Whatever the century or the technology, the way we get from here to there has always been a matter for comparison and often-heated debate.  Modest though they are, feet are the survivalist’s wheels, his/hers hooves, chariots, wings.  It’s our feet that do our drudge work step by step.  Finding the right footwear/boots is easily the most important decision a backpacker makes.  But it is easier said than done.

All-purpose hiking boots generally fall into three categories, which can be conveniently differentiated by weight.  Their are heavy-weights, mid-weights, and light-weights.  My favorite is the Light-weight boot.  Generally made of a combination of fabric and leather, with or without a waterproof liner.  The boots break in much more quickly than their overweight cousins and are less likely to cause blisters.  I would recommend a lightweight boot which I personally own.  Be sure that the liners are Thermax or Polypropylene which will not draw the sweat away from your skin and in the wool socks, leaving your feet pretty dry.  DO NOT purchase cotton liners which will absorb your sweat and give you blisters.

Please do not hike or go camping without an adequate blister kit.  When you start out, take moleskin and Second Skin and adhesive tape-even on a day hike.  My favorite treatment is a product called Second Skin, which is made by Spenco.  It relieves the pain of a blister and helps it heal.  Start shopping for your footwear now!