Womens Hiking Boots

Choosing a good pair of womens hiking boots takes a lot more than prancing around in stores. There are certain aspects about womens hiking boots that you have to take into account, and we're not just talking about price. Considering the purpose of your womens hiking boots, finding one that fits perfectly is tantamount to successful hiking.

Below are a few tests you may use in order to find the best fitting womens hiking boots in the store:

The Finger Test

The first test you have at your disposal is quite simple. It's called the Finger Test and it is used to find out how your feet fit in the womens hiking boots. The first thing you need to is remove all the laces. Then, moving your feet as far forward in the womens hiking boots as possible, slip your index finger down inside the boot at the back of the ankle. If your index finger fits, then that pair of womens hiking boots is the proper size for your feet. That extra space is needed when backpacking downhill, when your foot has a tendency to slide forward in the womens hiking boots under load.

The Sensory Test

Next, take off your socks. With your feet bare, slip them into the womens hiking boots and try to determine if any part feels tight inside the boot. Focus in particular to that special area where the small toes are located. Some womens hiking boots have designs that make your small toes feel "pinched" or "jammed" and if you're wearing socks, this can be very difficult to feel.

While feeling around the womens hiking boots, ask yourself these questions: Does the pair of womens hiking boots feel too narrow on the sides in the area just behind your toes? This is sometimes called the "ball" of the foot. Are the womens hiking boots too tight in the middle part of your feet on either side of the arch? If you said yes to any of these, then look for another pair of womens hiking boots because those boots you are currently testing are not going to do it for you.

After doing the "barefoot" part of this test, put your socks back on and perform the same sensory test. Your feet should feel "snug" when you fit them inside the womens hiking boots. They should not feel tight in any area and not feel loose either. If, however, your feet somehow feel "jammed," you can try a lighter, medium-weight sock on the outside.

The Stride Test

After passing the sensory test, it is now time for you to walk around in the womens hiking boots of your choice. Do the womens hiking boots feel good on your feet? Do the womens hiking boots "break" or crease across the top of the toes comfortably when you stride forward? If the top of the boot feels like it's jamming the back of you toes when you stride forward, then look for another pair.