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OutdoorPlaces.Com
Boot Buying Gear Guide - Construction - Materials |
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Synthetic |
Split
Grain |
Nubuk |
Full
Grain |
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Synthetic
Synthetic materials on boots come in a wide variety of types and
quality. Ranging from simple nylon materials found on sneakers,
which offer little in the way of waterproof protection or durability, to
Gore-Tex which affords the best possible waterproof qualities, with durability
and breathability. Light synthetic materials are fine for Trail
Runners and Technical Scramblers, while Gore-Tex is ideal for trail
shoes. Synthetics vary greatly in price, with simple nylons being
very reasonable, to Gore-Tex which will tip the scales as very
expensive.
Split Grain
Leather
Split grain leather is when the leather hide after treatment has
been split, like a layer of cardboard and the inner part of the hide is
removed. Lighter and more breathable than full grain leather or
nubuk (suede) leather, it is not as durable and even when treated
affords less margin for waterproofing. An acceptable choice for
Trail Runners, Technical Scramblers, and On Trail boots, but not advised
for more rugged conditions.
Nubuk Leather
(suede)
Nubuk leather or suede materials are full grain leather that has had
the outside abraded or sanded to give it a supple feel and look.
Typically this is done to hide cosmetic blemishes in the hide
material. More durable than split grain leather, buy the nature of
it's rough surface, it hides minor abrasions well. However the
expanded surface area by the soft outside surface reduces it's ability
to repel water.
Full Grain
Leather
Full grain leather simply means that the full hide is used and the
surface, other than standard tanning and dying has not been sanded, and
the inner part of the hide was not removed. Full Grain Leather is
the most expensive of the natural materials because the full hide is
used, and the hide quality is finer than Nubuk or suede. It is the
most durable, offers the most waterproof capabilities of natural
material (Gore-Tex is best) and will last the longest.
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OutdoorPlaces.Com
Boot Buying Gear Guide - Construction - Soles |
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Generally
speaking soles are made from a wide range of synthetic material and have
a variety of tread patterns, depths, and lug design for giving traction
to you on the trail. No specific tread design is superior to
others. If you are going to be hiking in muddy conditions, wide
gaps in the lugs and tread pattern will help prevent clogging with mud,
negating your traction. Conversely, those who take an extreme view
on Leave No Trace, may feel that a deep lug pattern is too damage to a
trail.
Things to look
for in a sole are reinforced heels (for long life), a flexible mid-sole
(bends at the middle) for comfort, a protective rand that extends from
the sole over the toes of the shoe for additional waterproof qualities
and to protect boot the boot and your toes from rocks and
abrasion. Finally, boots that have "sealed" mid-soles,
that is a protective covering along the line where the sole attaches to
the upper, affords a higher level of waterproof ability and protects the
boot material at a vulnerable spot where the leather comes out wider
than the sole, and is exposed to the potential of getting cut.
Cemented Welt
Soles
The welt is where the sole is attached to the uppers. Cemented
welts use adhesive to hold the sole to the boots. Modern adhesives
have advanced greatly and are extremely reliable. Because a
quality boot offers a sealed seam around the perimeter of the sole, it
has a natural waterproof ability. Cemented welts are relatively
easy to repair at a quality shop. Cemented welts are also much
lighter than stitched welts.
Stitched Welt
Soles
A stitch welt is when the sole is sewed to the upper. Anyone
who has in the military will remember the stitching at the base of their
combat boots that would tend to trap black shoe polish and took some initial
skill in learning to work around. Stitch welt boots until recent
improvement in adhesives was considered the mark of quality.
Because they don't have a continuous seal around the sole of the boot,
it is a potential entry point for water, and the exposed stitching is
more liable to be cut or wear out. However, stitch welt boots are
very easy to repair. Some manufacturers will use both techniques
and cement a stitched welt.
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Deep
Wide Lugs For Traction |
Protective
Rand Over The Toe |
Sealed
Mid-Sole |
Stiff
Sole For Heavy Loads |
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