A-Hiking We Will Go

Hiking boot tips from the podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialist out of Austin, TX!

Hiking on an idyllic spring or autumn day can quickly be ruined by foot and ankle pain. Proper hiking boots and socks can help ward off trouble. Buy hiking boots at an outdoor sporting goods store, which likely has someone employed with hiking-boot expertise. Avoid big-box store and online purchases.

What to Look For in a Boot:

• Boots should be well-insulated, waterproof, and have steel or graphite shanks, which provide excellent protection, superior foot and ankle support, and diminish muscle strain … and resulting injuries.

• Boots should fit somewhat snugly at the heel yet allow some wiggle room for your toes. (When your boot is untied, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between your heel and the back wall of the boot.) When boots are too tight or they’re too loose and your feet slide within them, excessive friction leads to blisters, hikers’ mortal enemy.

Because feet naturally swell slightly as the day progresses, try on hiking boots late in the day to minimize the chances of purchasing boots that wind up being too small. When fitting new boots, wear the socks you will wear while hiking. Wear your boots around the house, on walks, and when running errands to break them in before hitting the trails. Double up on socks. Your first layer should be synthetic socks that fit tightly to minimize friction and wick moisture to the second (outside) pair. Wool (or wool mix) socks absorb moisture wicked by the first pair, enable it to evaporate quickly, maintain heat, and enhance comfort. Avoid 100-percent cotton socks. They absorb sweat but dry very slowly — the perfect recipe for blisters. If you experience foot or ankle pain, contact their office or a reputable podiatrist in your area.