When looking for the best hiking boots for your feet, it is helpful to know the parts of hiking boots and their functions. There are parts common to all boots but certain extra features are only found in the best hiking boots.
Common Hiking Boot Parts
Soles
The soles are found on the bottom of the hiking boot. The sole is what provides traction to help keep you on the trail and prevents you from slipping on wet surfaces. It is critical for the soles to have deep aggressive tread to help grab onto the trail. The soles also provide cushioning to absorb the shock and pounding your feet take while hiking.
Shanks
Shanks are made from high strength plastic or metal plates. The shank is built into the Sole of a hiking boots. The Shank can be different lengths depending on the stiffness required. Shanks protect your foot from hard and sharp objects that might otherwise be felt through the Sole.
Upper
The top part of the boot or Upper is basically everything above the soles. This important part is what protects your feet and ankle area from sharp objects like rocks and brush. Another important function of the Upper is to help you maintain stability and support so you don’t twist or sprain your ankle.
Inner
The inner is the lining on the inside of the boot. The inner is in direct contact with your foot and ankle. It provides cushioning and in winter hiking boots insulates the foot from the cold. It also helps prevent moisture from entering the boot.
Insole
The sole is fairly rigid and would be uncomfortable to stand on. The Insole lies above the sole and acts as a comfortable bed for your feet. Different types of Insoles are made for specific arch types and support the arch of your foot.
Tongue
The Tongue of a hiking boot lies between the two flaps of the Upper. The Tongue is what allows you to adjust the fit of the Upper around your ankles and lower leg. It also helps prevent dirt and sand from entering the boot.
Laces and Lacing
Laces are made from nylon cord and are threaded through the Lacing. There are several types of Lacing to include Eyelets, D-rings, Hooks, Webbing and some boots use a combination of the different types.
Scree Collar
The Scree Collar runs along the top of the upper. It is made of a padded material and helps prevent chafing. The Scree Collar fits tightly around your lower calf or ankle on lower cut hiking boots and blocks dirt and debris from getting inside your boot.
Material and Features of the Best Hiking Boots
Now that you have learned about the common hiking boot parts lets have a look at the features and materials used in the best hiking boots.
Vibram Soles
Most of the best hiking boots are made with Vibram Soles. Vibram is the leader in high quality rubber soles and are used by all of the top hiking boot manufacturers. Vibram soles provide the best performance, a high level of comfort and are the longest lasting sole on the market.
Gortex Fabric
There isn’t a better fabric out there used in hiking boots. Gortex Fabric allows moisture from sweat to evaporate from the inside of the boot but will prevent water from rain, creeks and streams from getting inside your boot. Gortex Fabric is used to line the inside of leather hiking boots or as material for the entire upper of the hiking boots.
Custom Fit Technology
The top hiking boot manufacturers design their boots around the anatomy of the human foot. Custom fit technology conforms to the shape of your foot to provide you with lasting comfort for a long day on the trail.
Shock Absorbing System
All of the top hiking boot manufacturers use a patented shock absorbing system to prevent stress injuries. This technology is used just like the shock absorbers of a car. These shock absorbing systems adjust to various ground materials and angles encountered out on the trail to allow you to hike in comfort. Many of the manufacturers use high strength plastics or space aged gels to create this effect.
We have covered the common hiking boot parts and some of the materials and features found in many of the best hiking boots. Armed with this knowledge you should be more equipped to choose the best hiking boots for your feet.
Brian Hall a shoe designer for Vasque (makers of some of the best hiking boots) races in the Leadville Trail 100. He finishes in a respectable 29:06:09 hours.
Vasque a Minnesota Outdoor footwear manufacturer make some of the 
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