Useful information, tips, advice, offers about hiking, the great outdoors and other topics.
Hiking-Boot Buying Strategy: The 5-Minute Test.
For best results, Make sure:
-Feet are Clean, Clipped and Dry.
-New Socks: use Clean, Cotton, Cushion socks.
1. Open both laced-up boots ‘wide-open’.Briefly ‘Field Inspect’ both boots or shoes.-Check for any obvious defects-Look for a ‘rugged, field-grade quality look & feel’.
2. Slip & Snug.-Slip on the ‘wide-open’ boot or shoe. Without disturbing sock fit.-Snug the laces: ‘comfortably & evenly snug’. But not tight.-Readjust laces if needed.
Test 1: Just Stand. Keep loose. Don’t think about the shoes.Stretch. Scratch. Pick out the pair of boots you will evaluate next. Remember: ‘Good hiking boots don’t distract when being worn’.
Test 2: The Balance Test: Carefully do some exaggerated high-steps. “Like you were stepping over that log in the hiking-path”.Do the boots want to help you over that log? Or, tip you over?
Test 3: The Potty Trot Test: Take short, quick, up and down steps in-place. Do these hikers feel like they’re fun? Or, a drag.
Final Evalution
Again: just stand around. Keep loose. But this time – really think about the shoes.Also, think critical evaluation points: toes, feet, heels, Achilles, knees, hips and back. Any new ache or pain is a ‘red-flag’. Better Keep Looking! Remember: “A boot or shoe boot will let you know quick if it doesn’t like you”. Good Luck. Hope this helps.
