How can I chose a good pair of hiking boots?
It sounds like your boots are not fitting you very well – they may be too loose and thus rubbing against the back of your heel as you walk. Unfortunately, there is no simple best answer for hiking boots since everybodys feet are a little different and a brand that is great for one person, may be the pits for somebody else. After trying a variety of different boots and brands over the years, I have settled on the Raiche GTX (also sold by REI under the name Spirit) – they are comfortable, water-proof and very sturdy (my treads are still holding up after over 400 miles on them). If you are going to be hiking in snow, than you will want water-proof boots (ie: Gore-Tex lining) and may want to consider a boot that can work with strap-on crampons (for extra support in ice). Backpacker Magazine just came out with their yearly gear guide issue and gave the Timberland Cadion the best rating for comfort and fit on women’s boots. You should pick up the issue, bucause it gives the low down on a var
