Walk a Mile in Your Shoes : But for Longer Excursions, Consider Investing in a Pair of Lightweight Trail Boots

Fall marks the beginning of the hiking season in the local hills. Summer is just too hot to hike, except in early morning or late afternoon, but the rest of the year provides plenty of ideal walking weather in the underappreciated Santa Ana Mountains, Chino Hills and elsewhere.

The county’s regional parks (Caspers, O’Neill, Irvine, Whiting Ranch) and state parks (Chino Hills, Crystal Cove) have well-marked trails that serve as ideal introductions to the backcountry. Equipment needs are minimal on short walks: a water bottle and any sturdy pair of walking or athletic shoes should suffice.

For forays outside the parks, along the trails of the Cleveland National Forest, picking up a trail guide is virtually essential. Ken Croker’s “Santa Ana Mountains Trail Guide” and Jerry Schad’s “Afoot and Afield in Orange County” are probably the best ones specific to this area. Also, for walks of more than a mile or two, investment in a pair of lightweight trail boots is worth consideration.

If you haven’t been boot shopping since the backpacking boom of the ‘70s, you may be in for a surprise. In those days, lightweight trail boots tended to be trimmed-down versions of the full-scale backpacking models: full or split leather uppers with stiff Vibram lug soles (remember that familiar waffle tread design?).

Lightweight boots, made for day hikes or low-key overnight backpacks with small loads, went through a big change in design about 10 years ago, and continue to evolve. The uppers now tend to be a patchwork of nylon (usually Cordura) and split leather. Leather is used at the primary pressure points, but the use of nylon helps make the boots lighter and more breathable.

Most of the boots still go high enough to afford ankle protection, although low-cut models are also available.

The soles, meanwhile, tend to be lighter and more flexible than in the old days, although different models on the market offer a range of sole stiffness. Most of the boots feature a metal or plastic shank in the midsole, which offers added stability. On most models, soles tend to be cemented rather than stitched to the boot. Cementing is more economical than stitching but not as long-lasting; however, it is probably adequate for light trail duty.

The main advantage in the current designs is that they are lighter than old-style boot construction (between 2 and 2 1/2 pounds for most). The more flexible soles make for more comfort on day hikes with light loads, and they are easier to break in.

Finally, the boots are less expensive than the hand-crafted leather boots of old. Most decent lightweight boots are in the $60-$80 range, while a good pair of leather backpacking boots starts at about $110 ($200 and up for stitched construction).

Shopping for boots can be tricky. Lots of companies make shoes that look, cosmetically, like hiking boots, but don’t offer enough in the way of support or long-lasting wear. Some of the running shoe companies make popular and comfortable lightweight boots, but many don’t have shanks in the midsole, one of the best protections against ankle twists.

The safest way to choose a quality boot is to stick with a known brand--Hi-Tec, Merrell, Vasque and Tecnica all make good boots--and to shop at a store that specializes in hiking supplies, such as REI in Santa Ana or A16 and North Face in Costa Mesa.

Going to a specialty store with experienced salespeople also helps ensure a good fit--the most critical aspect of a new boot. Nothing spoils a hike faster than a blister, so getting the right fit is crucial.

Generally speaking, the boot should allow about an inch of space in front of the toes, according to Dennis Shellenberger, a salesman at REI. That allows the foot to slide forward while walking downhill without jamming the toes against the front of the boot, which can cause blisters or blackened toenails.

When laced into the boot, the heel should be able to lift about a quarter of an inch. Finally, the boot should not be too tight across the forefoot.

Boots made by different companies tend to have different fits, so it pays to shop somewhere that offers a variety of brands and styles.

Also, because of their construction, most lightweight boots can be impossible to completely waterproof, so have an idea of what kind of terrain you’ll be hiking before you buy.

If you plan to walk in wet or muddy conditions, a leather or Gore-Tex boot might be a good investment. Terrain, also, can dictate the best degree of sole flexibility and the type of lug on the sole.

Finally, a word about socks. The old two-layer system is still a good guard against blisters. For a day hike, a thin inner sock made of synthetic material or silk will wick moisture away from the feet to a thicker (but not too thick) outer sock. Outer socks can be made of synthetic or natural materials or a combination.

Most specialty outdoor shops will have socks on hand for fitting boots. Take your time when fitting; ideally, get away during a weekday, when you know you’ll have the salesperson’s full attention.