Want the best boots for hiking, riding horses or motorcycles, or going to work? Use this guide to find good boots that fit like a glove...
If you want your feet to be healthy and comfortable, you need to make sure your boots fit just right. Whether you're buying motorcycle boots, logger boots, lacer boots, cowboy boots, or steel toe boots, you'll want the best fit possible so you can enjoy your activities without aches and blisters. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you're shopping for boots.
Pick Quality over Cost
Only spend your money on high-quality boots. Price shouldn't matter until you've carefully looked at how good the boots are. Check to see if they have solid bottoms as a test. Try pressing your thumb into the sole. If you can push in on the sole with your thumb, the boots are probably too soft to protect you as much as you need. Try turning the soles of the boots as well. If you can bend them, they may be too soft. Steel-toed boots, logger boots, lacer boots, and any other boots used for hard work or activities should have a solid bottom.
The strength and protection of the sides of the boots is another sign that they are good quality. The extra padding on good boots will protect your feet from things like rocks, stones, metal objects, and so on. To check for ankle support, you can grab the top of the boot and try to turn it sideways. If it's easy to bend, it probably doesn't have a lot of ankle support.
If you work outside or do things like hike or ride a motorcycle outside, make sure your boots are waterproof. When you're riding, your motorcycle boots and cowboy boots will be exposed to all kinds of weather, from the heat of the sun to heavy rain. Boots that are waterproof will last longer and keep your feet dry.
Pricing your boots should come after you've thought about how good they are. Once you know what kind or brand of boots you want, you can shop online and find great deals.
How to Fit Your Boots
Even if you buy boots online, a professional should try them on you in person if at all possible. Remember that not all boots are the same, just like not all feet are the same. Your boots should feel as good as your running shoes and fit like a glove. Even boots that are heavy should fit well.
Get a pair of socks you would normally wear with boots before you leave the house. Try on the boots and walk around the store for at least 15 minutes while wearing them.
How Big Your Boots Are
Make sure the heels of the boots don't slip. Also, make sure your toes have plenty of room. Many well-known brands of boots come in a "wide-toe" size, if you need it. Use your index finger to check the size. To do this, take the laces off your boots and move your foot as far forward as you can. Try slipping your index finger behind your ankle into the back of the boot. If your finger fits there without being too tight or too loose, you have the right size. They don't fit too snugly or too loosely.
Try them on once without socks to see how they fit. Make sure your toes have enough room to "wiggle." Also, check the sides of your feet for any tight spots. Then try on the boots with socks.
Check Your Step
Notice how the boots feel when you walk forward, backward, and sideways around the store. If you want to wear the boots hiking or walking on slopes, ask the store clerk if there's a sloped board or sloped area in the store where you can try them on.
Online Shopping for Boots
Once you find boots that fit well and are of good quality, you can look online for great deals on the type of boots you need. There are places to buy boots online that sell many different brands and styles. Also, many online malls sell things like RC toys and diecast models of cars, so you can shop for other things while you're there. You'll want the best logging boots, lacer boots, cowboy boots, steel-toe boots, or motorcycle boots. Your feet are good enough.
