by Michael Hodgson

"What's in a name? That which we call trekking footwear by any other design would sell as sweet." So said Romeo to Juliet while explaining the myriad styles and designs of footwear all being marketed under the same general category name-trekking footwear.

By the simple European definition, the word "trekking" means nothing more than a hike in the mountains-whether hut-to-hut or day hiking. In Asia, trekking typically means hiking with a daypack using porters to carry your camping gear. In the United States, trekking has come to mean rugged walking, from day hiking to multi-day trips with an adventure travel emphasis-be it wildlife watching, photo excursions, etc. Want to buy trekking footwear? First, you'll need to define it as it relates to your specific needs.

How do you define trekking footwear? Depends on who you ask. If your conversation is with a technically oriented boot manufacturer with strong all-leather / Italian roots, such as Fabiano, you define trekking footwear as, "footwear similar in design and function to a medium weight hiking boot with a stiffer midsole / outsole that can be used on extended treks through grassy fields, woodland trails and mountainous terrain."

Ask the folks at Merrell and they believe that trekking footwear is "all-leather footwear that is positioned as being flexed halfway between an authentic hiking boot and an athletic sneaker. These shoes are comfortable when used for adventure travel, dress-down Fridays, and walking off-the-sidewalk on rough terrain such as country roads, urban park trails and inter-community pathways."

So I ask again...what exactly is trekking footwear?

Folks at La Sportiva say they believe that trekking footwear embraces anything from "lightweight low-top shoes to stiff-soled, all leather boots for multi day trips" where carrying moderate loads is required.

No, no, no. It's "rugged walking a.k.a. trail and travel a.k.a. adventure travel and represents in the U.S. a market that is an outgrowth of the outdoor rugged casual market, recreational dayhiking market and the walking market," say the team at Timberland. Is it any wonder that (in addition to this journalist) consumers and most retailers find themselves somewhat confused by the category?

In the quest to nail down the definition of trekking footwear, it's no help to scan numerous adventure travel outfitters' recommended gear lists either. Specific footwear requirements and recommendations rest solely (sorry) on the type of terrain, the length of the trip and the weight of the load-as if that is any great revelation. The gear lists indicate that there is no clear-cut definition for trekking footwear. In fact, other than for marketing purposes, there may be no definition for trekking footwear.

What's my recommendation? Ignore the manufacturer's labels when it comes to categorizing a boot as "ideal for trekking." Focus on your activity needs and then match the boot's performance characteristics with those needs. The following will offer guidance and a place to start when shopping:

• Extended treks through grassy fields, woodland trails and mountainous terrain calls for a medium weight hiking boot with a stiffer midsole and outsole. Fabric and leather uppers will work.
• If you're lookin to meet the needs of dress-down Fridays, as well as walking off-the-sidewalk on uneven terrain such as country roads, urban park trails and inter-community pathways, then opt for footwear that is part athletic sneaker, part lowtop leather authentic hiking boot.
• Are you heading off-trail and into some very rugged terrain with mixed snow, mud and rock? Then an all leather boot for with a stiff sole, designed for multi day trips where carrying moderate loads, will be your choice.