RE Boots... if you don't want blisters, don't buy a gortex boot... Fit: they should fit perfect in the store with the socks you will be wearing; never buy a boot too big in anticipation of foot swelling... Hiking... break them in (actually your feet)a little at a time weeks before a big hike... during the hike take two extra pairs of socks and change them as needed during the hike to keep your feet from getting too wet... if you know where you tend to get blisters, try putting some moleskin on the spot and the beginning of the hike... before you get a bilister... Boot/Foot management 101... Bill