To a hiker, boots are a big deal. They are such a big deal, that I am always surprised when I see other hikers trekking along in tennis shoes or sandals. Even a walk around town calls for appropriate footwear. I'll never forget the story my daughter told me of a young lady who showed up at my daughter's door for a four mile walk around town. The young lady had settled on flip flops as her choice of footwear. Either the young missy had feet of steel, she had never walked four miles, or commitment to a mental institution was in order.
On a fairly level, short trail with few rocks or tree roots, tennis shoes might suffice. But most hiking trails are not short,level, or rock free. And I can't even imagine wearing tennis shoes to negotiate a trail made of rocks. Even low top hiking shoes are completely inadequate for this type of trail. High top shoes help support ankles from twisting and turning as hikers make their away across the rocks.
After trying several different types of hiking boots, my favorite is Vasque. Since I had a bout with plantar's fasciitis a few years ago, I wear my Vasque boots to go on any kind of walk, even to walk the dog. If I enjoyed extra attention and the shocked expressions of onlookers, I would wear my Vasque boots to church, to sewing club, and with my swim wear. I LOVE these boots. I don't know what it is about this boot, but they feel like they mold to my feet and support my touchy arch.
Because of my touchy arch, I wear orthotics. After buying the boots, I remove the boots' insole, replace it with a purchased, flat insole without arch support (the green kind you buy at the shoe store). Then, I insert my orthotics. All good quality boots I have run across have an arch support in the boot insole. This support doesn't mesh with my prescription orthotics and has always caused discomfort. That is why I purchase the flat insole and use it with my orthotics in my new boots.
When I buy boots, I purchase a half size larger than I measure and wear an extra pair of socks. I learned the value of a slightly larger pair of boots and extra socks when hiking a long, steep downhill. The extra cushioning saved my feet from blisters and horribly squished toes as my feet slid forward with gravity.
Finally, as probably every hiker knows, I wear my new boots enough to break them in before taking a long hike. And, taking along some moleskin cut in the shape of a doughnut can be a pain saver in the event of a blister. Cut the moleskin in the shape of a doughnut over the injury, stack the doughnut-shaped bandages high enough to keep pressure off the blister. Then, put a gel pad to protect the area. Just like Mom always said, DON'T pop the blister. Feet are famous for becoming infected. A life flight to a hospital and days of IV antibiotics will ruin a hike every time.
So think about your feet and have a fun hike.
