Best Hiking Boots - How To Pick Them

photo credit: °Florian

There is a funny thing about hiking boots. Every aspect of their design is intended to protect your feet, yet boots actually cause more foot problems than anything else!

True, hiking boots keep your feet safe from various lurking dangers. Rugged Vibram soles provide traction on slippery ground. Gore-text linings and gusseted tongues help keep feet warm and dry.

Scree collars repel pebbles and rocks. Leather uppers protect ankles from twisting on every potruding root. But while tough as nails hiking boots are good watchdogs, they don’t do their job gently. The result can be fierce blisters that make you wonder that you were better off wearing sandals instead!

The reason: Like most marriages, the mesh between boot and foot is not always a perfect match. If you look at the feet of several people, you’ll find a range of bumps and bunions, arches and anklebones - all of which are encased in the same leather cage. It takes time for softening of boots and feet into comfortable routine.

The 2 most important decisions you must make before gearing up for the long distance hike is: Choosing the right boot for the right job and the right fit for your foot.

Over time, foot discomfort can actually hurt your feet. The impact of these decisions will last the length of your hike and will be a crucial factor in your success as well as your enjoyment.

In the previous post, I have identified 6 different types of hiking boots available that you can choose from. Click “Hiking Boots Review” or “How To Choose The Best Hiking Boots” to find out more.

Similar Posts:

• Hiking Boots Review - 6 Types
• How To Repair Boots
• How To Break In New Boots
• Taking Care of Your Feet During Hiking
• Feet Blisters When Hiking: Prevention and Treatment