First thing to remember, is just because a hiking boot looks good and fancy, doesn’t mean it’s going to be a good choice for you. Try to narrow down what type of boot you are looking for: lightweight day-hiking boots, heavy duty backpacking boots, or mountaineering boots. Most of us are going to be simply searching for lightweight day-hiking boots. Outdoor gear stores tend to have the largest selection, but you can find a good pair in the athletic stores as well.

When you do go to the store, bring along a pair of the socks that you will be actually hiking in to when trying on your boots. This will give you the most accurate feeling of how the boots will feel when you actually start hiking. Don’t be timid about walking around the store, jumping, or whatever it takes to make sure that this boot is the one for you.

Important: Don’t go hiking with your brand new pair of boots! That’s a recipe for blisters that hurt. Make sure to break them in first by wearing them around the house for at least a few days. If they don’t feel 100% comfortable, take them back. You want to make sure your hiking experience is rewarding…not painful.

So now you are all ready for that awesome hike. Make sure to bring along some medical tape or some moleskin, just in case you start to get a little blister. Hopefully you won’t and you’ll enjoy your day in the great outdoors.

Happy Hiking!

(Jack Witt is a Health and Fitness Coach providing In Home Personal Training, Personal Training at Private Fitness Centers in the North Hollywood, Burbank, Studio City, Sherman Oaks areas, as well as Worksite Health Programs, Corporate Wellness, Life Coaching Products, and Group Exercise Classes)