http://www.mdc.mo.gov

Indoors or out…nothing is fun if your feet hurt. And if youre off-road hiking, birdwatching, or simply mushroom hunting…choosing the wrong boots can leave you stranded or lame. Heres what to look for when buying boots: First, get real hiking socks and wear them when shopping for boots. Get a pair of liners made of one of the high-tech wicking fabrics that draw the sweat away from your skin. Over the liners, wear outer socks made from midweight or heavy wool or wool/synthetic…even in summer. Do not use cotton liners, which absorb sweat and cause blisters. Look for boot socks with a snug fit and smooth seams. Now for the boots. When theyre unlaced, you should have just enough room so that if you scrunch your toes toward the front, you can squeeze a finger between your heel and the back of the boot. When laced, there should be little or no heel slippage, but you should be able to wiggle your toes freely. Check the flexibility by going up and down steps and ramps making sure your toes dont jam against the front of the boot. Kick the toe box against something hard. Your toes shouldnt feel the impact. Finally, make sure the boots are wide enough. If they arent, special order a wide width, or if youre a woman, try mens boots. Whatever you do, never compromise on fit! Harden your feet and soften your boots before hitting the woods for a shorter version, use the following line and cut the rest of the paragraph: even if the boots you buy are the ultra light kind youre not supposed to have to break in. Its easier to prevent blisters than to live with them) or expect to face this: a blister. Always carry a blister kit containing antibiotic cream and moleskin. If you feel a hot spot forming, stop immediately and treat it. Cut a hole the size of the hot spot in a piece of moleskin and use it to encircle the sore area. If the blister has already formed, treat it with antibiotic cream and protect it the same way, making sure not to stick the adhesive part of the moleskin directly to the injury. Never pierce a blister. The fluid inside is actually protecting the irritated area, and piercing it just lets in germs and increases your chance of infection. Make your feet happy with the right boots and the right care… because happy feet make for a happy outdoor outing.

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