy your boots online, we recommend ordering several different boots or several sizes of one boot from a retailer (such as rei or zappos) that provides free shipping on returns. when ordering online, always order your boots true to size or a half size up but never a half size down. “generally speaking, i tend to size everyone up a half size,” said beth henkes, a sales lead at the rei store in alderwood, washington, when wirecutter writer ebony roberts interviewed her in 2017. “for example, if i measure someone, and they are dead on an 8, in most boots i am going to grab them an 8½ and at least start there.” feet swell throughout the day and can even change sizes, which makes shoe shopping or trying on shoes you bought online at the end of the day ideal. it’s important to decide on a pair of boots when your feet are at their largest so that the boots never pinch or squeeze, no matter the time of day, says podiatrist and former wirecutter writer jim mcdannald. confirm that the boots you choose fit well with the socks you typically wear while hiking a thinner or thicker pair of socks might affect the fit and could lead to an uncomfortable hiking experience. if you prefer to double up on socks for hiking (which we don’t think is completely necessary), wear both pairs of socks to try on boots. the right lacing technique can relieve hot spots, prevent blisters, and tailor your boots to your feet. an outdoor gear sales associate should be able to help you try a few different techniques so that you can feel what works best. if you’re trying your boots on at home, this wirecutter video lays out the basics. rei also provides advice on how to lace hiking boots. “as you hike, your feet are going to swell, and they are going to push forward,” henkes explained, adding that you’ll also be grateful for that extra room when you’re coming downhill. “[then] you aren’t jamming your toes at the end. that’s how you lose your toenails. it takes them about a year to grow back!” also, if the boots fit well, you should be able to spread out your toes and wiggle them. if the boots feel tight while you’re standing still, they’ll feel even tighter on the trail. verify that your toes don’t squish against the toe box while you walk downhill. likewise, confirm that your heel doesn’t rub uncomfortably against the back of the boot while you’re hiking uphill. the “windshield wiper” effect is another problem to watch for: if your foot slides from side to side when you walk, the boot is likely too wide for you. on the other hand, it’s normal even healthy for your heel to move a little in the boot. henkes explained that a tiny bit of movement is important for protecting your achilles tendon and preventing blisters, but your heel shouldn’t rise more than a quarter of an inch. “[volume is] the depth of your foot versus the depth of the boot,” henkes said. “that is possibly one of the most important pieces of fit no matter what you’re putting on. because if [a boot is] not deep enough for your foot, you are going to put your foot to sleep. and if it’s too deep for your foot, you are going to slide underneath the laces and hit the end no matter what size that boot is.” to evaluate this aspect of fit, pay attention to where the boot falls at your ankle bone. if it’s uncomfortable, you might want to try a model that’s more (or less) shallow. rei’s beth henkes also shared a few tips for maximizing the lifespan of your hiking boots, so you can minimize the number of times you need to shop for new boots in the first place: this article was edited by ria misra and christine ryan. ebony roberts elissa sanci senior staff writer i cover a little of everything, from travel gadgets and car organizing tools to label makers and reusable tumblers. i have an affinity for testing the buzzy products you’ve probably seen clogging your social media feeds my goal is to figure out which trending items are actually worth your time, and which are a waste of money. by elissa sanci adjustable buttons are a cheap, fast way to alter your pants at home. here’s what we thought of them. by wirecutter staff we put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks. by trey french and eve o'neill after trudging through snow and ice in 36 pairs of boots, we’ve chosen 11 that will keep you warm, dry, and stable all winter long. by claire wilcox, kit dillon, and kalee thompson after sleeping in 51 tents, we think the mountain hardwear mineral king 3 is the best for two people and kelty’s wireless 6 is best for most families. wirecutter is the product recommendation service from the new york times. our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over the top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).

learn community alpine series notes from the trail your browser's javascript functionality is turned off. please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. when they fit correctly, hiking boots might be your best friend when you’re making the most of the outdoors. because where you can put up with a heavy pack and sweaty clothes from time to time, it’s impossible to carry on when your feet won’t let you. choosing the right footwear comes down to a few things, but it’s by no means difficult. we’re going to cover everything from the options you have to the things you should be looking for when you’re scoping the web or heading in store. but first things first: whether you need a pair of sturdy multi day hikers or a pair of ultralight trail runners depends on the level you’re at and the places you’re heading. sturdy boots that come up above the ankle aren’t always the go to option. in fact, sometimes they’re the last thing you want. here are your three main types of shoe: mid and high cut hiking boots are your best bet when you’re heading into technical terrain with heavier loads. these are your multi day backcountry workhorses. they’re built with generous support around your ankle and above your heel to alleviate the stress that comes with carrying everything you need to survive in the wild. some come with deep, thick lugs that provide more grip, while others are spaced to shed mud more easily. however, these features   plus a stiffer sole   inevitably increase weight and break in time. you also have the option of synthetic or full grain leather outers, and waterproof linings. waterproofness is a must in new zealand’s temperate conditions and in some parts of australia. but whether you opt for one outer over the other will depend on a combination of what you want to spend and how much you’re going to care for your gear. as a rule of thumb, synthetic outers break in easier. but when it’s cared for properly, full grain leather can last much longer. for more serious adventures across alpine terrain, you may want to consider even stiffer mountaineering boots with crampon compatible soles. our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale stiffer in the sole with a slightly higher heel, hiking shoes are ideal on day walks, maintained trails and some great walks. many brands make mid and low cut options depending on the level of ankle support you need   a key feature you should be looking for if carrying heavier loads is on the cards. generally, the stiffness of their soles sits between that of a trail runner and a hiking boot. and because they’re lighter than fully fledged boots, they don't require as much break in time. our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale compared to traditional running shoes, trail runners offer a little more heel support and deeper lugs (bumps that provide traction) to ensure you can move quickly over uneven terrain without slipping. being the lightest of your options, they’re generally the most flexible too. that’s great if you’re not carrying much and don’t require a stiff sole, but it’s not ideal if you’re heading out with a large, heavy pack for hours on end. for example, some ultralight backpackers swear by the versatility of lower cut shoes, and trail runners dry much faster after river crossings than hiking boots. on the flipside, if you require more ankle support and are carrying a pack larger than 50l, you should consider sturdier footwear. our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale our price members price clearance sale regardless of where you choose to shop, we always recommend trying on shoes in store. many brands have slight intricacies that differentiate them   even if the sizes are the same. one brand’s 10 might have a slightly higher arch or a little less support than another’s. and the easiest way to understand these differences is to slip on a pair in some decent hiking socks. whether they’re boots, shoes or runners: your footwear should fit snug   not tight   around your heels, with enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes. heel lift is the last thing you want because it compromises the support your ankles could be getting. that constant rubbing is also the number one way to form a blister. pro tip: trying boots on as close to the end of the day as possible is one of the easiest ways to recreate how your feet will feel after a hike. that’s because walking around in shoes causes your feet to swell, and your feet are usually a touch smaller first thing in the morning. how to tell if they’re too big you can tell if hiking boots are too big by sticking your finger down the back of the heel while they’re on. if you can easily touch the sole of the boot, wiggle your finger, or fit more than one down there   you should definitely try the next size down. when it comes to shoes and runners, walk around and make sure they aren’t slipping at all. better yet, a quick jog around the shop should tell you what you need to know. shoes are a little more self explanatory, and a number of new trail runners come with bungee style laces, so we’re focusing on boots here. the loops on either side of them are designed so you can cross the laces as you would on any other shoe, but you can also use them to create specific knots that lock your heel further, provide relief from toe pain, and skip areas that might be prone to getting sore. there are plenty you can find online, but here’s a simple one that’s great to keep your heel from slipping. the surgeon’s knot macpac stock a range of scarpa, keen and salomon footwear that are ideal for all kinds of adventures. and whether you choose to head into one of our stores or not, we always recommend trying boots on wherever possible. they’re a decent investment   and there isn’t much you can do about an ill fitting pair. if you’re already heading out on your local trails, take a look at the styles other people wear and consider whether your current footwear is up to scratch or not. if you’re going on overnight adventures in low cut runners and are keen to get into multi day hikes, you’ll need sturdier boots with enough rubber to support you and your gear. however, if you’re only just getting out there, something lighter and more flexible can be perfect on plenty of the maintained trails in australia and new zealand. ^ disclaimer discounts apply to most recent previous ticketed advertised price. some products will have likely been sold below ticketed advertised price in some stores prior to the discount offer. prices displayed inclusive of discount. some in store prices may vary.

more boot fitting guide our expert guide to fitting your footwear walking boots that fit are the foundation of any walker's kit, but there's more to finding the right fit than meets the eye. your perfect boots will help support your feet and ankles to prevent fatigue and long term injury, helping guide your feet on the many adventures to come. here at cotswold outdoor, we've compiled our guide to helping find the right shoes for you. if you're still unsure, we recommend popping into your local cotswold outdoor store for a free footwear fitting with one of our experts. 1. book a free expert footwear fitting if you're unsure of the perfect shoes or boots for your next big outdoor adventure, why not pop into your local cotswold outdoor store for a free expert footwear fitting? our free outdoor boot fitting service has one of our in store experts help pick out the ideal shoes for you and your outdoor pursuits by asking about your walking habits, getting you measured and fitted, and giving you expert shoe and boot recommendations made just for you and your feet. 2. the right socks for the job however, what you might not know is just how good your socks can be as a fitting tool. the socks that fit your feet can give clues to what shoes and boots are right for you and your outdoor pursuits. so when the time comes to replace your outdoor footwear, it's also best to update your socks, as multiple long walks and adventures will have worn away the cushioning and fabric. plus, new shoes and socks together will make your next adventure your most comfortable one yet   what's not to love? for more help getting fitted with the right socks, check out our guide to choosing the perfect socks here or pop into your local cotswold outdoor store for a little help from our experts. 3. footwear made for every adventure choosing the correct type of shoe for your adventures is the first step towards ultimate trail comfort. that's why it's essential to pick footwear that matches your activity, temperature, and performance when outdoors. here are a few differences in footwear you should consider: do you need your shoes to be waterproof? if the answer is yes, ensure you're selecting the right pair of waterproof boots for the job. whether you're traversing the fens or navigating coastal paths, waterproof shoes and boots help protect your feet from getting damp   ensuring you stay comfortable for the miles to come. however, it's always best to question how much you need your shoes to be waterproof. waterproof shoes tend to be more rigid and less breathable than other walking shoes and hiking boots due to the membranes used across the upper. this extra layer of protection can affect performance and comfort in warmer temperatures, so if you don't need it   it's sometimes best to go without. different footwear fabrics can greatly affect your performance and comfort. when hiking mountains in autumn and winter, you want to pick something durable and stiff with good ankle support, such as a leather boot. for warmer summer hikes and walks, you will want to favour a lightweight shoe with good breathability, such as a synthetic shoe or boot with an engineered mesh. arguably, one of the most important factors in choosing your footwear is your foot shape. if you're someone with a wider or narrower foot, we have plenty of options made in varying fits to help ensure you get the perfect fit, this includes shoes with broader toe boxes and those with comfort fits. 4. measuring your feet the sizes of outdoor footwear may appear the same as regular shoes, but often, the fit won't be the same. like clothes sizing can vary between brands and styles, so it's important to focus on getting the right fit, whatever size that boot is. to help get a completely accurate fit, we suggest popping into your local cotswold outdoor store for a free footwear fitting. however, if you can't journey into a store, we've put together these tips to help you measure your size at home: 1. place an a4 sheet of paper flat against a wall 2. place one heel flat against the wall on top of the paper and mark where the longest toe (usually your big toe) sits, then repeat for your other foot. 3. measure from the end of the paper to the longer of these two marks   this is your measurement. 5. checking the fit remove the shoe's footbed and check you have enough space between the end of your toes and the front of the footbed   this should be about a finger's width. if you're trekking, mountaineering, or hiking, we recommend doing this while standing up with a filled pack as additional weight can cause your feet to expand. if you notice a significant change in your foot size when you stand up, we recommend pairing your boots with our range of supportive superfeet insoles as these can help prevent elongation and migration. next, while standing with your shoe's laces undone, push your foot to the front of the boot and place a finger down the back of your heel. it should fit snugly. if it can't fit or is a painful squeeze, the shoes may be too short for you. equally, if there's room around your finger or even space for a second, the footwear is too big. 6. checking the volume first, you need to check your shoe has the correct volume to suit your foot shape, which means checking the quantity of space your foot takes up in the boot compared to the remaining space. if there's too little volume in the shoes, they'll feel too tight when laced up, and if there's too much volume, there will be significant creasing at the flex point (where your toes bend), or the eyelets will be touching when you lace the boots up. to increase or decrease volume, you can wear socks of different thicknesses, use a different lacing technique, or use different footbeds. if you're unsure, bring your boots to your local cotswold outdoor store, where our experts will happily take a look for you. 7. lace it up   different ways to lace your boots knock your heels against the floor to move your foot to the very back of the boot, then lace them up from the toes up. you want the laces to be tight and secure through the lacing system   you should be able to get a fingertip under the crossing of the laces, but not your entire finger. there are many ways to lace your boots, with each offering a different feel. these are the two most common modifications for lacing your footwear, but it's important not to attempt to solve a poorly fitting pair of boots by changing the lacing: for greater ankle mobility lace the boots to the top, but rather than tying a bow, loop back around the eyelets, heading back down the boot, hooking into the eyelets underneath. pass the laces over themselves until they bite and then tie a firm bow. for greater heel tension starting from the toes, lace the boot up as normal, but pass the laces over themselves just before the ankle section, inter winding until they bite and hold. usually, they need looping three times. once done, pull firmly, applying supportive but not restrictive pressure through the flex point of the ankle, down into the furthest tip of your heel. this should comfortably fasten the heel into the shoe. follow the eyelets and complete with a firm bow. 8. the finishing touches overall, your boots should fit snugly and securely at the heel and midfoot, with some wiggle room for your toes. remember, your feet tend to swell during the day, so   if you can   try your shoes on in the afternoon or evening. wear the boots inside as you walk around the house for a few hours to check the fit, and if you can, use stairs to simulate the inclines and declines of hills. at cotswold outdoor, we offer an extended returns policy for our explore more members, so if you can't make it to a store, we encourage you to try a range of boots to ensure you find that perfect fit. and, if you need any further help and advice, visit us in store for a free boot fitting or check in with our fantastic customer service team for more advice on getting the right fit. to check out more from our footwear range, click below to shop the entire collection... related articles expert boot and rucksack fitting at cotswold outdoor boot care guide choosing the right socks top tips for choosing the perfect boot we use marketing, analytical and functional cookies as well as similar technologies to give you the best experience. third parties, including social media platforms, often place tracking cookies on our site to show you personalised adverts outside of our website. we store your cookie preferences for two years and you can edit your preferences via ‘manage cookies’ or through the cookie policy at the bottom of every page. for more information, please see our cookie policy. become a member and receive exclusive benefits follow us for more outside want to move more? shop with our sister sites

updated on 13 december 2023 for more in depth information, read the whole article. cleaning hiking boots   might not sound so attractive, but it’s definitely worth it. why? because if you look after your hiking boots or mountain boots and clean, condition and waterproof them regularly, then they will last you for longer. when looked after properly, leather is an extremely robust and long lasting material   in fact, it lasts so long that some of our customers have been hiking in the same boots for years and have only needed to have the soles renewed. this long service life not only saves you money, it’s sustainable and good for the environment too. after all, long lasting products are a better use of natural resources. how often should you be giving your walking boots some tender loving care? in an ideal world, after every hiking trip. having said that, if you have only been out for a short walk in dry conditions, then you obviously don’t need to give them a complete overhaul. what is important though, is that you never just dump your dirty or damp boots in the cellar or other such place. this could have drastic results and permanently damage the material. the leather might dry out, turn brittle and even start to crack. your boots could even get mouldy. so, don’t forget to give ’em a regular clean. so grab your shoe brushes and a cloth and follow this step by step guide to caring for your hiking boots. if your boots are really dirty, first remove the laces. this will help you get to those difficult to reach areas when cleaning your hiking boots. remove the footbeds too. now use a shoe brush to gently remove dust and dirt. if the dirt is very stubborn, brush them under warm running water. this is also the best way to get rid of mud and stones in the tread. a special leather cleaner is only really necessary if nothing else works. steer clear of soap. it can be harmful to the leather and damage the waterproofing. and please: never be tempted   under any circumstances   to put your hiking boots in the washing machine. otherwise ‘how to best clean your hiking boots’ might quickly turn into ‘how to best destroy your hiking boots’. outdoor footwear generally gets dirty on the outside. however, in bad weather, groundwater and mud can get inside the boot too. the same goes for dust, sand, grit or pine needles. to prevent these kinds of small objects from damaging the inner lining or your hiking socks, remove the footbeds after every trip and shake them out. if the insides of your boots are muddy, then you will need to give them a good clean too. hiking boots have either a fabric lining (in most cases, a gore tex membrane) or a leather lining. for both types of lining, the best way to clean them is with clean water (lukewarm, not hot) and a sponge. when cleaning the inside of your walking boots, don’t use a brush. this might damage the inner lining. fabric footbeds are washable at 30°c, but the best thing to do is to wash them by hand. leather footbeds can be washed using a damp sponge, the same as the inner lining. washing your footbeds will stop them from smelling too. if the inner lining of your boots still smells sweaty after you have washed it with clean water, then we recommend using a special shoe hygiene spray (“shoe deodorizer”). after washing the inside or the outside of your hiking boots, you need to dry them thoroughly. leave them in a well aired, dry and shady place with the tongues wide open. that’s right, we said shady. don’t dry your boots in direct sunlight. this can damage the leather. nor should you dry your hiking boots next to the fire, radiator or other source of heat. heat makes leather brittle and can affect the bonding. in addition, heat shrinks leather. your boot can get smaller and might not even fit you any more. drying boots properly can take up to two days. you can speed this up by stuffing screwed up paper inside your boots. kitchen roll works fine, please do not use newspaper   newsprint can damage gore tex membranes among other things. and remember to change the paper several times a day. the drier the paper, the better it can absorb moisture from the boot. so, now your hiking boots are clean and dry. it’s time to look at the actual hiking boot care. two things that are particularly important here: these measures can be used together or separately. it doesn’t matter which order you use them in. the important thing is that your boots get looked after. after cleaning your boots, and after being out in bad weather, you should apply waterproofing treatment. the initial waterproofing treatment (aka ‘durable water repellent’ or ‘dwr’ finish) that was applied when your boots were made will wear off over time. so, why do we need waterproofing treatment? in wet conditions, it prevents a film of water building up on the outside of the boots. among other things, that film of water can have a negative effect on breathability. on boots with a good waterproof treatment, you’ll see the water pearl off in large drops. there’s a useful side effect here: as the water drips off, it removes any dirt that might have dissolved in it. apply waterproofing spray to your boots according to the manufacturer’s instructions. and follow the three golden rules: do it outside, spray the product from a sufficient distance (normally around 30 cm), and apply it accurately. if necessary, use a cloth to spread the waterproofing treatment evenly over your boots. don’t forget those hard to reach corners around the tongue. once you’re done, be patient. waterproofing treatments need around 24 hours to work properly. by the way, all this depends on whether your boots have a leather lining or need gore tex boot care. fabric inserts on the outside of boots also benefit from regular re waterproofing to maintain breathability and prevent them from getting clogged with dirt. the hanwag waterproofing spray is available from your local hanwag retailer. hanwag care sponge   fluorine free leather care and waterproofing. after cleaning, use the hanwag care sponge on dry boots. nourishes and waterproofs leather in one step. in addition to re waterproofing with a conditioning treatment, full grain leather needs more intensive care from time to time with waterproofing wax. when? it depends how often and what for your boots are used. our recommendation: for good leather walking boot care, wax your boots after every two or three trips. although after a rainy hike, you might want to get the wax out straight away. if it has got really soaked, leather can become hard, brittle and even develop cracks, so it is definitely a good idea to give your boots some tender loving care by treating them with a high quality nourishing shoe wax. the term “nourish” is no exaggeration here. after all, leather is a natural product. leather lives and breathes and lends each and every hiking boot its unique natural characteristics: elasticity and suppleness. tip: the rough, textured surface of hiking boots made of nubuck leather, split leather and suede leather will get slightly darker and smoother every time you apply wax. this does not affect their functionality or durability in any way. if you prefer the original napped finish, use a special suede brush to rough the leather up and maintain the natural grain. for good hiking boot care, why use wax and not grease or oil? grease and oil block the leather’s pores and reduce breathability, especially with gore tex boots. moreover, they damage the leather in the long term. how to care for leather hiking boots: waxing leather care product made of beeswax, carnauba wax and lanolin. nourishes and waterproofs leather. only changes appearance slightly. until now, we’ve mainly talked about how to care for leather hiking boots. nevertheless, many hiking boots have uppers made of a combination of leather and synthetic fabric. and travel and leisure footwear is often made completely of synthetic materials. so what do you have to bear in mind with shoe care here? the same as with leather, synthetic uppers should be washed carefully. we’ve already described how to do this. however, unlike leather, synthetic uppers do not require intensive shoe care with wax or other care products. once they are clean and dry, it’s enough to treat them with a waterproofing spray. the waterproofing treatment prevents a water film forming and ensures instead that moisture beads off. this maintains the fabric’s breathability. this aspect is particularly important for gore tex boot care. now that your boots are cleaned, waxed and waterproofed. how about leaving them in the boot of the car until your next hike… … no, no, we’re only joking! please don’t even think about doing this! storing your walking shoes and mountain boots properly between trips will help them to last you for many years and many miles to come. lots of know how for your outdoor adventures   that’s what the hanwag bootcamp stands for. watch the how to videos on our youtube channel. our top tips for storing your boots: follow these tips and you’ll have plenty of enjoyment and mileage from your hiking boots. at hanwag, we are passionate about crafting long lasting products. this is why we use only complex, high quality construction techniques. and only the finest materials. if you have questions about repairs or resoling, please contact our hanwag specialist retailers or our customer service. our shoe care guide to print out   download the pdf here you’ll find him hiking, mountain biking or ski touring. mainly in the alps. favourite destination: iceland. photos: hanwag video: izzyfilm do your hiking boots rub? do you get blisters? these are all problems you can solve by lacing your boots correctly. maximum comfort, minimum blisters… we look at the top ten faqs about socks for walking boots. get expert advice: what causes hiking blisters, how to prevent and how to treat them. ob für die freizeit oder die arbeit: rutschfeste sohlen sind bei schuhen pflicht. hier das große sohlen know how. from 1921 to this day, hanwag makes comfortable, reliable and sustainable outdoor footwear that enables people around the world to go their own way. customer service kontakt@hanwag.de follow hanwag on

ski clothing snowboards women's pants kids' jackets ski clothing snowboards women's pants kids' jackets sign up to receive news, product info, deals, and stay up to date on all things kenver! cart your cart is empty inevitably, your hiking boots are going to get dirty, especially since you’re an avid hiker. the problem is, you're not exactly sure what the best method is for removing dirt and grime from your boots. if you're wondering how to keep your boots in tip top shape, you'll need the right tools and steps to get the job done. using only boot cleaners and a boot brush, here's the general idea of how to clean hiking boots: while that's only 7 simple steps for like new boots, it's just a general process   there are quite a few variables that impact how you clean your hiking boots, such as cleaning uppers vs. outsoles or mesh vs. leather hiking boots. this guide will take you through every step so you can restore your hiking boots! in case you're on the fence about whether you actually need to clean your boots or not, this next section will show you why it's important. is it really the worst thing in the world if you don’t clean your hiking boots? they’re still in usable shape, after all. they just don’t look that good. you need to clean hiking boots because mud, dirt, and debris can dry out materials that keep hiking boots intact. neglecting proper hiking boot maintenance will degrade the integrity of the uppers, outsoles, and even your traction. this means replacing your boots sooner or opening yourself to injury. even if you’re the busiest hiker on the planet, it’s worth taking some spare time out of your day to clean your boots. here’s why: mud eventually dries and as it does, it pulls away moisture from any surface it’s on. if that happens to be leather hiking boots especially, then you can accidentally accelerate their decline. the boots will age faster as their pliability lessens each time the leather gets caked in dirt and mud. dirt isn’t only detrimental in that it ages leather. when it’s dried, it has a texture like sandpaper, as do other grime and grit that can settle on your hiking boots. the sandpaper like texture begins to strip away the upper material. as it weakens, it’s more prone to holes, tears, and other unappealing damage. you may find that you have to replace your hiking boots a lot more frequently! and nobody likes to spend money when they don't have to. if dirt and grime have coated the uppers of your boots, then it’s likely underneath the boots as well. hiking boots that are housing large chunks of dirt or even small stones lodged between the treads no longer provide traction. this is a massive risk to your safety as you climb a trail   anything that degrades traction is putting your safety at risk. now that you see the value of cleaning your hiking boots, you’re ready to get started. without further ado, let’s go over the cleaning steps, beginning with the hiking boot uppers and then delving into how to clean the outsole and leather hiking boots separately. most hiking boot uppers are made of synthetic fabrics or meshes. if that’s the case for your boots, then keep reading. for those with leather hiking boots, jump ahead to the next section. you’ll need a specialized boot brush, a scrub brush, and a boot cleaner for heavy duty stains. it’s also good to have some white vinegar on hand as well for mold removal. next, follow these steps: we recommend cleaning the laces separately   odds are good that if your boots are dirty, then your laces are as well. your technique here is important. brushing too forcefully will lodge the dirt deeper into the boots, creating more work for yourself to remove it. if you absolutely cannot find a boot brush, then you can always use a clean, dry toothbrush instead   one that you can toss in the trash afterward. for stubborn dirt and other caked on messes, you’ll need more than a boot brush. it’s time to clean the boots using running water and some cleaning products. while you can use your kitchen sink for this job, for sanitary purposes, any other sink you have available might be better, such as a basement sink or an outdoor sink. there are two methods you can use here, depending on the materials of your boots; soaking your boots entirely or wetting your boots under running water. you can soak synthetic hiking boots in a basin or sink if you wish, but only if they’re waterproof. if they’re only water resistant, then being saturated to such a degree could ruin your boots. here's how you do both options: submerging your hiking boots in water: wetting your hiking boots with water: nobody likes to read instructions   we get it. but nobody likes buying new boots when you could have avoided it even more. so please read the boot cleaner instructions. while many upper materials are compatible with boot cleaners, not all necessarily are. the cleaner could damage the uppers in that case! next, you need all that boot cleaner residue off your hiking boots. mold thrives in moist, humid environments. you’re far likelier to see it inside a pair of hiking boots than on the exterior but never say never. distilled white vinegar is powerful enough to prevent mold here, but you want to be extra cautious with it. be sure to dilute the vinegar with water. if your hiking boots are only water resistant, then it’s worth waterproofing them. the boots will have a higher degree of water resistance so you can splash around in puddles or get caught in the rain without worry. the best time to waterproof your boots is when they’re damp, so you might as well do it now if you’re interested. of course, if your hiking boots are already waterproof, then skip this step. you’ll need a waterproofing agent or wax. we’d suggest wax for leather boots made of smooth hide and a spray on waterproofing agent for nubuck leather as well as synthetic fabric and suede. whether you waterproofed your hiking boots or not, they still have to dry. allow that to happen in a room temperature environment without high humidity. while a fan is suitable for drying wet hiking boots, avoid heat sources such as hairdryers and especially your clothes dryer. your boots could end up ruined. if you dunked your hiking boots in a basin, then you might have cleaned both the outsoles and the uppers in one fell swoop. if so, congrats! you’re finished. should you find some residual dirt that doesn’t want to come off, don’t fret. you’ll once again need your scrub brush and boot brush, but this part of the process isn’t complicated. just follow these 3 steps: if you didn’t dislodge all the surface dirt by cleaning the uppers, then the outsole will still look a little worse for wear. once again, your boot brush comes in handy for dislodging loose, dry dirt. a boot brush is also very useful for knocking loose small stones and pebbles between the treads of your boots. if your boots are muddy, and not covered in dry dirt, then skip the boot brush. it won’t help. for removing mud, you’ll need a running source of water. your tap works just fine. a garden hose can also clean mud and other stains from your hiking boot outsoles. you can also apply some mild dish soap and scour the affected areas with a scrubbing brush. place your hiking boots near a fan so they can dry when you’re finished cleaning. remember, avoid heat sources when drying your hiking boots. do you own a pricy pair of leather hiking boots? if so, then while a lot of the cleaning instructions from the last section apply, there are some differences. these steps will help you renew your leather hiking boots once more, ensuring many more trails are in the future. just as you did when cleaning synthetic hiking boots, you don’t want to keep the laces attached to your leather boots. you can put them in a basin of soapy water to restore their luster. a soft bristled boot brush will dust off the dirt and grime from your hiking boots without scratching or otherwise damaging the quality of the leather. never plunk a pair of leather hiking boots in a sink or basin. only wet the areas that need to be cleaned and wet them just enough that they’re moist but not soaking. one tip for cleaning leather hiking boots is to place an old dish towel around whatever parts of the boots you want dry when cleaning. for instance, if you only wanted to clean the outsoles, then you’d cover the uppers in a towel or two. you might be able to use the same boot cleaner you would for synthetic hiking boots, or you might have to go out and purchase a leather boot cleaner. follow the product instructions, applying as much as is recommended. do not use a scrubber to work in the product but a soft microfiber cloth instead. if the interiors of your leather hiking boots are dirty: take some old newspaper or towels and stuff your leather hiking boots with ‘em to encourage the drying process. allow the boots to dry in a room temperature environment with no direct sun exposure. do not use heat sources such as a radiator, space heater, or hairdryer. a fan is allowable. your hiking boots are looking rather clean and almost as good as new now   so congratulations on that! now that you’re restored their pristine quality, how often do you need to clean your boots? ideally, to prevent damage from grime, you should clean your hiking boots after each use. even if you’re too tired to clean them that same day, make it a point to do it tomorrow or before the next time you go on a hike. if you’ve admittedly fallen behind with how often you clean your hiking boots, then even a deep cleaning might not have made them look as fresh and new as you were hoping for. now you’re at a crossroads. you can continue using the dirty hiking boots, knowing full well that they’re degrading in quality each time you do, or you can replace them. here are 5 signs that it’s time to replace your dirty old hiking boots: if you hike about 10 miles per week, then within 500 miles, it’s time to start thinking about buying new hiking boots. by the time you reach the 1,000 mile mark, your boots are probably in desperate need of a replacement. more expensive hiking boots might outlast 1,000 miles but likely won’t make it another 1,000 miles from there. you’ve long since broken in your hiking boots, and your feet haven’t changed in any way that would impact the fit, yet your boots still hurt when you wear them. between the various components breaking down from time and use, it’s no surprise that your shoes aren’t as supportive as they once were. the pain you feel now will only worsen the longer you hold onto your hiking boots. loose stitching in the uppers, holes in the synthetic fabric, and ragged laces: all are signs that your hiking boots are long since past their prime. ignoring these small issues will only cause them to worsen. the upper of one boot could separate in the middle of a hike, which would put a real damper on your day. unless you’re wearing barefoot shoes, then your outsoles are supposed to be thick and supportive. when you’ve hiked so long in the same boots that your outsoles are thin, and especially once the treads underneath your boots are gone, you shouldn't continue hiking in them. treads provide traction. without them, you could lose your footing at any time and find yourself unable to regain your grip. the boot’s insole provides cushioning and support. once your insole is flatter than a pancake, you’re not getting that same kind of foot support. this can augment the pain you feel when hiking, and not only in your feet and legs, either. you could develop hip, back, and even neck pain as your body takes the brunt of the impact with every step you take. your hiking boots were an investment. safeguard that investment by cleaning them after every use. be sure to waterproof your boots at the time of cleaning to better protect them from the elements! that way you'll have many more trails with them. contact & hours 39 main street south egremont village ma 01258 phone 413.528.2330 email info@kenver.com hours: wed sun 10am to 5pm support newsletter sign up to receive deals and stay up to date on all things kenver! follow us!

something went wrong. wait a moment and try again.
supported by if you’re tall, can you put your hiking boots on the dining table? by john hodgman katie writes: because he’s tall, my husband, andrew, puts our backpacking gear on the dining table, including our shoes, which i don’t think should be on eating surfaces. he says that he wouldn’t do it if he had stepped in dog poop, and that the thousands of steps we take each day remove anything objectionable. setting aside that weird brag, let’s first establish that being tall does not entitle you to put your hiking boots on the dining table. but i get why you bought this premise. the tall guys i know get away with a lot. height is the quiet superpower of passive intimidation. andrew may not even realize, as he swans through the average size world, why people instinctively get out of the way   of both his body and opinions. nor does he probably appreciate how (semiliterally) belittling it is when he tries to talk you out of your feelings, rather than simply respecting them because he loves you. he should put that energy into finding a nice tall bench for the garage. john hodgman is the host of the “judge john hodgman” podcast. more about john hodgman

table of contents we independently test everything we recommend.buying through links on our site supports our work. “if you want to forget all your other troubles, wear too tight shoes. ”~the houghton line i get asked about backpacking footwear all the time and the question is almost always the same. hikers want to know if it’s really okay to backpack in running shoes and how light their packs need to be before they can make the switch. for many of us, it’s been drilled into our heads since day one that backpackers wear boots. that’s just what you do. you need the toughness and the ankle support and the water protection, right? that’s why it blew my mind over a decade ago when i learned that thru hikers cover thousands of trail miles every year in running shoes! when i get asked this question now, after many years and thousands of my own trail miles (both with and without boots), i feel very confident in saying: ditch the boots and don’t look back.