There are only two rules for buying hiking boots: good quality and good fit. But if it is that simple, why do so many hikers end up wearing poorly fitted boots? Many hikers wear boots that don't fit right -- and they often don't even know it. Their boots leave them with blisters and sore feet, but they think that's just part of hiking. Pain is not a natural part of enjoying the outdoors.
Boots that do not fit right can also lead to sore knees, ankles, hips, and back. After all, the 26 bones of your feet support the full weight of your body and backpack. Since your boots determine the comfort and support of your feet, which in turn support your entire weight, hikers normally agree that the most significant piece of hiking gear is the boot.
It's well worth it, consequently, to attain the investment of time and money in finding the right boot.
While it refers to boots, you acquire what you pay for. Inexpensive boots are made from cheap materials that bind, chafe, and fail to protect your feet from moisture and added hazards. Manufactures bring down on costs by cutting corners; you pay the cost in terms of lost comfort, and it's never deserving the profit you "saved." A beneficial leather boot will almost all of the time outwear a cheaper synthetic boot producing real treasure.
Look for at the least two sets of lace-hooks at the top. Lace holes make it harder to adjust your lacing for up-and down-hill stretches, and manufactures of good boots know this. The exterior material should be waterproof and durable. The interior material should be smooth; no chafing and no sticky, poking seeds. Leather is truly the correct selection for quality durable breathable boots.
The tongue should be pleated to keep out water. And the sole should have an effective traction design and be stiff enough for your typical use (trekkers carrying heavy packs need stiffer soles than day hikers, for instance).
Don't even think about "breaking them in." Although hiking boots pack-down somewhat and form to your foot, boots that rub or bind anywhere will never fit right. Also, make sure that your toes have room. If they are touching the front of the boot at all, your downhill hikes will be painful, no matter how good you are at lacing.
Of course, shop for your hiking boots wearing the hiking socks you generally use so their thickness is part of the fit. If you follow these guidelines, you'll end up with hiking boots that will last for a lot of years and make every hike a pleasure.
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