If you are looking to buy walking boots then there are some things to consider first, purchasing the right pair of walking boots can make all the difference to your outdoor trip.
If you are planning a walking trip or hiking trip then you want to make sure you have boots that are designed for this purpose, before looking for walking boots you should first think of the terrain you will be walking on. This could be flat comfortable walking ground where you would be better of buying a good quality walking shoe, or you could be planning a hiking trip over rough uneven ground where the hiking boot would be the right choice.
The hiking boot offers you protection around the ankle area specifically to help prevent ankle twists, these ankle twists are among the more popular injuries experienced by hikers. The manufactures have realized this, and designed features into there hiking boots that give maximum support to areas that need it the most.
The sole of the walking boots is one area you should pay particular attention to, preferably you should choose boots that have a rubber sole. This rubber sole will give you maximum grip on almost any terrain, try to avoid boots with plastic type soles if it starts to rain when you are out hiking these can become slippery.
The upper materials used in walking boots can vary among manufactures, probably the most popular is the leather boot with goretex lining, goretex is great at keeping your feet dry and warm during cold conditions. This material also allows your feet to breath which is very important when going on longer walking trips, you can get walking boots with fabric style uppers sometimes called split leather, these will be much lighter and a bit less supportive than the sturdier leather boot.
No matter which styles you choose try to make sure the boots come with a well fitted padded tongue and cuff, these should be fully joined all the way up the length of the boots to stop water or small stones getting through to your feet.
Lacing your boot is also a consideration to look at, if the boot has holes for the laces to go through then this can be a problem when your fingers are cold and numb. Look for walking boots that have the d-rings or hook type fasteners, these are much easier to fasten with freezing cold hands.
Finally the fit of the walking boots should be really snug and comfortable, if the boot is too big your feet will move around and cause the dreaded blisters, if the boots are too tight they will reduce circulation to your feet and cause them to become cold.
You should also plan ahead and buy your boots weeks before your trip, then wear them around the house or walking to work just to get them molded to your foot shape before you attempt that hiking trip.
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