Subject: Re: Waterproof hiking boots
Hi Didi and Ziners!

It sounds like you had a good salesperson. Assuming you're selecting from the quality, well-made products offered by REI, EMS, L.L. Bean, and others (like Hilton Tent City), the single most important consideration in buying a hiking boot/shoe IS HOW THEY FIT YOU. While there are other important factors, everything else is secondary. Like you, I have hard-to-fit feet, and I've found that you really need to go to a store where the sales staff knows the products, knows how to fit boots, and will take the time to do it right. And yes, it sometimes takes hours. The good news is that with proper care, good boots will last for years.

Have a fantastic trip! Mark Mitchell Boyds, Maryland