I got some good hiking boots Tuesday. The ones I have been using look like hiking boots, but they are really walking shoes disguised as hiking boots. A couple of people suggested that getting something a bit sturdier might help with the problem I've been having with my feet.

I did some research before making my purchase. A good pair of hiking boots needs to have a firmer sole than a regular walking shoe. Stepping on loose rocks really gives the feet a beating. A good pair of hiking boots needs to have decent ankle support for the same reason. Hunter's boots usually go to far up the calf though and can strain the Achilles tendon. Good boots also have to have extra toe room for going down hill, when the foot squishes towards the front of the boot. And of course, they need to be waterproof, especially around here.

When I looked online, all the boots were in the $200.00 range, which seemed a bit much. I checked out the local hunting store and saw some of those same brands at about the same price.

Tuesday I wandered into a local store that was having a post Christmas sale. I found a pair of boots for $70.00 that just seemed right. Unlike my other boots, the tread was unbending. Unlike my other boots, these were waterproof and had good ankle support. I tried them on, and they felt good on my feet, with extra wiggle room for my toes. They weren't the brand names that the articles I read mentioned, but the seemed pretty decent. I got home and checked for online reviews. These are very highly rated boots. Not top of the line, but very, very good for the price range.

Courts are closed this week, so I've been wearing them to work. My feet feel great. None of that normal slight painful feeling when I stand on my feet after sitting for a while. I have happy feet.

I should add that the past year I've learned a few things about what to wear and what not to wear when hiking. Rule Number 1 - avoid cotton. Cotton retains water, and when your sweat cools next to your skin it tires you out. Synthetics and wool are much better. Rule 2 - in your boots wear an inner, thin synthetic sock, and an outer woolen sock. Two layers of socks cuts down on blistering. The socks rub each other instead of your feet. Rule 3 - always bring plenty of water when you hike. Think in terms of quarts. You'll tire if you don't keep hydrated.

Anyway. I really like my boots. Too bad I can't wear them to court. But I also picked up a cheap pair of Rockport shoes with extra arch support.