Though the secrets of the footwear industry aren't on par with the mysteries of the ancient pyramids, people buying hiking or backpacking boots find this information critical. However, the word "secrets" may be misleading, as if this information is only available by trekking through Nepal and studying with the great leather gurus. No, sadly this knowledge required no Himalayan sojourns.

Of course, I compiled what I learned from thousands of miles of backpacking experience, so maybe it did take a long journey. One day, I found myself accidentally managing a footwear department for a large sporting goods retailer. Though I'm still not too sure how I ended up there, it was "fun" outfitting people for their trips and training the staff to do so. Who's better to sell you boots, than someone with a passion for backpacking?

That part of life is thankfully behind me (anyone who ever worked retail will understand the "thankfully" part) but I'm still current when it comes to footwear trends in the hiking world. Anyone who has ever been in my gear dungeon understands that I am the Imelda Marcos of hiking boots.

For a hiker, well for me at least, there is no one boot that does everything I want it to do. A hiker needs a full compliment of footwear, especially for year around hiking. One of my favorite brands out there is Keen - mainly because of the wide forefoot which accommodates my squarish feet. That said, I have a myriad of boots from that company alone: waterproof, non-waterproof, insulated, non-insulated, low, and mid.

Before we begin with Hiking footwear buying tips, lets review the the three major mistakes people make when shopping for hiking boots.

Not trying enough brands and sizes on.

Buying them online or without trying them on first.

Buying too much or too little boot for the activity.



