There are only two rules for buying hiking boots: good quality and good fit. But if it is that simple, why do so many hikers end up wearing poorly fitted boots?

According to Backpacker magazine, seventy percent of hikers wear boots that don’t fit right — and they often don’t even know it. Their boots leave them with blisters and sore feet, but they think that’s just part of hiking. Not so. Pain is not a natural part of enjoying the outdoors.

Boots that don’t fit right can also lead to sore knees, ankles, hips, and back. After all, the 26 bones of your feet support the entire weight of your body and backpack. Since your boots determine the comfort and support of your feet, which in turn support your entire weight, hikers generally agree that the most important piece of hiking gear is the boot.

It is well worth it, therefore, to make the investment of time and money in finding the right boot. But what are the criteria to look for?

Quality:

When it comes to boots, you get what you pay for. Inexpensive boots are made from cheap materials that bind, chafe, and fail to protect your feet from moisture and other hazards. Manufactures cut down on costs by cutting corners; you pay the price in terms of lost comfort, and it is never worth the money you “saved.”

You will be able to find an excellent boot for under $200, but unless it’s on a super-sale, you probably won’t find a quality boot for less than $100.

Features:

Look for at least two sets of lace-hooks at the top. Lace holes make it more difficult to adjust your lacing for up-and down-hill stretches, and manufactures of good boots know this.

The exterior material should be waterproof and durable. The interior material should be smooth; no chafing and no sticky, poking seeds.

The tongue should be pleated to keep out water. And the sole should have an effective traction design and be stiff enough for your typical use (trekkers carrying heavy packs need stiffer soles than day hikers, for instance).

Fit:

Don’t even think about “breaking them in.” Although hiking boots pack-down somewhat and form to your foot, boots that rub or bind anywhere will never fit right. Also, make sure that your toes have room. If they are touching the front of the boot at all, your downhill hikes will be painful, no matter how good you are at lacing.

Of course, shop for your hiking boots wearing the hiking socks you normally use so their thickness is part of the fit.

If you follow these guidelines, you will end up with hiking boots that will last for many years and make every hike a pleasure.

Daniel Lebarge is a journalist and backpacking enthusiast. For additional tips and insights about boots, visit All Boots and All Camping - your premier online resources offering valuable information about hiking and camping gear.

Tags: backpacking, boot, boots, camping, hiking, recreation, shoesbackpacking, boot, boots, camping, hiking, recreation, shoes

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Earlier this week rumors were a buzz about Tom Cruise and his supposed shoe lifts. There has been talk of a leak from an assistant, a fired spokeswoman looking for vengeance and even Nicole Kidman drunk at a party talking about her short ex-counterpart. No one in the Hollywood press can figure out where this rumor grew legs. The one thing everyone can agree on is Tom Cruise was short and now he is not.

There has been talk of the growing Cruise shadowing over his new young lady Katie Holmes at his recent Mission Impossible: 3 premiere in Hollywood last month. Cruise’s spokesman, Paul Bloch, insisted that nothing was out of the ordinary: “He had normal shoes on.”

I recently spotted Matthew McConaughey at the Texas Film Hall of Fame induction and he was 5′11″! Funny, years ago when I was an extra on the film “The Newton Boys,” Mathew McConaughey sauntered up to the dinner wagon. He was at best 5′6″! And that’s generous! I’ve seen Sandra Bullock more than once and she’s also tiny–5′3″! Has McConaughey’s celebrity height suddenly increased in a 30ish growth spurt or are film star McConaughey’s boots filled with new lifts? What do you think, bubba? -The Grilled Onion.com - http://www.TallTall.com May 4 2006 - James McCloud - Staff Writer

Christa Kaye runs and owns Serendipity Shoe Lifts http://www.TallTall.com

Tags: Be Taller, boots, dating, grow, height, Shoe Lifts, shoes, Tall, Tom CruiseBe Taller, boots, dating, grow, height, Shoe Lifts, shoes, Tall, Tom Cruise

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Just because your outdoor thermometer keeps showing lower and lower numbers, does not mean that it is time to put away your awesome fashion in favor of bulky coats, sweaters, and shoes. With fur trimmed boots, it is possible to stay warm and remain fashionable.

Some might think that the warmth that fur trimmed boots offer is part of a wave of the future. But the simple “technology” of fur has been around since time began. How else would animals stay warm during those freezing cold months without the fur on their backs and feet? And would early humans have stayed warm without that same animal fur on their own backs and feet? Fur is nature’s “technical fabric.”

Fur trimmed boots use nature’s “technical fabric” in the best of ways - they are trimmed with more than just fur, they are trimmed with warmth. The fur of fur trimmed boots does indeed keep your feet warm, but it also adds a certain style and flair to your boots.

That hint of fur that onlookers can see on your boots can be intriguing. Fur trimmed boots are an excellent way to spice up and outfit, both in heat and style. Most are not only great because of the warm of the fur and the style of the boot, but because they have other great details.

For instance, many fur trimmed boots have rubber soles so that you can stay standing while walking through slippery snow and ice. Some have beautiful and functional laces or closures. Others may have intricate designs of thread or beads or fur.

Whatever sort of fur trimmed boot that you think will keep your feet happiest and most attractive, you are likely going to be able to find it. They are just that popular.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on fur boots and fashion please visit Fur Boots.

Tags: boots, fur boots, fur shoes, fur trimmed boots, fur trimmed shoes, winter bootsboots, fur boots, fur shoes, fur trimmed boots, fur trimmed shoes, winter boots

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