Choosing the best hiking boot is not always a straightforward process. After all it is arguably the single most important piece of equipment you require to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe hiking experience.

Your boot should support and cushion your foot, absorbing the impacts of the trail, keeping it dry, comfortable, blister and ache free, providing traction over the terrain which you are traversing, and allowing you to concentrate on the real business of the hike.

The starting point of your selection process should be a consideration of the type of hiking you intend to undertake, together with the type of terrain you'll be dealing with and the weather in which you'll be hiking and the weather you will encounter and the duration of your hike.

Armed with this you can begin to focus on specific types of Best Hiking Boots 2021. There's no point in investing in an expensive, rigid, heavy duty boot which will carry you for extended periods across rough off trail terrain, when you only intend to complete short 1 or 2 day hikes on maintained trails and a less expensive model will do.

Boots designed for shorter excursions over maintained trails or moderate terrain are less supportive and more flexible than those built to traverse rough ground conditions for extended periods, which are highly supportive, durable and more rigid.

Size of boot is of course vital, so be sure that you understand how international sizing works. There are size charts online which match up the international size with the regular shoe size you are most familiar with. Make sure that you are wearing your hiking socks when trying boots on as these can add ½ a shoe size to your regular measurement.

If you can, take time to try on the boot - test for fit, feel, flex and heel lift. Make sure they are laced up properly and try to spend some time walking around in them.

Be aware also that your hiking boots, especially the more robust ones designed for extended hikes or more challenging terrain will require a period of breaking in so they can mold to your feet, before you take to the trail.

The best hiking boot for you should see you through many hundreds of miles of hiking adventures and the best way to do this is to ensure you take care of them properly. After use, clean and wash the boots to remove any mud. Take any stones out of the bottom of the soles. If your boots are really scuffed it may be time to re-waterproof them. Allow the boot to dry naturally before storage -do not apply heat as this can react with the adhesives used in the boot. Check the laces for potential breaks and renew as necessary.