The Parts of a Hiking Boot

JUMP TO: HIKING BOOT UPPERS | HIKING BOOT SOLES | TYPES OF HIKING BOOTS | SUMMARY

Author: Steve Edgerton, Photos: Sam Brilleman | Updated: Oct 10, 2023
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. Learn more.

Hiking boots may look relatively simple at a glance. But opening the metaphorical hood reveals dozens of small details and parts. All are there intentionally and serve a specific purpose.

The parts and materials can vary wildly between hiking boots depending on the adventures they are equipped to undertake. There are hiking boots equipped for winter alpine ascents and others for little more than fair-weather day hikes. Getting a grip on the different parts of a hiking boot will help you find a pair that is neither overbuilt nor underbuilt for your individual needs.

HIKING BOOT UPPERS

The upper of a hiking boot refers to everything above the sole, including materials used and the specific parts, from laces to ankle supports.

Hiking boots are constructed from full-grain leather (durable and water-resistant), split-grain leather (paired with nylon mesh for breathability), Nubuck leather (flexible and suede-like), lightweight synthetics (vegan and more breathable, but less durable), and waterproof materials like Gore-Tex.

Other notable parts of a hiking boot upper include:

BELLOWS TONGUE: A bellows—or gusseted—tongue is stitched to the sides of the uppers rather than only attached at the bottom, as the tongue of most shoes is. Hiking boots often use a bellows tongue to prevent water and debris from entering the boot.

COLLAR: A padded cuff around the top of the boot that provides support and cushioning to the ankle.

CRAMPON WELTS: Indents in the heel and toe of the boot used to attach crampons, devices with spikes for hiking in icy or snowy conditions.

D-RINGS: D-shaped loops, often metallic, are used in the upper lacing system for secure closure.

TOE BOX: The toe box is the front part of the hiking boot where your toes sit. It should provide ample space for your toes to move comfortably without feeling cramped. A roomy toe box helps prevent blisters and toe-related discomfort during long hikes.

 

Notable parts of the hiking boot, including toe box, collar, lace D-rings, and bellows tongue.

 

HIKING BOOT SOLES

Hiking boot soles refer to all the parts under your foot and consist of three basic categories: the insole, midsole, and outsole.

INSOLE: The insole, also known as the footbed, is the thin, often removable layer of the hiking boot directly below your feet. It provides cushioning and support to enhance comfort during long hikes. High-quality insoles can help prevent foot fatigue and provide better shock absorption on rugged terrain.

MIDSOLE: The midsole—located between the outsole and insole—determines the shoe's cushioning and stiffness. Stiffer midsoles offer better protection on rocky terrain but may lead to foot fatigue on fast and flat sections of trail. As a general rule, the stiffness of a hiking boot corresponds with technicality: with technical mountaineering boots being far stiffer than your typical day hiking boot.

Midsoles are usually made of polyurethane (firm and durable) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) for a lighter and more cushioned feel.

OUTSOLE: The outsole is the bottom layer of the hiking boot that comes in direct contact with the ground. Hiking boot outsoles are made of rubber compounds like Vibram Megagrip, with a lug pattern for improved grip and traction on various surfaces and a heel brake for greater control on steep descents. 

SHANK: The shank is a supportive insert positioned between the hiking boot's midsole and outsole. It offers weight-bearing stiffness and adds stability on technical trails.

ROCK PLATE: Rock plates are thin inserts located between the midsole and outsole. They add a light but semi-rigid layer of protection from rocks and roots.

TOE CAP: The toe cap, also known as the toe bumper, is a reinforced section at the front of the hiking boot that protects your toes from impacts with rocks, roots, and other obstacles on the trail. It adds durability to the boot and shields your toes from potential injuries.

 
 

TYPES OF HIKING BOOTS

HIKING SHOES: Not technically boots, but burlier than trail running shoes, hiking shoes retain some elements of traditional hiking boots in a lighter and more flexible package. They often feature leather uppers, shanks, and other protective features, while ditching the high cuts, sturdier uppers, and stiff midsoles you will find in proper hiking boots.

DAY HIKING BOOTS: Day hiking boots are built similarly to hiking shoes, but with a mid or high cut to provide greater stability over day hikes or shorter backpacking trips on less challenging trails.

BACKPACKING BOOTS: Backpacking boots are often a high cut for ankle stability under heavy packs. They are more durable and more waterproof than day hiking boots but are typically heavier as well. Backpacking boots are stiff enough to pair well with microspikes or strap-on crampons, making them well-suited for winter hiking.

MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: Mountaineering boots are designed for rigorous alpine environments, offering maximum support, protection, and weather resistance. They are required for more challenging terrain including snowy trails, glacier travel, and ice and mixed climbing. These boots are usually very stiff and feature crampon welts to work alongside aggressive step-in crampons.

 

Backpacking boots are stiff and burly, making them suitable for winter excursions with snowshoes or crampons.

 

SUMMARY

Many beginner hikers and backpackers make the mistake of choosing gear that is either underbuilt or overbuilt for their objectives, with footwear being one of the most consequential gear choices. For every new hiker heading out ill-equipped in tennis shoes, there is another dropping $500 on heavy and completely unnecessary mountaineering boots to take on three-season day hikes.

Choosing the wrong hiking footwear for the job is frustrating and a waste of money at best, and downright dangerous at worst. By understanding the different elements of a hiking boot, you can make better choices about what boots will best serve your specific hiking adventures, keeping you safe and your feet happy.

 

Different mountain range, different footwear – it took me several years to realise I didn’t need burly hiking boots in most three-season hiking environments, perhaps you don’t either?

 

MORE INFORMATION

For more tips on multi-day backpacking see other articles in our Backpacking 101 series:

Or if you are looking for more information on hiking and backpacking, be sure to check out some of our other tips and gear reviews:

Or check out our entire Gear Reviews Page, our Knowledge Base Articles, or Destination Guides for more hiking, backpacking, and outdoors related content.

Happy hiking and take care out there in the wild!