What Every Serious Backpacker Must Know About Picking The Right Hiking Boots!

Here are a few essential tips for finding the right boots for you:

1 - Look for shoes at the end of the day after you've done some walking so that the shoes fit your foot correctly. After a day of walking your foot changes its shape. Next...

2 - Get a thick pair of walking socks and wear them when you try on some shoes. This is what you will be wearing on the hike for comfort. So wear them when you are buying the shoes. And remember to...

3 - Try a wide range of brands and sizes. Your usual size may vary depending on the brand, so experiment with a couple varieties. The idea is to...

4 - Get shoes that are a SLIGHT loose fit so that your foot has room to move. NOTE that we dont want loose shoes, just not overly tight ones. And...

5 - If you're going on a light hike or walk, choose a light and flexible shoe. These are more comfy than heavy ones. For the boot itself..

6 - The top part should have as few seams as possible. This will reduce the likleyhood of water seeping thru. This means that, less seams means more water resistance. And thats a good thing!

7- If you are going on a long and rugged hike, the shoes should be more sturdy, tough and durable. On the other hand, if you expect to go a light hike, then a more flexible yet sturdy boot is more appropriate. And finally...

8 - For increased tracking, get deeper treads on the shoes. Treads are the grove in the rubber of the under side or sole of the shoe.


All the best in finding that perfect shoe!

Tomasz


PS Your boots may not be very comfy at first. They may be a bit stiff and some even have a metal shank in the sole. But as you wear them in, you will feel like you're walking on clouds...ahhhh

PPS For a comprehensive step by step experience of buying your PERFECT hiking shoe, check out: Our E-Book Today: "A Beginners Guide To Backpacking"

For a FREE Online Backpacking Course: http://www.secretsofbackpacking.com/Backpacking_Basics/index.php