What’s the most important ingredient to enjoying the great outdoors? Some avid hikers would recommend a strong sunscreen to ward off potential burns or uneven tanning, while others prefer a healthy drink to stave off hydration. When it comes down to it, a durable pair of shoes will keep you going strong no matter where the road takes you. More and more Americans have found themselves seeking out everything from light hiking boots to trekking sandals to supplement their vacation and exercise time both, which can be difficult considering the mass of options on the market. Below are some simple tips on buying the ideal walking boots to help you get started before you go shopping.
A Multibillion Dollar Industry
Whether it’s womens walking sandals or hiking boots for men, there’s a good option out there for everyone. The year 2014 brought in an impressive $1.5 billion on camping equipment alone, a significant portion including sleeping bags, backpacks and, you guessed it, hiking boots. The average retail price of walking shoes was at around $50, though that number can increase a little depending on the quality or the brand.
A Popular Hobby
Camping is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. The 2014 American Camper Report showed 40 million Americans, or nearly 15% of the American population over the age of six, camping every single year. That’s a pretty impressive sum! The type of camping isn’t too strict either — the revenue of both campgrounds and RV parks back in 2013 yielded a whopping $5 billion, with classic tents still near the top of preferred outdoor choices.
A Healthy Heart
Why is camping so popular? One of the biggest reasons has to do with keeping one’s self physically fit. Studies have shown only 20% to 30% of American adults meeting the public health recommendations for physical activity through walking or jogging, that of which should be done five times per week for at least 30 minutes or so. The number of calories required for a hiker to maintain their body weight during the average day of backpacking is at around 5,500. As you can imagine, a proper pair of womens walking sandals will do wonders.
Useful Daily Tips
Nobody likes wasting their money. If you want your shoes to last a long time, it’s important you take good care of them both when you’re using them and when they’re shelved. If you can get 500 miles out of your footwear it’s generally assumed you’re doing well, though the American Academy Of Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation suggests you replace your shoes every 350 to 400 miles. Make sure your shoes aren’t too tight — you should allow half of an inch between the end of your longest toe as well as the end of the shoe. One foot larger than the other? Buy the larger size to be safe.
Finding Good Shoes
Which shoe suits you best? It all depends on your lifestyle. If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoor weather and maybe get in a little aerobic exercise, a pair of womens walking sandals will go a long way in giving you comfort and style both. Walking is the most popular aerobic activity in the United States by a landslide, with six out of 10 adults walking for at least 10 minutes on a regular basis. More than 145 million adults now include walking as part of their physically active lifestyle, proven to encourage a healthy heart, a strong back and even reduce the onset of common illnesses. With a pair of waterproof shoes or mens walking sandals, you can keep yourself healthy and in good time.
