BEST FOOT FORWARD
Choosing the right footwear ...
For anyone planning long walks or hikes, footwear is probably the most important item of equipment to buy. It is a good investment which you will not regret. Pay the most you can afford, as this is one item you should not skimp on.
Choose boots which fit comfortably. They should be cushioned and have a gap of 5mm - 15mm between the big toe and the front of the boot. The heel should not slip up over 5mm and the ball of the foot should be a comfortable fit at the widest part.
When buying boots, take with you the socks you intend to wear when trying boots on. There are so many different shapes and sizes of feet, so there are lots of different makes and types of boot. Try on a variety of styles to get the best footwear for you. Where possible, wear the boots and walk in them around the shop to be sure they fit comfortably before buying.
All new leather footwear tends to feel stiff at first until the material softens. It is therefore a good idea to wear them in first, by going on shorter walks or even wear them around the house (while they are new and clean).
|
