Women's Hiking Boot

What's the deal about hiking boots anyway? They're expensive. Plus, they're not fashionable-looking. Do you really need them?

As a matter of fact, yes. There are a number of reasons why you need hiking boots when you go on the trail, but they all really boil down to one thing: feet protection. And for women? Buying women's hiking boots is no small thing.

Choose One that Fits

Choosing a well-designed women's hiking boot that fits just right is one of the greatest challenges in outdoor gear buying. The rugged appearance of the boot, the salesman's recommendation, and even the brand name don't usually cut it. To find out whether or not a pair of women's hiking boots is right for you, you need to test them.

Below are the three tests you can perform when boot buying:

Give it the Finger

No, we don't mean flip the salesperson off. What we mean is you test the boot with the use of your finger. This is the first of the three "tests" you are going to have to do to find out how right women's hiking boots are for you.

First, what you're going to do is unlace the boots. With the boot fully unlaced, move your foot as far forward in the boot as possible. You'll know when the boot is the proper size for your feet because your index finger will slip right in without any difficulty at the back of the ankle. This shows that there is extra space available in front, an all too important space when you're backpacking downhill and your foot slides forward in the boot under load.

Getting Bare

This is called the sensory test and the only way for to do it to take off your socks and slip your bare foot into the women's hiking boot. Using all your sensory powers, try to determine if any part of the boot feels tight or uncomfortable. Mind that area where the small toes are located because that part often goes neglected so easily feels the pain during hiking.

Specifically, the barefoot sensory test will bring the following questions to light:

* Do your small toes feel "pinched" or "jammed"?
* Does the boot feel too narrow on the sides in the area just behind your toes (the "ball" of the foot)?
* Is it too tight in the middle part of your foot on either side of the arch?

Now, put on your socks and do the same test again. Again, the women's hiking boot should not feel tight in any area, and it shouldn't feel loose either. Look for the word "snug." Women, especially, should pay close attention to comfort in the width of the boot. Some women may be used to tight-fitting street shoes. If a tight-fitting pair of women's hiking boots are purchased, this can lead to problems later on.

Walk Around

And ask yourself: Do they feel good? Or does the boot "break" (crease) across the top of the toes uncomfortably when you stride forward? If the back of your toes feels jammed when you stride forward, then look for another pair.