Give Yourself Happy Feet When You Buy Good Quality Hiking Boots!

All experienced hikers know finding the right hiking boots is imperative for a good hike. Having shoes that pinch, rub, or aren’t waterproof can make your hike a nightmare and cause some serious problems for your feet. A comfortable walking boot can make the whole experience much more enjoyable. Additionally, a comfortable walking boot doesn’t just have to be reserved for the trail — you can use them if you’re going over any kind of rugged terrain or know you’ll be walking for a considerable distance. We don’t often take care of our feet in the way we should and buying good quality shoes can definitely make a difference. You can also avoid foot issues later in life if you pay attention to what you’re putting on your feet. So how do you find the right shoes? How do you know if they’re a good fit? These are all things you should know before purchasing a pair of hiking boots and hitting the trail!
I’m Not a Serious Hiker…Should I Invest In Hiking Boots?
Absolutely! Casual hiking boots or lightweight boots in general can come in handy even if you don’t hike too often. And even if you weren’t planning on hiking during your next camping trip, it’s always good to have hiking boots on hand, just in case! Given that camping is one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States, it’s plausible that you might wind up on a long walk or two, even if you’re staying in an RV. Just add the expense to the 1.5 billion dollars that consumers spent in 2014 on camping gear! You may be pleasantly surprised to find yourself using them more than you expected!
What Should I Be Looking For?
You certainly want lightweight hiking boots, especially if you’re not a super experienced hiker. Research shows that the amount of weight you carry on the feet needs almost five to six and a half times as much energy than if you were carrying the weight on your back. So heavy footwear is a literal drag. Plus, your shoe weight also puts more of a strain on your overall energy and stamina during a hike or a walk. Experienced hikers have a mantra that’s good for all hikers to keep in mind: “A pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back.” While it might not be the catchiest saying, it certainly gets the message across.
In addition to a lightweight shoe, you want one that’s durable and also fits right. Shoes that are too big or too small are apt to give you blisters, and shoes that are too small can be incredibly painful. Be sure to try on your hiking boots with the thickest pair of socks you think you’ll wear during your trip — a boot might fit with a thinner sock, but be disappointing on cold days or nights in terms of fit! It’s suggested that you should leave a half inch between the end of your longest toe and the tip of the shoe — you can roughly estimate that with the width of your index finger.
In terms of durability, if you can squeeze out about 500 miles from your shoes, that’s a great shoe! Some hiking boots may also come with a recommendation on what type of mileage or terrain the boot is best for.
You also don’t want to let your hiking boots get worn out or too overused. Sure, they might feel more comfortable, but they’re not doing any favors to your feet, as they’re not providing the right kind of structure to your feet. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation suggests getting new shoes every 350-400 miles — that’s about every six months if you’re using them regularly.
Getting lightweight, durable, and reliable hiking boots can make long walks or hikes much more bearable. Extra bonus if they’re waterproof to boot! A comfortable walking boot can make all the difference, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or only dig them out once a year on vacation. Invest in a comfortable walking boot — you’re sure to not regret it.