| Of all the backpacking equipment you are going to | | | | 3. It is important that the socks you buy are |
| be purchasing your hiking boots are going to be | | | | made from wool with either nylon or Lycra |
| the most important piece of all. Not only can an ill | | | | blended into them. Do not wear cotton ones as |
| fitting pair of boots turn a good hiking trip into a | | | | these will cause blisters on your feet. It is better |
| bad one, but you are also likely to suffer from | | | | that you invest a little extra money in good |
| injuries as well. Your feet could end up becoming | | | | quality socks that will not only last longer but will |
| blistered because the boots have chafed against | | | | protect your feet much better. |
| your socks and your skin, plus you may find you | | | | 4. When trying on any kinds of hiking boots it is |
| suffer from other injuries as well including pinched | | | | best that you try on ones that are ½ a |
| toes, heels which have become sore and even an | | | | size larger than the shoes you would normally |
| injury to your ankle. | | | | wear. It is important that you can move your |
| However you do not need to spend large sums | | | | toes in them easily but that they are not too |
| of money on a good pair of hiking boots. But | | | | large and your foot slips around in them when |
| below we provide you with some things that you | | | | you are walking. |
| will need to take into consideration when | | | | 5. Also when you are actually walking around in |
| purchasing a new pair of hiking boots. | | | | the boots see if there is anyway that you can |
| 1. Certainly when purchasing your first pair of | | | | try them on an incline. By doing this you will be |
| boots to wear whilst out hiking it is best that you | | | | able to see whether your foot is likely to slip |
| visit your local outdoor supplies store. In some | | | | forward in them when you are walking down a |
| cases you may find that they have a person | | | | slop of any kind. |
| trained to help with boot fitting. But if they don't | | | | 6. As you are walking around in the boots check |
| then do not buy the boots that they say you | | | | to make sure that no part of your foot is rubbing |
| should be wearing, instead go for the ones that | | | | against any part of the boot. Also you need to |
| you feel comfortable in. | | | | make sure that when wearing them and walking |
| 2. When visiting your local outdoor supply shop | | | | your heel is not lifted too high up off of the insole. |
| wear a pair of hiking socks. However if you do | | | | Certainly in the beginning you will find your boots |
| not have any of your own, you may well find | | | | are uncomfortable to wear, but as time |
| that the store has some that you use in order to | | | | progresses and you wear them more and more |
| try the boots on. Also remember to buy yourself | | | | as they begin to stretch and comfort to your |
| some socks along with your boots. | | | | feet. |