Grey hiking boots

For people who like to try something different from the usual black hiking boots but would want the same level of versatility, grey hiking boots make a great compromise.

Grey boots are all over the place. Big brands like Merrell, Salomon, Danner, and Timberland feature them in their product lines. Whether you're searching for a good pair of heavy-duty backpacking boots or some lightweight day hiking boots, you'll most likely find the hiking footwear you need.

But with so many choices in the market, how do you end up finding the right grey hiking boots?

Grey hiking boots for men and women: things to consider

To make your search for the ultimate hiking boots easier, here are the most important things to consider:

Fit

First of all, you might ask. Does a "perfect" fit exist?

Unless each boot is handcrafted for a specific person, it is almost impossible to find a shoe that perfectly fits someone's foot. Nevertheless, it's not hard to find the boots that fit well. 

But how do you know if it fits you well? The key is "comfort". You should feel comfortable wearing your hiking boots. Note, however, that some boots (particularly backpacking and mountaineering boots) might feel stiff at first as they need to be broken in. Nonetheless, they shouldn't cause pain or extreme discomfort to your feet. 

When choosing hiking shoes, you should also keep in mind that your feet “swell” by 5% during the day. Additionally, women’s feet are narrower and have lower arches than men’s feet that is why they are made using different lasts.

Traction

The power of hiking boots greatly resides in the outsole. In fact, most brands feature their exclusive tread design as a key selling point. 

Traction, defined as “resistance to slippage,” is what’s going to keep you safe and moving on the trail. Thus, make sure you’re getting the boots with solid traction. Take note of the following outsole facts:

• The deeper the lugs, the greater the traction will be.
• Stiffer outsoles are great for rugged terrain as they offer more stability.

Weight

They say one pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back. That makes weight a very important consideration when buying hiking boots. Many avid hikers choose lightweight boots for speed and comfort. Others choose heavier leather boots that are more solid for backpacking.

Cushioning

Cushioning is crucial not only for comfort but also for injury prevention. It works by increasing the duration of impact, thereby reducing the shock absorbed by the feet. 

Different brands use different materials for cushioning but the most common are EVA and PU. Additionally, hiking boots often come with removable insoles for additional arch support.

Support and stability

You wear hiking boots essentially because you want your feet to be safe while you traverse challenging trails. Thus, support and stability are extremely important features you should look for. Several parts of the boot contribute to its stability, including the midsole, medial support, and upper. The more rugged the terrain is, the more stable boot you need. Boots that are stable resist twisting and compression.