Choosing the best hiking boots are really important. Not only is your comfort at stake but your health is also a critical factor to keep in mind when choosing the best hiking boots for you.
How My Hiking Boots Got Me Into Trouble
Let me tell you a story. About 150 miles into my Pacific Crest Trail Section A thru C hike, I started to get a small pain on the ball of my left foot by my big toe. It soon spread to my left foot and started creeping across the width of foot. I really noticed it during the down hills and thought maybe I bruised my first metatarsal (the bones right behind your toes.) The more miles I hiked the more painful it became. I suffered through two more days of hiking until I made it to Idyllwild and was able to take a break.
I had planned on hiking another 140 miles to finish off Section B and Section C but it was apparent the boots I was wearing were not the best hiking boots for me. Because I was on vacation, I only had another two weeks until I went back to work. So I had to make the decision to get off the trail and let my foot heal. I was very disappointed.
Why Only the Best Hiking Boots are Important
If I would have bought the best hiking boots for me I would probably not have been in this predicament. Before my hike I had put a lot of emphasis on getting the big three (backpack, sleeping bag and shelter) right and having a limited budget, I neglected to get the right footwear.
I am not am amateur hiker either. I have been hiking since I was barely able to walk. It started with Volksmarches in Germany, family outdoor outings and the Boy Scouts to the United States Marine Corp Infantry. I have literally hiked in every clime and place and have the fallen arches and bad knees to prove it. I kicked my self in the rear for making this amateur mistake. It took over two weeks for the pain to go away and I still had discomfort for another month or so. I now think I probably broke a few of my metatarsal bones and I will never make this mistake again.
As you can see from my story, choosing the best hiking boots for you is critical if you want to continue hiking and this is what this website, Best Hiking Boots, is all about. Not only is it critical for long distance hikes but for short hikes too. Your long term health and hiking enjoyment is at stake. It is no fun not being able to enjoy hiking because of a stupid mistake of not wearing the best hiking boots. I hope you enjoy.
Looking for a new pair of hiking boots? These articles may help. Check them Out!
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