| Finding just the right fit for your boots is | | | | Remember, all boots are not created equal; all |
| important if you want comfort and healthy feet. | | | | feet are not created equal! Your boots should fit |
| Whether buying motorcycle boots, logger boots, | | | | like a glove and be as comfortable as your |
| lacer boots, cowboy boots, or steel toe boots, | | | | running shoes. Even heavy boots should fit |
| you'll want the best fit possible so you can enjoy | | | | comfortably. |
| your activities without aches and blisters. Here are | | | | Before leaving the house, grab a pair of socks |
| some "fitting" tips to remember when shopping | | | | you would normally wear with boots. Try on the |
| for boots. | | | | boots and wear them while walking around the |
| Choose Quality over Price | | | | store for at least 15 minutes. |
| Invest only in boots of high quality. Price should | | | | Sizing Your Boots |
| only be a factor once you've carefully examined | | | | Be sure the boots do not slip on the heel. Also, |
| the quality of the boots. To put them to the test, | | | | check for plenty of room at the toes. Many brand |
| check for solid bottoms. Try pressing your thumb | | | | name boots offer a "wide-toe" size if needed. |
| into the bottom of the sole. If the sole can be | | | | Check the sizing with your index finger. To do |
| pressed in with your thumb, the boots are | | | | this, unlace the boots and move your foot |
| probably too soft to give the protection you | | | | forward as far as possible. Try slipping your index |
| need. Also, try twisting the soles of the boots. If | | | | finger inside the boot behind the ankle. If your |
| you can twist them, they're probably too soft. | | | | finger fits there comfortably, then you've got the |
| Solid bottoms are very important with steel toe | | | | right size. They're not too tight or too loose. |
| boots, logger boots, lacer boots, or any other | | | | To check for tightness, try them on without |
| boots used for strenuous work or activities. | | | | socks once. Be sure your toes have plenty of |
| Another indicator of quality is the strength and | | | | "wiggling" space. Also, feel for tight spots around |
| protection provided by the sides of the boots. | | | | the sides of your feet. Then, test the boots again |
| Good boots will provide extra padding to protect | | | | with socks. |
| your feet from rocks, stones, metal objects, and | | | | Test Your Stride |
| so forth. Ankle support can be tested by grabbing | | | | While walking around the store, notice how the |
| the top of the boot and trying to bend it over | | | | boots feel when walking forward, backward and |
| sideways. If it can be bent easily, then ankle | | | | side-ways. If planning to wear the boots while |
| support is probably not a main feature. | | | | hiking or walking on inclined areas, ask the store |
| If working outdoors or doing outdoor activities | | | | clerk if there's an inclined area in the store or a |
| such hiking or riding motorcycles, be sure the | | | | slanted board to test your boots. |
| boots are waterproof. Motorcycle boots and | | | | Shopping for Boots Online |
| cowboy boots will be exposed to all sorts of | | | | Once you find the perfect fit and quality boots, |
| weather while riding, from the heat of the sun to | | | | you can go online to find great prices on the type |
| possibly heavy rain downpours! Waterproof boots | | | | of boots you need. There are boot outlets online |
| will last longer and protect your feet from | | | | that offer many brand names and styles to fit |
| moisture. | | | | your needs. Also, many online malls offer other |
| Pricing your boots should only come after quality | | | | items for sale, from RC toys to diecast model |
| has been considered. You can shop online to find | | | | cars, so you can do other shopping during your |
| great bargains once you know which type or | | | | visit. Whether you need logging boots, lacer boots, |
| brand name of boots you want. | | | | cowboy boots, steel toe boots, or motorcycle |
| Fitting Your Boots | | | | boots, you'll want the very best. Your feet are |
| Even if shopping online for boots, you should have | | | | worth it! |
| them fitted in person by a professional if possible. | | | | |