The Real Happy Feet Lightweight, Well-fitting Hiking Boots Will Get You There

Hiking shoes should be lightweight, comfortable and supportive. It’s easy to tell when you’ve found the right pair: your feet will thank you. And when you haven’t found the right pair, your feet will let you know, too, in no uncertain terms. Happy feet are essential for comfortable walking and hiking. So what should you look out for when buying mens waterproof walking shoes or any other kind of adventure boots?

Why we walk
Of course, walking gets us to get from point A to point B. It’s part of the daily commute and the weekly trip to the mall. It also gets you out of the house or the office, to just breathe fresh air, or to get a little exercise. It also lets you enjoy the feeling of being the only person on the beach, or the view from the cliff path. Or follow that trail that winds and twists through the trees, with such purpose.
In fact, walking is one of the most popular forms of physical activity among adults, and the one that people most often engage in. It’s also good for your health. As many as 145 million adults now include walking as part of their active lifestyles.

Walking your way to health
The optimum amount of aerobic exercise for adults is 150 minutes, or two and a half hours each week. Half an hour of brisk walking five days a week should meet this requirement. For those who want to take it to the next level, backpacking will burn 5,500 calories each day.
Backpacking and hiking have the additional advantage of taking you to places you want to visit and can’t reach except by walking. Whether it’s an empty beach on a cold winter morning or a trail that winds through trees and rocks, walking is your passport to adventure and discovery.

Hit the trail in your new hiking boots

In fact, walking gets you to places where even your all terrain vehicle can’t take you. Camping, hiking and backpacking are popular forms of holiday recreation. In 2014, according to the American Camper Report, 40.1 million people or 14% of the population of the U.S. over six years of age, went camping.
The legendary Appalachian Trail, measuring 2,189 miles in 2015, runs across 14 states, from Georgia to Maine. The Trail can only be accessed on foot and is a benchmark for endurance among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
One thing you can be sure of when you hike the Appalachian Trail, is that you’ll need a good pair of mens waterproof walking shoes. You’ll be taking around 5 million steps from start to finish.

Hiking boot basics
No matter the season or the type of terrain, there are some basic requirements for adventure shoes. Essential for all trail walking shoes, including mens waterproof walking shoes and trekking sandals: they must be lightweight, have a good fit and be comfortable enough to wear all day. Arch and ankle support is another plus when it comes to walking boots.
There’s a reason why all hiking shoes and sandals, including mens waterproof hiking boots, should be lightweight. They’re easier on your feet and reduce the chances of getting blisters. They also conserve your energy and help to enhance your endurance.
In fact experienced hikers know that it can be harder to carry weight on your feet than on your back, and sum it up in the saying: “a pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back.”
Finding the right fit can be important. Hiking boots shouldn’t be so loose that they cause blisters, but they should allow room enough for thick socks. A good fit is when you have about half an inch, or the width of your index finger, between your big toe and the front end of the shoe.

Once you’re properly equipped with your mens waterproof walking shoes, water bottle, compass and trial maps, the world is literally your oyster. Happy trekking!