The key to having a comfortable walk is to wear quality walking boots – so make sure to buy the best pair for you by following these useful tips.
Opt for a Reasonable Quality and Price
Trying to save money isn’t always worth it. In general, the cost of a pair of boots is a direct reflection of their quality – so make sure you are prepared to invest in high quality since it will be worth the money you spend. Brands such as CAT boots provide good quality at a decent price.
Only Buy from a Reputable Retailer
Make sure to go to a reputable outdoor retailer that has staff that is well-trained in fitting footwear. If the staff are experienced they can guide you through the confusing range of boots that are available to choose the design that best fits you and is well-suited for the activities that you are intending to use them for.
Shop During the Afternoon
The time of the day you go boots shopping is critical to have a successful retail purchasing experience!
Your feet expand during the day. In some people, these changes can be very pronounced. So don’t shop for footwear in the morning, since that is when your feet are at their smallest. If you do that you could end up selecting footwear that feels good while you are in the store but it could be a completely different story when you are in the hills.
Avoid Shopping Online
Resist the temptation to buy “bargain” walking boots at an online retailer. when you buy them online you won’t be able to tell whether they are the right fit for the shape of your feet. If you end up needing to return the boots you might up having to pay shipping costs which can make it pretty expensive compared to visiting a reputable outdoor retail store that offers boot-fitting as well.
Comfort Is Absolutely Key
If you are purchasing your very first pair of boots then it is worth to choose comfort over durability. So in other words, resist the temptation to choose the toughest boots you can find just to get a bargain since they will last a really long time.
More durable boots may not offer you the same level of comfort which can give your problems when you are on your walks. Choose comfort. Your feet start toughening up after you’ve been walking for a little while – and that means in the future you can invest in tougher boots.
Fabric Or Leather?
Leather is breathable, durable, and tough – which allows moisture to escape out of your boots that is caused by sweating.
However, continuous advances in materials mean that a lot of boots are made out of new fabrics now, that offer comfort, breathability, durability, and toughness. Footwear made out of fabric won’t be as durable and tough as leather footwear are, but they will definitely offer better breathability and comfort.
Break in Your Boots!
This involves getting your boots molded to your feet – which makes them more comfortable and lowers the chance of getting blisters. Then wear the new boots around the house whenever you can to get them softened up. So if you experience tightness, discomfort, or slipping – if you haven’t worn them outside – you can always return them to receive a full refund, have them modified, or exchange them.
After you wear the boots around your home and are happy they fit then continue your breaking-in process outside. Don’t try climbing a mountain or take a day-long walk right away; instead, increase how long your walks are gradually in order to get your boots broken in. The more time that you do this, the more comfortable your boots will be. So don’t wait to buy footwear for your Kilimanjaro trip until a day before you are flying to Africa for your expedition!
Support Role
Numerous retailers stock “trekking shoes” now. They might appear to be really comfortable but don’t give the same amount of ankle support provided by boots. Trekking shoes are well-suited for urban travel. However, if you are attempting to walk on uneven terrain, then it is essential to have ankle support to significantly reduce the risk of becoming injured.
Winter or Summer?
Numerous characteristics that make a shoe for perfect for wearing in the summer also make them unsuitable to wear in the winter – and vice versa. There is four-season footwear that is available but often doesn’t provide as much durability in winter or comfort in summer as boots that have been designed specifically for seasonal use. So for best results, you should figure out when you will be doing most of your walking and purchase boots that match that season.
If you can afford it, then ideally you would want to buy a pair of boots for summer and spring and then another pair to wear in the winter and fall.
Don’t Forget About Socks
You need to invest money and time into your socks, and not just your boots. They can really make the difference when it comes to how comfortable your footwear is. If you have wet or damp feet blisters can form – so choose a pair that diverts moisture and sweat away actively from your feet over to your boots.
Also, select socks that are well-padded in the heels and toes to absorb impacts that you experience every day. Designs that provide a seamless toe area can also greatly help to reduce discomfort and rubbing. Don’t wear cotton socks while walking, since cotton readily absorbs and retains moisture, and that leads to blisters, along with cold feet during the winter.