your hiking boots sn

l need to check that the boots are compatible before you buy. Even hiking at slightly higher elevations in coastal mountains can make for cold-weather.?For cold-weather hiking it's critical to get waterproof insulated boots that breathe to keep you dry, but these are not really necessary for walking lower trails near the coastal shores.

The support given to the ankle and foot are mostly from the stiffness and durability of the shank that runs the length of the boot under the foot, not from the high ankle height of the boot.?The shank is the main support system in a boot.?High tops can provide a little extra support alongside the shank, but not much.?So, what do those high tops do?

High tops help prevent ankle abrasions from scree and loose rock and branches, and they help keep water from entering the boot in low water conditions. Keeping water out is very important.?Long hikes with wet boots can cause increased abrasion and blistering from friction inside the boots, as well as rapid fungal growth.?Alongside the high-top boots, a pair of gaiters is really necessary for coastal trails.?Gaiters cannot prevent water from entering boots from the top in deep puddles, but they can keep the system dry in water levels slightly higher than the boot top if you are moving through at a relatively quick pace.?The waterproofing on your boots is good for low water, below boot height; the gaiters help to extend this protection a bit over the boot top.?Sometimes, it is just unavoidable: that puddle was deeper than you thought, your sandal blew out before the creek ford, etc.?After the boots are wet inside, it is up to you then to manage the wet by changing socks and attempting to keep your feet dry, perhaps by lining the inside of the boots with a thin plastic bag, until you can get them off and dry them out.?Wet skin is more fragile than dry skin.?Preventing wetness helps prevent blisters and open sores.?The fit of your boot is the other factor in preventing blisters and sores.

New boots designed for rugged terrain will feel stiff but they should still be comfortable. An extra sock on a smaller foot can adjust the fit if you need slightly different sizes for each foot, but get boots big enough to fit the largest foot properly, not the smallest foot. Always wear your boots to break them in before any trip.?This also goes for old, worn-in hiking boots.?They may have changed or your feet may have changed since the last trip.?Try them out before you leave.
Lace up your hiking boots snugly. The ball and arch of your foot should feel snug but you should be able to curl your toes without pain. Your should be able to move your toes up and down and have room in front so they don't get pressed into the front of the boot on descents. Your heel should be securely cupped and not move excessively or feel like it's floating. Breaking your new boots in will take weeks.?The pressure of your foot in the boot must mold and mbts shape the boot to form fit your foot.?With denser materials in heavy hiking boots, this takes some time, perhaps 80+ kilometers.?Before you go, try a good two to three hour hike with your pack loaded to see if anything is heating up or hurting.