Footwear 2016 Spring Hiking Program Keith Watling AMC 4-Season Leader Boston Chapter, Hiking/Backpacking

Reduce friction which causes blisters Provide a stable and supportive platform to help reduce the stress on the foot Provide traction and protection on the varied surfaces Keep your feet dry and allow for sweat and moisture to evaporate What the right footwear will do for you

Unacceptable Footwear! Nothing!!! Minimalist footwear/Toe shoes Flip flops/Sandals/Croc shoes Running/Tennis/Basketball shoes

Why is minimal footwear unacceptable? Lack of support and stability Will not provide proper traction on varied terrain Limited to no protection from the elements Potentially hazardous

Best Options! Hiking Shoes Light Hiking Boots Backpacking Boots

Great for day hikes, especially for those with strong ankles! Break-in: miles Pack: none, or very lightweight daypack Good on most terrain PROS: Added stiffness makes them more stable than a trail runner and more durable, but still retain a light weight and minimal break-in CONS: Use caution on sharp rocks as ankles can still roll! Low ankle makes it easy for water and debris to enter Hiking Shoes MSRP $100-$160

Day and weekend hikes Break-in: miles Pack: daypack to lightweight multi-day Good on most terrain PROS: Added height means better ankle support than hiking shoes and improved protection from water and debris entering the shoe - good “beginner” boot CONS: Longer break-in period and added weight Light Hiking Boots MSRP $120-$180

For the long haul Break-in: miles Pack: medium to heavy multi-day packs Terrain: Anything! PROS: Best durability, support and stability, best protection from the elements CONS: Very stiff and heavy, finding the best fit can be a challenge, thick materials reduce breathability, expensive Backpacking Boots MSRP $200-$330

Where am I hiking? –What is the terrain going to be like? What type of hike am I doing? –Day hike, multi-day, backpack? What is the weather forecast? –Rainy, dry or mix? Proper fit is very important Lots of options on the market Leaders have last say on individual trips!! Points to consider when choosing footwear

Shop late Try on boots at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen…….like they will be after a day of hiking! Get measured Feet change over time……each time you shop, determine your proper size with a knowledgeable boot fitter Bring your socks Socks can affect fit so bring your favorites to the store when shopping Find a slope Check boot fit on an incline board…. be sure your toes don’t bump the front of the boot while hiking down Be wary of buying hiking footwear on-line!! Shoe Shopping Smarts

Gaiter up Pair lowcuts with stretchy “spats” to keep out debris – Backpacker.com Backpacker.com Use creative lacing You can alleviate a lot of fit problems with different lacing techniques. Learn how at backpacker.com/perfectlace backpacker.com/perfectlace Try on different brands Manufacturers use different shaped lasts (foot molds) which affect the shoe’s internal shape; find the one that best fits your foot. - See more at: Backpacker.comBackpacker.com Field Tips

SHP Boot Fitting and Social! When? 6.00 pm on Thursday April 14, 2016 Where? REI Boston Store near Fenway What? Join an REI boot expert for a private boot fitting event Register: REI Boot fitting RSVP for the Social: Afterwards: Social at Boston Beer Works (next to Fenway) - Light appetizers will be provided Questions? Please see Zoe Rath