How to Buy Hiking Boots
From LoveToKnow Buy
Nothing clears your mind quite like a nice, long hike through the woods. If you love the outdoors but are lacking the gear you need to head out and explore, know that the first and most important purchase you’ll need to make is for a good pair of hiking boots. Follow the advice below on how to select and purchase quality hiking.
Purchasing hiking boots
- Be honest with yourself about just how much hiking you’ll be doing, for this will influence how much you eventually spend on a pair of hiking boots. If you’re going to be out on 10-mile hikes every weekend in all sorts of weather conditions, be prepared to lay down some good money for a superior pair of hiking boots. If you’re only going to be hiking once every two or three months, don’t go overboard with spending a lot of money on boots!
- The first thing you should check when inspecting a pair of hiking boots is the sole. If your thumb can press in the sole of a boot, then the boot is not going to stand up very long to the various terrains you’ll be taking it over.
- Work your fingers over the inside and outside of the boot to see how thick it is on the sides and front. If there’s a good 1/2-inch of material separating your foot from the outside world, you’ve got a quality hiking boot.
- Ankle support is one of the most important features of a hiking boot. If you’ve found a pair of hiking boots you like, take the top of one of the boots and bend it over to test for sturdiness. If it bends over easily, the boot is no good.
- Needless to say it’s absolutely necessary that you get a good feel for the hiking boot you’re interested in. Walk around the store in them a bit, and if they feel uncomfortable (but actually are your size), talk to the salesperson to see how long on average they take to break in. You might have to go up or down a size or half-size from your usual shoe size with hiking boots.
- Go for hiking boots that are either waterproof or capable of being waterproofed with a product like Sno-Seal. If possible, go with waterproof fabric boots—you’ll get terrific protection from rain, plus extreme comfort.
Caution
Do not wear tube socks or dress socks when trying on hiking boots, for these are not the kind of socks you’ll want to wear when actually out hiking. Wear a thick but breathable Merino wool sock. The thickness of these socks could actually require you to go up a size or half-size with the boot you want to buy.
Hiking boots online
Pick up your next great pair of hiking boots from one of these fine online retailers--
Sonoma Outfitters provide sales of men and women’s hiking boots. Selection includes such popular names as Lowa, Merrell, Vasque and Garmont. You’ll also find clothing, socks, books, maps, and backpacks.
The very popular US Outdoor Store has hiking shoes for men and women from The North Face, Salomon, Montrail, Merrell, Chaco and Garmont in stock. You’ll get free UPS shipping and no sales tax on all purchases over $40!
The Sierra Trading Post, "your in-home outlet mall", offers a massive selection of women’s and men’s hiking boots and shoes, including footwear designed specifically for light hiking and trail running.
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