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Each individual is unique and no one foot is the same. Some individuals have fat feet, some have skinny feet, and some have abnormally long toes. It can be difficult to find a shoe that fits the unique foot.
If you are very active outdoors particularly if you love to hike, it is important to find a hiking boot that is right for you. You just might have to have a hiking boot custom made just for your foot.
Here are some tips to consider when you do want to have your own custom-made hiking boot:
Proper Feet Measurement
A number of recreational outlet stores offer to make a custom-made hiking boot for their customers. It may be a bit costly compared to the ready-to-wear boots but it will spare you the pain of having to wear boots that just does not properly fit.
The process is quite simple. You will be asked to sit on a chair and to bend your knee at a 90-degree angle. A piece of carbon paper will be placed under your foot. A blue ballpoint pen would then be used to trace the outside of your foot onto the paper.
In addition to tracing your foot, the associate will also measure the arch and ball of your foot including your leg and ankle circumference.
Your Boot Style
You can choose the style of hiking boots that you like after the fitting process is complete. The boot maker will surely give you an ideal design to complement your unique shoe.
After you’ve chosen your shoe, you need to wait for the shoe to be made and delivered to you between two and four months. It is therefore best to order your customized hiking boots before the start of the hiking season. All the relevant information actually depends on the specific outlet that you frequent for your hiking equipment since all stores are different.
Breaking In Those Boots
It is important that you break in your hiking boots before you even go outside to actually hike using them. Get the feel of your new boots by walking for a mile or two. Let your feet adjust to the shoe. In case you feel uncomfortable wearing them you can return them to have the necessary adjustments made.
If you consider the outdoors as your second home then you’ll think that finding the appropriate hiking boots is essential to your enjoyment of nature. The custom-made boots may be higher priced but it will have better quality than the regular hiking boots. It also allows you to be comfortable while getting down and dirty on the hiking trail.
Tagged with: hiking accessories • hiking boots
Filed under: Hiking Gear