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Three things to consider before buying walking shoes
The cuff height of walking boots plays a major role in how comfortable they are for walking. Give some thought to the terrain in which you’ll be walking and the load you’ll be carrying.
Boots with a low cuff are suitable for day trips where you’re carrying a light load across dry ground. They’re often lighter than other boots and are ideal for travelling. They also work just as well for short walks or for pottering around your garden.
Boots with a medium cuff are suitable for hiking in varying terrain, for example in woods and on hillsides. They provide good support when you carry heavy loads and keep you dry if you need to walk across marshy ground.
Boots with a high cuff are suitable when you’re hiking with a heavy load across rough terrain with a lot of wetlands, as they provide stability. They are usually warmer, but also heavier than low-cuff hiking boots.
No one enjoys having wet and cold feet. Make sure you choose walking boots with a membrane, such as GORE-TEX, to keep your feet dry. If the boots also have GORE-TEX SURROUND®, even the sole lets in air, so you don’t get too hot. If you’re going to wear them on hot days, it’s a good idea to choose hiking boots with mesh panels, as they breathe and provide good ventilation.
The last thing you want to do is hurt yourself while hiking. Choose boots that allow you to hike safely.
A sole with a chunky tread gives you good traction and grip, even in slippery conditions.
Reinforced toes and heels protect you from hard knocks and sharp stones.
A larger size can save you from chafing and blisters. As your feet get warmer, they swell up and you risk blisters if your shoes start rubbing your feet. So choose boots that give you some extra space at the front for your toes (but not too much!). You can always adjust the laces or wear thicker socks if you need to.
Here are some other tips to prevent chafing that might come in handy when you are about to go hiking!