Are you shopping for waterproof walking boots? If your second home is the great outdoors, you know how important it is to have the right pair of waterproof walking boots, for your safety and comfort. A good pair of waterproof walking boots will keep you dry when the weather outside is not. A good pair of waterproof walking boots will provide you with the foot support needed to make a long trek without ending up with barking dogs (that’s the saying, right?). A good pair of waterproof hiking boots can be the hinge-pin that makes a tough hike successful.
But how does one go about finding a good pair of trail walking shoes or hiking boots? Stand by, we’ve put together a shopping guide, below:
Five Tips for Buying the Right Pair of Hiking Boots
- Don’t skimp just to save a few bucks.
We all like getting a good deal, whether you’re shopping for toilet paper or a new car. However, when it comes to buying hiking boots, you really don’t want to sacrifice quality just to keep a couple extra bucks in your pocket. For the most part, the price of a pair of hiking boots directly corresponds to the quality of them. Hiking boots aren’t one of those fad fashion accessories that get price gauged only because they’re hot. If you invest in a good quality pair of hiking boots, they will last a long time and provide you the support, comfort, and protection you need to enjoy the trail. - Get your foot measured to ensure you get the right size.
Perhaps you’ve been a size 7 ever since seventh grade. Perhaps you can blindly buy a pair of penny loafers with this nugget of wisdom. But when you’re buying hiking boots, you want to have your feet measured to ensure you get the ideal size. Hiking boots only provide the comfort and support they are meant to offer you if they fit you like they should. Additionally, each manufacturer of hiking boots might have slight variations in their sizing. It’s best to ensure that the size you select is ideal for your foot. - Go shoe shopping after a long day of work.
As you are on your feet all day, your feet swell and increase in size. If you go shoe shopping at the beginning of the day, your feet are going to be at their smallest. Your hiking boots are meant to be worn while you walk miles in all terrain. You want to buy a pair that fit ideally and are going to provide comfort when your feet are at their largest. Go shopping at the end of the day, after you’ve been walking all day, to get the best fit. - Don’t hit up the interwebs for your new boots.
You might be inclined to hit up Amazon for your new boots. We get it, we buy everything from toothpaste to furniture on Amazon. However, when you’re shopping for boots, you need to do it in person. Every foot is as unique as a snowflake. There’s no way to tell how a boot will feel on your foot unless you physically try it on. - Comfort is king!
You might feel inclined to choose your new boots on durability, to ensure you get your money’s worth out of your investment. However, if your boots aren’t comfortable, you won’t wear them, and you won’t get any use our of your investment. Boots that are tougher and more durable tend to be heavier and less flexible; these boots are less comfortable to spend all day on rough terrain in. Instead, make your comfort your biggest priority. If you find a great pair that feels like an extension of your foot, you’ll get a ton of wear out of them, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck!
Maybe once you’ve worn a hole into your first pair of hiking boots, your feet will be tough enough and you’ll be in the kind of shape that can handle a pair of tough and durable boots that will last you longer.
Finding a great pair of hiking boots will make your outdoor adventures so much easier and more enjoyable. Follow our simple tips in your quest, and you’re sure to find the right ones!