Notes and Correspondence. 



267 



Comfort in Your Outing Boots. 



The strength of the chain is that of its weakest link; the speed 

 of a tramping party, that of its slowest walker. Therefore it is 

 essential that every precaution be taken to see that the outing- 

 boot be as nearly perfect in its fitting qualities and make up 

 as it possibly can be made. Of one's entire outfit, the boots that 

 cover the organ of greatest resistance, the feet, should receive 

 the most careful attention. 



The following suggestions from one who has given the ques- 

 tion many years of careful study will not be amiss to the readers 

 of this Bulletin, and I also hope of some benefit to them. 



Outside of the fitting one of the most important questions is 

 "what material to be used," and as no one wishes to carry more 

 weight than necessary, Hghtness and flexibility as well as strength 

 and durability are most desirable. 



The materials to be selected should be in accordance with the 

 local conditions, as to moisture or dryness. If the latter, as in 

 the High Sierra, one should avoid all oils or waterproofing, as 

 being unnecessary, adding extra useless weight and preventing 

 the proper ventilation of the feet. The soles will never hold fast 

 the hob or hungarian nails when waterproofed or oiled. Tan 

 leathers are preferable to black, as they are cooler and easier 

 kept clean. 



The outing boot should be made as light in weight as possible, 

 commensurate with solidity, and we should therefore eliminate 

 all unnecessary linings, tips, boxing in the toes, etc., as useless 

 and adding extra warmth and weight. 



The plain toes without any tips or boxings are far more 

 comfortable, as there is more chance for evaporation, and less 

 danger of blistering one's toes from irregular deep rooted 

 creases; also freedom from the friction one usually experiences 

 on the edges of tips and boxings in shoes having them. 



The soles should be extension all around, with extension heels, 

 thus protecting the uppers, counters and toes from stubbing and 

 cutting against the jagged ends of rocks, etc. Good sole leather 

 outside counters will lengthen the life of an outing boot. 



As to the correct height of such boots, that is a matter of 

 preference. Men usually wear their trousers tucked in the tops 

 of their boots. They have no trouble with their slipping down 

 and wrinkling. But women should select a boot of sufficient 

 height (18 inches) to reach well over the curvature of the calf, as 

 it will thus hold up much better, and give less annoyance to the 

 wearer. 



Too much attention cannot be given to the fitting of the outing 

 boot. While a careful selection of the length is most necessary, 

 particular care should be given to see that there is not too much 



