| The right walking boot is best determined so as | | | | the new shoes as the thickness and texture of |
| to suit your terrain and activity levels. If you plan | | | | the socks will affect the fit of the boots. If you |
| to use the walking boots year round in a | | | | are shopping out of season for best bargains, be |
| temperate climate, then a lightweight shoe is a | | | | sure to bring your heavy grade thermal socks in |
| perfect match. Although a heavier boot may last | | | | the summertime. |
| you a few extra seasons, they will be too hot for | | | | If you need the new walking boots for a specific |
| warmer climates, causing your feet to sweat. And | | | | upcoming event such as camping trip or to use |
| excessive sweating leads to itching and is a | | | | for your next holiday, be sure you purchase the |
| breeding ground for fungus so try to keep your | | | | walking boots well in advance and give yourself |
| feet at a cool, comfortable temperature. It's not | | | | plenty of time to break them in. Stiff |
| the price tag on the shoe that will determine its | | | | components, such as the tongue or the instep |
| performance, but rather selecting the correct | | | | area need to be stretched and moulded to your |
| shoe to match your activity will yield the best | | | | individual foot characteristics. Allowing sufficient |
| results. | | | | time to break the shoes in is especially important |
| The walking boots should be structured to meet | | | | for high-top models that have a snug fit around |
| your performance levels, providing sufficient | | | | the ankles, where abrasions and chaffing may |
| shock absorbent soles and a contoured foot bed | | | | disable your feet. |
| to aid in metatarsal support. For long distance | | | | The best way to achieve a custom fit is to wear |
| walking or treks through rugged terrain, try | | | | them around the house for a week or so to |
| durable and breathable uppers fitted with a | | | | soften up and mould the boots to your foot. |
| gusseted tongue for comfort. For flat and level | | | | Professional shoe stretching does nothing to train |
| treks, a medium grade walking shoe should be | | | | the walking boot to your individual shape and |
| sufficient. But for climbing or activities requiring | | | | contours and will fail you if you plan to wear the |
| added traction, you may wish to invest in a | | | | walking shoes for long periods of time. Shoes that |
| heavier shoe with attention to fully padded ankle | | | | are not properly broken in may cause blisters and |
| support and a rugged sole to provide better | | | | cutting, and if left untreated may result in an |
| traction. | | | | infection. By wearing the walking shoe a little each |
| When shopping for a new pair of walking boots, | | | | day, you may naturally break the shoe in for a |
| be sure to wear the socks you intend to use with | | | | perfect comfort fit in just a few days. |