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BOOTS
It
is our feet that takes us where we want to go and mountaineers
who don’t show respect for their feet is in for a rough
journey. Nothing can make a hiker more miserable than ill
fitting boots. Mountaineers should always put in mind that
footwear is very important because our body weight is spread
over our two feet considering the added weight of packs including
the hazard in the mountain, the feet are under constant pressure.
So you should buy a pair of boots that have traction and a
decent sole which can absorb the impact of roots and rocks
and can grip on wet, slippery ground. Boots should support
your ankles and arches and most of all should be comfortable
and reliable.
TYPES
OF BOOTS
- Fabric
boots
- Generally
a combination of fabric and some other materials like
leather. They are usually very comfortable because they
are soft, flexible, and lightweight. Fabric boots lets
the feet 'breathe' which is especially important with
the type of weather here in the Philippines. Fabric
boots has the advantage to dry out quickly when wet.
Appropriate for tropical weather.
- Leather
boots
- They
are relatively heavier than fabric boots and fall on
the category of mid-weight boots. Leather boots are
durable and gives good protection to your feet. They
usually have strong cleated soles and are usually durable
and water-resistant. The leather uppers give good ankle
protection. These types of boots are commonly more expensive
than fabric boots.
- Jungle
boots
- Designed
by the US army for tropical countries like the Philippines
but rarely used in mountaineering. Jungle boots have
rubber soles and cleats. It is usually wide and deep
for a good grip on wet ground. It gives protection to
the ankle from thorns and rocks while allowing the feet
to breathe through the canvas uppers. Special instep
vents allow water to be squirted out after wading in
water.
CARING
FOR YOUR BOOTS
- Never
dry leather boots under direct heat or near a fire. You
will end up with damaged, cracked leather.
- Applying
wax or conditioner to your boots will lengthen their life.
Follow the manufacturer instruction for care. You could
use waterproofing wax or silicon type spray.
- After
a hike, clean your boots and always store it in a cool and
dry place.
OTHER
OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR
Sport
Sandals
After
a long days walk, wearing sandals is much comfortable than
wearing your boots in the campsite. Your feet can finally
breathe and relax. They are terrific for crossing streams
because they dry almost immediately. It also comes to the
rescue if your boots gives-in or blisters arise. Do not use
as substitute for hiking boots because they do not give much
protection to your feet.
Slippers
Slippers
are lightweight, soft, very comfortable, easy to dry and best
of all are very cheap. One disadvantage though, rubber slippers
do not last long and does not give much protection.
SOCKS
Just
wearing a good pair of boots doesn't exactly give protection
to your feet. Socks cushion the feet and prevent the boots
from rubbing the skin, as well as keeping the feet warm and
dry. It is advised to wear two pair of socks. The inner pair
should be of breathable fabric which wicks moisture away from
the feet and thick outer socks to insulate the feet and pad
them against the boot. Some hiking socks have thick soles
for insulation and padding and thin uppers to minimize sweating.
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