Finding the perfect pair of boots can be easier than it might seem when you first start your search. It doesn’t have to be an impossible scavenger hunt with no end. In fact, the right boots are just a few tips and tricks away. Whether you need help finding the perfect size of wide width boots for men or you need boots to wear as a woman in your daily life, there are some criteria you can keep in mind to choose the right option. Here are nine suggestions to help you make sure you can fall in love with your next pair of boots.
Sizing Tips
The size of your boots is one of the most important parts of finding your perfect pair. Whether you’re hiking or just walking around the park, sizing can be the difference between aching, uncomfortable feet and striding in style for miles. Here are some tips to help you select the right size and ensure your boots are comfortable enough to wear all day long.
Don’t Trust the Past
When buying new boots, you can’t assume that the size you’ve worn your whole life will be accurate with a new brand. Changes in weight, activity level, and age can all affect the size and shape of your feet. Plus, sizes vary from one brand to another. Therefore, a good rule of thumb is always to remeasure your foot. You might end up needing boots for women or men a half size bigger than usual. Or you might be looking for something wider. If you’re shopping in-store, try on as many sizes as you like. When ordering online, you can use the brand’s sizing chart and measure your feet at home. Either way, take your time during this stage, and you can find a great pair of boots.
Position Your Foot Correctly
Finding the perfect size is all about where your foot sits inside the boot. Shoes and boots are designed to bend and support your foot in specific places, and it’s important that your foot lines up with the design. The widest part of your foot— usually at the ball of your foot—should line up with the widest part of the boot. If it doesn’t, it might be time to size up or find a brand that offers wide width boots for men or women. Another indicator of positioning is determining where the boot bends when you take a step and ensuring your foot matches. Once you’ve positioned your foot in the boot correctly and your foot fits the width comfortably, you are one step closer to choosing the perfect boots.
Snug, but Not Tight
With your boots, especially if you’re hiking, you want the fit to be snug but not tight. A tight boot can cause blisters or rub your skin. When you put your boots on for the first time, stand up and walk around in them. Is it pinching you anywhere? Monitor the toes, ankles, and balls of your feet during this test walk. You want a snug enough fit that your feet don’t move around inside your boots but not so tight that it’s restrictive.
Wear Your Boot Socks
It’s essential to try on your boots with the right socks. If you hike around in your boots, you might wear thicker wool socks. Even something as minor as this can affect the fit. Don’t use thin socks when trying them on. Wear a pair of socks you know match the activities you have planned for your new boots. This can help you find an accurate picture of what size to choose.
Comfort Tips
What good are a new pair of women’s black boots if they aren’t comfy? Comfortable boots make a huge difference in your hikes, walks, and everyday life. Here’s how you can make sure your next boots are the most comfortable choice for you.
Don’t Let Your Heel Slip
Heel slippage is a significant consideration for any boot choice. A slipping heel is an unhappy one. Even if the rest of your feet feel fine, this can be the downfall of your entire boot experience. While trying your boots on, lace them up just like you would on a regular day. Many times, that extra eyelet at the top of the lacing system can lock your heel into place. Then, take a short stroll around your house or the store, and pay close attention to how your heel feels. If it stays locked in, you may have just found your footwear match.
Think About the Temperature and Terrain
Before you get your boots, take some time to think ahead. Will you be walking in the cold? If so, you need boots that can keep your feet warm with materials like sheepskin. Will your hikes take you through mud, puddles, and streams? The wide width boots for men or women you choose should be treated with waterproof technology. Do you expect rough or rocky trails ahead? Find boots with a rubber outsole that can take a beating. Preparing for the terrain and temperature can help your new boots stand up to any test nature brings your way.
Testing Tips
When it comes to making sure you have the right boots before you take them on a 10-mile hike or turn them into your go-to daily pair, it’s important to test them. These three tips can help you do that tomorrow.
Before Anything, Understand the Return Policy
Return policies for boots can vary wildly from brand to brand. Make sure to read your chosen brand’s policy before you start breaking in your boots. While some stores will let you return them after use, most won’t take them back after any visible signs of wear. This can affect how you test out your boots at home and outdoors.
Go on Short Walks or Strolls at First
Before jumping into the deep end, take your new boots for a test drive on a shorter adventure. It could be an afternoon shopping at the mall or a walk along the greenbelt with your little ones and their slippers for kids. If you want to keep your boots clean and fresh just in case, you can walk around your house or change into them once you arrive at work. This is one of the final tests. If these short journeys go well, you know you’ve got a perfect pair of boots on your feet.
Focus on the Fit and Feel of Your Boots
Once you’ve had your boots for a few weeks, they’ll feel like an extension of every adventure. However, those first few test walks need a slightly different focus. While you’re still breaking them in, you need to focus on how your feet feel in the boots. Take it one step at a time and notice how every part of your foot feels. From the tips of your toes to the back of your heel and even up your ankle. You need to know what to expect from your boots in the long run. By focusing on the fit when you test them out, you can ensure you want to wear this pair for a long time to come. It’s one final way to confirm that you’ve found the perfect pair of boots.
