Jan 02 2009
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOOT or SHOE
HIKING-BOOTS
ABOUT CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOOT or SHOE
If you go hiking and walking the most important item of gear is the walking-shoe or boot. Good quality boots and hiking shoes are designed for a wide variety of outdoor activities that include walking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, trail running and anything else you might want to try on 2 legs.
The shoe you choose to buy and wear is the shoe that fits your foot perfectly. The right hiking-boot or shoe is also all about preventing a foot injury. We have all had them and it will ruin the best vacation or trip.
A good walking shoe or hiking-boot must give your foot the proper support under a wide range of terrain conditions. It must have the correct amount of cushioning and be flexible, and it must be able to compensate for any walking problems that you might have, and this includes over-pronation.
Get the right boots
It is a simple fact that every person’s foot is a little different to the next. The shoe you choose must be rated for the type of hiking or walking you intend doing. This includes the proposed distance, your speed of walking, the terrain you will be traveling across, and on a more personal note such things as your body weight and walking style.
You have to decide whether you are going to purchase a walking shoe, which is primarily about style and appearance, or the running or training shoe which generally incorporate a lot of research and technology.
If you opt for a hiking-boot make sure you are not getting something excessive to your needs, or something not up to hiking plans. They are durable however and do not incorporate foot motion control features, and are a bit heavy. Choose the right shoe or boot for your activity! For the newcomer to walking and hiking choosing the wrong footwear is by far the most common mistake.
Remember you are going to spend a long time on foot and comfort is everything, don’t make the mistake of choosing based on what looks good. Also choose the footwear with a durable sole made of a material that will not slip on a wide variety of surfaces
There is no substitute for locating a specialty store with in- house experts who are capable of looking at analyzing your own particular gait, weight, stride, walking type and all other factors that entail choosing and getting fitted for the right hiking-boot or shoe.
Really good stores will march you around the parking lot and some even have treadmills and indoor walking trails. Choosing the right hiking-boot or shoe is an investment in your personal safety, comfort and in a successful walking or hiking trip.
What are the various shoe types?
Shoes come in a wide variety and generally are based on the shoe construction, which directly relates to the type of intended use. If you are walking rather than hiking or trekking then a shoe with good motion control features may be a better and more comfortable option than a heavy duty hiking-boot.
What is a motion control shoe?
This is a shoe with the capability to control or limit over-pronation and they tend to be rather rigid and inflexible so as to control over-pronation. These shoes tend to constructed on a straight last and also may have a dual density midsole and a more dense material located on the inside of the foot to help in pronation correction.
What is a stability shoe? This type of shoe is essentially a compromise while having some of the support capability of the motion control shoe it also is more flexible. This type of she is suited for those without serious motion control issues and mid-weight walkers and hikers.
What is a cushioned shoe? These shoe types have relatively soft midsoles and are also very flexible. They are for walkers and hikers without over-pronation problems and also suit those with high arches. Like the stability shoe they also tend to have quite thick heels.
What is a lightweight hiking and trail shoe? These shoes are designed for day hikes and relatively short hiking trips. They have reasonably robust soles and are made in breathable materials. They do not have the support or durability of more robust boots and suit the more limited use they are designed for.
What is a mid-weight hiking-boot?> These boots are designed for general trail hiking and off-trail treks where you are carrying relatively light back pack loads. They still offer good foot support while being capable of relatively short hikes in moderate terrain.
What is an extended backpacking hiking-boot? These boots are designed to support hiking where you are carrying moderate and heavy back pack loads. They are also suited to rough terrain and extended period treks and hiking trips. These hiking-boots are very resilient and durable with good ankle support and general foot protection.
Hints for trying out a hiking-boot or shoe
Before you buy a hiking-boot or shoe there are a few fundamental things you should remember.
1. Fit your boot or shoe with your regular hiking socks
2. A hiking-boot or shoe will be a size to a size and a half larger than your regular shoes. This is because your feet tend to swell up when hiking
3. Try on hiking-boots and shoes later in the day as your feet will already have swelled while walking around during the day
4. One of the great myths is that when a boot feels okay that it will improve by wearing or breaking them in, they should feel really good right from the outset
5. If you have wide or narrow feet, look for shoe makes with varying widths
6. There is nothing worse than blisters. If you can feel any points in the shoe where your foot is rubbing look at a different boot or shoe.
7. Don’t wear your new hiking-boots on the first hike. Start getting your feet used to the boots by taking some extended walks around the park. This will save yourself from painful blisters and make your hike that more comfortable.
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