How to Pick Boots Made for Walking

Getting out for a hike in the great outdoors is good for our bodies and souls – if we have the right footwear. When you are for a day of walking in Ireland, you have to be prepared for all weather and some wet, slippery, muddy surfaces. So what should you look for when you are buying hiking boots or shoes?Four key factors are necessary for quality hiking boots or walking shoes: traction, comfort, water resistance and durability. But when you are buying boots online, what do you need to look for to know you’re getting these qualities?

Traction – While a photo can show the sole, what really matters is what material is used. Vibram is the gold standard of hiking soles, and Merrell footwear uses it. Ecco boots also provide superior traction.

Comfort – When you are out for a day of hill walking, you need footwear that pampers your hard-working feet a bit. The other three qualities are no good if your feet are aching after half an hour. Look for a well-cushioned insole and good support.

Water Resistance – When you’re buying boots online in Ireland, water resistance is one of the first things to look for. If you want to ensure your feet stay dry, choose GORE-TEX. Ecco shoes for men and women often feature it, as do Merrell boots.

Durability – Hiking boots take a beating on the trail. Quality boots do cost more, but cheap ones are a false economy because you’ll have to replace them much sooner. And they are unlikely to deliver adequate traction, comfort and water resistance. Quality materials make all the difference.

How Can You Buy Quality Hiking Boots Online in Ireland?

It isn’t always easy to assess quality when you are shopping online. That’s where knowing which brand names you can trust really matters. Vibram and Gore-Tex have been leaders in developing the very best traction and waterproofing for hiking boots for decades now. When you see a brand is using them, you can be assured that you’ve found quality. Likewise, if you’ve owned a particular shoe brand before, you know what to expect from that maker. Ecco, for example, began in Denmark in 1963, and now sells shoes in nearly 100 countries.

One thing to remember when buying hiking boots is socks. If your normal shoe size is a snug fit and will be wearing thicker socks when hiking, you might want to go up a half size. And thicker socks are definitely recommended for a day of walking.

The shoe store itself matters too. When you are buying boots online in Ireland, look for a retailer that is actually based in Ireland. If they have a bricks and mortar shop that has been around a while, that tells you that they stand over what they sell. You can combine the convenience of shopping online with the security of supporting an Irish business that you can actually contact if you have questions about the products.