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8 Tips for Buying Better Boots

Published

9 months ago

July 25, 2023

Adam T

Whether they’re primarily designed as a work accessory or a piece of beautiful fashion, it pays to buy the right boots. But with so many different styles of boots on the market, it’s hard to make the best decision.
How do you begin your search? And how can you tell which boots are perfect for you?

How to Buy Better Boots

Follow these tips if you want to buy better boots for yourself or for someone you love.

Know your goals. Before you visit a store or start looking at different boot options, you should take a moment to think about your goals. There are many types of boots, many different materials, and many different brands to choose from.
Accordingly, most boots have both strengths and weaknesses. You’re only going to choose the correct pair of boots if you know what your goals actually are. Are you looking for something for work? Something fashionable? Something that will last for decades?
Choose the right material. Next, choose the materials you want for your boot. Leather boots, for example, are known for their durability, ruggedness, and versatility; they look great, they’re resistant to most types of damage, and they’re suitable for a wide variety of applications. Most boots also incorporate other materials; for example, you might find steel in the shank for extra support and protection.
Compare brands. When you know what type of boot you want, start shopping around with different brands. Look at the different styles of boot that each brand has available, and make sure you read critical reviews.
Read the reviews. What do customers have to say about each brand? This can be an excellent source of information, even if there aren’t many reviews to work with. Don’t just look at a star rating or numerical score; look at the specific comments that people are making about each pair of boots.
Examine the sole and grip. Assuming you have the opportunity, closely examined the sole and the grip of the shoe. Does this seem sturdy? Does it provide ample traction?
Test the shank. The shank is a piece of hard material that rests between the layers of the sole of the boot. It provides protection for your feet, so it’s important to get something that resists or prevents most types of damage.
Try them on. Always try on boots before you finalize your purchase. In many cases, it pays to get a half size bigger than usual, in case your feet swell when working or walking. Additionally, boots that are slightly too big are usually more comfortable than boots that are slightly too small.
Get the right socks. This is technically advice for buying socks, not boots, but boots and socks are both important for the best overall experience – and some socks are simply better than others. Buy a pair of socks that provides plenty of cushioning, absorption, and flexibility.

Taking Care of Your Boots

Buying boots is just the first part of the equation. If you want your boots to last, and if you want to get more value out of them, you have to take proactive care of your boots.

Here’s how you can do it:

Protect your boots. If appropriate, protect your boots by applying a protective spray to the exterior. You could also make sure to store your boots properly, so they aren’t subject to the elements or damaging conditions.
Condition your leather. If you have leather boots, make sure you condition your leather. Occasional rounds of leather conditioning can make the leather more beautiful, more durable, and longer lasting.
Treat snow and salt stains. Some of the biggest threats to the appearance and longevity of your boots are treating snow and salt stains. If you live in an area that gets harsh winters, make sure to wipe down your boots and treat these stains proactively whenever you come home for the day.
Wipe your boots down regularly. Even if you don’t live in an area with harsh winters, you should wipe your boots down regularly. Removing dirt, dust, and debris can help your boots look their best and keep them in proper condition.
Watch the sole. The sole of your boot is a great indication of the boot’s current state and ability to function properly. If you notice the sole is being worn down consider making repairs or fully replacing the boot.

Buying boots isn’t always straightforward, especially if you’re picky, but if you follow a consistent strategy and think through your decision properly, you’ll be in a better position to get the boots you’ve always wanted. Hopefully, you won’t have to buy boots often, but having more experience in this area also helps.

Featured

Yangshou: Living The Experience Of Traditional China

If you love Ancient Chinese culture from movies, Yangshou is the place to make those dreams a reality.

Published

2 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Owen Gardocki

Located in the province of Guangxi, about 65km from Guilin lies the small town of Yangshuo. For the past few years, Yangshuo is slowly starting to get noticed by a lot of travelers and ex-pats alike, mostly due to its beautiful, scenic landscapes consisting of mountain peaks and countrysides, as well as its distinct and well-preserved cultural traditions and practices.

These highlights bring Yangshuo into the spotlights of every traveler as well as on their lenses and social media feeds. One look at those breath-taking and surreal photos. Would make any wanderlust want to grab their camera and book the nearest flight to China.

The well-preserved way of life of most of Yangshuo’s ethnic group is also a major attraction particularly those who wanted to experience a unique way of living, which includes some ancient practices. Seeing and experiencing these cultures also give slight on how different these ethnic groups are compared to how we generally view or see or expect or know about China.

Attractions

The major natural material that can be found in Yangshuo is the limestone, in which most of its infrastructures are made of. The mountains in Yangshuo are rich in Limestones, forming most of its surreal landscapes from these natural minerals.

Yangshuo is also the cradle of two of the famous rivers in China, the Li River, and the Yulong River. Since ancient times, these rivers serve as the lifestream of the locals living in Yangshuo, being the major line of transportation and business engagements, as well as a source of food and living. Nowadays, these rivers also serve as a tourist destination to a lot of visitors, therefore giving the locals another form of business in the form of river cruises.

Another one of the famous attraction in Yangshuo is Chuanshan Park, that is considered as one of the most beautiful sceneries in Li River. Some of the must-visit sites in Chuanshan park is the Pagoda hill where tourist can see the seven-story Longevity pagoda; the Cockfighting Hill that looks like two fighting cocks ready to battle; and the famous Two Moons of Li river: the Moon cave that looks like the moon floating in the sky and the Water-Moon cave of Elephant Hill that looks like the moon floating in water.

Another must-visit place in Yangshuo is the ancient town of Daxu. It is a place that seems like it came right out of history books, showcasing the lives during the Ming Dynasty. The well-preserved houses and workshops, as well as traditional skills of bamboo weaving and shoemaking, are one of the major attractions in Daxu.

Best time to visit:

Since river cruises and hiking are the major activities in Yangshuo, tourist is often advised to plan their visits during days that have warm and good weather, since river cruises are forbidden during heavy rains for safety reasons. Aside from rainy weather, it is also not advisable to go on a boat ride during the wintertime due to the cold winds that might cause freezing.

The best time to visit Yangshuo is during the season of Spring or Autumn, as the temperature is very favorable and mild, as well as comfortable for such a long boat ride and hiking. The days between May to October are considered the best time to do a photography shoot since the daytimes are longer and the temperatures are warmer as well. Waking up early in the morning is also a great time to capture the famous Yangshuo sunrise, as well as capturing the warm sunset in the late afternoon.

Featured

The Best Way To Enjoy The Liberty Tour

A trip to the US will never be complete, without a visit to the Statue of Lady Liberty. Here are some inside tips on how to enjoy your rendezvouz with lovely Liberty.

Published

15 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Owen Gardocki

The Statue of Liberty has been a typical icon when the word America or New York is mentioned. Given that the statue is located on an island in Manhattan, New York, of course, it will be a staple of any American Tour. In order to fully enjoy the visit to the statue, it is often best to check out our tips and guidelines for the Statue of Liberty tours

What is a Statue of Liberty Tour?

It is a tour around the vicinity of the Statue that involves not only a visit to the famous landmark but also a boat ride and a walking tour going up to the crown of the statue, that offers a panoramic and breathtaking view of the Manhattan Metropolis.

How Long Will It Take?

Well, the length of your tour depends on how long you wish to stay on some of the attractions but visitors of Liberty’s crown are only allowed to stay for a couple of minutes. But don’t worry, aside from site-seeing atop the statue’s crown, you can also visit some of the attractions within Liberty Island.

Ferry Ride

Start your tour with a ferry trip to Liberty Island. You can aboard the ferry from New York in the Battery Park or from New Jersey in Liberty State Park. The ferries depart from New York and New Jersey at 8:30 – 9:00 AM and 3:30 – 4:00 PM and back to the mainland at 5:00 – 5:45 PM. Statute Cruise is the sole accredited ferry company allowed to ferry tourists to and from Liberty Island. Though the Ferry trip has a schedule, the Liberty Island is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but also offer extended hours during peak seasons.

The cost for a ferry ticket is around $18 for adults and $9 for kids 4 to 12 years old, and a free ride for kids younger than 3 years old.

Liberty Island

When you get to Liberty Island, you can stop first at the information center to get some brochures and tour schedules.

Next, you can explore the Statue of Liberty Museum to take a look around the history and background of the statue. It also safely keeps some of the statue’s historic artifacts like the original torch of the statue.

Then, get ready to go up the pedestal, which stands almost half of the statue’s total height. Though the trip up the pedestal might be a little tiring, it will be worth it as the climb to the pedestal allows you to have a breathtaking view fo both New York and New Jersey, as well as New York Harbor and Ellis Island.

The last stop of your visit will be the Crown of the statue. If you are brave of heart, you can venture to the crown through its double-helix staircase, which has exactly 162 steps. Keep in mind that there is no elevator in the statue so it is greatly advised that visitors with heart and respiratory problems to best avoid the climb to the crown. Once up at the crown, visitors are treated with a surreal, bird’s eye view of the New York Metropolis.

Tips to make your visit enjoyable:

Check first for all the list of things that are prohibited on Liberty islands such as large bags, strollers, food, and drinks.
Bring an ID along with you as you need to show an ID when you claim the ticket and visit the crown.
Reserve and Purchase in advance. Also, check of your ticker comes with free access to some of the attractions.

So, there you have it. Have a great visit to the Statue of Liberty! Excuse me as I pack my bag and purchase my ferry ticket. See you there!

Featured

Preserving the Shine: Protecting Your Kitchen and Bathroom Tiles with Expert Tips

Published

2 months ago

February 23, 2024

Adam T

Article written by Serena Johnson.

The kitchen and bathroom are more than just functional spaces in our homes; they are personal sanctuaries that reflect our style and taste. Central to this aesthetic appeal are the tiles that grace these rooms. However, maintaining the pristine condition of these tiles can be a challenge. We turned to the experts at Marble Systems in Fairfax, Virginia, for advice on how to keep our kitchen and bathroom tiles in top shape.

Understanding Tile Vulnerability

Tiles, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, are prone to various forms of damage. From the dulling of surface shine to the accumulation of grime and the threat of chipping, these issues can detract from the beauty of the space. The key is understanding the material of your tiles. Different materials require different care strategies.

Regular Maintenance: The First Line of Defense

Daily cleaning is crucial. For ceramic and porcelain tiles, a gentle cleanser and a soft cloth can prevent dirt buildup. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the surface. Natural stone tiles, like marble or granite, require specific cleaners that are pH-neutral to prevent etching.

Understanding the importance of dealing with spills immediately, especially on natural stone tiles is crucial. Acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar can damage the stone if not wiped up promptly, he explains.

Sealing: A Shield for Your Tiles

Sealing is another vital step, particularly for natural stone tiles. A quality sealant can make a world of difference in protecting your tiles from stains and moisture. Marble Systems recommends resealing stone tiles annually, to protect them and keep them looking like new.

Grout Matters

Often overlooked, grout plays a crucial role in tile maintenance. Discolored or cracked grout not only looks unsightly but can also lead to moisture seeping beneath the tiles. Regular cleaning and periodic resealing of the grout can prevent these issues.

Professional Help: When to Call In the Experts

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, tiles can suffer damage that’s beyond the scope of DIY fixes. This is where professionals like Marble Systems come in. With their expertise, they can advise on the best course of action, whether it’s a repair or a complete overhaul. They can even recommend solutions you may not have thought of.

Innovative Solutions from Marble Systems

Marble Systems, a Fairfax-based company with national locations, has been at the forefront of providing innovative tile solutions. They offer a wide range of tiles, from classic ceramics to luxurious marbles, and their team is equipped to handle everything from installation to maintenance and repair.

One trend we’re seeing is the increased use of large-format tiles in kitchens and bathrooms. These are extremely popular because they reduce the number of grout lines, making cleaning easier and giving a more seamless aesthetic.

Sustainability and Tile Care

In an era where sustainability is paramount, choosing the right cleaning products is essential. Marble Systems advocates for eco-friendly cleaners that are effective without being harsh on the environment. They produce their products in a sustainable, environmentally friendly manner that sets them apart in the industry. From custom projects to replacing existing tile, this company is one to watch.

As trends and technologies evolve, so does the approach to tile care. Marble Systems stays ahead of the curve, continually updating its practices and product offerings to ensure that their clients’ kitchens and bathrooms remain timeless and durable.