Before You Buy Hiking Boots or Walking Shoes

Consider the following tips when shopping around for walking shoes: (1) Look for walking shoes at the end of the day, after you have been active for several hours. This ensures that the shoes you select will fit your feet properly. (2) Purchase a pair of thick, absorbant hiking/walking socks. Wear these socks when sizing and selecting your shoes. I recommend:

Before settling on a specific design of walking shoe, consider the following tips: (1) Try a variety of shoe designs and sizes to identify the best fit. Don't assume that you will always purchase the same size shoe. Size often varies a great deal between brands and designs. (2) Do not buy shoes that are too tight. You must have room to allow your foot to bend. Cramped shoes lead to cramped feet. (3) For light hiking and walking, light/flexible shoes offer more comfort than heavy/rigid shoes.

Consider the following tips before you buy hiking boots: (1) Be sure to find the correct size boot. (2) The upper part of the boot should have as few seams as possible to maximize water resistence. (3) Take some time to think about the type of hiking you plan to do. For rugged, demanding hiking, consider boots that are strong, tough and durable. For lighter, day-hiking consider boots that are sturdy but flexible. (4) For increased traction, select a boot with deeper treads.

Hiking boots and walking shoes can often be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are many quality manufacturers, so with a bit of research, you can often find the ideal shoe to serve your needs for many years. Consider the following footwear manufacturers and dealers as you shop:

For more information about selecting and caring for your hiking boots and walking shoes, visit the following sites: