Boots are one of my favorite things about winter – once the novelty of snow and sweaters has worn off, anyway.

Boots can be practical or sexy, although rarely both in the salt-laden streets of harsh winter climates. Speaking of which…

While it may often seem like store clerks are just trying to boost their commissions by ringing up protective sprays and gels, their sales gimmick is not totally bogus.

It is essential to understand that not all boots are created equal. The word ‘boot’ is not synonymous with water-proof or snow-friendly. Respect your fashion investment by weather-protecting and cleaning all of your winter footwear regularly.

Realize that protective and restorative shoe applications cannot perform miracles. Have the common sense to know when to air on the side of practicality and not to wear your suede stiletto calf-cut boots. Salt and water produce damaging, lasting stains which – in addition to ruining boots’ finish – actually corrode the integrity of genuine suede, leather and fabric. Purchase a swank boot bag in which to tote your trendy footwear to work in nasty winter conditions while opting for damage-proof snow or rain boots while en route.

Boot Tip: If you remember nothing else: Be seasonally consistent when putting an outfit together. Do not wear boots and a skirt with bare legs; tights, nylons, or even flesh colored fishnet stockings help bridge the (thermal & fashion) gap between your knees and your hemline.

Ankle Boots

Very funky footwear when worn with tights and a skirt. Avoid wearing ankle boots with long skirts past the knee – this tends to look frumpy and matronly.

Mid-Calf Boots

A unique cut that looks great with skirts of all lengths. This style accentuates your calf muscle and stands out from the crowd of knee-high boots. Very sexy, indeed.

Tall Boots

The classic knee-high boot. Ensure that the boot fits snugly around your leg; if the boot gapes open you may need to have it altered for a more chic look—a standard procedure at most cobblers.

Fur-Lined Boots & UGGs

Narrow, fur-lined lace-up tall boots are a sweet accompaniment to a flirty short skirt. For a funky casual style, try wearing knee socks over your tights and letting them peek (ever so slightly) over the top of your boot. This look works best if your socks and tights are contrasting colors.

UGGs have become all the rage as the surfer-type’s (and urban wanna-be surfer type’s) winter foot-wear of choice. These robust, wooly sheepskin boots have been fashioned for years by Australian craftsmen, and were first mass introduced to North America in 1978 by Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer seeking to spread the UGG-love across the United States.

Twenty-five years later, and while UGGs aren’t exactly the height of chic sophistication or glamorous sexiness, they are hailed by wearers as the ultimate in comfort and warmth at 30 below.

Johneen Manning is Editor-In-Chief of http://www.GKFA.com, a hip, savvy & fresh online magazine for the ‘Sex and the City’ generation of women.

This article describes where to look, what to look for, and how to choose day-hiking boots. Knowing where to look and what to look for, you can be sure to get the high-quality hiking boots you need without paying extra for features you don’t need.

Day-hiking boots range anywhere from $40.00 to $150.00. The high end of that range is beginning to cross into backpacking boots, but anything below that range is either an exceptionally good deal or an imitation hiking boot that will disappoint you badly.

So, let’s talk about the kinds of places to shop for hiking boots, features to look for, pitfalls to avoid, and techniques to make sure you have the right fit.

Where to Shop for Hiking Boots

If you have never done any serious hiking, you will want to buy your first serious hiking boots in a hands-on experience. I’m being honest here (habit of mine). Yes, it is in my interest to persuade you to buy your hiking boots through my Web site, but I won’t do that if it is not appropriate for you. Even aside from ethical considerations, it would be bad business for me to create a lot of dissatisfied customers telling their friends about their bad experience. No, I’m just being honest. I don’t want to take your money and leave you unhappy. Buy your first pair of hiking boots at a brick-and-mortar store where you can handle the boots and try them for proper fit. Then, when you have enough experience to know what you want in your second pair of hiking boots (or third, or …), you can take advantage of the lower prices available on the Web.

When shopping for hiking boots, look for an outdoor equipment store rather than a shoe store. The sales clerks in a general shoe store are not likely to know the difference between real hiking boots and fashion imitations of hiking boots. You might pay more money at an outdoor equipment store, but you will realize the savings out on the trail.

Once you’re in the store, ask about some of the things you read in this article. If the sales clerk doesn’t know what a scree collar is or why soft outer soles are better than hard, look for another sales clerk, or another store.

If you are ready to buy your hiking boots on the Web, you can take advantage of the best of both worlds. You can buy from a high-volume store that has the best prices, but first get your advice, recommendations, and reviews from affiliated Web sites that specialize in hiking equipment.

Wherever you choose to buy your hiking boots, make sure there is a reliable, knowledgeable person in the loop somewhere. If the sales clerk or Web site seems too eager about making the sale and not interested enough in discussing and comparing features, you should look somewhere else before you make a final decision.

Especially when you are shopping the Web sites, you may need to pay attention to brands. Certain brands have a well-deserved reputation for good quality, and you should not ignore that. On the other hand, some brands have an overblown reputation that often has more to do with fashion than with genuine quality. The only way to know the difference, and to find the quality you need without paying for fashion that you don’t care about, is to talk to those who know the difference and to read reviews from people who have actually used the hiking boots in the field.

Features to Look For in Day-Hiking Boots

Here is what you need to look for:

* Deep tread in a soft sole for traction.

* Appropriate height (just above the ankle).

* Soft, wide, thick scree collar (the padding around the top that keeps pebbles out without chafing your Achilles tendon).

* Fiberglass shank. Steel is okay, but fiberglass is better in day-hiking boots because it’s lighter. Full-length is preferred, but shorter shanks may be acceptable if you are planning more moderate hiking.

* Tongue attached at least up to the top of the foot, or higher if you plan on crossing streams frequently.

* Crampon attachments (good, but not essential, unless you do a lot of hiking in icy conditions).

* Hooks for the laces above the top of the foot.

* Choose eyelets, D-rings, or webbing for the lower lace attachment points as a matter of personal taste. My experience does not indicate any one to be better than the others for day-hiking boots.

* Good insulation and padding all around, firm on the bottom, with a tough but smooth lining.

* Double stitching on all visible seams.

* More leather and less fabric is better. Split leather is fine (and you’ll almost never find full-grain leather in a day-hiking boot), but not full suede.

* Fewer seams is better.

Most of these features are self-evident, but here are a few techniques for evaluating specific features.

* Tread should be at least two fifths of the total thickness of the sole.

* Measure the softness of the tread surface by pressing your thumbnail into it. You should be able to make a visible indentation that springs out in a second or so.

* Measure the stiffness of the shank by holding the heel in one hand and the toe in the other, and twisting the sole. You should not be able to twist it at all.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Hiking Boots

The biggest problem you’re likely to find in shopping for day-hiking boots is cheaply-made “imitation” hiking boots. They look like hiking boots, but they’re not built to stand up to trail conditions. They will not last long, and they will not give you the traction and water resistance you need.

You can tell an “imitation” hiking boot from the real thing by these characteristics:

* Mild tread, less than about two-fifths the thickness of the sole.

* Hard tread surface that you can barely indent with your fingernail.

* Non-attached tongue.

* Non-rigid sole that you can twist by hand.

* No scree collar. There may be patches of leather or a different color of fabric that look like a scree collar, but if it doesn’t have thick, soft padding around the top, it’s not a real hiking boot. It won’t keep the pebbles out, and it might chafe or constrict your Achilles tendon.

Fitting your Hiking Boots

You must fit your hiking boots with any orthopedic inserts, off-the-shelf insoles, and the hiking socks you intend to wear with them. A good rule of thumb is to start with one full size larger than your regular street shoes.

With all the inserts and insoles in place and your hiking socks on, but with no laces in the boot, put the boot on and push your foot all the way forward until your toes touch the front. You should have just enough room behind the heel to slide your finger all the way in.

Next, lace the boot up snugly and walk around. The boots will be stiff and uncomfortable because they’re not broken in, but they should not allow your foot to slide or rub.

Stand on a steep slope with your toes pointing down. (Use the fitting horse where you’re supposed to put your foot to lace the shoe while sitting. Go ahead and stand on it.) You should be able to wiggle your toes, and they should not touch the front of the boots.

If you bought the boots via the Web, do this fit-test as soon as you get them. Even if you think you know your size, boots from different manufacturers might fit differently. Check the size and fit immediately, and return them for a replacement if they don’t fit right.

Conclusion

If you are looking for your first pair of serious hiking boots, you must do your shopping in an outdoor equipment store where you can handle the boots and talk to knowledgeable sales staff. Only if you have some experience with day-hiking boots, take advantage of the bargains available on the Web.

Check for the features that identify a quality hiking boot, and avoid “fake” hiking boots.

Bring all the inserts and socks you will wear with your hiking boots, and check for a firm but comfortable fit with no rubbing or sliding.

Look for quality, and expect to pay for it, but don’t pay more than you have to for features that don’t contribute to the durability and comfort of your hiking boots.

Chuck Bonner is a lifelong hiker and amateur naturalist, and webmaster of http://www.HikingWithChuck.com For more information about hiking boots and other hiking equipment based on many years on the trail, visit http://www.hikingwithchuck.com/Gear/HikingGear.htm

Attitudes that had seemed strange a while ago turned out to be very popular in today’s world. Take for instance the new trend of shaving pubic hair. Not many people know that this trend was introduced by the Japanese porn industry. Since the law said that the display of pubic hair in a magazine or movie was illegal, models were shown with shaved pubic areas. From Japan, the trend spread to American and European women and, more recently, to men.

The debate around which method for shaving is the best is still far from over. Some say that razors are the best way to go and they are right to a certain extent. The razor lets the user have full control over how much hair goes and which parts are left untouched. At first you should trim the genital area before applying the razor. I would let the pubic area get warm water for a bit before shaving, so do it towards the end of your shower. You should use a cool cloth on the area and use lotion on that area (it could be baby lotion). If you try shaving your pubic area with the same device you use for shaving your face, under arms or legs, it’s most likely that you’re going to irritate the pubic area skin. So you should buy a new razor if you use disposables.

You can either go with an old-fashioned razor blade, a modern safety razor, an electric razor or epilators. As you can see, there are lots of products to choose from so go with the one that you’re comfortable with. Electric shavers are very easy to use, but hair will start growing back faster. Rotary epilators are even better at removing hair. The rotary epilator is a device similar to an electric razor, but or else of a cutting blade on a rotary head, it has rows of tweezers to pull hairs out by their roots. The rotary epilators are not acceptable for some people because it can cause a lot of pain.

Wax is also a good idea, but some people are not eager to use hot wax on their very sensitive parts. It’s a matter of personal taste. If you don’t like the idea of hot wax, you could use depilatory substances. The basic principle is to dissolve hair using a mixture of chemicals, which is very easy to handle. On the other hand, depilatory creams and powders may irritate your skin if you are allergic to some substances contained in depilatory creams.

If you’re interested in getting rid of some hair, but you’re still not convinced that it’s a good idea, then you might wish to try trimming first. The bush will look much better and at the same time you don’t have to get the razor close to the skin. You should use some aftershave at the end to prevent the post shave itching and the zits that might rear their ugly heads. You should also let your pubic hair to grow which will allow your skin to regenerate, before attempting shaving again.

Tom Donne is a full time SEO worker and a freelance writer who contributes articles on different subjects.

Check out the website about man related health news.

http://naturalpenisenlarge.biz/

http://pheromonetoattractwoman.biz/

Attitudes that had seemed strange a while ago turned out to be very popular in today’s world. Take for instance the new trend of shaving pubic hair. Not many people know that this trend was introduced by the Japanese porn industry. Since the law said that the display of pubic hair in a magazine or movie was illegal, models were shown with shaved pubic areas. From Japan, the trend spread to American and European women and, more recently, to men.

The debate around which method for shaving is the best is still far from over. Some say that razors are the best way to go and they are right to a certain extent. The razor lets the user have full control over how much hair goes and which parts are left untouched. At first you should trim the genital area before applying the razor. I would let the pubic area get warm water for a bit before shaving, so do it towards the end of your shower. You should use a cool cloth on the area and use lotion on that area (it could be baby lotion). If you try shaving your pubic area with the same device you use for shaving your face, under arms or legs, it’s most likely that you’re going to irritate the pubic area skin. So you should buy a new razor if you use disposables.

You can either go with an old-fashioned razor blade, a modern safety razor, an electric razor or epilators. As you can see, there are lots of products to choose from so go with the one that you’re comfortable with. Electric shavers are very easy to use, but hair will start growing back faster. Rotary epilators are even better at removing hair. The rotary epilator is a device similar to an electric razor, but or else of a cutting blade on a rotary head, it has rows of tweezers to pull hairs out by their roots. The rotary epilators are not acceptable for some people because it can cause a lot of pain.

Wax is also a good idea, but some people are not eager to use hot wax on their very sensitive parts. It’s a matter of personal taste. If you don’t like the idea of hot wax, you could use depilatory substances. The basic principle is to dissolve hair using a mixture of chemicals, which is very easy to handle. On the other hand, depilatory creams and powders may irritate your skin if you are allergic to some substances contained in depilatory creams.

If you’re interested in getting rid of some hair, but you’re still not convinced that it’s a good idea, then you might wish to try trimming first. The bush will look much better and at the same time you don’t have to get the razor close to the skin. You should use some aftershave at the end to prevent the post shave itching and the zits that might rear their ugly heads. You should also let your pubic hair to grow which will allow your skin to regenerate, before attempting shaving again.

Tom Donne is a full time SEO worker and a freelance writer who contributes articles on different subjects.

Check out the website about man related health news.

http://naturalpenisenlarge.biz/

http://pheromonetoattractwoman.biz/

Attitudes that had seemed strange a while ago turned out to be very popular in today’s world. Take for instance the new trend of shaving pubic hair. Not many people know that this trend was introduced by the Japanese porn industry. Since the law said that the display of pubic hair in a magazine or movie was illegal, models were shown with shaved pubic areas. From Japan, the trend spread to American and European women and, more recently, to men.

The debate around which method for shaving is the best is still far from over. Some say that razors are the best way to go and they are right to a certain extent. The razor lets the user have full control over how much hair goes and which parts are left untouched. At first you should trim the genital area before applying the razor. I would let the pubic area get warm water for a bit before shaving, so do it towards the end of your shower. You should use a cool cloth on the area and use lotion on that area (it could be baby lotion). If you try shaving your pubic area with the same device you use for shaving your face, under arms or legs, it’s most likely that you’re going to irritate the pubic area skin. So you should buy a new razor if you use disposables.

You can either go with an old-fashioned razor blade, a modern safety razor, an electric razor or epilators. As you can see, there are lots of products to choose from so go with the one that you’re comfortable with. Electric shavers are very easy to use, but hair will start growing back faster. Rotary epilators are even better at removing hair. The rotary epilator is a device similar to an electric razor, but or else of a cutting blade on a rotary head, it has rows of tweezers to pull hairs out by their roots. The rotary epilators are not acceptable for some people because it can cause a lot of pain.

Wax is also a good idea, but some people are not eager to use hot wax on their very sensitive parts. It’s a matter of personal taste. If you don’t like the idea of hot wax, you could use depilatory substances. The basic principle is to dissolve hair using a mixture of chemicals, which is very easy to handle. On the other hand, depilatory creams and powders may irritate your skin if you are allergic to some substances contained in depilatory creams.

If you’re interested in getting rid of some hair, but you’re still not convinced that it’s a good idea, then you might wish to try trimming first. The bush will look much better and at the same time you don’t have to get the razor close to the skin. You should use some aftershave at the end to prevent the post shave itching and the zits that might rear their ugly heads. You should also let your pubic hair to grow which will allow your skin to regenerate, before attempting shaving again.

Tom Donne is a full time SEO worker and a freelance writer who contributes articles on different subjects.

Check out the website about man related health news.

http://naturalpenisenlarge.biz/

http://pheromonetoattractwoman.biz/

Attitudes that had seemed strange a while ago turned out to be very popular in today’s world. Take for instance the new trend of shaving pubic hair. Not many people know that this trend was introduced by the Japanese porn industry. Since the law said that the display of pubic hair in a magazine or movie was illegal, models were shown with shaved pubic areas. From Japan, the trend spread to American and European women and, more recently, to men.

The debate around which method for shaving is the best is still far from over. Some say that razors are the best way to go and they are right to a certain extent. The razor lets the user have full control over how much hair goes and which parts are left untouched. At first you should trim the genital area before applying the razor. I would let the pubic area get warm water for a bit before shaving, so do it towards the end of your shower. You should use a cool cloth on the area and use lotion on that area (it could be baby lotion). If you try shaving your pubic area with the same device you use for shaving your face, under arms or legs, it’s most likely that you’re going to irritate the pubic area skin. So you should buy a new razor if you use disposables.

You can either go with an old-fashioned razor blade, a modern safety razor, an electric razor or epilators. As you can see, there are lots of products to choose from so go with the one that you’re comfortable with. Electric shavers are very easy to use, but hair will start growing back faster. Rotary epilators are even better at removing hair. The rotary epilator is a device similar to an electric razor, but or else of a cutting blade on a rotary head, it has rows of tweezers to pull hairs out by their roots. The rotary epilators are not acceptable for some people because it can cause a lot of pain.

Wax is also a good idea, but some people are not eager to use hot wax on their very sensitive parts. It’s a matter of personal taste. If you don’t like the idea of hot wax, you could use depilatory substances. The basic principle is to dissolve hair using a mixture of chemicals, which is very easy to handle. On the other hand, depilatory creams and powders may irritate your skin if you are allergic to some substances contained in depilatory creams.

If you’re interested in getting rid of some hair, but you’re still not convinced that it’s a good idea, then you might wish to try trimming first. The bush will look much better and at the same time you don’t have to get the razor close to the skin. You should use some aftershave at the end to prevent the post shave itching and the zits that might rear their ugly heads. You should also let your pubic hair to grow which will allow your skin to regenerate, before attempting shaving again.

Tom Donne is a full time SEO worker and a freelance writer who contributes articles on different subjects.

Check out the website about man related health news.

http://naturalpenisenlarge.biz/

http://pheromonetoattractwoman.biz/

Attitudes that had seemed strange a while ago turned out to be very popular in today’s world. Take for instance the new trend of shaving pubic hair. Not many people know that this trend was introduced by the Japanese porn industry. Since the law said that the display of pubic hair in a magazine or movie was illegal, models were shown with shaved pubic areas. From Japan, the trend spread to American and European women and, more recently, to men.

The debate around which method for shaving is the best is still far from over. Some say that razors are the best way to go and they are right to a certain extent. The razor lets the user have full control over how much hair goes and which parts are left untouched. At first you should trim the genital area before applying the razor. I would let the pubic area get warm water for a bit before shaving, so do it towards the end of your shower. You should use a cool cloth on the area and use lotion on that area (it could be baby lotion). If you try shaving your pubic area with the same device you use for shaving your face, under arms or legs, it’s most likely that you’re going to irritate the pubic area skin. So you should buy a new razor if you use disposables.

You can either go with an old-fashioned razor blade, a modern safety razor, an electric razor or epilators. As you can see, there are lots of products to choose from so go with the one that you’re comfortable with. Electric shavers are very easy to use, but hair will start growing back faster. Rotary epilators are even better at removing hair. The rotary epilator is a device similar to an electric razor, but or else of a cutting blade on a rotary head, it has rows of tweezers to pull hairs out by their roots. The rotary epilators are not acceptable for some people because it can cause a lot of pain.

Wax is also a good idea, but some people are not eager to use hot wax on their very sensitive parts. It’s a matter of personal taste. If you don’t like the idea of hot wax, you could use depilatory substances. The basic principle is to dissolve hair using a mixture of chemicals, which is very easy to handle. On the other hand, depilatory creams and powders may irritate your skin if you are allergic to some substances contained in depilatory creams.

If you’re interested in getting rid of some hair, but you’re still not convinced that it’s a good idea, then you might wish to try trimming first. The bush will look much better and at the same time you don’t have to get the razor close to the skin. You should use some aftershave at the end to prevent the post shave itching and the zits that might rear their ugly heads. You should also let your pubic hair to grow which will allow your skin to regenerate, before attempting shaving again.

Tom Donne is a full time SEO worker and a freelance writer who contributes articles on different subjects.

Check out the website about man related health news.

http://naturalpenisenlarge.biz/

http://pheromonetoattractwoman.biz/

Attitudes that had seemed strange a while ago turned out to be very popular in today’s world. Take for instance the new trend of shaving pubic hair. Not many people know that this trend was introduced by the Japanese porn industry. Since the law said that the display of pubic hair in a magazine or movie was illegal, models were shown with shaved pubic areas. From Japan, the trend spread to American and European women and, more recently, to men.

The debate around which method for shaving is the best is still far from over. Some say that razors are the best way to go and they are right to a certain extent. The razor lets the user have full control over how much hair goes and which parts are left untouched. At first you should trim the genital area before applying the razor. I would let the pubic area get warm water for a bit before shaving, so do it towards the end of your shower. You should use a cool cloth on the area and use lotion on that area (it could be baby lotion). If you try shaving your pubic area with the same device you use for shaving your face, under arms or legs, it’s most likely that you’re going to irritate the pubic area skin. So you should buy a new razor if you use disposables.

You can either go with an old-fashioned razor blade, a modern safety razor, an electric razor or epilators. As you can see, there are lots of products to choose from so go with the one that you’re comfortable with. Electric shavers are very easy to use, but hair will start growing back faster. Rotary epilators are even better at removing hair. The rotary epilator is a device similar to an electric razor, but or else of a cutting blade on a rotary head, it has rows of tweezers to pull hairs out by their roots. The rotary epilators are not acceptable for some people because it can cause a lot of pain.

Wax is also a good idea, but some people are not eager to use hot wax on their very sensitive parts. It’s a matter of personal taste. If you don’t like the idea of hot wax, you could use depilatory substances. The basic principle is to dissolve hair using a mixture of chemicals, which is very easy to handle. On the other hand, depilatory creams and powders may irritate your skin if you are allergic to some substances contained in depilatory creams.

If you’re interested in getting rid of some hair, but you’re still not convinced that it’s a good idea, then you might wish to try trimming first. The bush will look much better and at the same time you don’t have to get the razor close to the skin. You should use some aftershave at the end to prevent the post shave itching and the zits that might rear their ugly heads. You should also let your pubic hair to grow which will allow your skin to regenerate, before attempting shaving again.

Tom Donne is a full time SEO worker and a freelance writer who contributes articles on different subjects.

Check out the website about man related health news.

http://naturalpenisenlarge.biz/

http://pheromonetoattractwoman.biz/

This article describes where to look, what to look for, and how to choose day-hiking boots. Knowing where to look and what to look for, you can be sure to get the high-quality hiking boots you need without paying extra for features you don’t need.

Day-hiking boots range anywhere from $40.00 to $150.00. The high end of that range is beginning to cross into backpacking boots, but anything below that range is either an exceptionally good deal or an imitation hiking boot that will disappoint you badly.

So, let’s talk about the kinds of places to shop for hiking boots, features to look for, pitfalls to avoid, and techniques to make sure you have the right fit.

Where to Shop for Hiking Boots

If you have never done any serious hiking, you will want to buy your first serious hiking boots in a hands-on experience. I’m being honest here (habit of mine). Yes, it is in my interest to persuade you to buy your hiking boots through my Web site, but I won’t do that if it is not appropriate for you. Even aside from ethical considerations, it would be bad business for me to create a lot of dissatisfied customers telling their friends about their bad experience. No, I’m just being honest. I don’t want to take your money and leave you unhappy. Buy your first pair of hiking boots at a brick-and-mortar store where you can handle the boots and try them for proper fit. Then, when you have enough experience to know what you want in your second pair of hiking boots (or third, or …), you can take advantage of the lower prices available on the Web.

When shopping for hiking boots, look for an outdoor equipment store rather than a shoe store. The sales clerks in a general shoe store are not likely to know the difference between real hiking boots and fashion imitations of hiking boots. You might pay more money at an outdoor equipment store, but you will realize the savings out on the trail.

Once you’re in the store, ask about some of the things you read in this article. If the sales clerk doesn’t know what a scree collar is or why soft outer soles are better than hard, look for another sales clerk, or another store.

If you are ready to buy your hiking boots on the Web, you can take advantage of the best of both worlds. You can buy from a high-volume store that has the best prices, but first get your advice, recommendations, and reviews from affiliated Web sites that specialize in hiking equipment.

Wherever you choose to buy your hiking boots, make sure there is a reliable, knowledgeable person in the loop somewhere. If the sales clerk or Web site seems too eager about making the sale and not interested enough in discussing and comparing features, you should look somewhere else before you make a final decision.

Especially when you are shopping the Web sites, you may need to pay attention to brands. Certain brands have a well-deserved reputation for good quality, and you should not ignore that. On the other hand, some brands have an overblown reputation that often has more to do with fashion than with genuine quality. The only way to know the difference, and to find the quality you need without paying for fashion that you don’t care about, is to talk to those who know the difference and to read reviews from people who have actually used the hiking boots in the field.

Features to Look For in Day-Hiking Boots

Here is what you need to look for:

* Deep tread in a soft sole for traction.

* Appropriate height (just above the ankle).

* Soft, wide, thick scree collar (the padding around the top that keeps pebbles out without chafing your Achilles tendon).

* Fiberglass shank. Steel is okay, but fiberglass is better in day-hiking boots because it’s lighter. Full-length is preferred, but shorter shanks may be acceptable if you are planning more moderate hiking.

* Tongue attached at least up to the top of the foot, or higher if you plan on crossing streams frequently.

* Crampon attachments (good, but not essential, unless you do a lot of hiking in icy conditions).

* Hooks for the laces above the top of the foot.

* Choose eyelets, D-rings, or webbing for the lower lace attachment points as a matter of personal taste. My experience does not indicate any one to be better than the others for day-hiking boots.

* Good insulation and padding all around, firm on the bottom, with a tough but smooth lining.

* Double stitching on all visible seams.

* More leather and less fabric is better. Split leather is fine (and you’ll almost never find full-grain leather in a day-hiking boot), but not full suede.

* Fewer seams is better.

Most of these features are self-evident, but here are a few techniques for evaluating specific features.

* Tread should be at least two fifths of the total thickness of the sole.

* Measure the softness of the tread surface by pressing your thumbnail into it. You should be able to make a visible indentation that springs out in a second or so.

* Measure the stiffness of the shank by holding the heel in one hand and the toe in the other, and twisting the sole. You should not be able to twist it at all.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Hiking Boots

The biggest problem you’re likely to find in shopping for day-hiking boots is cheaply-made “imitation” hiking boots. They look like hiking boots, but they’re not built to stand up to trail conditions. They will not last long, and they will not give you the traction and water resistance you need.

You can tell an “imitation” hiking boot from the real thing by these characteristics:

* Mild tread, less than about two-fifths the thickness of the sole.

* Hard tread surface that you can barely indent with your fingernail.

* Non-attached tongue.

* Non-rigid sole that you can twist by hand.

* No scree collar. There may be patches of leather or a different color of fabric that look like a scree collar, but if it doesn’t have thick, soft padding around the top, it’s not a real hiking boot. It won’t keep the pebbles out, and it might chafe or constrict your Achilles tendon.

Fitting your Hiking Boots

You must fit your hiking boots with any orthopedic inserts, off-the-shelf insoles, and the hiking socks you intend to wear with them. A good rule of thumb is to start with one full size larger than your regular street shoes.

With all the inserts and insoles in place and your hiking socks on, but with no laces in the boot, put the boot on and push your foot all the way forward until your toes touch the front. You should have just enough room behind the heel to slide your finger all the way in.

Next, lace the boot up snugly and walk around. The boots will be stiff and uncomfortable because they’re not broken in, but they should not allow your foot to slide or rub.

Stand on a steep slope with your toes pointing down. (Use the fitting horse where you’re supposed to put your foot to lace the shoe while sitting. Go ahead and stand on it.) You should be able to wiggle your toes, and they should not touch the front of the boots.

If you bought the boots via the Web, do this fit-test as soon as you get them. Even if you think you know your size, boots from different manufacturers might fit differently. Check the size and fit immediately, and return them for a replacement if they don’t fit right.

Conclusion

If you are looking for your first pair of serious hiking boots, you must do your shopping in an outdoor equipment store where you can handle the boots and talk to knowledgeable sales staff. Only if you have some experience with day-hiking boots, take advantage of the bargains available on the Web.

Check for the features that identify a quality hiking boot, and avoid “fake” hiking boots.

Bring all the inserts and socks you will wear with your hiking boots, and check for a firm but comfortable fit with no rubbing or sliding.

Look for quality, and expect to pay for it, but don’t pay more than you have to for features that don’t contribute to the durability and comfort of your hiking boots.

Chuck Bonner is a lifelong hiker and amateur naturalist, and webmaster of http://www.HikingWithChuck.com For more information about hiking boots and other hiking equipment based on many years on the trail, visit http://www.hikingwithchuck.com/Gear/HikingGear.htm

We have all heard the horror stories from our female friends and even from our male friends. Men cheat. Of course women do, as well, but usually – or so it seems – it is more common to find that men are unfaithful more than women. If you are beginning to wonder or have a strange, sinking feeling about your man’s fidelity, you are probably asking yourself, “What are the signs of cheating men?”

Well, there could be any number of indications that your man is cheating on you, but there are also some signs that are very common, and at least some of them will probably rear their ugly heads at some point if your husband or boyfriend has taken a lover.

Okay, so what are the signs of cheating men?

• He smells good. Back in the day when you were first dating, he probably smelled a lot better than he does now. That is because he was trying to impress you. If he starts to smell like that again, he may be trying to impress someone else.

• He is buying new clothes. Same reason as above.

• He rarely answers his cell phone when you call unexpectedly. He may say he didn’t hear it ring or he had no signal or he left the phone in the car while he was in the drugstore, but if these kinds of things are happening frequently, he may be with someone else who doesn’t want him talking to you.

• He is always online. If your husband or boyfriend is suddenly the king of the chat room or getting emails all the time or has recently signed up for an instant message service, he may be using the Internet to communicate with another woman.

These are some of the most common indications that a man is stepping out on you. At least now you do not have to wonder anymore, “What are the signs of cheating men?” If these behaviors are familiar, he may be unfaithful, and likewise, if there are odd behaviors that are not on the list, but they bother you, those could also be signs of cheating men.

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