I was recently visiting a couple friend in Napa and I realized they have every type of shoes you could imagine. And since we are heading out for a hike, they pulled out their best pair of boots. Their fufu fluff designer hikers. A walk-in (shoe) closet of shoes and they own uncomfortable fluff.

Alright people, if you can spend $400 on designer shoes, go spend $200 and get a pair of good boots, proper fitting survival boots. The first thing my Drill Sergeant taught me was, protect your feet. Protect your #1 mode of transportation. A healthy well-protected pair of feet can take you to food, water, and shelter. It will save your life.

You want boots that can:
1. Traverse rugged terrain – The ground could have rocky paths, crazy contours, sharp rocks, ankle spraining obstacles, or narrow trails.
2. Get Wet – It is imperative to keep your feet dry. Especially if you cross streams, rivers, seashores, or floods.
3. Withstand Heat – You would want to feel comfortable in case you have to be exposed to long period of blazing hot concrete or desert hot floors.
4. Protect – There are nasty insects and reptiles out there not to mention animals that you’d want to keep out and protect from bites.
5. Fit Properly – Try on the boots late in the day when they are slightly swollen and wear thicker socks. You wouldn’t want huge blisters or lose all your toe nails from poor fitting boots.

So a good sturdy, comfortable, pair of boots is in order here. Look for an 8 to 10 inch high top leather or Gortex boot with superior ankle protection and at least 1/3 inch thick Vibram Soles.

Oh and don’t forget, NO Cotton Socks. Look for a pair of Ragg Wool or Merino Wool socks, they wick away moisture. And if you are allergic to wool like I am, wear a pair of polypropylene liner under the wool socks.

If your feet aren’t happy, there’s a good chance you will not be either.