Merriam's Dictionary describes a boot as "a fitted covering for the foot." The same reference defines boot as "an instrument of torture used to crush the leg and foot."

It doesn't take a podiatrist to figure out which definer walked in boots that fit.

Warm weather is beckoning us to venture outside, and boots and Wyoming's outdoors are connected like peanut butter and jelly. Hunters, anglers, hikers, birders - all routinely walk great distances to pursue their favorite activity.

If your feet could talk, however, they would exclaim loudly that unfit boots are indeed instruments of torture. Painful ailments from a simple blister to the exotic-sounding plantar fasciitis (sore heel) can result from an ill-fitting boot.

Understanding the anatomy of footwear may help a hiker find a boot that fits. The foundation of every boot is a plastic mold called a "last," which is best described as the boot manufacturer's best guess of the shape of the average foot.

Each manufacturer's guesstimate differs slightly, however, which complicates the quest. Dennis Lewon, equipment editor for Backpacker magazine, observed shoppers need to cover as much ground searching for a boot as they do in the field.

"(Hikers) should try on a lot of boots," said Lewon. "They should go to places where they can try on a lot of different models, because the most important thing in getting a good boot is getting one that fits."

Another important factor in boot selection is weight. A general rule of thumb in the hiking community is a pound on your feet equals five on your back.

Because Wyoming's terrain varies from groomed trails to treacherous rock fields, Lewon said it is critical to match a boot to its intended usage. Day hikers, for example, can get away with a lightweight boot on groomed trails. Hard core backpackers need a heavier boot for protection from bruises and ankle sprains.

"People have been realizing the more weight you have on your feet, the more tired you get at the end of the day. Weight on your feet equals weight on your back as well," Lewon said.

Weight and fit are not the only factors hikers should consider. Dr. Perry Julian, representing the American Podiatric Medical Association, said the interaction between boot and foot is also critical. Julien pointed out boots need to flex in the proper place to prevent repetitive motion injuries.

"In lightening some of the outer soles and mid-soles, (boot manufacturers) changed the flex of the shoe," he said. "… The foot flexes where the toe joints are. But if the boot flexes further back, which some of the boots do, what will happen in those situations is you end up putting pressure on either the plantar fascia (heel) or the Achilles tendon."

Walking on water

Julien, who is an avid hiker and mountaineer, added that a dry foot is a healthy foot. Long hikes on wet feet can cause numerous health problems, as well as being very uncomfortable.

Waterproof boots, therefore, are a must in soggy conditions. Lewon observed, however, that all waterproof boots are not equal. Many repel water, but the key to comfort is waterproof materials that allow sweat to wick away from the foot.

"If you need a waterproof boot, there are a number of waterproof breathable materials including Gore-Tex," he said.

A breathable boot is only as good, however, as the sock it covers. Socks made of materials that hold water next to the foot render a good boot ineffective.

Julien said there are several wool and synthetic products that effectively wick moisture away from the foot.

"Cotton is out and it's still hard to convince people of that," said Julien. "Cotton retains moisture. It can contribute to blisters and also in cold weather it's going to increase your risk of getting some type of cold injury. I think the wool socks and the acrylic blend socks both offer protection against blisters because they allow a little bit more gliding of the foot, and they also wick away moisture."

Boots that are waterproof sometimes need further protection. Many waterproofing materials simply seal a boot, however, which renders it unable to breathe.

Kevin Siebke, of Mountain Sports in Casper, said some new waterproofing products repel water while allowing the boot to breath.

"Most of the companies we deal with are recommending a product called Nikwax, which is a water-based wax waterproofing," Siebke said. "The difference is with the water base the water draws it into the boot. Instead of just plugging everything up to make it waterproof, it waterproofs the fibers of the leather. The benefit it is you end up with a waterproof boot that still breathes."

Aftermarket insoles

Julien said many boot buyers have trouble finding a good fit because their feet are shaped oddly. For example, a flat arch - Julien calls the condition an over-pronated foot - can make a good fit impossible to find.

To allow for flexibility, Julien recommends buying footwear with a removable footbed. Aftermarket inserts can then be added to improve a boot's performance.

"If somebody is not having a problem and they have a neutral foot, very often they can use the existing footbed," he said. "But if somebody has a flat arch, or what we call on over-pronated foot, it needs more support than the average footbed is going to provide."

That kind of follow-up can ensure a hiker a long and comfortable relationship with his or her boot. Siebke therefore advises buying boots from a dealer who guarantees satisfaction.

"We guarantee the fit on the boots," he said. "You want to deal with a shop that's going to help you if you have problems with your boot down the road."

On the Net

American Podiatric Medical Association: www.apma.org

Backpacker magazine: www.backpacker.com

Slackpacker's Guide: www.slackpacker.com

Shopping for a boot

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers several helpful tips on selecting boots:

*Shop for boots later in the day. Feet tend to swell as the day goes on.

*Have your feet measured while standing.

*Always try on both boots, then walk around the store.

*Always buy for the larger foot. Virtually everyone has one foot larger than the other.

*Don't buy footwear that needs a "break-in period."

*Don't rely on the size of your last pair of boots.

*Fit the boot front, back and sides to distribute weight.

*Buy boots that don't pinch your toes, either at the tips or across the toe box.

Observations of a 'slackpacker'

Some hikers can hardly wait to hitch up 50 pounds, tackle the tallest nearby mountain, then sleep on a rock.

Then again, there's something to be said for a day's end that includes steak for dinner and sleeping in one's own bed.

Veteran day-hiker Rick Bolger, who maintains the Web site "Slackpacker.com." loves a tough hike. But Bolger long ago came to conclude sleeping hard was not integral to an enjoyable day on the trail, so he developed the tongue-in-cheek Slackpacker philosophy for day hikers.

"The real goal is to be sleeping in a warm, comfortable bed at the end of the day instead of out on the trail," said Bolger. "We prefer filet mignon to GORP if you will."

Bolger's experiences have made him somewhat of a boot expert, and he offered his analysis of a good boot.

*Cost - Some quotes claim a "good" hiking boot costs at least $80 a pair. Bolger said a discriminating shopper can do better.

"We read the gear write-ups in Backpacker magazine and that sort of thing, but only a select few hikers do you ever see wearing them," said Bolger. "… For someone who is hiking a few miles at a time and doesn't hike very often, it's basically whatever feels comfortable."

*Upper - Leather boots can vary greatly in quality. Bolger said virtually all "mid-range to high quality boots use top-grain leather."

Uppers that have leather with the rough side generally resist abrasion better.

Stitching is critical on leather boots. Triple or quadruple stitching usually lasts longest.

*Soles - The part of the boot that touches the ground is called the out-sole. Harder out-soles are best for soil and grass - softer out-soles handle rocky terrain better.

*Tread - Slackpacker recommends checking the ratio of "rubber to open space." Deep lugs with open spaces are best for mud. Minimal gaps are best for rock.

*Lace 'em up - D-rings are becoming increasingly popular because they are easy to lace yet provide a durable and snug fit.

*Keys to comfort - Push your foot to the front of the boot when trying it on. If you can fit one finger comfortably into the back of the boot, you have a fit.

Always wear your hiking socks when shopping, and make sure the width is right.

Courtesy Rick Bolger, Slackpacker.com