5 tips for choosing hiking boots

Going hiking this summer? Then you’ll need a decent pair of hiking boots. Proper footwear prevents blisters and other potentially uncomfortable foot issues from developing. Here are five tips for choosing the right footwear.

1. Know how you’ll use them. The type of trails you hike should influence which kind of shoe or boot you choose. You’ll also need to take into account the weight of your pack and how frequently you hike.

2. Identify your preferences. Hiking shoes are lighter and more pliable than boots, but boots offer more support for your feet and ankles. It’s up to you to decide which features are most important.

3. Get some help. A knowledgeable salesperson is a great resource when shopping for hiking boots. He or she can tell you about the characteristics of each model, including what type of material they’re made of and whether or not they’re waterproof.

4. Go shopping at the right time. Always shop for shoes and boots at the end of the day, when your feet are a little swollen. It’s also a good idea to bring along the type of sock you wear on the trail. If you wear orthotics, bring them too.

5. Compare and contrast. Try on a few different models and test them out by walking around in the store and on an incline (some stores will have a slanted board for this purpose). Your toes should move easily without touching the front of the boots on a decline and your heel shouldn’t move around.

Shopping for hiking boots takes time and patience. You probably won’t find a perfect fit right away, but in the end you’ll be rewarded with a comfortable pair that you can enjoy for many miles.