|
|
Tips in Choosing the Right-Fitting Boots
|
| public Time:2008-05-07 11:46:53 |
A good pair of boots is the preferred footwear for those who want to hike.
What exactly can be considered as good hiking boots? It depends on the kind of hiking that you will be doing. You have to consider the terrain and the distance that you will be covering. For light hiking, you may not need a pair of boots at all. All you need are day hikers, a slightly and rugged upgraded version of regular sneakers.
But if you are going to longer trips on uneven trails or hikes where you have to carry extra weight, you would need stiffer boots, such as John Deere boots, that have hard plastic or steel shanks, which keep the boots from twisting and giving your feet more stability. The high boot shafts and tough premium leather provide protection for your foot and lower legs from debris.
Does the brand matter when you buy a pair of boots? Generally, the more high-end the brand is, the better the quality of the boots is. More importantly, the boots that you buy should be comfortable and should have the features that you need, regardless of the brand. For instance, if you are planning to wade through water, you would want one made of Gore-Tex. If you need to go through slippery and rocky trails, you would need a pair with Vibram treads, which provides a good grip on slippery surfaces.
Comfort and a good fit are essential if you want to get the most of your boots. Here are some tips that will help you ensure that what you buy properly fits you.
1) Do buy boots that are not too short. It is too small if it does not allow you to wiggle your toes. Additionally, you should not buy boots that are too large so that you won't get blisters.
2) An old wives' suggestion on choosing boots would be to buy the footwear at the end of the day or after you've walked for some distance. By then, your feet are likely to be swollen and have attained their maximum size. This lessens the chances of you buying the wrong-sized boots.
3) When fitting your boots, you should wear the same types of socks that you plan to wear when you are hiking.
4) Do not trust too much on published numerical sizes. Remember that these sizes vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, a size 10 for one brand may be a size 12 for another. Therefore, the best way to determine the correct size is to actually wear it.
5) Upon testing the fit, put a boot on, but don't tie the show laces. Instead, stand up and tap the toe of the boot on the ground to slide your feet to the front. Then fit your finger down the back of the boot. If it fits, then it's probably the right length.
6) Tie the laces of both boots and walk around. Stand on the balls of your feet. If your feet do not move around too much and your heel does not slip, then you probably have the right fit.
7) Walk on an incline or kick the ground. If the toes jam against the front of the boots, do not purchase the pair.
8) Before taking your boots out on the trail, break them in first. That means you need to walk them around in the vicinity of your neighborhood for a week or so.
|
Pre:
Nokia N95 8GB Pay as You Go
Next:
Want Casual? Try Red Buckle Twisted-X Boots |
|
