Hiking gaiters are fabric accessories that cover the top of your boots and the bottom of your legs. They wrap around your ankles and act as a shield, preventing anything from getting into your shoes. Gaiters are an extension of your trousers, providing you with more protection, durability and waterproofness. Gaiters aren’t essential for hiking, and many people don’t use them, but they provide extra comfort that you may well be grateful for in certain situations. Hiking gaiters come in different heights: long, mid-length and short. Generally speaking, they all serve the same purpose: to prevent things from getting in your hiking boots. What will change are the conditions in which you are hiking. The more difficult the conditions, the longer and more hard-wearing your gaiters should be. If you’re hiking through snow or tall grass, long gaiters would be the most appropriate choice. If you’re hiking on well-kept trails, short gaiters should suffice. How to put gaiters on your hiking boots Hiking gaiters are very simple to use and are easy to put on and take off. You can check you’ve put your gaiters on the right way round by making sure the lace hook is attached to the front of your shoe. Learn how to put on your gaiters in six simple steps: – Place the open gaiter on your calf – Slide the stirrup under your shoe and wedge it in the sunken part of your sole (just in front of the heel) – Fasten the first press stud at the bottom of the gaiter – Adjust the stirrup so that the bottom of the gaiter is snug around your shoe (important) – Wrap the fabric around your shin and fasten the hook and loop strap or zip up to the top – Finally, fasten the gaiter to your shoe using the lace hook Good to know: – If you are stepping on the buckle then your stirrup is too tight. – The buckle should be on the outside of your feet. Gaiters for every activity