hiking boots
What are the best hiking boots to buy?
My feet usually hurt after several hours of walking. I am a 43 year old man with size 12.5 medium arch feet.
There is no one hiking boot that is best for everybody. Every person has slightly differently shaped feet and different brands will work better for different people. It is true that certain brands have a better reputation for being sturdy and waterproof, but in terms of fit, there is no single right answer.
After many years and many different brands (including Danner, Asolo, and Hi-Tech), I have finally settled on the REI/Rachle brand as best for me (I also like the way they hold up).
The best way to choose a pair of hiking boots is to try on a lot of different brands. Go to a store that specializes in hiking and outdoors and the salespeople are hiker, such as REI or a local hiking store (as opposed to a general sports or shoe store). Some general tips about trying on boots:
1- You should go at the end of the day, when your feet are a bit larger than in the morning.
2- Make sure that you wear whatever socks you would wear while hiking.
3- When you try on various pairs of boots, spend some time walking around the store in them – hopefully they will also have the little ramps so you can see how they feel on a slope.
4- You want to make sure that you have a snug fit in the heel, but plenty of wiggle room in the toes.
Lastly, where do your feet hurt after walking? Toes, arches, heel? That could give you an idea of where you fitting issue are. Also, you may want to check with a doctor to make sure that it is not some larger joint or leg problem.
Backpacking & Camping Tips : Buying Hiking Boots
