Parts
- Upper - The upper part of a hiking boot is intended to protect and support the foot with an all-over snug fit. Uppers should be water repellant/proof, but allow the feet to breathe to prevent excess moisture from causing blisters and other discomfort.
- Soles - Soles are the bottom part of your shoes. Hiking boots have deep-lugged soles of tough rubber to provide friction and avoid slipping on any surfaces. Soles absorb and redirect shocks, and provides cushion for your feet. Some soles, such as Air bob outsoles, have hollow lugs to improve self cleaning
- Laces - Laces for hiking boots are almost always braided nylon cords. These keep the boots fitted properly and snugly around the feet. There are different lacing systems for hiking boots such as eyelet, D-rings, hooks, webbing, or a combination of two of these systems.
- Tongues - The flaps that cover the inlet of the upper are called tongues. This is the part the goes underneath the laces. Tongues make sure that water, dirt and debris will not enter the shoes.
- Linings and Paddings - Linings and paddings provide more protection and comfort to your feet. Foam is often used for padding. This protects the feet from cold and pressure.
- Insoles / Footbeds - Insoles are the bottom part of the inner that the feet rest on. Insoles that are perfectly shaped to the hiker's feet will ensure maximum support and balance.
- Shanks - The stiff plastic or metal plates built into the sole. Boots are made with full, three-quarter, or half-length shanks. Longer shanks make for stiffer boots.
- Scree Collars - Protects the Achilles tendon and ankle from chafing.
- Crampon Connections - Crampons are made from spikes and are worn on boots to provide traction on snow and ice.
- Welts - On older boots, these are the major seams connecting the upper to the sole. There were several different styles of welts. Most modern boots have glued welts rather than traditional sewn welts.
- Backstay: A strip of leather sewn on the back of a boot, covering the mid-back seam.
Read more about this topic: Hiking Boot
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