If there's one thing that can really ruin your day, it's a pair of ill-fitting walking boots, or simply ones that aren't quite right for what you're doing. Here at Webtogs we want to save you going through the agony of badly fitting boots and blisters that almost certainly result. Over the years we have gained a huge amount of experience in getting boot fitting right for 1000's of customers, Our Zero Hassle Returns policy and highly trained experienced customer service team make buying walking boots on-line a breeze.

Different Fits
There's no such thing as the 'right boot', just the right boot for the shape of your foot. Different Brands make walking boots in different shapes and volumes based on what they believe the typical buyer will want. That means Italian boots such as Scarpa may be narrower than, say, American boots such as Keen, and English Boots like Brasher are somewhere in between. The shape the manufacturer chooses is called a 'last and is actually a wooden or plastic artificial foot, which the boot is designed and constructed around. You want the brand who's last is closest in shape and volume to your foot. Here at Webtogs we have a lot of experience in getting the right fit for you, look out for our Fit Tips when deciding on your perfect boot.

Leather of Fabric
Leather is a great walking boot material. It last for a very long time and will provide a boot that will become old friends. Modern hides use special tanning processes to give a durable, highly water repellent finish while maintaining toughness and breathability. 'Fabric' walking boots on the other hand, tend to use a mix of Nylon or Cordura and suede leather with a wateproof liner, Such as Gore-Tex, Event, or KEEN Dry, for added protection.

Fabrics tend to be lighter and can be more comfortable at first allowing very little wearing in time. The Waterproof liners used in these boots are all breathable but in our experience in Hot conditions you are better off in a leather boot that a Waterproof fabric lined boot.

More and more walking boots are lined with a combination of wicking fabric and foam. High quality foam will give an immediately comfortable feel and minimise breaking in - not generally an issue with modern boots anyway - but fit is still crucial, so feel for those tight spots and potential rubbing zones when you try the boots on at home.

Construction
Most walking boots are made along the same lines; An Upper designed to encase the foot and protect and support it, a stiffener or shank element which gives the boot lateral stability and torsional rigidity which you need to walk on uneven ground, a mid-sole to provide cushioning and an outsole of lugged rubber which provides grip and protection.

Some of this is visible from the outside, much isn't, and often it's the invisble bits which give better brands an advantage. There's a simple three step guide to checking the basics though:

1. Pinch the heel area of the boot upper between thumb and forefingers. You're looking for a stiff, supportive heel-cup which is essential to stability. If the area feels soft and pliable, your heel is more likely to shift around leading to overall instability.

2. Grasp the forefoot and rear section of the sole and try and twist them in opposite directions. There's should be minimal give. If the sole twists easily, it will give limited support on uneven ground and when using a heavy pack.

3. Try bending the forefoot. You're looking for a flex point that corresponds to where your foot bends. The boots doesn't need to be massively stiff, but it needs to flex where your foot flexes.

Get these three right and you're on the way to a good boot.

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