Week 28: The Hiking Boot Whisperer

I am doing a Great Wall of China trek this fall, as part of a company fundraiser to support Special Olympics. We will be on rugged terrain with loose rocks, so good hiking boots are essential.

This week, I went to a couple of stores looking for new boots. Everyone was helpful, bringing me different shoes to try, but only one person really knew her stuff. She gave me a complete education on materials and boot structure -- things I've never heard before, even though I have been hiking my entire life.

She had so much knowledge, and she shared it in a clear and helpful way. We talked about socks too, and she said the kind I need aren't sold in her store and told me where to go instead. She also gave me suggestions for other supplies (some at her store, others not) that can help protect my feet and speed recovery for the next day of hiking.

My new boots are completely different from what I had before, and I can tell that these are far better for me. I've been wearing them around the house, climbing the stairs and making sure they feel great before going outside (another tip she gave me because you can't return them once you go out). So far, so good!

That's the kind of service that creates a loyal customer. I love my boots, my feet are happy, and I will be thanking this woman every day as I carefully make my way up and down...and up and down...the Great Wall.

Photo by Sorin Gheorghita on Unsplash