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OutdoorPlaces.Com
Boot Buying Gear Guide - Miscellaneous |
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There are a
number of issues on selecting the right boots that can erupt into hand
to hand combat around outdoors enthusiasts. What about selecting a
boot for your children? Why can't I wear sneakers? What
about trail sandals? We try to answer some of these nagging
questions that you may ask when selecting the right boot.
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What
About Sneakers Or Other Footwear? |
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There is nothing
in Hiking Boot 101 that says you positively can't hike in
sneakers. A lot of people do it all the time. The three
primary problems in wearing sneakers is they are simply not durable
enough, they are not waterproof, and they offer only limited ankle
support. Sneakers will not protect you against rocks or the shock
of a rough trail, and can get cut much easier than a quality full grain
leather boot. Sneakers are not waterproof, and wet feet will stop
you dead in your tracks. And finally, just like below ankle trail
shoes, they offer very little ankle support. Even high top
sneakers afford less protection than an above the ankle boot. The
best reason going is that a quality pair of hiking boots can be had for
less money than a quality pair of adult sneakers!
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What
About Sandals? |
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There is a
growing acceptance among hikers on using trail sandals for the
outdoors. Many folks who have used them swear they will never go
back to boots because of their lightweight and comfortable design and
due to the ventilation of the sandal, the removal of the worry of wet
feet. If you plan to do trail running or walk on
improved/maintained trails, there is probably nothing wrong with
selecting sandals. If you do decide to purchase sandals, make sure
that your heel, ankle, and toes are enclosed and protected.
Exposed toes on a rocky trail are only asking for a serious foot
injury. You are sacrificing ankle support with a sandal and you
need to be mindful of that. Finally if you are in an area where
you will be exposed to a lot of sun, make sure to apply sunscreen to
your feet. Nothing will stop a hiker faster than sandals rubbing
on a severe sunburn.
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What
Do I Do For My Children? |
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Several companies
make excellent hiking shoes for children. Timberland makes legitimate
trail runners and day hikers all the way down to toddler sizes!
Although spending $30 to $50 for footwear that your child may outgrow in
a matter of weeks can seem outrageous to some, if your child's feet
become sore or blistered, it will be the end of your hike, and worse,
you may have to carry your child out. Size your children's boots
and get them the appropriate socks (which are made in their sizes also).
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How
Much Should I Spend? |
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There is no real
hard and fast answer to that question. You need to evaluate your
budget and your requirements. If your budget is $50 you are going
to have a hard time finding Gore-Tex mountaineering boots.
Excellent quality footwear for hiking can be found for under $100 for
adults, and under $60 for children. A reasonable budget range
would be from $95 to $150. Expect to pay more for Gore-Tex or
backpacking boots.
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What
Brand Boot Do You Recommend? |
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We don't.
OutdoorPlaces.Com has provided this information as an agnostic view on
buying boots. You can visit our links library under Gear, Boots to
find a listing on a number of boot manufacturers that provide excellent
quality boots.
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