Yes, combat boots are ideal for hiking. Hikers craving added ankle support and durability, combat boots are the answer. The boots provide perfect ankle protection to hikers, thus minimizing unnecessary injuries to the ankle area and Achilles if you slip or twist your ankle while hiking. Even though the boots are not designed for hiking, they have numerous traits that endear them to hikers.
Soldiers primarily use combat boots in combat, but anyone can access them and put them into use. Outdoorsy enthusiasts benefit from the boot’s flexibility, performance, versatility, and durability. The boots provide optimal support regardless of the terrain you have chosen to hike. Combat boots come in different designs, so it is up to you to determine the design that will serve your hiking needs. I recommend you go for protective and flexible ones.
Reasons Why Combat Boots Are Good For Hiking
1. If you are a beginner in hiking, combat boots will benefit you by supporting the leg muscles.
2. When hiking, every participant’s concern is safety. With combat boots on your feet, you have the freedom to explore any trail of interest, as the boots will protect your feet from creepy creatures such as snakes.
3. Hikers prone to ankle injuries embrace combat boots since they provide optimal support and stability. In case you have tweaked your ankles, the boots offer suitable protection and support.
4. Some hikers embark on a hiking adventure with heavy loads. In such situations, combat boots play an essential role in supporting your muscles.
5. When hiking rugged terrains, combat boots support you through the challenges, thanks to their strength and the ability to grip well on all surfaces.
When choosing the ideal hiking shoes that suit your hiking needs, you are at liberty to either go for combat boots or traditional hiking boots. To make an informed choice, take time to research well and understand both types of boots’ dynamics, pros, and cons.
Benefits Of Hiking With Combat Boots
1. Exceptional Durability
Combat boots are renowned for their toughness and strength. The boot’s construction involves quality materials that ensure its durability. You can hike on challenging trails for an extended period, and the boots remain intact. The bottom line is, given proper care, your combat hiking footwear can serve you for a long time without showing any signs of giving in.
2. Supportive And Protective
The boots have a unique construction that ensures optimal support when hiking or walking on rugged terrains. The support precision of the shoe is aimed to safeguard the military when they are performing tough chores such as climbing, running, and walking. Remember that military personnel finds themselves carrying heavy backpacks and walking with them for an extended period. In such a scenario, the supportive nature of the combat boots comes to your rescue by supporting muscles.
3. Optimal Traction
Military combat boots are reputed for the kind of traction they provide. The outsole of these boots comprises rubber which features both the heel and lug patterns. Rubber is known for its non-slipping abilities, so it provides exceptional traction when complemented with other additives.
The kind of traction provided by the boots is essential, especially when hiking on slippery paths. Combat boots’ traction is uncompromised even in wet conditions, and this means that courtesy of the boots, you are optimally protected.
4. Breathability And Waterproof
Any hiker desiring to walk long distances crave a well breathable booth that keeps the foot dry regardless of the weather. Both qualities are evident in the combat boots. First, the boots have a waterproof feature that ensures your feet remain dry even if your hiking trail is wet. Secondly, the boots are engineered using breathable material that provides sufficient airflow to the feet to keep them cool and comfortable as you focus on the trail.
The Downside Of Hiking With Combat Boots
1. Less Comfortable
When compared to traditional hiking boots, the combat boots don’t match the former’s comfort level. The soles of combat boots are inflexible and stiff. Additionally, the boots’ internal support is minimal.
2. Weight
Most combat boots are heavy when compared to standard hiking boots. Heavy boots cause fatigue to hikers, denying them the joy associated with the activity.
Models Of Hiking Boots
There are three models of boots suitable for hiking that are worth considering:
1. Day Hiking Boots- these hiking boots are designed for short trips. They include mid-to-high-cut models that don’t feature the sturdiness associated with backpacking boots.
2. Traditional low-cut Models- these models boast a flexible midsole and are suitable for long-distance hiking. They are the favorite choice for ultralight backpackers.
3. Backpacking Boots- the backpacking boots are designed to offer support when a hiker carries a heavy load. They are versatile in that they are used on and off-trail.
Vital Components Of Combat Boots
1. Upper Material
The upper material used in constructing a combat boot determines how breathable, durable, and waterproof the boot is. There is a wide variety of materials to choose from: split-grain leather, full-grain leather, nubuck leather, vegan leather, waterproof membranes, synthetics, and synthetic insulations.
2. Midsole
The two primary materials used in the midsole construction of combat boots are EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and polyurethane. It is common knowledge that the Boot’s midsole dictates the cushioning and flexibility of the hiking boot. A well-cushioned midsole will provide comfort when hiking in various terrains.
3. Outsole
Most outsoles of combat boots are molded from rubber, a material reputed for offering optimal traction. The hardness and traction of the outsole are subject to the inclusion of additives by manufacturers. The combat’s outsole also boasts lug and heel patterns.
4. Internal Support
The internal support featured in the boots comprises shanks with a thickness of 3 to 5mm.
5. Crampons
Though optional, the combat hiking boots should come with crampons. The crampons play a vital role if your hiking trail includes mountaineering and winter backpacking.
The Combat Hiking Boot’s Fit
Settle for boots that not only fit snugly but leave sufficient room to jiggle the toes. This way, you can’t feel uncomfortable if your feet swell up.
Conclusion
Combat shoes can be successfully used for hiking depending on individual preferences. They offer numerous advantages, such as ankle support and protection. Though proponents oppose the them strongly, combat boots are good for hiking.
