For the LandSea program, we require boots that are designed for (1) hiking long distances (approximately 5-10km per day), (2) through rough terrain, (3) while carrying a heavy pack (approximately 40-50 lbs). This type of boot will provide ample support and allow you to safely participate in the LandSea activities. Boots made for this type of trip will be harder to break in than many of the lightweight ones you will see, but are definitely worth it in the long run. Make sure that you have your boots WELL broken in before arriving in Killarney.

Expect to pay $150 to $200 for your boots. Cheaper ones are usually less expensive for a reason! With boots, you cannot compromise on quality – they will be your most important piece of equipment in the wilderness. There are a variety of reputable brands including: Asolo®, Danner®, Merrill®, Montrail®, Raichle®, and Vasque®, to name a few. Other brands of boots that provide comparable features and support are acceptable. The brand that is best for you is the one that best fits your feet!

Sample of boots sold at REI.com:

ACCEPTABLE	BOOTS:	UNACCEPTABLE	BOOTS:
Asolo® Boots (all leather, offer high amount of support).	Vasque® Boots (all leather, offer high amount of support).	Low on ankle (no support, encourages sprains).	Light-weight material (less support and less protection).

Features to Consider:

Ankle Support:
We require boots that fit above the ankle, as they will provide support for your ankle and lower leg and protect your ankles from painful sprains.

Durability:
Boots that are constructed of full-grain leather with few seams are very durable.

Materials:
All leather boots are the most supportive and can easily be waterproofed. Materials such as GorTex® are often used in combination with leather, which is also acceptable as long as the boots provide enough support.

Ability to withstand water:
Waterproof boots are made to keep water out, which is especially important for LandSea. Both full-grain leather and some synthetic materials can help keep your feet dry. It is also recommended to buy a waterproofing treatment that can be applied to your boots.

Lining:
The lining of the boots can be made of synthetic materials or leather. In general, full or partial-leather linings are more durable than the linings made with synthetic materials. Leather linings will mold to your feet after being broken in. Synthetic linings will usually dry quicker.

Sole:
The soles should be thick and rigid and provide plenty of traction so you can safely walk on wet or slippery rocks. Most likely, you’ll want semirigid plastic midsoles or half-length shanks that will make the boot stiff enough to protect your feet from rocky trails. These should also provide good flexibility at the balls of your feet

Where to Purchase Boots:
Hiking boots can be found at most reputable outdoor stores. Sales personnel will be able to assist you in finding the right boots as well as answer questions you might have. We recommend buying boots in person rather than through the mail, over the phone, or on the web in order to ensure a better fit. Buy your boots early so you will have plenty of time to break them in!

How to Break In Your Boots:
The sooner you start breaking in your boots, the more comfortable they will be for LandSea! As soon as you get your boots, begin by wearing them 2-3 hours a day with the same sock combination you will be using on LandSea (heavy wool, or equivalent material, sock with a liner). The more active you are in your boots, the quicker they will be broken in – sweat and movement are the key factors! Begin wearing your boots full-time for 1-2 weeks before the program begins. REMEMBER, THE BREAK IN PERIOD FOR DIFFERENT BOOTS VARIES WIDELY.

Tips for proper sizing:
- No matter how good the boots are, they will be inefficient—and even painful—if they do not fit properly.
- Try all boots on with the same socks that you will be wearing to hike (a heavy wool, or equivalent material, sock and sock liner). A small variation in sock size can change the fit of the boot dramatically.
- Find the general size first. If possible, have your feet measured by an experienced sales person.
- When determining the correct length of your hiking boots, allow for a bit more room in the toes than is normal for most shoes. You should be able to kick your foot to the ground without your toes touching the front of the shoe. This assures that when you are hiking down steep trails, your toes will not hit or rub up against the front of the boot, which will lead to blisters.
- After the correct length is found, then evaluate width. Boots often come in wide, medium, and narrow. When assessing the width, it is important that your feet fit comfortably inside, yet snugly. This is especially true in the heel. It is recommended that your heel move no more than ¼ of an inch in any direction. However, you should be able to wiggle your toes and flex your ankles comfortably.
- Try on many different styles and sizes by a variety of manufactures to find the style and size that work best for you.
- When you find a pair of boots that fit well, you will know.

NOTE: FAILURE TO BRING OVER THE ANKLE HIKING BOOTS RATED FOR CARRYING HEAVY PACKS (approximately 40-50 lbs) OVER ROUGH TRAILS WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE LANDSEA PROGRAM WITHOUT A REFUND AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE (INCLUDING FORFEITURE OF FEES AND TRANSPORTATION HOME)

It is essential that your boots be well broken in before participating in LandSea!!! If you have any questions or concerns, please call 269.337.7357 or email kalt@kzoo.edu.