Mountaineering Boots
These are heavy-duty rugged leather boots made in combination with a Vibram sole.The leather is stitched to the top layer of the sole with the heel and the toe of the boot also being reinforced with extra stiff layers of leather. Sometimes a warm lining is included inside the boot. The boots are designed for heavy-climbing activity in cold weather. They give extra support to the ankle so the wearer can complete a large change in altitude and also cover many miles in the course of a day. These boots range in price from $150 to $400 and are sold at top of the line outdoor adventure stores. Popular and dependable brands include Vasque, Salomon, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Koflach, Kenetrek and Zamberland. Check each shoe carefully as some models are designed for all-around general walking.
Winter Walkers and Hunting Boots
For hunters and moderate hikers the need is for a lowland, leather boot that is good for walking on a packed snowy trail or just for bushwhacking through the woods. No need for a heavy duty mountaineering boot, but still the general construction is going to be much the same with leather stitched to a Vibram or similar heavy-duty type of sole. Some of the top brands to look for hear are Danner, Schnee's, Chippewa, Redwing and L.L. Beans Guide boot.
Pac Boots
For more limited walking, less ankle support and more warmth, try a Pac boot, which in some ways resembles an Eskimo Mukluk. These boots are typically made with a rubberized sole that comes up over the toes but leaves the ankle and instep covered with a top material, which is usually leather. The bottom piece is waterproof, sturdy and warm. The top half is almost always leather with a webbed tongue, so as to make the whole boot waterproof. A felt liner comes with the boot that can be pulled out at night and set in front of the fire to dry. These boots are extremely warm, but only good for moderate amounts of walking and hiking. They are not much good in a steep climb. Schnee's, Sorels, White's and Kenetrek all make a good boot.
Article Written By Henri Bauholz
Henri Bauholz is a professional writer covering a variety of topics, including hiking, camping, foreign travel and nature. He has written travel articles for several online publications and his travels have taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Europe.
