Are Cliff Boots Good For Hiking? (Must Know This)
Cliff boots come in varying stylish designs; they do not fall short of comfort either. But, for a hiker, a boot’s actual value lies beyond its luxurious looks and feels.
All hiking boots must give the wearer protection and traction on all surfaces. This brings us to the question of whether or not cliff boots are convenient for hiking.
Cliff boots make hiking easier. They can be used for regular hikes, mountain climbing, or trail running. Furthermore, they are built to survive any obstacle you face while hiking. Your feet will receive the most protection and comfort from a good cliff boot for as long as they last.
Are Cliff Boots Okay for Hiking?
You can use cliff boots for hiking. Cliff boots are an essential part of a hiker’s gear. Hikers encounter many problems while on the rail.
Without a good boot, hikers would be forced to cut their trips short due to problems like blisters and frostbite.
Mountain hikes usually encounter rugged terrains, dirt, mud, and sometimes snow.
Good hiking shoes are designed with an aggressive tread pattern that reduces their risk of slipping and injury.
They also come with quick lace systems that allow you to adjust them to suit your feet’s size.
Hikers should opt for cliff boots that provide their feet with a high level of cushioning. There’s a higher chance of a continued hike if your feet are comfortable.
It’s safe to say that the condition of your feet can either make or mar your hiking experience.
Most hikers prefer big boots that are guaranteed to last through seasons of rigorous usage and tough conditions.
These can provide more traction and ankle support. And they are also perfect for hiking during the winter.
However, the downside to these hefty boots is that they are less breathable for the wearer. They also do not have as much portability or versatility as their lightweight counterparts.
That’s not all. Though these hefty boots are convenient for the winter, they can get soaked up from the rain and snow; they take longer to dry out.
Lightweight cliff boots cover all the downsides of their heavy-weight counterparts and vice versa.
Do Cliffs By White Mountain Run True to Size?
All cliff boots by white mountain run through to size so long as you get the perfect fit for your feet.
True to size is a term used to describe the alignment of the size stated online with the wearer’s physical size.
Unfortunately, some brands use misleading size charts that leave buyers with oversized or undersized footwear or clothing.
Getting your exact size of cliff boots by White Mountain is pretty easy. First, you would need your exact foot measurement (which is also pretty easy to determine).
All the shoes on the site have their exact measurement stated, so all you have to do, is find one that is a perfect fit for your feet.
You would need a ruler, paper and a pen. First, place your feet on the paper, and mark a straight line on your feet’ top and bottom edges.
Then, use the ruler to measure the distance between both lines (measure in cm or inches).
This information would come in handy when making a pick from Cliff boots by White Mountain’s collection.
The foot measurements on White Mountain’s size chart are the same as the standard UK, US, and Euro measurements.
Feel free to use the table below as size and fit guide:
| CM | US Size | UK Size | European Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.6 | 5 | 3 | 35-36 |
| 22.2 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 |
| 22.5 | 6 | 4 | 36-37 |
| 23 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 37 |
| 23.5 | 7 | 5 | 37-38 |
| 23.8 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38 |
| 24.1 | 8 | 6. | 38-39 |
| 24.6 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 39 |
| 25.1 | 9 | 7 | 39-40 |
| 25.4 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 40 |
| 25.9 | 10 | 8 | 40-41 |
Do Cliff Boots Have Arch Support?
Cliff boots are designed to give you as much arch support as possible.
They also come with memory foam insoles to keep your feet comfortable for as many miles as you choose to hike.
Arch support is vital for all hikers, especially mountain hikers. It helps to propel the wearer forward while supporting the entire body weight.
Arch support also helps reduce the feet and muscle pain most hikers experience after long hikes.
For runners, the added benefit of arch support becomes even more valuable than it already is daily.
In addition, the high-impact activity continuously stresses your feet, necessitating the use of built-in shock absorption.
The arch support these cliff boots provide is highly beneficial to hikers with diabetes. It lowers their risk of ulceration.
Individual arches vary, so there’s hardly a case of one-arch fits all for cliff boots.
You would have to find a shoe with a suitable arch size for both your feet and your intended hiking path.
Individual preferences can also determine the level of arch support you should opt for. If you naturally prefer low shoes, go for boots whose ball and heels are within the shoe.
Are Cliff Boots Waterproof?
All cliff boots are designed with water-resistivity; a few of White Mountain’s boot models are waterproof.
As mentioned earlier, heavy-weight boots are less likely to be waterproof than their lightweight counterparts.
However, it all comes down to what material the boots are made with. Leather and synthetic nylon boots are the best options if you live in water-logged areas.
Waterproof shoes protect your feet from the harsh stings of blisters and frost bites. They can also keep your feet dry so you remain comfortable during your hikes.
Furthermore, hikers may encounter flood water or mud pools during their escapades.
Without waterproof cliff boots, your feet will be exposed to dirt and germs that these unhealthy contaminated bodies carry.
We all know the impact constant exposure to moisture has on regular footwear. Waterproof boots are more likely to last longer.
So, they are a better alternative if you’re looking for a one-time investment for your feet. Waterproof cliff boots are also perfect for flooded areas.
They are built with a substantial amount of slip resistance and traction that would protect you from slipping into the waves of the flood.
Do Cliff Boots Stand Well in the Snow?
Waterproof hiking boots are excellent for hiking in the snow. With these cliff boots, you would not have to fear slipping when you’re outside having fun in the snow.
In addition, the traction of these cliff boots allows you to stand well.
Boots with flat heels provide better balance and support when standing in the snow. However, it would be best if you did not compromise on arch support.
Opt for snow-hiking boots that provide maximum ankle protection to keep your legs safe from frostbites and blisters.
Regular shoes will get ruined in the snow, so opt for waterproof cliff boots instead.
Cliff Boots: Pros And Cons
Cliff boots have proven to be a handy fashion and hiking accessory. However, like everything else, they also have their share of upsides and downsides.
#1. Here Are a Few of the Upsides
- Most of the cliff boots you find will have wool or faux fur around the top to give you maximum protection when you hike in cold climates.
- Cliff boots are designed with quality insoles that save your feet from getting pricked by any sharp object you accidentally step on.
- They are perfect for hiking in areas with unfavorable land conditions.
- They provide a sufficient amount of traction for mountain hiking.
#2. The Downsides
- The sturdiness of these cliff boots may not be comfortable for everyone. Some people can’t walk freely with thick shoes (though there are lightweight alternatives)
- The fancy faux fur and wool attached to enhance comfort are not convenient for long walks on rough terrains. They would damage easily.
- Cliff boots are not entirely versatile when it comes to fashion.
- Heavy-weight cliff boots restrict foot flexibility.
- They take longer periods to dry when wet.
- Most cliff boots don’t allow your feet to breathe.
Final Thoughts
Cliff boots are a perfect addition to every hiker’s gear. Whether short walks or long-distance hikes, a cliff boot guarantees comfort, protection, and balance throughout your trip.
When selecting these boots, you must make some selection considerations to ensure that you pick the right fit for your feet and your trip.
- Hiking Trails in Ohio: All You Need To Know - December 16, 2023
- Best Hiking Trails in the World and USA! - October 9, 2023
- Hiking Tips for Beginners: Things You Should Know! - October 9, 2023
