Hiking and Climbing Boots (Ch 3 of Kreighbaum. Sports and Fitness Equipment Design) n Anatomy and Construction (Fig 3.1) n Types of Upper Materials (Leather, Leather Synthetic, Plastic) n Components of the Upper (protects foot from dirt, water, and trail hazards) Collar (range from 4..5 to 7.5 inches) Back (interior heel counter, exterior heel counter, heel bumper) Toe counters or toe guards or toe bumpers Tongue and closure (gusseted or split tongue) Lacing (eyelets, D-rings, hooks)

Anatomy of a Hiking Boot

Components of The Sole n Function - protects and cushions sole of foot from hard trails and sharp objects and provides traction n Insole (permanent or removable) n Midsole (leather vs EVA) Some may have heel wedge or shank n Outsole - ranges from very hard high-carbon neoprene rubber to soft gum rubber -Lug depth, density vary with terrain (Fig 3.3) -Some outsoles have a cut-away or beveled heel for shock absorbency and to set heel in middle of sole

Lug Patterns

Boot Construction n How are soles attached to upper? This method is a major factor in boot strength, durability, flexibility, and cost n Vulcanizing (cheapest) and cementing - (Fig 3.4) injection molding combines both techniques. Used for some lighter boots and rock shoes. n Littleway construction (Fig 3.5) inside stitching - lighter, more waterproof, and cheaper. Better trail shoes, most hiking boots, and some climbing boots use this method.

Boot Construction (contd) n Goodyear welt (Fig 3.6) Single outside stitch, typically used in more rubbed boots. Is stiff and heavy. Not used much nowadays. n Norwegian welt (Fig 3.7)Two rows of stitching through a welt. Found in older mountain and expedition boots. Expensive, durable, heavy. Not used much nowadays. n Littleway construction is now the standard, with better bonding methods and materials. Goodyear and Norwegian construction boots are not used much in recent years.

Goodyear welt: Norwegian welt:

Types of Hiking and Climbing Boots n Trail boots and approach shoes - for gentle terrain and light loads. Vulcanize and cementing, inside stitching, midsole EVA, eyelet laces. Shallow outsole lugs. Usually low tops (Fig 3.8) n Hiking boots (dayhikers and backpacking) -Leather-synthetic combinations (Fig. 3.9)Littleway and cementing, EVA midsole, steel shanks, variety of lug designs. Uppers leather and nylon -All-leather boots are durable, but heavy, and are being replaced with synthetics

Trail boots: Hiking boots:

Types of Boots (contd) n Climbing and Mountaineering Boots - (Fig 3.11) for use on ice, snow, and rock. Designed for climbing - not hiking. Weigh up to 6 lbs per pair. Rigid sole that can be used with crampons. Uppers are leather. Misoles are layered leather. Outsoles are hard rubber with aggressive lug design. n Expedition boots -(Fig 3.12) used for winter and high-altitude climbing. Leather or injection-molded plastic uppers. One or two inner boots for insulation. Ankle is hinged and padded. Lug soles built with slight roll.

Climbing/mountain boots: Plastic Expedition boots:

Types of Boots (contd) n Rock climbing boots and shoes - light, flexible, leather boots and shoes with sticky gum-rubber soles. Not suitable for walking. Littleway construction, eyelet lacings (Fig 3.13, 3.14)

Rock Climbing boots: Rock slippers:

n Ultimate boot has maximum support, durability, water repellency, breathability, flexibility, and comfort and minimum weight, break-in time, and env. impact. n Leather hiking boots moving toward thinner leathers, lighter and more forgiving outsoles; synthetic midsoles, cushioned foam footbeds, Cambrelle-type linings, beveled heels. n Leather-synthetic boots same trends, plus need effective water-repellent component n Mountaineering and expedition boots moving toward plastic uppers. n Is Gore-Tex effective or not? Trends in Hiking and Climbing Boots

Selection Guidelines n Outside Magazine Website on Hiking Boot Selection Outside Magazine Website on Hiking Boot Selection n Consider approach shoes (syn with fast hikers) if moving fast with no load on dry areas -Thin, flexible sole, light, slip-lasted, built like running shoes. Do not protect against sharp stones n Day hikers (no load, or day pack, 10+ miles/day). Stiffer soles, extra ankle support, usually high tops, or at least above malleoli) n Backpacking boots (more load 20+ lbs) - board-lasted, insoles of fiberboard reinforced with steel shank. Insole is stiff under arch, but flexible in forefoot with torsional stability, lugged soles.

Selection Guidelines n Look at midsole - EVA is long on cushioning, short on durability. Polyurethane midsoles last longer and feel more stable when load-hauling. n Look at outsole - lug pattern to fit conditions n Look at Upper (height, fabric, waterproof?) n Gusseted tongue? Lacing type? n Try it on and walk around store with same weight you will be using, & walk downhill in them n Make sure it fits

Innovations:

n Other interesting web sites on hiking boots and outdoor gear -Backpacker magazineBackpacker magazine -Asolo Web siteAsolo Web site -Danner WebsiteDanner Website n Homework assignment for Tuesday, Sept 13 -Submit 2 questions for discussion or for issues you dont clearly understand from your readings or experience related to hiking/climbing shoes/boots