Choosing and Caring for Your Leather Hiking Boots

The right footwear is paramount when it comes to backpacking and taking hikes over various types of terrain. The boots you choose must protect your feet for the long haul as well as be durable and comfortable. Leather hiking boots are popular and come in several styles, based on how often you hike and over what type of land.

Lightweight Options

If you are more of a weekend hiker and not much for rouging it, then you could choose leather hiking boots that are lightweight and made from split grain leather which is a type of suede. This leather is often paired with other tough, durable materials. The upside to the lightweight option is that these boots are flexible and easier to break in but they are not as supportive or waterproof as heavier weight options. In addition, you cannot carry a heavy backpack as the boot would not adequately cushion and support your heavier footfalls.

Heavy Weight Options

Several day hikes or those hikes that last for miles require a heavier boot made from top grain leather. These leather hiking boots are tough and durable but they take longer to break in because the leather material is stiffer. On the plus side leather hiking boots made from this top grain leather hold up well against moisture and rough and tumble activity.

The heavy weight option is best when you are planning to hike with a large backpack weighing at least 40 pounds or more as well as extended hikes over tough terrain. When it comes to the top grain leather hiking boots, you have two options – oil tanned boots or silicone tanned boots. With the oil tanned boots, they are more breathable and softer but the leather will not be as supportive over time. However, with the silicone tanned leather hiking boots, these take longer to break in because they are stiffer but they are also more water resistant than other models.

Caring Instructions

Leather hiking boots require some extra attention in order to last for years and keep them in great hiking shape. For basic care, brush the dirt and dried mud off your boots after every hike and lightly wipe the leather with a damp cloth and allow drying time away from heat sources.

If you traversed a few streams during your outing, place crumbled up newspaper inside your leather hiking boots to absorb the moisture and replace often. In addition, place the boots in a warm, well ventilated area away from a heat source like fire as your leather hiking boots could dry stiffly and damage the material.

Choose a wax or silicone based leather treatment to keep your boots well-conditioned. Many of these treatments for leather hiking boots also provide a waterproof barrier which is an added plus. Avoid the oil based leather conditioners as these can make your boots too supple and thereby lose the support that the leather rigidity would provide.