Who doesn’t enjoy hiking in the hills with comfy shoes for support?
Before my son went hiking this year, he bought a whole bunch of winter and hiking gear. Among them was a pair of duck boots which brought back a lot of old memories. I remember owning a couple of these boots when I was younger and wearing them throughout winter.
So, when the whole family planned a short hike up the hills, I bought a new pair of duck boots! My husband, son, and I managed to climb quite a bit, although we walked at a snail’s pace. But it gave me a good opportunity to test the duck boots, which is what I want to talk about today.
Hi! I’m Stacy, and I’m going to share some opinions on wearing duck boots for hiking. Also, I’ll help answer the question - “Should you wear duck boots on a hike?”
Read on to find out!
Are Duck Boots Good For Hiking?
What Are Duck Boots?
Are you familiar with duck boots? They are essentially a combination of work boots and rain boots. What makes them distinctive is that the lower portion of the shoe is made of rubber, while the top is made of leather.
The story goes that these boots were created by a hunter who wanted a shoe that kept his feet both dry and warm. And looking at the design, I would say it does seem to fulfill both agendas. The rubber portion is good for wandering in marshy areas, while the leather area provides flexibility while walking.
Why Are They Called Duck Boots?
The first time I heard of “Duck Boots,” I wondered why anyone would call it that. Later I found that the creator of these shoes, L.L. Bean, wanted the best of both worlds, so he created “The Maine Hunting Shoe.”
Bean had marketed this new invention towards hunters, and these people often went hunting for wild ducks and fowls. Later on, when other people started to use these shoes for traveling and camping, they called them “Duck Boots.”
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Benefits Of Duck Boots
1. Lightweight
Duck boots are pretty light in weight as compared to hiking shoes or leather boots. If you are looking for a shoe that can be worn on slightly marshy areas regularly, this makes a fine choice. Moreover, it doesn't feel bulky or heavy to walk in, making it a comfortable option for everyday use.
2. Waterproof
Regular running shoes provide a nice grip, but they are not waterproof. If you happen to step in a puddle, then your sports shoes are going to stay wet for a while because they absorb moisture. Since duck boots are waterproof, you can walk on wet and muddy roads or trails without worrying about soaking your shoes.
3. Easy To Use
Duck boots have more room on the inside, making them a spacious fit as compared to hiking boots and running shoes. Apart from that, you can use them in winters to keep your feet snug and warm.
4. Easy To Clean
Another reason to like these boots is how easy they are to clean. After I’m back from a walk or a short trek with my husband and son, I don’t have to spend time cleaning them. Usually, I spray them with a hose and leave them to dry for a while. After some time, they are ready to store for the next trip.
Disadvantages Of Duck Boots
1. Not Enough Breathability
Why is lack of breathability in boots a problem when hiking? Well, on longer treks, there is natural sweat build up in your shoes. If they are not breathable, the sweating increases, making your socks wet and stinky. This is going to make walking difficult, and you can even develop blisters on your feet.
Also, duck boots are okay for short durations, but intense activity can make your feet cold and damp, especially in colder climates.
2. Fit And Grip
One of the good things about duck boots is how spacious they are for the feet, so there are no incidences of tightness. Since they are not breathable, the makers often leave some room for the foot to move easily. These features are actually not ideal for hiking and trekking for many hours.
In fact, the constant movement of feet will rub against the rubber, causing friction and some discomfort over time. Apart from that, if you want to loosen the laces, you can only manipulate the topmost leather portion of the shoe.
3. Not Enough Ankle Support
While the ankle support provided by duck boots is pretty good for daily use, it is not sufficient for climbing steep areas and slippery terrain. That is why a pair of hiking boots would be better suited since it has adequate padding and support.
Are Duck Boots Ideal For Hiking?
In conclusion, duck boots are not ideal for hiking. My son and I used these boots for traveling, but we both were of the opinion that they might not be best for hiking. However, they proved to be great for keeping warm in winter and walking in damp areas around forests.
But when hiking in the countryside or the hill region, I don’t think these are durable enough for long treks. There’s a vast difference between walking for hours on the plains and roads compared to steep rocky mountain areas.
Final Thoughts
So, to answer the question of “Are duck boots good for hiking?” I would say there are better options available to fulfill your purpose. If you own a pair of duck boots, you can wear them daily in winter, walk on damp roads, and during rains too; but don’t depend on them for hiking.
Duck boots started as hunting boots for traveling across marshy and damp terrains. However, over the years, regular people have started wearing it as winter gear. If you are looking to buy, I suggest the brands Sperry, LaCrosse, and London Fog.
On that note, I’ll wrap it up here. See you next time!