Going on walks is good for your health. But if you’re planning a trip with lots of walking, make sure your feet are ready, too. Your old rubber shoes probably won’t do. Consider investing in an excellent pair of walking boots. Here’s a guide to help you avoid shopping mistakes and prevent buyer’s remorse later.
Avoid Size Assumptions
Don’t assume that just because you’re a size bigger or smaller in one brand, that automatically goes for all the shoe brands you’ll try. That’s not the case. It’s always best to check the size of the boots, especially if you’re getting them online.
Wear Them with Socks
When you shop for wide fit walking boots, factor in the size and type of socks you’ll wear. If you’re walking in cold weather conditions, thick socks will add to the size of your feet, so adjust the size of the boots before buying a pair. If you’re walking in warm weather, thin socks won’t add bulk to your shoe size. That way, you can shop for boots in your size.
Consider the Fit
It’s not enough to find boots in your size. You also have to consider the shape of your feet. Do you have wide-shaped feet? Then consider wide fit walking boots instead of the usual shoe designs that better fit narrow-shaped feet. If you often find standard shoes tight around your toes, wide fit boots might be the perfect pair for you. Most people ignore that tightness, though, forcing the fit, confident that they’ll break in the shoes over time. Some buy boots that are a size too large to give their feet more room and prevent a tight fit. However, if it’s too loose, your feet will keep moving inside the boot, giving you blisters. That’s why an excellent fit is crucial. If you do a lot of walking, you’ll thank your past self for choosing shoes that won’t hurt your feet in the long run.
Think About the Material
Some boots are best for backpacking through wood or dense forest areas. If you plan multiday trips into the backcountry, those boots are a must-have for your OOTD. Some shoes can withstand heavier loads, so if you typically carry a lot in your backpack, that will work for you. However, some boots are ideal for day hikes or short trips with light loads. By checking the material beforehand, you can pick shoes for the terrain you’ll explore.
Factor in Activities
Do you plan to walk on pavement for hours, for days on end? Or do you plan on walking along trails that might or might not contain slippery grasslands, rocky ground, and forests? Think about the activities you plan to do and consider which shoes can handle all of them. The last thing you want is to bring a pair of old, trusty rubber shoes with soles that melt in the heat or turn to rubble when used for miles of cobblestones on a hot day.
Shop for Light Options
Walking a lot can drain your energy, leaving you exhausted and tired. You can find shoes with durable and supportive features, which can prove extremely helpful on your trips. Check out those shoes and see why they’re ideal for on and off-trail travel. Some lightweight shoes have high-cut designs, so explore those options, too. If you plan on more walking adventures in the future, it does pay to have more than one pair to bring around with you.
Look at Customer Feedback
The best thing about shopping online is the reviews. Customers these days aren’t afraid to leave reviews. With many online retailers selling the same thing to the same market or audience, it can be daunting to find boots that best fit you. Reading customer reviews, though, help narrow it down. Check what other people have said about the company’s products and services. Are they happy with the shoes? What are their common complaints? Do some of the issues sound familiar? If there are complaints from different customers that talk about the same problems, that could indicate recurring issues with the boots. Spare yourself the trouble and shop elsewhere.
Know How to Maintain Them
Before buying walking boots, read manufacturer instructions on how to take care of your footwear. Can you dry them close to a fire, or will that damage the shoes? How do you wash the boots? Is a cleaning mixture of soap and water enough? Always clean your boots after using them. Don’t let grime and dirt get stuck, or you’ll have a more frustrating time removing them later.
Try Different Designs
Some boots have a high collar. Some have a short one. Consider the terrain you’ll be taking on and the weather report for your trip dates. That will help you pick boots you’ll need for your walking adventures.