Hiking Boot
Questions Answered about Hiking Boots
There is one common thing about a good pair of hiking boots: they are expensive. But does it mean you have to avoid buying one and settle for the second-rate shoes? The answer is, “no”. A good pair hiking boots is necessary when you want your feet to be fully-protected on any type of terrain you plan to take.
Why buy a pair of tough and heavy hiking boots?
There are lots of reasons why you should buy a pair of good hiking boots.
• Good hiking boots are heavy enough to take you on extended hiking trips. Heavier weight means better protecting against everything you step on during the hike.
• Good hiking boots provide ankle support. Compare hiking boots from your typical everyday shoes. Bend the top of both shoes over side-ways. Your everyday shoes will bend effortlessly while hiking boots remain stiff. Stiffness means protection. There are some hiking boots that bend easily, though. These types are probably not going to provide you the level of protection you need on the trail.
• Good hiking boots have solid bottom so whenever you step on sharp objects, rocks, or stone, you won’t feel anything. If you can, there is a possibility that the hiking boots will not be able to give the needed protected throughout the hiking trip. The sole of a good hiking boot does not bend and feels hard when you press your thumb against it. A maximum feet protection is required when you trek any trail. A good pair of hiking shoes is the one you needed.
• Good hiking boots provide waterproof feature or are capable of being waterproofed if applied with special solutions. This feature prevents you from developing blisters when your feet get wet.
• Good boots provide superior protection on the sides with extra padding. Side padding, like soles, protects your feet from rocks, stones, branches, and sharp objects you may step on that can gouge in the side of your boot.
What brand of hiking boots to buy?
The reason why there are many brands and types of hiking boots is because there is no perfect hiking boot. So you should not ask, “What brand of hiking boots should I buy?” What you should buy is the one that fits your foot, regardless of the brand. If it does not fit you, don’t buy it. One brand may work for your friend but it does not necessarily work for you. Why? There are different types of hiking boots construction. This is called “lasts”. Simplified: People have different set of feet. Some are narrow while some are wide. Some are thick on the toe while some are thick on the heel. So buy a pair of hiking shoes that will fit the shape of your feet comfortably.
How should I know if the boot is a perfect fit?
Test the feel of the boot by wearing it without a sock. Try to feel any narrow or loose part of the boots that you are not comfortable with. Feel if the boot is too light. Now, test the boot with your sock on. A perfect fit should be the one without any tight or loose area in the foot. A good boot is heavy.
Walk around with the boots on. It has to feel good from the tip of your toe to the back of your heels. If it does not, try another one.
Test the sole of the boot for toughness. As was mentioned, a good pair of hiking boots has solid bottom.
Important tips:
Break your new hiking shoes in before wearing them on the trail.
Wear moleskin to minimize the possibility of developing blisters.
Source: http://www.positivearticles.com/blog