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HIKING BOOTS
What’s the big deal about hiking boots? Aside from the fact that they’re expensive, that is. But do you really need to buy such an expensive item when you’re only just starting out? The answer is "Yes." Your hiking boots, in fact, should be considered the most important item in your whole hiking gear. In hiking, you’ll be using your feet more often than any other part of your body, so all the more reason for you provide them with ample protection. Hiking boots that are sturdily built can protect your feet from rough trails. Follow the guide below for a list of things to look for when buying hiking boots: That "Solid" Feeling This is what hiking boots are all about. The good ones have that "solid" feeling on the bottom, which means that you should not be able to feel rocks or stones through the soles. What if you can? Well, sooner or later after many miles on the trail, there is a very good likelihood that your feet are going to start hurting, and that’s no good, especially if you still have a couple of miles to go before breaking camp. When buying a pair of hiking boots, test its solidity. Try pressing the sole of your thumb in the bottom. If it feels soft, then those boots cannot give your feet the protection they need. You can also try twisting the soles of the boot. If you can, then it’s also probably too soft for hiking. Always remember that trails are not like the pavement in front of your home. They are most certainly rocky and if you are not wearing a good pair of hiking boots, they can also be a huge pain. Side Protection The bottom part of your hiking boots is not the only important thing. Good boots are also expected to provide you with protection on the sides. In fact, the reason they are called "heavy" hiking boots is that they have extra padding to protect your foot from any stones, rocks, or branches you may step on which could gouge into the side of the boot. If you’ve chosen to pick fabric boots, be sure to get those with protective "welts." They’re found about half-an-inch or more up from the soles and give added protection. Ankle Support Achilles obviously didn’t know the first thing about boots, so he had nothing to protect himself when Paris hit him with an arrow on the ankle. Don’t follow in Achilles’ footsteps. Pick good hiking boots with good ankle support. Here’s how to pick them:
The top of the boot should be stiff enough to hold the ankle in place. That’s how you determine a pair of hiking boots with good support. Don’t Let the Water In Wet feet cause blisters and blisters are painful. Blisters are evil. Avoid blisters at all costs. Get hiking boots that are waterproof. If you find hiking boots that aren’t waterproof, at least make sure that they are capable of being waterproofed. Fabric boots may be waterproofed with special waterproofing solutions, such as liquid silicone. However, these solutions generally do not waterproof sufficiently to make the boots useful.
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