| Are your hiking boots delivering blisters and | | | | support well. Depending on personal |
| sore ankles instead of providing comfort and | | | | preference, either choice can be a good one. |
| support? Choosing women's hiking boots that | | | | |
| will not leave you aching can be achieved in | | | | 3. Go In The Afternoon To Test Them Out |
| 5 easy steps. | | | | |
| | | | Shopping for women's hiking boots is best |
| 1. Choose A Weight | | | | done in the afternoon when your feet swell |
| | | | the most. This mimics trail conditions since |
| Women's hiking boots come in heavy weight, | | | | feet swell on a trail due to different |
| medium weight, or light weight. Heavy weight | | | | terrain and load levels. In addition to going |
| boots are aptly named, since they tend to be | | | | in the afternoon, bring along the socks that |
| heavy and rigid. Because they are rigid they | | | | you will be wearing while hiking. This will |
| offer more support, but this can also mean | | | | ensure that you do not buy a pair of boots |
| more blisters. Women's hiking boots that are | | | | that are too tight. |
| classified as heavy are often chosen for | | | | |
| going off-trail or taking longer trips. | | | | 4. Try On Several Pairs |
| | | | |
| The next class of boots are considered medium | | | | Since each company and different style fit |
| weight, and provide less support than the | | | | differently, it is important to test out many |
| heavy weight, but offer more flexibility. | | | | without settling for the first ones you try |
| These are often chosen when taking short | | | | on. Trying out many styles and brands, and |
| hikes with a heavy pack or longer hikes with | | | | going up or down sizes, can be valuable in |
| a lighter pack. | | | | finding a comfortable pair. If any of the |
| | | | boots do not feel right for any reason at |
| The last classification in women's hiking | | | | all, go with your instincts and do not |
| boots is light weight. When going on a short | | | | purchase them. You can afford to be picky, |
| hike with a light pack, this may be the best | | | | with all of the options available. |
| option. Although the above guidelines are | | | | |
| often accurate, some people like to use heavy | | | | 5. Wear Them For Awhile Before Hitting The |
| weight boots for short trips, while others | | | | Trail |
| prefer light weight boots even on longer | | | | |
| trips or with heavy packs. In the end you | | | | Wear the boots for a day or two during your |
| need to make a personal choice based on how | | | | normal daily routines This prevents being |
| much ankle support you need combined with the | | | | stuck wearing them on a hike if they are not |
| level of comfort. | | | | broken in, or if they cause problems. If you |
| | | | wear them beforehand you can return or |
| 2. Make A Choice: Leather or Man-Made? | | | | exchange them for another pair that is a |
| | | | better fit. |
| Women's hiking boots are constructed in two | | | | |
| main ways, with some being made from leather, | | | | Women's hiking boots can be comfortable and |
| while others are made from man-made material. | | | | offer good support for hiking. Following the |
| When considering which material to choose, | | | | above steps will help you to find the perfect |
| keep in mind that man-made ones offer a great | | | | pair for your feet, and will make hiking more |
| variance of breathability and water | | | | rewarding and enjoyable. |
| resistance, while leather can stretch and | | | | |